Leif Garrett, born Leif Per Nervik on November 8, 1961, in Hollywood, California, is an American actor, singer, and television personality.
He gained fame in the 1970s as a teen idol, known for hits like I Was Made for Dancin’.
Garrett’s early career included roles in films such as Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and The Outsiders.
Despite his success, he faced significant challenges, including drug abuse and legal troubles, which garnered extensive media attention throughout his life.
Siblings
Garrett has one sister named Dawn Lyn was born on January 17, 1963, also in Hollywood, California. Like her brother, she was involved in acting from a young age.
Dawn gained fame for her role as Darlene on the television series My Three Sons, where she appeared from 1965 to 1972.
She also had roles in films such as Devil Times Five and guest appearances on various TV shows.
After her early success, Dawn Lyn stepped back from the limelight and pursued a more private life.
She has occasionally made appearances at fan conventions and events related to her brother’s career.
Throughout their careers, Garrett and Dawn have supported each other in the entertainment industry.
Career
Garrett began his career in entertainment at the age of eight, debuting in the film Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice.
He quickly became a teen idol in the 1970s, appearing in various television shows such as Family Affair and Gunsmoke.
His music career launched in 1977 with his self-titled album, featuring hits like Surfin’ USA.
Garrett’s most significant musical success came with the album Feel the Need, which included the top 10 hit, I Was Made for Dancin’.
However, his career faced a downturn following a serious car accident in 1979 that left a friend paraplegic, leading to legal troubles and struggles with substance abuse.
Despite a brief resurgence in the late 1990s with the band Godspeed, his later projects did not achieve the same level of success, and he continued to face personal challenges throughout his life, including bankruptcy and ongoing issues with addiction.
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Car accident
Garrett’s car accident on November 3, 1979, had significant and lasting consequences for his career.
The crash, which occurred just days before his 18th birthday, left his friend Roland Winkler a paraplegic and was a pivotal moment in Garrett’s life.
At the time, Garrett was driving under the influence, with a blood alcohol level three times over the legal limit and under the effects of quaaludes.
The incident led to a legal battle, as Winkler sued Garrett for damages, claiming he was at fault.
This lawsuit lasted for years, resulting in a court-ordered settlement of $3.9 million in 1984, which further complicated Garrett’s financial situation.
The guilt from the accident weighed heavily on him, contributing to his struggles with addiction and leading to a decline in his career.
By the mid-1980s, Garrett’s music career had essentially ended, and he found himself primarily acting in low-budget films.
His ongoing issues with substance abuse and the fallout from the accident overshadowed his earlier successes, marking a tragic turn in his once-promising career.
Relationship history
Garrett has had a number of high-profile relationships throughout his career as a teen idol in the 1970s and 80s.
One of his notable relationships was with Nicollette Sheridan, with whom he dated in the early 1980s when she was only 15 years old.
Their romance lasted for about five years, capturing significant media attention at the time.
Garrett was also romantically linked to actress Tatum O’Neal during this period, although their relationship was brief.
Another significant relationship was with actress Kristy McNichol, which lasted from 1978 to April 1979.
In 1988, he briefly dated Justine Bateman, known for her role on the television series Family Ties.
In 1993, Garrett entered into a relationship with Elaine Bilstad, with whom he shares a son named Tyson Garrett.
He has expressed that Elaine could have been his wife and that she is the person he has felt most drawn to over the years.
However, despite their deep connection, they ultimately did not stay together long-term.
Throughout his life, Garrett has navigated the complexities of fame and relationships, often under the scrutiny of the public eye.
