Ella Marie Jolly is best known as the first wife of American actor Randy Quaid. But she is also known for keeping a low profile and choosing a quiet life outside the spotlight. This article shares what is publicly known about her background, her family, and her life choices. It uses clear, simple English so everyone can follow.
Personal Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ella Marie Jolly |
| Known for | First wife of actor Randy Quaid |
| Occupation | Former model |
| Nationality | American (reported in media; not officially stated by her) |
| Spouse | Randy Quaid (married May 11, 1980; later divorced) |
| Child | Amanda Marie Quaid (born May 29, 1983) |
| Private life | Lives away from media; few public details available |
| Notable note | Some sources list an earlier divorce year; see “Marriage and divorce dates” below |
Early Life and Work
Public records about Ella’s early life, such as her exact birthplace, age, and education, are limited. This is common for people who are not public figures by their own choice. Reliable sources describe Ella as a former model, active around the time she met Randy Quaid. Because she did not seek the spotlight, there are few verified interviews or personal profiles of her.
What we can say with care is this: Ella kept her career and private life separate from Hollywood attention. Even during her marriage, she did not appear often at events or in magazines. This quiet approach has continued. Today, most details about her daily life are not public, and that seems to be her preference.
Marriage to Randy Quaid
Ella married actor Randy Quaid on May 11, 1980. At that time, Quaid was already known for his strong film work and would later appear in famous movies like National Lampoon’s Vacation and Independence Day. Reliable reference entries and Randy Quaid’s own biography pages confirm the marriage date.
Their Daughter
The couple welcomed a daughter, Amanda Marie Quaid, on May 29, 1983. Amanda grew up to become an actress and creator in her own right. The date and name are documented in reputable references on Randy Quaid’s life and in industry bios for Amanda.
Marriage and Divorce Dates: What the Sources Say
Different sources list different divorce years for Ella and Randy. This can be confusing, so here is a clear summary:
- Some sources say they separated on September 9, 1986, and divorced on August 24, 1989
- Other sources list the marriage as 1980–1985, or say he “divorced first wife in 1985,” likely referring to a separation or an early legal step rather than the final decree
Because some references cite dated press sources and give exact separation and final divorce dates, many readers treat 1989 as the final legal end of the marriage. Still, it is fair to note that 1985 appears in some media summaries and quick fact pages. When writing about Ella, the careful way is to say:
Married in 1980, separated in 1986, and finally divorced in 1989 (some outlets list 1985).
Life After the Marriage
After the divorce, Ella chose privacy. There are no reliable, in-depth interviews with her, and she does not seem to keep a public profile. This makes sense if we respect that some people, especially those known only through a partner, do not want public attention. When new stories about Randy Quaid appear, Ella’s name is sometimes mentioned only as part of his past, not as the focus. This pattern also shows how she has stayed out of the media.
Her daughter Amanda has worked in theater and film. When press outlets write about Amanda’s work, they may mention her parents, but these pieces focus on Amanda’s career and projects, not on Ella’s private life.
Why So Little Is Known?
There are two main reasons:
- Ella is not a public figure by choice. She is known because of a past relationship, not because she seeks fame.
- Responsible sources avoid guessing. Good references record only what they can verify. If they cannot confirm a detail, they leave it out. In Ella’s case, that means many personal facts stay unknown, and that is okay.
What We Can Learn from Her Story
- Privacy is a valid choice. Ella shows that someone can be linked to a famous person and still live quietly.
- Media timelines can differ. Even basic dates can be reported differently. The best approach is to compare sources and choose the one with the clearest evidence.
- Family ties continue. Although Ella keeps her life private, her daughter’s creative path is part of the family’s public story.
Final Thoughts
Ella Marie Jolly’s story is not about fame. It is about a person who chose family and privacy during and after a marriage to a well-known actor. The public facts are few, but they are clear enough to paint a simple picture: she worked as a model, married Randy Quaid in 1980, became a mother in 1983, and the marriage ended later in the decade. Since then, she has kept her life quiet and dignified. When we write about her, the best approach is to use verified dates, respect her privacy, and avoid guesses. That is the fair way to tell her story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who is Ella Marie Jolly?
She is the first wife of actor Randy Quaid and the mother of their daughter, Amanda Marie Quaid. She worked as a model and has kept a low profile. - When did Ella marry Randy Quaid?
They married on May 11, 1980. - Do they have children?
Yes. Their daughter is Amanda Marie Quaid, born May 29, 1983. - When did Ella and Randy Quaid separate and divorce?
Many summaries say separated in 1986 and final divorce in 1989. Some sources mention 1985 as the divorce year, but this likely reflects early proceedings or a summary error. - What did Ella do for work?
She worked as a model. There are no detailed public records of her later career. - Is Ella active on social media or in the press?
There is no verified public social media profile for her and few media appearances. She seems to value privacy. - What is known about her early life (birthplace, parents, school)?
Not much is publicly confirmed. Responsible sources do not list these details. - Is Ella connected to Hollywood today?
Only indirectly through her daughter Amanda, who works in the arts. Ella herself does not seem active in public entertainment circles. - Why do some sites list 1985 as the divorce year?
Different outlets summarize timelines differently. The 1985 date may reflect a separation or an early legal step. The 1989 date is the final divorce year reported with specific detail. - What is the best way to write about Ella Marie Jolly?
Be respectful and careful. Use verified facts (marriage in 1980, daughter in 1983, separation in 1986, divorce finalized in 1989) and note that she chooses a private life.
Relatable topic
Margie Washichek: The Quiet First Wife of Jimmy Buffett
Meet Kristina Dourif Tanoue: Brad Dourif’s Daughter and Her Own Path
