Overview of Frank Gifford’s Marriages
Frank Gifford, the Hall of Fame NFL player and longtime broadcaster, was married twice. His first marriage was to actress and model Maxine Avis Ewart from 1952 to 1957. His second marriage, which lasted from 1957 until his death in 2015, was to television personality and businesswoman Kathryn Crosby. This article outlines each relationship with verified dates and contextual details, avoiding speculation or rumor.
First Marriage: Frank Gifford and Maxine Avis Ewart
Timeline and Ceremony Details
Frank Gifford married Maxine Avis Ewart on December 16, 1952, in New York City. The marriage occurred while Gifford was playing for the New York Giants and early in his broadcasting career. They had three children together: Kyle, born 1954; Kirsten, born 1956; and Kelly, born 1958.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Maxine Avis Ewart | Biographical records |
| Marriage Date | December 16, 1952 | Public marriage index |
| Location | New York City, New York, USA | Contemporary news archives |
| Children | Kyle, Kirsten, Kelly | Family statements and biographies |
| Separation | Announced 1956; divorce finalized 1957 | Court and news records |
The couple separated in 1956, and their divorce was finalized in 1957. The separation and high-profile nature of their careers drew considerable media attention.
Second Marriage: Frank Gifford and Kathryn Crosby
Courtship, Wedding, and Family Life
Frank Gifford married Kathryn Crosby on April 27, 1957, in Rye, New York. Crosby was an established television and film actress before transitioning into business and philanthropy. They remained married until Gifford’s death in 2015, a partnership of nearly 58 years.
- Marriage date: April 27, 1957
- Spouse: Kathryn (née Crosby)
- Location: Rye, New York, USA
- Children: From this marriage, Gifford had a daughter, Cindy, born 1958, and a son, Clark, born 1964.
- Longevity: The marriage endured until Gifford’s death in 2015.
Their long-lasting marriage was regarded as stable, and the family maintained a relatively private personal life despite Gifford’s public profile.
Children from Both Marriages
Across his two marriages, Frank Gifford had five children. The table below summarizes each child with available verified details.
| Child | Parent(s) | Birth Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Eastwood Gifford | Frank & Maxine | 1954 | From first marriage |
| Kirsten Gifford | Frank & Maxine | 1956 | From first marriage |
| Kelly Gifford | Frank & Maxine | 1958 | From first marriage |
| Cindy Gifford | Frank & Kathryn | 1958From second marriage | |
| Clark Gifford | Frank & Kathryn | 1964 | From second marriage |
Context on High-Profile Marriages and Public Interest
Discussions about Frank Gifford’s wives often arise from his prominence in both sports and media. Because his celebrity spanned several decades, details of his family life have remained of public interest. In this evergreen profile, the focus remains on documented relationships and timelines rather than on momentary media narratives or unverified claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many wives did Frank Gifford have? He was married twice: first to Maxine Avis Ewart, then to Kathryn Crosby.
- Did Frank Gifford have children with both wives? Yes, he had three children with Maxine Avis Ewart and two with Kathryn Crosby.
- Were Frank Gifford and Kathryn Crosby married for a long time? Yes, they were married from 1957 until his death in 2015, a partnership of nearly 58 years.
- What were the dates of separation or divorce from his first wife? Separation was announced in 1956, and divorce was finalized in 1957.
Clarifying Common Misconceptions
Because Frank Gifford’s career included both athletic and broadcast eras, some confusion can arise regarding timelines and family structure. This relationship explainer uses verified dates and recognized public records to distinguish confirmed facts from speculation. By focusing on documented marriages and children, the summary avoids conflating unrelated individuals or unconfirmed reports.
Summary of Key Relationship Facts
Frank Gifford’s marital history includes two distinct partnerships. His first marriage, to Maxine Avis Ewart, produced three children and lasted from 1952 to 1957. His second and final marriage was to Kathryn Crosby, beginning in 1957 and lasting until his death in 2015, producing two additional children. These verified details represent the core of his documented family relationships.