Michelle Triola was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 13, 1932. She pursued theater arts at UCLA, laying the foundation for her entertainment career.
Career in Entertainment
Triola began her career as a lounge singer and dancer. In 1958, she performed in the original Broadway production of “Flower Drum Song,” directed by Gene Kelly. She also took on minor film roles, including serving as a stand-in for Lee Marvin in the 1965 “Ship of Fools.” Later, she appeared as a guest on the television series “Diagnosis: Murder.”
Personal Relationships
Triola married actor Skip Ward in November 1961, but their marriage lasted only six months. In 1964, she began a relationship with actor Lee Marvin after meeting him on the set of “Ship of Fools.” They lived together from 1965 to 1970. Following their separation, Triola entered into a long-term relationship with actor Dick Van Dyke in 1976, remaining together until she died in 2009. She had no children
The Landmark ‘Palimony’ Case
After her split from Lee Marvin, Triola filed a lawsuit against him in 1972, seeking financial support similar to alimony despite their unmarried status. At the time, she had legally changed her name to Michelle Triola Marvin, intentionally adding Marvin’s surname. Attorney Marvin Mitchelson represented her.
This led to the landmark case Marvin v. Marvin, which introduced the concept of “palimony.” In 1979, the court initially awarded her $104,000 for “rehabilitation purposes,” but the California Court of Appeal overturned this decision in 1981, leaving her without financial compensation.
Net Worth and Financial Aspects
While details about Triola’s net worth remain undisclosed, her legal battle with Marvin involved claims to a portion of his earnings during their cohabitation. She sought half of Marvin’s $3.6 million earned during their relationship, highlighting the financial implications of their case.
Later Life and Death
In April 2008, Triola underwent surgery for lung cancer. She passed away on October 30, 2009, at the age of 76, at the Malibu home she shared with Dick Van Dyke.
