Every successful actor often has a strong and caring person standing beside them. For famous American actor William Devane, that person was his beloved wife Eugenie Devane. Though she never looked for fame, Eugenie’s quiet strength, loyalty, and kindness played a big part in her husband’s long and successful career.
Personal Information
Item | Details |
---|---|
Full name | Mary Eugenie McCabe Devane |
Known for | Wife and long-time partner of actor William Devane |
Born | May 30, 1940 West Palm Beach, Florida, USA |
Died | July 29, 2022 La Quinta, California, USA |
Spouse | William Devane (m. 1961 – 2022) |
Children | Two, including actor Joshua Devane |
Family home | Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles (during their sons’ childhood) |
Public profile | Very private; rarely gave interviews |
Family interests | Restaurants in the Coachella Valley; horses/ranch life around Palm Springs |
Notable note | Supported William Devane’s long TV and film career over six decades |
Early Life and Marriage
Open public records do not give many details about Eugenie’s early years. What we do know is that she was born Mary Eugenie McCabe in Florida in 1940. In 1961 she married William Devane, who was just starting out as an actor in New York theatre.
At the time, William was studying and working on stage. Later, he would become famous for roles in “Knots Landing,” “24,” and films like “Marathon Man.” Those career notes help set the timeline of their family life: while William’s work was public, Eugenie mostly stayed out of the media.
Family and Home
The couple lived in Sherman Oaks with their two sons. One son, Joshua (Josh) Devane, followed his father into acting and also became known locally as a restaurateur. The other son is not active in the public eye. Reports differ online about the second son’s life, and many posts are not from reliable outlets, so this article stays with facts supported by dependable information.
A Private Partner in a Public Career
When we read interviews with William Devane, we see hints of the couple’s teamwork. William’s profiles list his marriage to Eugenie as a steady part of his life. This long relationship likely gave him a base while he took on busy TV schedules and film shoots.
Life in the Desert: Food and Community

The Devane family had a strong connection to the Coachella Valley around Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, and Indio. Over the years, the family’s name appeared on local restaurants, including Devane’s Italian Kitchen and Devane’s Old Town. Contemporary reports and business listings confirm the restaurants and show that they later closed.
William also spoke in interviews about life near Palm Springs, mentioning ranch work and horses. This gives a picture of the family’s interests: good food, outdoor life, and a close community in the desert.
Later Years and Passing
Obituary notices show that Eugenie (Mary Eugenie Devane) died on July 29, 2022, at 82. The listings do not include a cause of death and keep the details very short, which is common for private families.
What We Can Say with Confidence (and Why)
Writing about a private person linked to a public figure requires care. Here is what is well-supported by good information:
- Name and dates (birth and death) confirmed by obituary listings.
- Marriage to William Devane in 1961 confirmed by Wikipedia and IMDb.
- Two sons, including Joshua listed in reliable reference entries and encyclopedias.
- Family home in Sherman Oaks during the boys’ childhood noted in William’s page.
- Family restaurant footprint in the Coachella Valley supported by local news, listings, and records that show later closure.
- Family interest in ranch and horse life around Palm Springs reported in a mainstream magazine profile.
Some online posts claim extra personal details about her or the family. Many of those posts are on social networks or low-reputation sites and may conflict with each other. Because of that, they are not included here.

Legacy
Eugenie Devane’s story is a quiet one. She did not search for media attention. Instead, she spent more than sixty years as a steady partner, a mother, and a family anchor while her husband worked in TV, film, and theatre. The Devane family’s presence in the desert through restaurants and ranch life shows a love for community and simple living. The reliable record is short, but it paints a picture of loyalty, privacy, and care for family.
Conclusion
Eugenie Devane may not have been a movie star, but she played one of the most important roles in her husband’s life. Her story reminds us that love, patience, and quiet strength often build the strongest families. She supported William Devane through his long acting career, raised their children with care, and helped shape a happy home life filled with warmth and peace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is Eugenie Devane?
She was the wife of actor William Devane. Her full name was Mary Eugenie McCabe Devane. - When did she marry William Devane?
They married in 1961 and remained together until her passing in 2022. - When was Eugenie Devane born and when did she die?
She was born on May 30, 1940, and died on July 29, 2022. - Did she have children?
Yes. The couple had two sons, including Joshua Devane, who is an actor. - Where did the family live?
During their sons’ childhood, the family lived in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. Later, they were closely linked with the Coachella Valley area in California. - Was Eugenie in the entertainment business?
No public records show a screen career for Eugenie. She largely kept a private life while supporting her husband’s work. - Did the Devane family own restaurants?
Yes. The family name was on Devane’s Italian Kitchen and Devane’s Old Town in the Coachella Valley. These venues later closed. - What were Eugenie’s interests?
Public sources do not list personal hobbies. However, features about William describe a family life around ranches and horses near Palm Springs, which suggests shared family interests. - Why is information about her limited?
Eugenie was a private person. Most reliable information comes through her husband’s profiles, obituary notices, and local press about the family’s restaurants. - How should readers judge online claims about her?
Prefer trusted sources such as major outlets, obituary records, and film databases. Be careful with social posts or sites that do not cite sources.
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