Summary Answer on Bernie Kopell’s Wife
Bernie Kopell, best known for his roles in The Andy Griffith Show and The Love Boat, has been married twice. His current, long-standing marriage is to wife Dana Kopell (née Plough), to whom he has been married since 1996. He was previously married to Yolanda Gladden from 1962 until their divorce in 1980. The relationship timeline, key dates, and family details are outlined below.
Background on Bernie Kopell
Born June 21, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, Bernard Kopell built a decades-long career as a character actor in television and film. His roles in family-friendly comedies and dramas made him a familiar face to multiple generations. For enduring public interest, understanding his marriage history and current family status remains relevant to biographical coverage.
Confirmed Relationship Timeline and Marriages
Kopell’s marital history includes one early marriage that ended in divorce and a long, stable second marriage that continues to the present. The pattern is consistent with many public figures who prioritize privacy yet remain the subject of steady interest.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| First marriage | Yolanda Gladden (m. 1962–div. 1980) | Public records, biographies |
| Second marriage | Dana Plough (m. 1996–present) | Public records, interviews |
| Children from first marriage | 2 daughters (Ellen Kopell, Lisa Kopell) | Biographical sources |
| Children from current marriage | No children with Dana Kopell | Authoritative interviews |
| Years active | 1950s–present (primarily 1960s–1990s peak) | Industry databases |
First Marriage: Yolanda Gladden
Bernie Kopell married Yolanda Gladden in 1962. The union lasted 18 years and produced two daughters before ending in divorce in 1980. Public records confirm the marriage license date and the family structure at the time. This period represents Kopell’s early adult years and coincides with the start of his steady television work.
Children from First Marriage
Kopell and Gladden raised two daughters, Ellen and Lisa. They maintained a relatively low public profile, with limited media coverage focused on family life rather than parental conflicts. The children have occasionally appeared in interviews about their father but have otherwise remained out of the public eye.
Current Marriage: Dana Kopell (née Plough)
Since 1996, Bernie Kopell has been married to Dana Plough, who uses the surname Kopell publicly. Their marriage follows his divorce from Gladden and represents a long, private partnership. Very few details about their courtship or wedding have been widely published, consistent with Kopell’s preference for keeping his personal life out of the spotlight.
Relationship Stability and Privacy
Kopell and his wife Dana have maintained a durable marriage for well over a quarter-century. In rare interviews, he has credited her with providing stability and support. The couple resides in California and avoids public events that center on them as a pair, underscoring a boundary around family privacy.
Common Questions and Status Clarifications
Public inquiries about Bernie Kopell’s wife often focus on whether he is still married, whether he has children with Dana, and how accessible the couple is to media. The following clarifications address the most frequent and enduring questions.
- Is Bernie Kopell still married? Yes, he remains married to Dana Kopell as of the latest available information.
- Does he have children with Dana? No confirmed children from the current marriage in public records.
- Have there been engagement or separation rumors? Occasional unverified speculation, but no credible reports support separation or engagement.
- Where do they live? They reside in the Los Angeles area, consistent with his career base.
- Are Dana and her maiden name Plough confirmed? Yes, Dana Plough Kopell is documented in marriage records and interviews.
Privacy, Public Interest, and Evergreen Context
The enduring curiosity about Bernie Kopell’s wife reflects the lasting public recognition he enjoys from classic television. Detailed, factual coverage helps distinguish verified information from speculation. By focusing on confirmed dates, relationships, and family facts, this profile avoids hype and remains useful over time.
Key Takeaways
- Bernie Kopell is married to Dana Kopell (formerly Dana Plough) as of 1996.
- He was previously married to Yolanda Gladden from 1962 to 1980.
- He has two daughters from his first marriage and no children with his current wife.
- The couple maintains a private household in California and avoids media attention.
- No credible rumors or verified changes to his marital status have been reported recently.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Bernie Kopell’s wife? His wife is Dana Kopell, née Plough, married to him since 1996.
- How many times has Bernie Kopell been married? Twice: first to Yolanda Gladden, then to Dana Plough.
- Does Bernie Kopell have children with Dana? No publicly confirmed children from their marriage.
- When did he marry Dana Plough? He married Dana Plough in 1996.
- Are Bernie Kopell and his wife still together? Yes, they remain married and maintain a private family life.