Barry Comden, a figure whose name often surfaced in the orbit of Hollywood royalty, forged a distinctive path in the realms of business and hospitality. Though perhaps most widely recognized as the fourth husband of the iconic singer and actress Doris Day, his narrative encompasses far more than this prominent association.
An entrepreneur with an astute sense for opportunity, Comden left an undeniable imprint on the restaurant industry. His life was a tapestry woven with ambition, significant personal relationships, and an unwavering drive that shaped both his professional ventures and private world.
Early Life and Formative Years
Barry David Comden was born on March 30, 1935, in the vibrant heart of New York City. His early years were nurtured by his parents, David and Natalie Comden, who laid the groundwork for his future aspirations.
His childhood was marked by an early loss; his father, an accountant, passed away when Barry was only 12. His mother, Natalie, subsequently took on a significant role at Columbia Pictures, heading its title department, which inadvertently offered young Barry a window into the entertainment industry that would later intertwine with his own story.
Comden furthered his education at Tufts University in Massachusetts, earning a bachelor’s degree in the late 1950s. A lesser-known fact is his familial tie to the arts: he was a cousin to Betty Comden, the celebrated Tony Award-winning songwriter.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: A Career in the Restaurant Business
Barry Comden’s professional journey was deeply rooted in his fervent passion for the restaurant business. He quickly gained a reputation for his innovative strategies and active involvement in a diverse array of culinary projects.
During the 1960s, his entrepreneurial spirit shone through with ventures like “Invitation Dinners,” a distinctive dining club. This concept provided members with coupon books offering two-for-one meals at various partner restaurants, a novel idea for its time.
His growing expertise eventually led him to a significant position as the maître d’ and manager at the prestigious Old World Restaurant in Beverly Hills. This particular establishment would, serendipitously, become a crucial setting in his personal narrative.
Beyond his role at Old World, Comden also supervised the development of another notable dining spot, Tony Roma’s, in Palm Springs during the 1970s. His unwavering dedication and foresight firmly established him as a respected and influential figure within the competitive hospitality sector.
The Doris Day Connection: A High-Profile Marriage
A pivotal moment in Barry Comden’s life arrived with his introduction to the legendary Doris Day. Their paths converged at the Old World Restaurant, a place Day frequented and held dear.
Their bond, as legend has it, was initially cemented by a mutual devotion to dogs. Comden, ever attentive, would often ensure Day’s preferred wine was perfectly chilled and thoughtfully provided generous leftovers for her cherished canine companions—a gesture that deeply resonated with the ardent animal advocate.
Their marriage in April 1976 quickly became a high-profile affair, drawing considerable public interest. The age difference, with Comden being 12 years Day’s junior, frequently became a point of public discussion.
Their relationship, while undoubtedly passionate, was characterized by unique dynamics, often orbiting around Day’s profound and unwavering commitment to animal welfare.
The Pet Food Venture and Its Unraveling
Drawing inspiration from Day’s fervent passion for animals, Comden envisioned a pet food line that would carry her renowned name. Day embraced this concept with enthusiasm, hopeful that the proceeds would substantially benefit her burgeoning nonprofit animal foundation.
Partners were enlisted, culminating in the establishment of the Doris Day Distributing Co. Yet, this seemingly promising endeavor soon found itself mired in considerable difficulties.
The enterprise rapidly collapsed, a victim of what Comden later characterized as a pyramid-type scheme—a deceptive structure of which neither he nor Day had initial knowledge. This unfortunate development ultimately precipitated a civil lawsuit.
In the legal proceedings, they asserted that the company had violated its contractual obligations to Day by marketing dog food that fell short of her exacting quality standards, a testament to her steadfast dedication to animal welfare.
The Dissolution of a Marriage
The mounting pressures from the pet food business, combined with an accumulation of personal differences, gradually placed an unbearable strain on their marriage. The couple opted for separation in late 1978, with their divorce becoming final in 1981.
Comden, in a moment of candid frustration, famously voiced his dismay over Day’s apparent preference for her many dogs over his companionship. He once recounted a memorable incident where he was displaced from their bed to accommodate Tiger, a poodle—an anecdote that vividly illustrated the unique, and at times challenging, dynamics within their home.
Doris Day, offering her own perspective, simply attributed their split to being “just incompatible.” Despite the very public nature of their parting, it was widely reported by close friends that Comden never quite reconciled with the dissolution of his marriage to Day, carrying a persistent sadness about its end.
Later Life and Enduring Interests
In the wake of his divorce from Doris Day, Barry Comden made the personal choice not to remarry. His son affectionately characterized him as a “quintessential bachelor,” a man known for his charisma and zest for life.
During his later years, his principal passions were observed to be “women and golf,” painting a picture of a man who lived resolutely on his own terms. He consistently pursued diverse business endeavors, a testament to the enduring entrepreneurial spirit that defined his entire life.
Passing and Legacy
Barry Comden’s life concluded peacefully on May 25, 2009, at his residence in Los Angeles, at the age of 74.
His passing was attributed to heart failure. This marked the end of a life that, despite often being viewed through the lens of his association with a Hollywood icon, was profoundly rich with individual ambition and a multitude of professional undertakings.
Comden’s legacy is, in essence, two-fold: he was a noteworthy personality in the restaurant industry, enriching its fabric with his inventive concepts and managerial acumen. Concurrently, his enduring, albeit intricate, connection to Doris Day remains an undeniable and significant chapter in the personal histories of both individuals.