Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
Brooke Shields once sought dating advice from an unexpected source — George H.W. Bush. That's right, the 41st president of the United States.
The actress shared with the crowd at the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy's New York Celebration of Reading event on Wednesday, November 20 that she considered George a grandfather figure, even giving him the endearing nickname, "Papa Bush."
Shields, who was dating Kelly Gaines in the early '90s, recalled seeking guidance from George on her relationships. Gaines' father, Eb Gaines, served as the U.S. ambassador to Bermuda under George, and the connection gave Shields an opportunity to bond with the president on a personal level. She revealed that the former president was her "confidant about this boyfriend."
George's granddaughter, Lauren Bush, laughed at Shields' retelling, joking that her grandfather "loved some good gossip."
Shields also reminisced about the time George called her while she was filming in Boston. The former president, who lived in Maine, sternly invited her to visit Kennebunkport. Per Shields, George said, "Rumor has it, you're close to Kennebunkport' if you do not come and visit me young lady you're in big trouble." Despite the message, Shields said she and her husband, Chris Henchy, whom she married in 2001, were warmly welcomed, and how George praised her partner.
The Blue Lagoon star shares two children with her film director husband: son Rowan, born in 2003, and daughter Grier, born in 2006.
For Shields, the Bush family was like her own. She described them as her surrogate grandparents, especially since she had few relatives. "I don't have really many relatives. He was that symbol to me. I looked up to her so much... Your grandparents for me were very important in my youth and in my life and in my dating days," she told Lauren.
Sadly, George passed away in November 2018, just six months after Barbara.
English (US) ·