Barbara Rutledge Johns is notably known as the ex-wife of Sam Waterston – an award-winning actor, producer, and director. Sam is best recognized for his starring role as Jack McCoy in Law & Order and films such as The Killing Fields, The Great Gatsby, and based on Sex.
The pair were together for over a decade before things went south. Following their divorce, Barbara, a Canadian-born magazine editor, and mother of one resolved to a life of privacy. While there are a lot of questions regarding her personal life and whereabouts, here’s all we’ve garnered.
Interesting Facts About Barbara Rutledge Johns
1. She Sustained Her Livelihood as a Magazine Editor
Barbara was born to her parents Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell Johns in the early 50s. Details as regards her early life, the exact date of birth and other family members have remained elusive from the media outlet.
As regards her educational pursuit, she graduated from Wyoming Seminary – a Methodist college preparatory school before proceeding to Benneth College and graduating in 1960
After Barbara graduated from college, she juggled between jobs. She was a magazine editor, writer, and fashion reporter. As a fashion reporter, she worked in the women’s feature department of the New York Herald Tribune. She made her debut at her parent’s home in 1958 in a tea-tagged event.
2. Barbara’s Ex-husband is an Accomplished Actor
As said, Barbara’s husband is an award-winning American actor, director, and producer who was born Samuel Atkinson Waterston on the 15th day of November 1940 to Mr. and Mrs. George Waterson. His passion for entertainment was inspired by his father, a dramatist, and ignited in his childhood. Sam made his first stage appearance at the age of 7 in the play titled Antigone which was directed by his father.
Moving on, he became a member of the Yale drama society during his study years at Yale University and later acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree. After his graduation, he started taking minor roles in theatre before his first film debut in 1965.
At present, Sam’s acting career has spanned 50 years and still counting. He has been in over 80 films, television production, and theatre production. Additionally, he has many awards to show for it including an Academy Award, Primetime Emmy Award, Tony Award, British Academy Film Award, Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
3. Barbara’s Marriage to Sam Waterton’s Lasted for 11 Years
As you would easily find, Barbara was previously married to Sam Waterton who is an actor and producer. The former couple crossed paths at Yale University and after a few months, they started courting and went on to exchange vows on 28 December 1964. The ceremony was held at the Branford College Chapel of Yale University and performed by a Methodist minister, Rev. Dr. Harold C. Buckingham. In attendance were the family members of the bride and groom as well as their friends.
Sadly after spending 11 years as a couple and birthing a child, their marriage hit the rock and resulted in a divorce. The problem that led to their divorce has not been established even though it has been linked to unreconcilable differences.
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4. Her Son Followed the Same Career Path as Her Ex-Husband
As stated, Barbara’s marriage to Sam birthed a child who was born James Waterston on January 17, 1969. Although there is limited information about his son, we gathered that he is an actor just like his father. James has made appearances in films including Dead Poets Society, and Little Sweetheart, but he is more popular for his role as Mr. Harvey on the television series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2008).
According to Imbd, James is married to his longtime girlfriend Line Lillevikk and their union is blessed with two children whose identities have remained elusive from the media.
5. Has Barbara Rutledge Johns Remarried?
After the editor’s divorce from her ex-husband, Sam Waterston in 1985 she suddenly disappeared from the spotlight and maintained a low profile. As a result, it’s not known if she later got married or continued living as a single woman.
On the other hand, her ex-husband went on to find love in the arms of Lynn Louisa Woodruff, a former model and beauty queen. According to research the pair first met on a blind date in New York City in 1972 when Sam was still married to his former wife Barbara. As fate would have it, they met again after his divorce and decided to start dating. On January 26, 1976, the pair exchanged vows in a private ceremony and have been together for over 4 decades.
The union between Lynn and Sam has been blessed with three children namely Graham Elisabeth and Katherine Waterston. Interestingly, they have also followed their father’s career path just like his first son James Waterston.
6. How Rich is She?
The exact net worth of Barbara Rutledge Johns has been a thing of speculation over the years since she adopted a private life. Nonetheless, she had a career as a magazine editor even though it wasn’t elaborate, she was able to sustain a livelihood. Also, she may have ventured into other businesses which have not been recorded.
On the other hand, her former husband has an estimated net worth of $20 million following his career as an actor.
7. Where is Barbara Rutledge Johns?
Since Barbara separated from her former husband Sam, she simply crawled into her shell of privacy and continues to live in the shadows of her ex-husband’s fame. While much isn’t known as regards her whereabouts, sources have it that she is alive and kicking.
