Leslie Bogart was born into Hollywood as the daughter of two of the most popular actors at the time – Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Yet, life wasn’t as perfect as it seems.
Her parents were involved with a lot of drama, and her father ultimately passed due to cancer.
What was her childhood like, and why don’t we ever hear about her today? Come along as I unravel everything you need to know about Leslie Bogart!
Who Is Leslie Bogart?
Leslie Bogart is the second child of the Casablanca star Humphrey Bogart and the actress Lauren Bacall.
Unlike her parents, Leslie Bogart didn’t pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Instead, she worked as a yoga instructor and was a registered nurse.
That said, we do know about Leslie Bogart because she gave a few interviews about her parents. Moreover, her star-studded family talks about her, and she was even featured in the movie Bogart: The Untold Story!
Leslie Bogart’s Childhood
Leslie Bogart was born in Los Angeles, California, on August 23, 1952. Her father named her after his best friend, actor Leslie Howard. The latter did Humprey a favor and got him a significant role in The Petrified Forest.
Leslie Bogart had a glamorous childhood. Her family could afford to have chauffeurs and cooks. Plus, her parents often held opulent parties at home for other celebrities.
Because of her parent’s connections, Leslie became close friends with Lorna Luft, Judy Garland’s daughter. They both bonded and shared a dream of becoming celebrities.
Unfortunately, despite the glamor, not everything in her life was perfect.
Leslie’s parents got together through an affair, and her father, who was 25 years older than her mom, cheated on his previous wife.
Moreover, Humphrey was on the traditional side. He believed that women shouldn’t have careers and children are to be seen, not heard.
Leslie Bogart’s Parents
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall met as co-actors on To Have and To Have Not. Her mother was set on becoming a star but had to give up her dreams because of Humprey’s demands.
Lauren Bacall said that Humphrey never wanted to have children. Because of this, everything changed when Bacall fell pregnant and had Leslie’s older brother.
While her mother stayed at home, Humphrey Bogart cheated on his young wife. Verita Thompson, Bogart’s secretary, revealed how she had an affair with the actor throughout his marriage to Lauren Bacall!
Leslie Bogart’s New Family
In 1956, when Leslie was only four years old, her father was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away a year later with Bacall by his side.
Following her husband’s death, the 33-year-old Lauren Bacall had a brief affair with Frank Sinatra. When the relationship with the singer rose, she moved the whole family from California to New York for a fresh start.
In 1961, Lauren Bacall married Jason Robards, a famous American actor. Leslie was only nine when she suddenly gained three new step-siblings through this marriage.
Sadly, Robards wasn’t a good father either. He had alcoholism, and he was often absent. Bacall and Robards divorced in 1969 when Leslie was 17.
Leslie Bogart’s Family Dynamics
During her interviews, it’s clear that Leslie Bogart had a loving relationship with her mother.
She recalls fond memories of when she went jewelry shopping with Bacall. It was also Leslie who spoke to reporters following her mother’s death in 2014.
There’s no news of whether Leslie was close with her siblings.
Her older brother, actor Stephen Bogart, got sent to boarding school at 13. This means they didn’t spend their childhood together.
Meanwhile, her younger half-brother, producer Sam Robards, likely spent much time with his father after the divorce.
Leslie Bogart’s Career
Despite her rocky childhood, Leslie Bogart did try her hand at showbiz. According to Epoch Times, Leslie Bogart appeared in a four-page spread in Life magazine in 1968. She also attended the Art Institute of Boston from 1971 to 1972.
Yet, Leslie Bogart’s time in the limelight was short-lived. She had a change of heart due to unknown reasons.
Leslie shifted her career and became a registered nurse in the 70s.
In 1985, Leslie Bogart received her official yoga instructor certification. Afterward, she dedicated her life to helping those with physical ailments before retiring.
Leslie Bogart Romantic Relationships
Leslie Bogart prefers to keep her romantic relationships private. We only know that she married Erich Schiffman in 1990, and the two have stayed together ever since!
Erich Schiffman is a well-known master in the yoga community. He has been teaching his craft for 45 years, dramatically influencing Leslie’s profession.
Schiffman penned the popular yoga book Moving Into Stillness.
Where Is Leslie Bogart Now?
Now over 70, Leslie Bogart prefers to keep a quiet life away from the spotlight. Still, she loves supporting her brother whenever he has a new project.
Stephen Bogart still works as an executive producer, and you may encounter her at one of her brother’s premiers!
FAQs
Who Are Leslie Bogart’s Siblings?
Leslie Bogart’s older brother is Stephen Bogart. She has a half-brother from her mother’s second marriage, the acclaimed producer Sam Robards.
In addition, Leslie Bogart has step-siblings from this same marriage. These include actors Jason Robards III, Jake Robards, and Shannon Robards!
How Much Is Leslie Bogart’s Net Worth?
Leslie Bogart’s net worth isn’t public. Her parents, however, had a combined net worth of $55 million.
Leslie Bogart likely inherited a portion of this fortune.
Final Thoughts
Leslie Bogart was born into the drama of Hollywood. Still, she skillfully navigated the hardships and dedicated her life to helping the sick.
She’s an inspirational woman, and I hope she maintains her well-deserved peace for years!
