“Not Exactly Mr. Faithful”
During the 1960s and ’70s, Tom Jones was at the height of his fame—a heartthrob known for his wild lifestyle and rumored affairs with hundreds of women. He once admitted to having slept with 250 women per year at the peak of his career. Among his many high-profile romances was a fling with Mary Wilson of The Supremes, at a time when interracial relationships were still controversial in much of America.
Yet, despite his rockstar lifestyle, Jones had a devoted wife, Linda, waiting for him at home. The two were married for 59 years, until her passing from lung cancer in 2016.
“From the very beginning, he was not exactly Mr. Faithful,” biographer Sean Smith told The Daily Mail in 2015.
While it’s unclear how much Linda knew about her husband’s affairs, she seemed to suspect something. According to Jones, they had a “don’t ask” policy while he was on tour. Among his many affairs, one stood out—his relationship with Marjorie Wallace.
The First American Miss World
Marjorie Wallace, born on January 23, 1954, was a woman destined to make headlines. A model, actress, and television host, she captivated audiences with her beauty and charm.
At 14, her life took a turn when her parents divorced, sparking a rebellious streak in her. She embarked on a 1,200-mile road trip to Miami with a friend, showing her adventurous spirit. But she wasn’t just a rule-breaker—she was also an athlete, competing in swimming and cheerleading during high school.
By 17, she had moved in with a guitarist from the indie rock band Pure Funk, fully immersing herself in the world of music and rebellion. In 1973, at just 20 years old, she made history by becoming the first American woman to win the Miss World title, defeating 53 contestants at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
But her reign was short-lived.
Meeting Tom Jones
In December 1973, just after being crowned Miss World, 19-year-old Marjorie met Tom Jones backstage at the London Palladium. According to his publicist, he was immediately drawn to her, and the two later spent time together at the Westbury Hotel in Mayfair.
The following month, Jones bought matching bracelets—one for Marjorie and one for his wife, Linda, whose birthdays were just days apart.
While Jones was often linked to various women, Marjorie was different. Reportedly, he told friends, “This one could really affect me.”
In 1974, the two traveled to Barbados for a Miss World television special. But when photos surfaced of them kissing on the beach, the scandal led to Marjorie being stripped of her Miss World crown.
To make matters worse, Marjorie was also dating American race car driver Peter Revson at the time—someone she was reportedly engaged to. The affair angered the Miss World organizers, and shortly after, tragedy struck.
Tragic Loss and Overdose
In March 1974, Revson was killed in a crash during a practice run for the South African Grand Prix. He was wearing a gold locket Marjorie had given him, engraved with the words, “If not for you…”
Already shaken by the loss, Marjorie faced another heartbreak when Tom Jones, fearing that his wife Linda would find out about their affair, abruptly ended their relationship. Devastated, Marjorie overdosed on sleeping pills.
A hospital spokesperson stated it was impossible to determine how many pills she had taken, but she was placed on a kidney dialysis machine to clear the drugs from her system.
Her agent later explained that the overdose was the result of overwhelming pressure, both professionally and personally. “Finally, it all came crashing down on her,” he told The Daily Record.
Despite speculation, Marjorie insisted it was never a suicide attempt. “I was depressed and took too many sleeping pills, but I never tried to take my own life,” she said two years later.
Interestingly, while she was recovering in the hospital, Tom Jones—who was performing in Las Vegas—sent her flowers and well wishes, deeply shaken by the news of her overdose.
Marjorie Wallace Today
Now 71, Marjorie Wallace remained drawn to the entertainment industry. After a brief relationship with tennis star Jimmy Connors, she pursued TV sportscasting, working with ABC and CBS. She also appeared in commercials for brands like Ultra Brite, Wella, and American Express.
In 1978, she married film producer Michael Klein, with whom she had a son, Adam. Her career saw her become one of the first co-anchors on Entertainment Tonight, though she left the role just months later.
Her marriage ended in 1982, and she was later linked to real estate developer Donald Soffer, whom she married in 1994 before divorcing in 1996.
But what about her connection with Tom Jones?
Even decades later, the two remained in touch. In an interview with The Sunday Mirror, Marjorie shared that she and Tom still spoke occasionally.
“He’s very happy with his role on The Voice. I told him it would be a huge success,” she said. “We’ve stayed friends. I wouldn’t want to rehash our past, it’s nice to catch up every now and then. I’ve always followed his career and am pleased he’s mentoring young singers—he has such a beautiful voice.”
It’s fascinating how a single moment can hold so much history when you dig a little deeper.
