Connie Nickerson was the wife of Eddie Bracken, a famous actor who starred in many Broadway shows and Hollywood films. She was also an actress herself, who met Eddie while performing in a tour of What a Life. They married in 1939 and had five children together. They were one of the longest-lasting couples in show business, staying together for 63 years until their deaths in 2002.
A Life of Love and Laughter
Connie and Eddie were known for their love and laughter, both on and off the stage. They supported each other’s careers and shared many memorable moments. Eddie once said, “I owe George Abbott my whole life. Brother Rat was my first Broadway hit; I met my wife in What a Life; and Too Many Girls sent me to California.”
They also faced many challenges and tragedies, such as the death of their son Michael in 1951, and Eddie’s struggle with alcoholism in the 1960s. They overcame these difficulties with their faith and family. Eddie said, “I did it the hard way, one wife.”
The Final Days
Connie and Eddie spent their final days in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, where they lived for many years. They were both in poor health and needed constant care. Connie suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and Eddie had a crushed disk in his neck. They died within three months of each other, in August and November of 2002, respectively
According to their daughter Judy, Connie’s cause of death was complications from surgery for a crushed disk in her neck, which she had in common with Eddie. She also had underlying conditions that included hypertensive cardiovascular disease and obesity, which were said to have contributed to the factors causing her death
Eddie’s cause of death was also complications from surgery for a crushed disk in his neck, which he had a few days after Connie’s funeral. He never recovered from the loss of his wife and his health deteriorated rapidly. He died at the age of 87, while Connie was 86
A Legacy of Love
Connie and Eddie left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and entertainment. They were admired by many fans and friends, who remembered them as a devoted and delightful couple. They were also survived by their four children, Judy, Carolyn, Susan, and Edward Jr., and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren
They were buried together at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California, near their son Michael and many of their Hollywood peers. Their tombstone reads, “Together Forever.”