Status Check JoyfulPair October 16, 2025 0 Comments

Are Durante and Purcell Still Together? A Hollywood Mystery

The golden age of Hollywood was a time of glitz, glamour, and gossip. Stars shone brightly on the silver screen, and their lives off-screen often became the subject of rumors and speculation.

One such rumored romance that has intrigued fans for decades is that of Jimmy Durante and Irene Purcell. Were these two stars of the 1930s more than just colleagues? Let’s take a closer look at their relationship and try to answer the burning question: Are Durante and Purcell still together?

Jimmy Durante: The Schnoz with a Heart of Gold

Jimmy Durante was a beloved comedian, singer, and actor known for his distinctive nose, energetic personality, and comedic timing. He rose to fame in the 1920s as part of a vaudeville act and later transitioned to Broadway and film.

Durante’s catchphrases like “Everybody wants ta get inta da act!” and “Ha-cha-cha-cha!” became instantly recognizable, and his warm, approachable demeanor made him a fan favorite.

Irene Purcell: A Rising Star

Irene Purcell was an actress who graced both stage and screen. She began her career in the late 1920s, appearing in Broadway productions before making the leap to Hollywood. Purcell starred alongside some of the biggest names of the era, including William Haines, Robert Montgomery, and, of course, Jimmy Durante. Her beauty and talent made her a sought-after actress in the early 1930s.

The Passionate Plumber: Where It All Began

Jimmy Durante and Irene Purcell shared the screen in the 1932 comedy film “The Passionate Plumber.” The movie follows Durante’s character, a plumber who travels to Paris and gets caught up in a series of misadventures. Purcell plays the leading lady, Patricia, who becomes entangled in the chaos.

Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and rumors quickly began to swirl about a possible off-screen romance. However, despite the speculation, there was no concrete evidence to confirm a romantic relationship between the two.

Fact vs. Fiction: Unraveling the Truth About Durante and Purcell

While “The Passionate Plumber” sparked rumors of a romance, the truth is that Jimmy Durante and Irene Purcell were simply co-stars. There’s no historical evidence to suggest they were ever romantically involved.

Fact	Fiction
Co-stars in “The Passionate Plumber”	Romantically involved
Both popular stars in the 1930s	Married or had a long-term relationship

It’s important to remember that Hollywood in the 1930s was a hotbed of gossip, and studios often fueled rumors to promote their films and stars. The perceived romance between Durante and Purcell may have been just that – a perception created to generate interest in their movie.

Life After “The Passionate Plumber”

After “The Passionate Plumber,” both Durante and Purcell continued their careers in the entertainment industry. Durante went on to achieve great success in film, television, and music. He remained a beloved entertainer until his death in 1980.

Purcell’s career, however, took a different turn. She appeared in a few more films in the 1930s but eventually retired from acting after marrying Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr., the heir to the S.C. Johnson & Son fortune. She passed away in 1972.

Jimmy Durante	Irene Purcell
Continued acting in film and television	Retired from acting after marriage
Remained a popular entertainer	Became a socialite and philanthropist
Died in 1980	Died in 1972

Why the Question Lingers: Are Durante and Purcell Still Together?

Even though there’s no evidence to support a romantic relationship between Durante and Purcell, the question “Are Durante and Purcell still together?” continues to pop up. This enduring curiosity can be attributed to several factors:

The allure of old Hollywood: People are fascinated by the golden age of Hollywood and the lives of its stars. The mystery surrounding Durante and Purcell’s relationship adds to the intrigue.
On-screen chemistry: Their undeniable chemistry in “The Passionate Plumber” may lead some to believe there was something more between them.
The power of gossip: Rumors and speculation, even if unfounded, can be hard to shake off. The gossip surrounding their supposed romance has persisted through the years.

Conclusion: Separating Fact from Fiction

While the idea of a romance between Jimmy Durante and Irene Purcell is captivating, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. They were talented actors who shared the screen in a popular film, but their relationship likely didn’t extend beyond that.

The enduring interest in their supposed romance speaks to the power of Hollywood storytelling and our fascination with the lives of those who graced the silver screen. Though they are no longer with us, their legacy, both individually and as a memorable on-screen pairing, continues to entertain and intrigue.