Clint Eastwood, renowned for his iconic film career, harbored a private life filled with complex relationships, including a 14-year affair with stuntwoman Roxanne Tunis starting in the early 1960s. This relationship overlapped with his marriage to Maggie Johnson and resulted in the birth of their daughter in 1964, a fact that remained undisclosed to the public for many years. The affair was one of Eastwood’s longest and most significant extramarital involvements.
According to a close source,
“Roxanne was one of Clint’s true loves. He maintained a healthy relationship with Roxanne until the end, and is devastated by the loss and for his daughter Kimber.”
—Anonymous source
In addition to his relationship with Tunis, Eastwood fathered two children with former flight attendant Jacelyn Reeves, underscoring the complexity and secrecy that characterized much of his personal life.
The Beginning and Challenges of Marriage to Maggie Johnson
Clint Eastwood met Maggie Johnson in May 1953 while she was attending the University of California, Berkeley. A mutual friend arranged a blind date shortly after Eastwood’s military service discharge. Despite Johnson being in a relationship at the time, they connected instantly, as Johnson later recalled,
“I came down the stairs of the sorority house, and [Clint] had his back to me. When he turned around, I was amazed at what he looked like. Plus, he was understated and that kind of appealed to me.”
—Maggie Johnson
Their courtship led quickly to marriage on December 19, 1953, just months before Eastwood fathered and secretly arranged adoption for a daughter named Laurie Murray. The early years of this marriage were turbulent, with Eastwood describing their first year as “terrible,” largely due to his craving for independence. By the late 1950s, Eastwood began an affair that produced a daughter, Kimber Lynn, in 1964. It is unclear how much Johnson knew, as friends admitted covering for Eastwood, while Johnson chose silence over confrontation.
Eastwood and Johnson had two additional children together—son Kyle in 1968 and daughter Alison in 1972—but their marriage began unraveling amid rumors of Eastwood’s involvement with actress Sondra Locke. They separated in 1979 and finalized their divorce in 1984, reportedly settled for approximately $25 million.
Relationship with Actress Sondra Locke
Eastwood encountered Sondra Locke in 1972 during her audition for the film “Breezy.” Although she did not land the role, she later featured in Eastwood’s 1975 movie “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” where their secret romantic involvement began. Locke described Eastwood’s marriage as nearly over during this period, with their relationship intensifying off camera as well. Locke took residence in one of his homes, fueling speculation about their closeness during the production of “The Gauntlet.”
Despite public curiosity, Locke maintained a guarded stance in interviews. She stated,
“Everybody would love for us to say, ‘It’s all true, we’re madly in love’. But people will believe whatever they want to believe. Even if it were true — which it isn’t — I certainly wouldn’t talk about it.”
—Sondra Locke
Their relationship soured over time, with Locke alleging in her autobiography that Eastwood pressured her into abortions and was uninterested in having children, claims he denied. By 1989, after years of tension, Eastwood reportedly moved Locke’s belongings into storage and changed the locks on their shared residence. Locke died in 2018 from cardiac arrest related to cancer.
Life with Jacelyn Reeves: A Private Family
During the later years of his relationship with Locke, Eastwood began seeing Jacelyn Reeves, a flight attendant. The couple kept a discreet profile, yet they had two children together: Scott Eastwood, born in 1986, and Kathryn Eastwood, born in 1988. This relationship remained largely out of public view compared to Eastwood’s other liaisons.
Romance and Rift with Frances Fisher
Eastwood met actress Frances Fisher in late 1988 at a pre-production party for “Pink Cadillac,” where Fisher arrived on roller skates and felt an immediate attraction. She recalled,
“He looked right at me, the way he does every other woman in the world, but it got to me too. I mean, when he turns it on, he can turn it on, and I just went, ‘Oh my God, look at that.’”
