Catherine Hickland’s Personal Life Journey
Catherine Hickland has been a familiar face on television screens for nearly three decades. Most fans remember her best as Lindsay Rappaport on the long-running soap opera “One Life to Live.” But behind the cameras, this talented actress from Fort Lauderdale has experienced quite the romantic journey.
Now 69, Catherine has walked down the aisle four times. Her current marriage to producer Todd Fisher, which began in December 2012, seems to be her happiest yet. What makes this union special isn’t just the love they share – it’s also the incredible family connections that came with it.
Todd Fisher happens to be Hollywood royalty. His parents were entertainment legends Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. His sister was none other than Princess Leia herself, Carrie Fisher. When Catherine married Todd, she didn’t just gain a husband – she became part of one of Tinseltown’s most beloved families.
Early Marriage Lessons
Catherine’s first trip to the altar happened when she was just 25. She married Richard Ernest Knowlton in October 1981, right there in Fort Lauderdale where she grew up. Unfortunately, this marriage lasted less than six months, ending in March 1982.
Back then, Catherine was still figuring out her career path. She’d recently left her job as a flight attendant with National Airlines to chase her acting dreams. Juggling a new marriage with the uncertainty of breaking into Hollywood proved challenging.
Though this first marriage was brief, it taught Catherine important lessons about what she needed in a partner. She realized that finding someone who understood the entertainment business would be crucial for any future relationship to work.
Hollywood Power Couple Days with David Hasselhoff
Catherine’s second marriage put her squarely in the Hollywood spotlight. In March 1984, she said “I do” to David Hasselhoff, who was at the peak of his “Knight Rider” fame. Talk about perfect timing – Catherine had actually appeared on the show as Stevie Mason, playing the love interest to David’s character Michael Knight.
For five years, they were one of television’s hottest couples. Catherine’s own soap opera career was taking off during this time, which meant both spouses understood the demands of the industry. Still, being constantly in the public eye brought its own set of challenges.
The marriage ended in March 1989, but both handled the divorce professionally. Catherine learned valuable lessons about maintaining her own identity while being part of a high-profile couple. She also discovered that career compatibility alone wasn’t enough – emotional support mattered just as much.
Finding Stability with Michael E. Knight
After taking three years to focus on herself and her career, Catherine found love again. This time it was with Michael E. Knight, a fellow soap star known for his work on “All My Children.” They married in June 1992, and this relationship would last 14 years.
Living in Manhattan, the couple created a stable home base that worked for both their careers. Michael truly understood the soap opera world, which gave Catherine the support she needed to take on bigger challenges in her acting career.
During these years, Catherine delivered some of her most memorable performances, particularly as Lindsay Rappaport. Having a partner who “got it” made all the difference in her ability to fully commit to her craft.
Even though this marriage eventually ended in 2006, it was an amicable split. Both Catherine and Michael had grown as individuals, and they parted ways with mutual respect and gratitude for their shared journey.
A Meaningful Connection with Ray Liotta
Between 2007 and 2011, Catherine found herself in a relationship with acclaimed actor Ray Liotta. While they never married, this four-year connection was significant for Catherine’s personal growth.
Ray brought a different perspective to Catherine’s life. Known for intense dramatic roles in films like “Goodfellas,” he helped Catherine explore parts of herself outside the soap opera bubble. During this time, she was also developing her new career as a professional hypnotist.
This relationship helped Catherine understand what she truly wanted in a life partner. The experience with Ray prepared her emotionally for the deep, lasting love that was waiting just around the corner.
True Love with Todd Fisher
Everything changed when Catherine met Todd Fisher. Their December 2012 wedding was nothing short of magical – a winter wonderland celebration held in Carrie Fisher’s Beverly Hills backyard.
The ceremony itself was a beautiful blend of romance and family tradition. Debbie Reynolds, Todd’s mother, helped plan every detail. In a touching moment, Todd gave Catherine the same wedding ring that his father Eddie had given Debbie back in 1955.
Carrie Fisher served as best man, while Catherine’s brother Robert walked her down the aisle. Catherine later described the ceremony as the perfect mix of “light-hearted, romantic, touching and funny.” Most guests were moved to tears by the genuine emotion of the moment.
The couple even honored family tradition by spending their wedding night in the same bungalow where Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds had honeymooned decades earlier. It was a beautiful way to connect their new love story with the rich history of the Fisher family.
Life Together Today
Twelve years later, Catherine and Todd have built something truly special. They split their time between Las Vegas, where Catherine performs her hypnosis shows, and their California ranch, where life moves at a gentler pace.
Their ranch is like something out of a storybook, complete with 24 chickens, 3 horses, a miniature donkey, 2 geese, 13 ducks, and even a pet turkey. Catherine loves to joke that she can hypnotize the animals too – a skill that perfectly captures the playful spirit of their relationship.
Todd has been Catherine’s biggest supporter as she’s built her post-acting career. Her Cat Cosmetics business is thriving, and she’s become one of the most successful female hypnotists in the country, performing over 150 shows each year. She’s also written several books, including “The 30 Day Heartbreak Cure,” drawing from her own experiences with love and heartbreak.
The couple faced their biggest test in 2016 when both Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher passed away within days of each other. Catherine stood by Todd through this devastating loss, and the experience only made their bond stronger.
Today, Catherine Hickland’s story is one of perseverance and growth. Her marriage to Todd Fisher represents more than just finding love – it’s the culmination of a lifetime of learning what really matters in a partnership. After three previous marriages and several relationships, Catherine finally found her perfect match in Todd, proving that sometimes the best things really are worth waiting for.
