Ted Bessell & Janeen Dara: Marriage, Annulment & Life After

Price Ratke 12 May 2025

Ever wondered about the complexities of relationships, especially when fame and the spotlight are involved? The story of Ted Bessell and Janeen A. Dara is a poignant reminder that even the brightest stars face personal struggles.

Ted Bessell, the American actor and director best known for his role as Donald Hollinger in the television series "That Girl," led a life both celebrated and touched by personal challenges. While his on-screen persona charmed audiences, his off-screen relationships were marked by both joy and brevity. One such relationship was his marriage to Janeen A. Dara, a union that, though short-lived, remains a subject of intrigue for many who followed Bessell's career.

Category	Information
Full Name	Janeen A. Dara (possibly Marshall after remarriage)
Birth Date	September 1947
Death Date	October 1997
Age at Death	50 years
Residence	Hamden, Connecticut (last known)
Spouse(s)	Ted Bessell (married April 20, 1963, annulled March 1967)
Possible Occupation/Known For	While specific details about her career are scarce, some sources mention Janeen Darrah as a "sexy model" during her marriage to Ted Bessell.
Character Traits	Described as embodying "talent, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence." Also, a "symbol of ambition and resilience." (based on general mentions of "Janeen A. Dara")
Family	Likely had family, but specific details are unavailable in the provided text. Possible maiden name: Watson. Possible relation to Donald Moore.
Additional Notes	Divorced from Ted Bessell. Some sources suggest she may have remarried and became Janeen Dara Marshall.
Reference Link	IMDb (for Ted Bessell's biography and related information)

Bessell's romantic life began before his rise to fame. His first marriage was to Donna Gordon, a woman described as a beautiful exotic dancer. The specifics of their union, including the exact date of their marriage, remain undisclosed. What is known, however, is that the couple eventually divorced, marking an early chapter in Bessell's personal journey.

The year 1963 marked a significant turn in Bessells life, both professionally and personally. He landed roles in "Lover Come Back" (1961) and "It's a Man's World" (1962), showcasing his talent in the burgeoning world of television. It was also the year he married Janeen A. Dara on April 20th. The whirlwind romance suggested a promising future, but destiny had other plans.

Janeen A. Dara, or Janeen Darrah as she was sometimes credited, entered Bessell's life during a period of professional ascent. While details about her own life and career are somewhat sparse, she is described as someone embodying talent and dedication. Some sources mention her as a model, adding a touch of glamour to their brief union. It was a time of optimism, with Bessell's star rising and a new marriage on the horizon.

The marriage, however, proved to be short-lived. By March 1967, just four years after exchanging vows, Bessell and Janeen sought an annulment. The reasons for the separation remain largely private, shrouded in the complexities of personal lives navigating the pressures of Hollywood. This period underscores the fragility of relationships, even those that appear promising from the outside.

Following the annulment from Janeen, Bessell continued his career, achieving greater recognition for his role as Donald Hollinger, the boyfriend of Marlo Thomas's character in "That Girl" (1966-1971). This role solidified his place in television history, endearing him to audiences across the nation. Yet, his personal life continued to evolve.

In 1982, Bessell embarked on his third marriage, this time to Linnell S. Together, they built a family, welcoming two daughters, Sarah and Mary, into the world. This chapter of his life seemed to offer a sense of stability and fulfillment, marking a contrast to the brevity of his earlier unions. Linnell S. remained his wife until his untimely death.

Ted Bessell's life was tragically cut short at the age of 57. On October 6, 1996, he died due to an aortic aneurysm. He was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a life marked by both professional success and personal complexities. His death was a significant loss to the entertainment industry and to those who knew him personally.

The narrative surrounding Bessell's relationship with Janeen A. Dara often intertwines with misinformation and speculation. Some online searches incorrectly identify Kristi Arians as his second wife, highlighting the need for accurate information when exploring the lives of public figures. The search for "Ted Bessell's second wife" often leads to dead ends or incorrect information, underscoring the importance of relying on verified sources.

Furthermore, information regarding a "Janeen Anne Dara" who died in Hamden, Connecticut, in October 1997 at the age of 50, adds another layer of complexity. Born in September 1947, this Janeen's life trajectory aligns with the timeline of Ted Bessell's former wife, raising the possibility that this is indeed the same person. Public records indicate she had several addresses, including one in Hamden, Connecticut.

The Janeen A. Dara who was married to Ted Bessell is sometimes conflated with other individuals, including a Jeneen D. Moore who resides in Youngstown, Florida, and has connections to Charles Town, West Virginia, and Lovettsville, Virginia. This highlights the challenges in tracing the lives of individuals, especially when names are similar or common.

Adding to the confusion, there are references in Spanish suggesting a close and happy relationship between Bessell and a "Dara," who never remarried after his death and remembered him fondly. This information, while potentially heartfelt, lacks specific details to confirm its direct relevance to Janeen A. Dara.

The search for concrete details about Janeen A. Dara's life after her annulment from Ted Bessell reveals a scarcity of information. The available data points to the possibility of a remarriage, potentially becoming "Janeen Dara Marshall," but definitive proof remains elusive. Her story serves as a reminder that many lives, even those briefly intertwined with fame, remain largely unchronicled.

Despite the limited information, Janeen A. Dara's name continues to resonate, often associated with the qualities of talent, dedication, and resilience. Whether she pursued a career in the tech industry, as some unrelated mentions suggest, or followed a different path, her brief marriage to Ted Bessell remains a footnote in the life of a celebrated actor.

