Robert Wagner & Stephanie Powers ‘Held Each Other Up’ after Losing Spouses in Same Month & Stayed Friends for 44 Years

They played amateur detectives in the “Hart to Hart” franchise, which ran for five seasons on ABC from 1979 to 1984. The show revolved around the many exciting adventures of the globe-trotting couple, Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, who found themselves amid murder, theft, smuggling, and espionage in almost every episode.

Jonathan (Wagner) was a self-made millionaire and the owner of Hart Industries, while his stunning wife, Jennifer (Powers), was a freelance journalist. Together, the duo, who had a knack for finding and solving mysteries wherever they went, always managed to make time for romance.

Following their fateful encounter, the pair were said to have stayed in contact and eventually started dating.

The Harts also had a loyal butler, cook, and chauffeur, Max (played by Lionel Stander), and an adorable pet dog, Freeway. The TV show was written by the renowned author Sidney Sheldon and received multiple laurels and accolades, including 22 award nominations and four wins.

After the series went off the air, it was followed by eight TV movies from 1993 to 1996, including “Hart to Hart: Two Harts in Three-Quarter Time.” Released in 1995, this made-for-television film was dedicated to the memory of Stander, who died in November 1994.

Written by Sheldon, Donald Ross, and Matt Crowley and starring Wagner, Powers, and Collins, the crime-drama centered around the Harts accepting a clock left to them by their deceased valet, Max, not knowing that the timepiece would become the centerpiece of a complex case involving murder and blackmail.

In an interview in 2019, Powers fondly remembered her incredible time on the set with Wagner and shared her thoughts on the love sparks that radiated from their epic pairing. “We chose to be together. We loved each other. We adored everything about each other,” she expressed.

“I’m talking about Jonathan and Jennifer,” chimed Powers, attempting to justify that she was referring to her real-life romance with Wagner. Interestingly enough, she isn’t the only one who has discussed Mr. and Mrs. Harts’ great chemistry.

In 2021, Wagner spoke about the classic series returning to the television screens after many years of initially entertaining the audience with its lighthearted, whimsical, and romantic streak.

The Detroit, Michigan native shared that he and his team had a remarkable time making the series. Wagner said he was overjoyed that the series was being shown again in South America and Europe to a new and younger audience. “Happily it will again appear in the USA … hope everyone enjoyed the show,” added Wagner.

Before starring as Mrs. Hart on TV, Powers played John Wayne’s daughter in the 1963 American Western comedy movie, “McLinktock!” However, it was “Hart to Hart” that brought her immense fame and popularity, turning her into a household name.

Astonishingly, many are unaware that Wagner’s wife, Natalie Wood, also auditioned for the role of his television wife, being the studio’s original choice. Having worked with Powers before, Wagner turned things around, convincing the show’s creators she was the best choice.

Powers and Wagner reportedly knew each other before playing wealthy, globe-trotting detectives on-screen. They first crossed paths while rehearsing for the film “West Side Story,” which featured Wagner’s wife, Wood.

Talking about her experience in the movie, Wood recounted, “I was 15 years old. The schleppers had rehearsed for about three months and then finally the principals were chosen. And we met briefly at that point. Then I was fired.”

Before playing Jennifer in the 80s television show, Powers had guest appearances in two of Wagner’s other series “It Takes a Thief,” and “Switch.”

Both Stars Lost Their Soulmates in the Same Month

When “Hart to Hart” began, both Powers and Wagner were committed to their partners. Powers was in a serious relationship with William Holden—an American movie actor 24 years older than her. In contrast, Wagner was happily married to Wood, who began her acting career as a child artist.

Unfortunately, in November 1981, both Holden and Wood tragically died. Wood reportedly drowned while on a weekend sailing vacation with her husband. Holden reportedly passed away after an accident at his Santa Monica apartment.

Despite their shared grief and devastation, Wagner and Powers continued to portray an enamored pair. Talking about losing her beloved boyfriend, the “Deceptions” alum shared how it was a challenging period for her.

But since “Hart to Hart” was mid-series at the time, Powers said she and Wagner didn’t have much choice but to stay faithful to their obligation to the public.

Owing to their excellent compatibility on-camera, many people were said to have been under the impression that Wagner and Powers were dating in real life. But denying such rumors and speculations, Powers once said they had a quasi-sibling relationship—”siblings who really like each other.”

The “Mistral’s Daughter” actress recalled how she and Wagner sometimes got laughing fits while on set and had to be sent home to recover. Struggling to put their unique connection into words, she added:

“In the context of what our personal relationship actually is, that is absolutely hysterical. If I knew what the ingredients were, I would bottle it and make a fortune.”

On another occasion, Powers discussed her striking chemistry with Wagner on the show. She described how she and her co-star spent 14 hours together for five years daily and admired and respected each other without arguments or disagreements.

Maintaining a pleasant working environment under stressful situations made them extremely compatible on-screen and stemmed from their special friendship, explained Powers while reflecting on her time with Wagner.