From winning hearts with her acting and musical talent to discovering unexpected love at nearly 50 and facing the tragic loss of her stepson, this celebrated actress’s life has been a tapestry of love, loss, and artistry.
In Hollywood, few have navigated such a deeply emotional journey. She found her soulmate later in life, welcoming a relationship that brought happiness and a blended family.
Balancing her thriving career with motherhood, she became a loving mother to her daughters and a compassionate stepmother, enduring profound heartbreak along the way. Here’s a deeper look at her inspiring story of strength and passion.
A Late Romance
This famous actress found true love at 47, marrying actor Michael McKean, known for his roles in “This Is Spinal Tap” and “Better Call Saul,” in 1999.
McKean marked their 23rd anniversary on X in March 2022, sharing, “23 years ago, I married my best friend, and it is working out beautifully. Thanks for saying yes, @creamofwool.” The actress, commonly known for her role in “Smallville” and other projects, responded, “I’ll say. 23 years ago today.”
I’ll say. 23 years ago today. https://t.co/Gx8C40Igf5 pic.twitter.com/gFQXYTf6xD
— Annette O’Toole (@creamofwool) March 20, 2022
The couple’s journey began as a casual friendship, meeting at industry gatherings over the years. Their connection deepened after working together on the TV movie “Final Justice,” leading to more frequent contact.
One night, McKean made an unexpected call while the actress cared for her sick daughter, and in that conversation, she sensed his feelings had changed.
“I heard it all in his voice. I just heard that he…he liked me that way,” she shared. That call became the start of a relationship that would soon take a memorable turn.
23 years ago, I married my best friend and it is working out beautifully. Thanks for saying yes, @creamofwool. pic.twitter.com/qvOZVMQaBb
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) March 20, 2022
Their first official date was a live show at UCLA, where they watched legends like Bob Dylan and Van Morrison perform. When Morrison came onstage and played “Have I Told You Lately,” it struck a chord — the couple now considers it their song.
The moment was so powerful that she later said she would have married McKean that very night. However, she jokingly added that their children were the only reason they didn’t rush down the aisle immediately.
For over two decades, a shared love of reading has kept them close. One of their first reads was “Lost Horizon” by James Hilton, which McKean suggested. They often choose books that are new to both of them.
“It was such a wonderful experiment,” the famous actress said, adding that her husband’s “mellifluous” voice lulls her to sleep. Reading together became a cherished ritual through life’s demands and time apart, with the actress revealing, “We really like spending time together.”
Motherhood and Heartbreak
Before meeting McKean, the Hollywood actress’s focus was on her career and raising her two daughters. Her family remained her priority, and in September 2021, the Hollywood star celebrated National Daughters Day by sharing a tribute and a photo of her beautiful daughters on X, formerly known as Twitter.
#NationalDaughtersDay pic.twitter.com/j5pP0As1W9
— Annette O’Toole (@creamofwool) September 26, 2021
When she met McKean, romance wasn’t on her mind. Yet, as their connection grew, she embraced his family, blending her life with his, including his two children from a previous relationship. Together, they formed a supportive, loving unit.
Tragically, the family suffered a devastating loss in 2012 when McKean’s son, Colin, passed away. Colin was found dead on December 3 in Ashland, Oregon, within 24 hours of another suspected heroin-related death nearby.
Reports revealed that authorities were awaiting lab results to determine Colin’s cause of death and investigating potential connections between the two cases.
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A Thriving Career and Passion for Music
This actress, whose career has spanned decades with roles that have made her a beloved figure in Hollywood, is none other than Annette O’Toole. She gained early fame as Lana Lang in “Superman III” alongside Christopher Reeve and later won audiences over as Martha Kent in “Smallville.”
She also took on the role of Beverly Marsh in the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s “It,” cementing her status as a versatile actress who shines across a variety of genres.
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More recently, O’Toole has captivated Netflix audiences as Hope McCrea in the hit series “Virgin River.” When asked about current projects, she shared that the popular show has been her primary focus, saying, “Virgin River is what I do.”
In addition to her acting, O’Toole is a talented musician. She and McKean co-wrote the Oscar-nominated song “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow” for the 2003 film “A Mighty Wind.”
She recently revealed that they were collaborating on new music, including a song inspired by a traditional jig she adapted into a ballad titled “Halfway Home.” Her daughter’s band even performed an arrangement of it, though O’Toole admitted she was still refining the lyrics, adding, “It’s got to have another verse.”
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O’Toole also mentioned how both she and McKean have kept busy in their careers, despite being in the later stages of their lives. Reflecting on their recent time together in London, where McKean was filming for Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” the actress shared how they enjoyed their stay by the canals of Camden.
They bonded over small discoveries — spotting canal barges, naming waterfowl, and watching baby birds hatch. These simple moments, she explained, were deeply meaningful, highlighting the joy they still find in each other’s company.
Through it all, fans have continued to admire O’Toole’s timeless beauty, with social media often lighting up with praise for her graceful appearance and enduring talent.
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“I admire you so much. You are a beautiful woman,” one person commented. Another shared, “Till beautiful even though its not young….😍 [sic].” A third social media user typed, “Beautiful woman always.”
Annette O’Toole’s life has been a testament to resilience, passion, and enduring love. From finding romance later in life to navigating motherhood, heartbreak, and a thriving career, she has embraced every chapter with grace.