Anthony Dion Fay was the adopted son of Barbara Stanwyck, one of the most famous and versatile actresses in Hollywood history. However, his life was far from glamorous, as he faced abandonment, abuse, and estrangement from his parents. He died in 2006, but the cause of his death and his burial details remain unknown. This article will explore the tragic story of Anthony Dion Fay and his relationship with his mother.
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Early Life and Adoption
Anthony Dion Fay was born on February 5, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, as John Charles Greene. His biological mother gave him up for adoption when he was an infant. He was adopted by Barbara Stanwyck and Frank Fay, who were both successful actors on Broadway. Stanwyck had moved to Hollywood to pursue a film career, while Fay stayed in New York. Their marriage was rocky, as Fay was reportedly an alcoholic and physically abusive to Stanwyck. According to some sources, Stanwyck adopted Anthony to save her marriage and to compensate for her infertility, which was caused by a botched abortion when she was 15 years old.
Troubled Childhood and Adolescence
Anthony’s presence did not improve the relationship between Stanwyck and Fay, who divorced in 1935. Stanwyck won custody of Anthony, but she had no experience or affection for raising a child. She was also busy with her film career, which made her one of the highest-paid stars in Hollywood. She often left Anthony with nannies or relatives, such as her brother Bert Stevens. Anthony developed a close bond with his uncle, who was the only person who cared for him during his childhood.
Anthony also suffered from a lack of attention and discipline from his mother, who raised him with a strict and authoritarian hand. He became rebellious and delinquent, getting into trouble at school and with the law. He also resented his mother’s second husband, Robert Taylor, whom she married in 1939. Taylor tried to be a father figure to Anthony, but he could not connect with him. Anthony also felt that he was an obstacle to his mother’s happiness.
One of the most traumatic incidents in Anthony’s life occurred when he was 12 years old. He was injured during a summer camp and had to be hospitalized. His mother did not visit him or return the doctor’s calls. The only person who came to see him was his uncle Bert.
Estrangement from His Mother
As Anthony grew older, he became more distant from his mother. He joined the army during the Korean War and later worked as a salesman and a nightclub entertainer. He also married twice and had a daughter named Dionne. However, he never reconciled with his mother, who disowned him after he tried to sell some of her personal belongings. They met only a few times after he became an adult, but they never resolved their issues.
Stanwyck died in 1990 from congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She left most of her estate to her charitable foundation and nothing to her son. She also instructed that she did not want a funeral service or any contact with Anthony. Anthony still hoped that he would reconcile with his mother, but after receiving those instructions and her death, those hopes dissolved.
Mysterious Death
Anthony Dion Fay died on May 17, 2006, in Van Nuys, Los Angeles County, at the age of 74. However, the cause of his death and his burial details remain unknown. There are no obituaries or news reports about his passing. There are also conflicting sources about his date of birth and death, as some claim that he was born in 1936 and died in 2000. It is possible that he changed his name or identity to avoid publicity or harassment.
Anthony Dion Fay’s life was marked by tragedy and loneliness. He never received the love and care that he deserved from his parents or society. He died without fanfare or recognition, leaving behind a daughter and a legacy of mystery.
