Christopher McDonald Says He Was ‘Devastated’ When Geena Davis Broke Off Engagement After Falling in Love with Jeff Goldblum

**Christopher McDonald Opens Up About Relationship Heartbreak and Reunion with Geena Davis**

In a recent discussion at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, actor Christopher McDonald reflected on his past relationship with Geena Davis, expressing how deeply affected he was when their engagement ended in the mid-1980s. McDonald disclosed that he was left “devastated” when Davis chose to be with actor Jeff Goldblum, whom she met while filming in Europe. The two had a brief engagement of about five weeks before Davis’s affections turned towards Goldblum.

McDonald, now 71, shared his emotional turmoil during the time. “I was really, really devastated,” he admitted, recalling the moment he learned of the split from actor Ed Begley Jr. He was busy performing in a production of Hamlet at the time, portraying Laertes, and had planned to join Davis shortly after completing his role. The unexpected turn of events left him heartbroken and blindsided.

The relationship between Davis and Goldblum blossomed when they met on the set of the 1985 film *Transylvania 6-5000*. They married in November 1987 but their marriage lasted only three years, concluding in divorce in 1990. Despite the initial heartbreak, fate intervened to bring Davis and McDonald back together professionally years later.

The two actors reunited in 1991 when they portrayed a married couple in the critically acclaimed film *Thelma & Louise*, directed by Ridley Scott. McDonald reminisced about this unique twist of fate, noting that Davis fondly remembered him and advocated for his casting in the film. “It’s literally five years later,” he recounted. “Geena said to Ridley Scott, ‘Who’d you get to play my husband?’ He said, ‘Oh, you’ll love him, he’s tall, he’s funny.’”

The casting choice was a delightful reunion for both actors, and McDonald described the filming experience as “really cathartic.” It provided an opportunity for McDonald to reconnect with Davis, who was now a successful actress in her own right, further underscoring the complexity of their shared history.

Following his marriage to Davis, McDonald found love with actress Lupe Gidley, tying the knot in 1992. The couple has four children together, demonstrating that McDonald found happiness in his personal life after the heartbreak of his early relationship with Davis.

Geena Davis, now 70, has since made a significant impact in the industry, leaving a lasting legacy through her diverse roles and advocacy work. McDonald’s candid reflections highlight not only the emotional weight of past relationships but also the unpredictable nature of life in the entertainment world.

This heartfelt exploration of relationships and career connections serves as a reminder of the personal stories that often lie behind the gleaming façade of Hollywood. McDonald’s willingness to share his experiences reflects the deep emotional bonds that can form, shift, and eventually be rekindled in the life of an actor.

As the industry continues to evolve, stories like McDonald and Davis’s remind us that love, heartbreak, and reconciliation are common threads woven through the fabric of both life and art. Their journey encapsulates the ever-changing dynamics of relationships, showcasing how they can lead to unexpected partnerships and creative collaborations.