His wife, Eve, was first married to Keenan Wynn. She married Johnson on the very day of her divorce from Wynn. Johnson had spent more a month recuperating from his near-fatal car accident at the Wynn`s home (Keenan was his best friend) during his recovery and word got back to Louis B. Mayer that sparks had flew. The film mogul saw this relationship as a way to dispel rumors circulating about Johnson`s sexuality. Despite Mayer`s earlier attempts at matchmaking (he`d arranged dates with Gloria DeHaven, June Allyson and even Sonja Henie without making a love connection) only Evie Wynn appealed to him. Although they were genuinely in love, Mayer cemented the deal by providing unusual career concessions for Keenan: a better contract, no standard 12-week layoffs, and better roles... all areas that would benefit her and her children.
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