Errol Flynn’s love life was always front and center in Hollywood’s gossip columns. With his irresistible charm and matinee-idol looks, Flynn wasn’t just a sensation on the screen - his off-screen romances and scandals were just as captivating. His whirlwind relationships and notorious behaviour made him both a legendary star and a figure of constant controversy.
Flynn’s first marriage was to French actress Lili Damita in 1935. The pair met in New York and, in true dramatic fashion, tied the knot just days later. Their marriage was marked by red carpet appearances and lavish Hollywood parties, but it was anything but peaceful. Flynn’s rumored infidelities surfaced early on, leading to a stormy relationship filled with fiery arguments and passionate reconciliations. Lili, known for her temper, didn’t back down easily, and their public fights often fueled tabloid headlines. In 1941, they welcomed their only child, Sean Flynn, who would go on to lead a daring life of his own. The marriage ended in 1942, with Lili receiving a substantial alimony settlement that became yet another hot topic in the press.

After his divorce, Flynn’s reputation as a notorious ladies’ man only grew. He was romantically linked to a number of actresses and socialites, but in 1943, he surprised many by marrying Nora Eddington, a 19-year-old he met during one of his most publicized legal battles. Flynn was on trial for statutory rape, a charge that threatened to end his career, but Nora stood by him throughout. Their relationship was short but passionate. They had two daughters, Deirdre in 1945 and Rory in 1947. Despite forming a family, their marriage couldn’t withstand Flynn’s reckless lifestyle and constant affairs. The pressure of fame and his unpredictable behavior ultimately led to their divorce in 1949.

That same year, Flynn married actress Patrice Wymore. Younger and optimistic, Patrice hoped to settle down with the iconic actor. They had one daughter together, Arnella Flynn, born in 1953. But like his previous marriages, this one faced constant challenges. Flynn’s charm continued to attract women, and his string of extramarital affairs never really stopped. Even as his film roles began to slow down, he remained a favorite subject in gossip columns - often for his romantic escapades rather than his acting.

Flynn’s love life was also deeply affected by his drinking. Known for his hard-partying ways, his dependency on alcohol created tension and turmoil in all his relationships. Yet, there was something magnetic about him. Despite his flaws, his wives and lovers often found it hard to walk away, drawn in by his wit, charisma, and undeniable presence.

One of the most defining scandals of Flynn’s life was the early 1940s trial where he faced statutory rape charges. Though he was acquitted, the case added fuel to his bad-boy image. The trial, with its dramatic courtroom scenes and media frenzy, made it harder for his partners to trust him, and it placed even more strain on already fragile relationships.

By the 1950s, Flynn’s star had started to fade, and so had his health. Seeking a quieter life, he relocated to Europe, but his lifestyle didn’t slow down. He continued to drink heavily, chase women - often decades younger - and live fast. His romantic escapades remained a frequent topic of conversation, even as his film work diminished.

Flynn’s final and most controversial relationship was with Beverly Aadland, a teenage actress who stayed with him during his final years. The significant age gap drew public outrage, but Flynn, true to form, seemed unfazed. The two traveled extensively, and he even spoke of marrying her. Despite the scandal, Beverly was with him until the end.

Errol Flynn died on October 14, 1959, at the age of 50. He was in Vancouver, Canada, when he suffered a massive heart attack during a business trip. Years of heavy drinking, smoking, and relentless living had caught up with him. His death shocked Hollywood, but in a way, it felt like a fitting end to a life lived at full throttle. Doctors who examined him reported that his body showed the wear of someone far older, a sobering testament to the excesses that defined his legendary - and turbulent - life.