The Unlucky Lives of the Barrymore Family

In 1953, Diana married actor Robert Wilcox, a fellow performer with his own history of drinking and career struggles. The two met while working in theater and quickly bonded over shared ambitions and frustrations. Their relationship began passionately but soon turned turbulent, marked by heavy alcohol use and constant arguments.

Both careers were faltering, and their fights often became public. Neighbors recalled loud shouting matches, and friends distanced themselves as the couple’s behavior worsened. The marriage, though lasting longer than her previous ones, was plagued by instability from the start, fueled by addiction and financial insecurity.