It might seem like just a typical picture of a couple enjoying their vacation, two souls who’ve found their place together in the world. But now, knowing what we do, and the secrets hidden behind the scenes, it’s impossible to view Tom Jones and Marjorie Wallace the same way.
“Not Exactly Mr. Faithful”
At the height of his fame in the ’60s and ’70s, Tom Jones was a heartthrob known for his wild lifestyle, reportedly bedding hundreds of women. He admitted to having slept with 250 women a year at the peak of his career. Among his many high-profile romances was a fling with Mary Wilson of the Supremes, during a time when interracial relationships were still controversial in much of America.
While living out his rockstar fantasies, Jones was married to Linda, his devoted wife. They remained married for 59 years until her tragic passing in 2016 due to lung cancer.
“From the very beginning, he was not exactly Mr. Faithful,” biographer Sean Smith said in 2015.
It’s unclear how much Linda knew about Tom’s affairs, but it’s evident she suspected something was amiss. Jones revealed that the couple had a “don’t ask” policy when he was on tour.
Marjorie Wallace: Miss World and Heartthrob
Marjorie Wallace, born in 1954, was an actress, TV host, model, and beauty queen. Her rebellious streak began at 14 after her parents’ divorce, and by 17, she was living with a guitarist and embracing the music world. In 1973, at 20, she made history as the first American to be crowned Miss World, beating out 53 other women.
Meeting Tom Jones
In December 1973, just after being crowned Miss World, Marjorie met Tom Jones backstage at the London Palladium. Tom was immediately smitten with her, and they later went to the Westbury Hotel together. A month later, Tom bought two bracelets—one for Marjorie and another for his wife, Linda, whose birthdays were just days apart.
But Marjorie was different from the women Tom was used to. He confessed to his friends that “this one could really affect me.”
In 1974, both Tom and Marjorie traveled to Barbados for a Miss World TV show, where their public display of affection, including kissing on the beach, led to Marjorie losing her crown. However, both denied being in love with each other at the time.
Marjorie was also dating American race car driver Peter Revson, whom she was reportedly engaged to. Despite this, her affair with Tom continued, angering the founder of Miss World. Tragically, Revson died in a car crash shortly after, wearing a gold locket engraved with “If not for you…” that Marjorie had given him.
Tragic Overdose
Marjorie was devastated by Revson’s death and heartbroken when Tom ended their affair after Linda began to suspect something. Unable to cope, Marjorie overdosed on sleeping pills. She was rushed to the hospital, placed on a dialysis machine to clear the drugs from her system.
Marjorie’s agent later explained that her emotional struggles, combined with her hectic schedule, led to the overdose. Marjorie herself has always maintained that it wasn’t a suicide attempt but a result of depression and exhaustion.
Tom, who was performing in Las Vegas at the time, sent flowers and well wishes to Marjorie while she was recovering. According to his spokesman, Tom was deeply shaken by the news, and when Marjorie recovered, they met again in Mexico City.
Marjorie Wallace Today
Now 71, Marjorie’s life has always been linked to showbiz. After a brief relationship with tennis star Jimmy Connors, she tried her hand at TV sportscasting with ABC and CBS and appeared in commercials for major brands. In 1977, she met film producer Michael Klein, whom she married in 1978. They had a son, Adam. Marjorie became a co-anchor for Entertainment Tonight in 1981 but soon left the role.
Her marriage to Klein ended in 1982, and she was later rumored to be dating Richard Cohen. In 1994, she married real estate developer Donald Soffer, but they divorced in 1996.
The End of the Affair
Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Tom and Marjorie have remained friends. In a recent interview, Marjorie shared that she still stays in touch with Tom, who is now 84 and a judge on The Voice. She spoke highly of him, expressing happiness for his new role and how much she admires his voice.
It’s fascinating how a single picture, once seemingly ordinary, can hold so much history—if you only dig a little deeper.