John Derek

A minor young lead in Hollywood films of the late 1940s and early 1950s, John Derek achieved greater fame as a photographer and director of cheesecake and softcore films featuring his famous wives, who included actresses Ursula Andress, Linda Evans and Bo Derek. His darkly handsome features earned him a contract with Columbia, but after substantial roles in "Knock On Any Door" (1948) and "All the King's Men" (1950), he faded into costume adventures. He shifted to still photography and direction in the late 1960s, helming salacious efforts with Andress and Evans before striking pay dirt with the younger, less experienced Derek. He directed her in a string of softcore films, including "Tarzan the Ape Man" (1981) and "Bolero" (1984), most of which were hits, despite being savaged by critics. After his death in 1998, Derek's penchant for exploiting the physical charms of his wives overshadowed his photography and early performances.