—Frances Fisher
Their relationship blossomed during filming and quietly continued after production. Eastwood had recently separated from Locke, which shocked Fisher as he kept their relationship hidden. They had a daughter, Francesca Ruth Eastwood, in August 1993. However, their relationship deteriorated when Fisher learned about Eastwood’s secret children with Reeves and his infidelities. By spring 1995, Fisher moved into the guest house, and the couple eventually split.
Despite their breakup, Fisher stressed a respectful parting. She said,
“I believe when you have loved someone, if you don’t destroy it with pettiness, then the love is always there.”
—Frances Fisher
Marriage and Separation with Dina Eastwood
Clint Eastwood met news anchor Dina Ruiz following an interview in 1992. Their rapport quickly developed into flirtation and eventually a romantic relationship after Eastwood’s split with Fisher. Eastwood shared about their early interactions,
“We got along really well and I guess we flirted a little bit because she took the film back to KSBW and one of her associates said, ‘You’re going to marry him.’ Then we were attending a function out at Spanish Bay and [one of the hosts] said, ‘Do you mind sitting with Dina Ruiz?’ I said, ‘No! Not at all!’ We ended up holding hands and doing all that kind of nonsense.”
—Clint Eastwood
The couple married in December 1996 after Eastwood’s proposal in September, soon welcoming a daughter, Morgan Eastwood. Unfortunately, by 2012 the marriage had deteriorated, with the couple living under the same roof but in separate bedrooms. Dina reportedly found comfort in her friendship with Scott Fisher, which led to concerns from Fisher’s ex-wife and subsequent tension.
Dina filed for legal separation in September 2013, followed by divorce citing irreconcilable differences, though she remained amicable toward Eastwood. Speaking about him, she said,
“He is the sweetest, he is a loving, kind, low-key person so my intuition was still great on marrying a good person.”
—Dina Eastwood
In 2016, Dina married Scott Fisher, moving on from her chapter with Eastwood.
The Relationship with Erica Tomlinson-Fisher
While still married to Dina Eastwood, Clint connected with Erica Tomlinson-Fisher, who reached out with concerns over Dina’s friendship with Scott Fisher. This interaction sparked frequent communications, evolving into a discreet relationship by March 2013. Although never publicly acknowledged, candid photos of Eastwood and Erica in Los Angeles appeared in the press. Their relationship eventually ended quietly, leaving details about its conclusion unclear.
Companionship with Christina Sandera and Her Passing
Following the split from Erica Tomlinson-Fisher, Eastwood developed a relationship with hostess Christina Sandera. The couple made their public debut at the 2015 Oscars, marking a rare joint appearance. By 2018, Sandera had become part of Eastwood’s family circle, attending events alongside him, his children, granddaughter, and even his first wife Maggie Johnson. In July 2024, Eastwood announced Sandera’s passing at age 61, marking a poignant moment in his personal history.
The Enduring Impact of Eastwood’s Private Affairs
Clint Eastwood’s personal life reveals a tapestry of secret romances, hidden children, and complex family ties, layered beneath his public persona. From the 14-year affair with Roxanne Tunis to discreet fatherhood with Jacelyn Reeves, intimate relationships with actresses like Sondra Locke and Frances Fisher, and high-profile marriages to Dina Eastwood, his story reflects themes of love, secrecy, and lasting consequence.
These revelations highlight the challenges behind maintaining personal privacy while living in the spotlight and suggest that future biographies may uncover further insights into his intricate love life and its impact on those around him.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Clint Eastwood vegan?
A. Clint: “I take basic vitamins every day, but I don’t consider them supplements. I mainly follow a vegan diet, focusing on fruits, vegetables, tofu, and other soy products. Occasionally, I eat chicken, fish, or turkey, but I avoid red meat, cheese, and fried foods.”
Q. Did Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep get along?
A. While working on this romantic drama, they shared many heartfelt experiences, showing their mutual respect and dedication to acting. One noteworthy story from the set is about Clint’s response to Meryl’s intense emotional scene.
