Patti LuPone Recalls ‘Painful’ 7-Year Relationship with Kevin Kline After Taking an ‘Instant Dislike to Him’

Patti LuPone Reflects on ‘Painful’ Relationship with Ex-Partner Kevin Kline

Broadway icon Patti LuPone recently opened up about the emotionally tumultuous relationship she had with actor Kevin Kline back in the 1970s. The pair’s on-again, off-again romance was marked by challenges and heartbreak, as shared by LuPone in an interview with The New Yorker.

LuPone, now 76 years old, revealed that she first crossed paths with Kline, who is 77, at The Juilliard School in New York City. Initially, she admitted to not being particularly fond of him, describing an instant aversion to his appearance. However, their dynamic shifted when they found themselves engaging in a physical connection during an art appreciation class, igniting a relationship that would span seven years.

The acclaimed actress recalled the complexities of her time with Kline, highlighting moments of pain and uncertainty. She confessed, “I was his girlfriend when he wanted me to be his girlfriend, but if there was somebody else, he would break up with me and go out with that person.” Despite the challenges they faced, LuPone persisted in the relationship until she reached a breaking point.

Throughout their tumultuous romance, LuPone and Kline collaborated professionally on the 1975 Broadway musical ‘The Robber Bridegroom’. Despite their personal struggles, they found a way to work together creatively, showcasing their undeniable chemistry on stage.

Kline, who later went on to marry actress Phoebe Cates in 1989, also reflected on their complicated relationship, labelling it as “fraught”. The actor acknowledged that they clashed frequently, earning themselves a reputation within their circle as the “Strindbergs,” a reference to the renowned playwright August Strindberg known for tumultuous relationships.

Looking back on her experience with Kline, LuPone expressed the deep impact it had on her, describing it as her first significant love. She candidly shared, “Kevin was also a player, and it was hard. That was incredibly hard on me. He exhausted my heart.” Despite the challenges they faced, LuPone expressed hopes for a future friendship with Kline, acknowledging a newfound ability to communicate and connect.

While their romantic chapter has long closed, the memories of their passionate and turbulent love story continue to resonate with both LuPone and Kline. As they each navigated their personal and professional lives post-relationship, the echoes of their shared past serve as a testament to the profound impact of love and loss.

In revisiting her past with Kline, LuPone offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of relationships and the enduring legacy of a love that shaped and defined a significant chapter of her life. As she moves forward, the Broadway legend carries with her the lessons learned and the resilience gained from a bond that transcended time and left an indelible mark on her heart.