Meet Kelly Curtis' Famous Parents, Tony Curtis And Janet Leigh, Who's Her Ex-Husband, John Marsh?

Kelly Curtis' family life, including her famous parents, siblings, and spousal life, is in focus following her demise.

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By Peuli Bakshi Last Updated:

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Meet Kelly Curtis' Famous Parents, Tony Curtis And Janet Leigh, Who's Her Ex-Husband, John Marsh?

Actress and documentarian, Kelly Lee Curtis died on May 30, 2026, at the age of 69. Her younger sister, Oscar-winning actress, Jamie Lee Curtis, announced the tragic news on social media, sharing that Kelly passed away at her home in Bellevue, Idaho, "in nature" and "at peace". The exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Kelly has been surrounded by people in the entertainment industry her whole life. Her parents, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, her sister, Jamie Curtis, her husband, Scott Morfee and her ex-husband, John P Marsh, are related to acting.

Kelly's high-profile family added to her popularity. She herself was also an actress, who made an uncredited debut as a toddler in The Vikings (1958) alongside her parents. She later landed a supporting role in Trading Places (1983) alongside her sister, Jamie. Kelly also starred in Magic Sticks (1987), and played the lead role in the Italian horror film, The Devil's Daughter (1991). After her death, an outpouring of condolences followed, and it brought her family into focus. Here's everything we know about them.

Who was Kelly Curtis' father, Tony Curtis?

Kelly Curtis' father, Tony Curtis and mom, Janet Leigh, were legendary Hollywood stars and the ultimate 'it couple' of the 1950s. From good looks to stellar acting, the duo had it all. Tony Curtis (real name Bernard Schwartz) was an iconic American actor who became one of Hollywood's heartthrobs during the 1950s and early 1960s. He was initially seen as just a pretty face; however, through his work as the leading man in major projects, he proved he was here to stay. Over a career spanning six decades, he became a highly versatile actor, appearing in more than 100 films across comedies, dramas, and action-adventure films.

Tony's most famous role is arguably Some Like It Hot (1959), where he starred alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon. His other critically acclaimed projects include The Defiant Ones (1958), Sweet Smell of Success (1957), Spartacus (1960) and The Boston Strangler (1968). Regarding his personal life, Tony Curtis struggled with substance abuse, which made him step away from the acting world completely. He then launched a highly successful second career as a painter, with his artwork displayed in elite venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The multifaceted individual was married six times, most famously to Janet Leigh.

Who was Kelly Curtis' mother, Janet Leigh?

Like Tony Curtis, his first wife, Janet Leigh (real name Jeanette Helen Morrison) was also an acclaimed American actor, best known for her role in Alfred Hitchcock's Horror classic, Psycho (1960). Her performance in the legendary shower scene earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination. Janet's entry into the film industry was very interesting. She was discovered by retired silent film star, Norma Shearer, who saw her photograph at a ski resort where her parents worked. After a screen test with MGM, she launched her movie career.

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Besides Psycho, Janet Leigh's other notable works include Little Women (1949), Touch of Evil (1958), and The Manchurian Candidate (1962). She mostly played wholesome roles before trying her hand at horror. Besides her career, her 11-year marriage to fellow Hollywood icon, Tony Curtis was a major talking point of the 1950s. Together, the former couple had two daughters, Kelly Curtis (now deceased) and Jamie Lee Curtis, 67. Interestingly, Jamie shared screen with her mom in The Fog and Halloween H20: 20 Years Later. Beyond acting, Janet also published multiple books, including her autobiography. She was married four times.

Like her parents, Kelly Curtis was married multiple times

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Kelly Curtis was married more than once, and her ex-husband, John P Marsh, played an important role in her career. John is a filmmaker, producer, and an asset of the College of Southern Nevada. In the institution, he developed the state's first digital video production program. Earlier, in his 16-year Hollywood career, he served as a story editor and Executive Producer. John directed MTV music videos for bands like Blue Oyster Cult and Romeo Void. According to his IMDb page, he operated an independent documentary production company, Liberty Films, with his ex-wife, Kelly.

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Kelly and John co-directed several documentaries, including Marby Jets Are Go (2018) and Curling in Stanley (2019). They also produced the 2012 documentary, The Night She Came Home!! for charity, which featured her sister, Jamie Lee Curtis. The latter made a rare appearance at the Horror Hound Convention to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Returning to Kelly and John's relationship, the exact dates of their wedding and divorce are not publicly known. According to reports, after splitting from him, she tied the knot with Scott Morfee and remained with him until his death.

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What are your thoughts on Kelly Curtis' family life, including her famous parents, siblings, and multiple marriages? Let us know.

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Photos courtesy: Jamie Lee Curtis/ Instagram, Quiencom/Instagram, X, IMDb, 1954 Universal Pictures Company, Paramount Pictures
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