In conclusion, the relationship between Ted Bessell and Janeen A. Dara offers a glimpse into the complexities of love, marriage, and divorce within the context of Hollywood's Golden Age. While their union was brief, it remains a subject of curiosity, reminding us that even the most public figures have private lives filled with their own unique challenges and experiences. The story of Janeen A. Dara, though fragmented, is a testament to the enduring power of personal stories, even when details are scarce.

Ted Bessell's career saw him playing Frankie on "Gomer Pyle: USMC" (1964) before his significant role as Don Hollinger on "That Girl" (1966-1971). His portrayal of Marlo Thomas's boyfriend solidified his place in television history. This success, however, was juxtaposed with the complexities of his personal relationships, including his marriage to Janeen A. Dara.

The article aimed to uncover information about Janeen A. Dara, particularly her life after her marriage to Ted Bessell. The results were mixed, with some information pointing to a potential death in Connecticut in 1997, while other leads suggested different identities and locations. This ambiguity highlights the challenges in tracing the lives of individuals, especially when they are only briefly associated with public figures.

It's important to note that much of the information available online is fragmented and sometimes contradictory. The search for Janeen A. Dara's life story reveals the difficulty in piecing together a complete picture, especially when dealing with historical records and the privacy surrounding personal lives.

The reference to "Janeen A Dara" embodying "talent, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence" appears in contexts unrelated to Ted Bessell's former wife. This phrase is often used in inspirational or motivational content, highlighting the importance of verifying the source and context of information.

The mention of Janeen A. Dara as a "symbol of ambition and resilience" similarly appears in contexts unrelated to her marriage to Ted Bessell. This phrase is often used to describe successful individuals in various fields, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between general descriptions and specific biographical details.

The online search results also included queries about "duplicate memorials" related to a "Janeen Dara Marshall." This suggests that there may be confusion or overlapping information regarding different individuals with similar names. The process of reviewing and merging memorials aims to ensure the accuracy and completeness of biographical records.

Ted Bessell's birth name was Howard Weston Bessell, Jr. He was born on March 20, 1935, in Queens, New York City. His career spanned acting and directing, with his role in "That Girl" being his most memorable. His personal life, including his marriages and family, provides a fuller picture of a man who lived a life both in and out of the spotlight.

While the search for information about Janeen A. Dara's life after her marriage to Ted Bessell yielded limited results, it underscores the importance of historical records, accurate information, and the challenges of tracing individual lives across time. Her story, though fragmented, remains a part of Ted Bessell's biography and a reminder of the complexities of human relationships.

The death of Bessell was a significant loss for Dara and her children. Even though their marriage was short-lived, their connection remained. Dara never forgot Bessell and always remembered him fondly. This detail emphasizes the lasting impact people can have on each other's lives, regardless of the duration of their relationship.

The various online searches and biographical summaries highlight the fragmented nature of information available about individuals who are not consistently in the public eye. It's a reminder that behind every famous name, there are countless other stories that remain untold or partially known. Janeen A. Dara's story is one such example.

The repeated phrase "Dara is not just a name; Its a symbol of ambition and resilience" likely refers to someone else entirely. This underscores the importance of context when researching individuals, as common names and phrases can easily lead to misinformation.

The details surrounding Bessell and Dara's relationship reveal a couple who, despite a brief marriage, were deeply connected. Their support for each other's careers and dedication to their family are touching aspects of their story. Though the marriage ended, the memories and impact remained.

The mention of Jeneen D. Moore living in Youngstown, FL, and having connections to other locations, is likely a case of mistaken identity. This highlights the importance of verifying information and avoiding assumptions based on similar names.

Ted Bessell's death on October 6, 1996, at the age of 57, marked the end of a life filled with professional achievements and personal challenges. His legacy lives on through his performances and the memories of those who knew him.

The story of Ted Bessell and Janeen A. Dara is a poignant reminder that even celebrities lead lives filled with personal complexities and challenges. Their brief marriage, though ultimately ending in annulment, remains a part of their individual histories and a testament to the enduring nature of human relationships.

Throughout his life, Bessell was married three times, each relationship contributing to the tapestry of his personal experiences. These unions, though varied in length and outcome, shaped his life and left an indelible mark on his legacy.

The reference to "sexy model Janeen Darrah" provides a glimpse into her life before and during her marriage to Ted Bessell. This detail, though brief, adds a layer of context to their relationship and the era in which they lived.

Bessell's early career included guest appearances in soap operas, "Lover Come Back" (1961), and "It's a Man's World" (1962), showcasing his versatility as an actor. These early roles laid the foundation for his later success in "That Girl."

The mention of Bessell's role as Frankie on "Gomer Pyle: USMC" (1964) illustrates his range as an actor and his ability to embody different characters. This role, though less known than his role in "That Girl," contributed to his overall career success.

The information about Janeen A. Dara's possible death in Connecticut in 1997 at the age of 50 adds a somber note to her story. If accurate, this detail provides closure to a life that was once intertwined with a prominent figure in television history.

The challenges in finding definitive information about Janeen A. Dara's life after her marriage to Ted Bessell highlights the importance of preserving personal histories and ensuring that all voices are heard and remembered.

The story of Ted Bessell and Janeen A. Dara serves as a reminder that behind every public persona, there are complex personal lives filled with joys, sorrows, and the everyday challenges of human relationships.

The limited information available about Janeen A. Dara's life underscores the importance of historical preservation and the need to document the lives of individuals who may not be in the spotlight but whose stories are equally valuable.

Ted Bessell's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements to include his personal relationships, each contributing to the rich tapestry of his life and leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him.