Ann Noyes was a theatrical producer and the first wife of Tom Tryon, a famous actor and novelist. She died at the age of 42 in Los Angeles, California. The cause of her death was never officially announced, but some sources claim that she committed suicide. This article will explore the life and death of Ann Noyes, and the possible reasons behind her tragic fate.
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Who was Ann Noyes?
Ann Noyes was born as Ann Lilienthal on March 5, 1924, in New York City. She was the daughter of Joseph Leo Lilienthal, a stockbroker, and Edna Arnstein, a socialite. She attended the Walnut Hill School in Natick, Massachusetts, and the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater in New York. She married Thomas Ewing Noyes, a naval officer and the son of a prominent journalist, on December 19, 1944, in Pensacola, Florida. They had no children and divorced sometime before 1955.
Ann Noyes became a theatrical producer and worked with her former husband on several plays. She also traveled to Brazil in 1940 with her parents and sister. She was interested in art and culture, and collected paintings and sculptures.
How did she meet Tom Tryon?
Tom Tryon was born as Thomas Lester Tryon on January 14, 1926, in Hartford, Connecticut. He was the son of Arthur Lane Tryon, a clothier, and not related to the silent film actor Glenn Tryon. He served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 during World War II. He then pursued an acting career and appeared on stage and television. He signed a contract with Paramount Pictures and made his film debut in The Scarlet Hour (1956). He also starred in Screaming Eagles (1956), Three Violent People (1956), The Unholy Wife (1957), and I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958).
Tom Tryon met Ann Noyes in New York in 1955. They fell in love and eloped to Las Vegas on June 12, 1956. They had a brief and turbulent marriage that ended in divorce in 1958. According to some sources, Tom Tryon was bisexual and had affairs with both men and women during their marriage. He later admitted that he was unhappy with his marriage and his acting career.
What happened to Ann Noyes after the divorce?
After the divorce, Ann Noyes resumed her maiden name and continued to work as a theatrical producer. She also maintained a friendship with Tom Tryon and supported his decision to become a writer. She helped him edit his first novel, The Other (1971), which became a bestseller and was adapted into a film.
However, Ann Noyes also suffered from depression and alcoholism. She became isolated and lonely, and struggled with financial problems. She moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1960s, hoping to find new opportunities.
How did she die?
Ann Noyes died on November 17, 1966, at her apartment in Los Angeles. The cause of her death was never officially announced, but some sources claim that she committed suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills. She left no note or explanation for her act.
Tom Tryon was devastated by her death and blamed himself for not being able to help her. He dedicated his second novel, Harvest Home (1973), to her memory. He also suffered from stomach cancer and died on September 4, 1991, at the age of 65.
Why did she commit suicide?
The exact reasons behind Ann Noyes’ suicide are unknown, but there are some possible factors that may have contributed to her despair. Some of them are:
Her failed marriage with Tom Tryon: Ann Noyes loved Tom Tryon deeply, but their marriage was doomed by his infidelity and dissatisfaction. She may have felt betrayed and rejected by him, and unable to cope with his success as a writer.
Her lack of fulfillment: Ann Noyes had a passion for theater and art, but she never achieved her own goals or recognition as a producer. She may have felt frustrated and unappreciated by her profession.
Her mental health issues: Ann Noyes suffered from depression and alcoholism, which may have affected her mood and judgment. She may have felt hopeless and worthless, and unable to find happiness or meaning in life.
Her social isolation: Ann Noyes had few friends or family members who could support her emotionally. She may have felt lonely and alienated from society.
Her financial difficulties: Ann Noyes had trouble managing her money and paying her bills. She may have felt stressed and overwhelmed by her debts and expenses.
Conclusion
Ann Noyes was a talented and beautiful woman who had a tragic life and death. She was the first wife of Tom Tryon, a famous actor and novelist, but their marriage ended in divorce. She died by suicide at the age of 42, leaving behind a mystery and a legacy. She was the inspiration for Tom Tryon’s novels, The Other and Harvest Home, which are considered classics of horror and suspense. She was also a theatrical producer who contributed to the cultural scene of New York and Los Angeles. She deserves to be remembered and honored for her achievements and her struggles.
