Which Hollywood actress was Frank Sinatra's second wife?

Frank Sinatra’s second wife was Hollywood actress Ava Gardner.

Sinatra married Gardner on November 7, 1951, after his divorce from Nancy Barbato became final. Their relationship began while both were major Hollywood figures, and their intense romance quickly became a subject of newspaper and gossip-column attention.

The marriage was turbulent. The couple formally announced their separation in 1953, Gardner filed for divorce in 1954, and the divorce was finalized in 1957. Despite the painful breakup, Sinatra and Gardner remained friends for the rest of their lives.

A common mix-up is confusing Gardner with Sinatra’s other famous wives. Nancy Barbato was his first wife, Mia Farrow was his third, and Barbara Marx was his fourth and final wife. Gardner’s importance in Sinatra’s story also extended professionally: her influence helped him secure his Oscar-winning role in From Here to Eternity.