Their courtship reflected the glamour and allure of the 1960s Hollywood scene, but it was also an emotionally intense experience for Cannon.
When they married, Cannon was 28, and Grant was 61. Despite their affection, their union came with significant challenges.
Grant reportedly wanted Cannon to quit her acting career and adhere to his vision of who she should be, including her appearance, behavior, and even her writing.
Cannon complied to maintain the relationship she loved, later reflecting, “I tried to become the woman he imagined, but the harder I tried, the more I lost sight of myself.”
She recounted the subtle pressures of molding herself to his expectations—closing cupboards more gently, driving with exact precision, adjusting her walk and gestures—only to realize that no amount of effort could reconcile her own identity with the life he demanded.
“If you go against your deepest feelings… you’re screwed,” she admitted candidly.
Their marriage lasted three years, ending in 1968. Cannon later described Grant’s behavior as “cruel and inhuman,” alleging emotional manipulation and that he encouraged her to experiment with LSD, which she used only twice.Continue reading…
