George Hamilton: Surgery Erased My Entire Memory
George Hamilton’s Remarkable Journey: Losing His Memory and Finding What Truly Matters
The Surprising Health Scare That Changed Everything
Imagine waking up after surgery and not knowing who you are. That’s exactly what happened to famous Hollywood actor George Hamilton about four or five years ago.
Important Point
George Hamilton, now 87 years old, revealed that after an undisclosed operation, he completely lost his memory. Doctors said it would only last a few days, but it actually took years for his memories to return.
How He Rebuilt His Identity
Since he couldn’t remember his own life, Hamilton had to get creative to figure out who he was:
- Read his own biography – He used his 2008 memoir "Don’t Mind If I Do: My Adventures in Hollywood" as a reference guide to his own life
- Questioned his past self – As he read, he asked himself: "Do I like this person?"
- Struggled with recognition – He wasn’t sure if he had actually done the things written about him
- Found comfort in childhood memories – The memories that returned most vividly were from his early years, especially memories of:
- Manners and kindness
- People who stuck together
- Resiliency (the ability to bounce back from hard times)
A Brother’s Wisdom That Stuck With Him
Hamilton shared a powerful story about his brother, William "Bill" Potter Hamilton (an interior designer):
- His brother had surrounded himself with objects and material things
- When George asked what he would do differently, his brother simply said: "I would love more."
This simple answer profoundly shaped Hamilton’s outlook on what really matters in life.
What He Values Most Now
After going through this experience, Hamilton has a clear perspective on life’s true treasures:
"Other things have come and gone, but kindness and good manners and optimism and belief in something more important than our egos is something people probably don’t think I think about, but it’s most important to me at this age."
He emphasizes: "You realize those are the things that are the valuable things in life once you have lived it. You don’t want to learn it too late."
New Love and Shared Values
Hamilton has been dating Katherine Bryan for a year and a half, and they share these important values:
About Katherine Bryan:
- Psychologist and writer
- Author of "Great Inspiration: My Adventures in Decorating with Notable Interior Designers"
- Previously married to Shelby Bryan
- Mother of George Gurley (esteemed author and writer)
What Hamilton Loves About Their Relationship:
- They bring fun into each other’s lives
- There’s a "shorthand" – they understand each other easily
- She’s a great hostess and "incredibly nice human being"
- Extraordinary consideration for other people
- Her friends and family adore her and have welcomed Hamilton into their circle
- Her world is "so much fun" – and in relationships, you need your partner’s world to accept you too
Still Going Strong in Entertainment
At 87, Hamilton isn’t slowing down! He has exciting projects in the works:
Current Projects:
-
One-man show – Collaborating with Katherine’s son, George Gurley
- About Hamilton’s life (including his famous role in "Love at First Bite")
- Hoping to perform in Palm Beach this winter
- Memoir sequel – Working on a follow-up to his 2008 autobiography
A Glimpse at His Storied Past
Hamilton’s life reads like a Hollywood movie itself:
- Previous marriage to Alana Stewart
- One child with Kimberly Blackford
- High-profile romances with:
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Vanessa Redgrave
- Lynda Bird Johnson (daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson)
- Previous relationship with philanthropist Kelly Day
Summary
George Hamilton’s story teaches us several powerful lessons:
- Memory and identity are fragile – A medical procedure can wipe away a lifetime of memories
- We can rebuild ourselves – Even without memories, we can learn who we were and choose who we want to be
- Material things don’t last – His brother’s regret about prioritizing objects over love is a wake-up call
- Kindness, manners, and optimism are the true valuables in life
- It’s never too late – At 87, Hamilton is still creating, loving, and performing
- Shared values matter in relationships – His connection with Katherine Bryan is built on mutual respect, fun, and kindness
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did George Hamilton’s memory loss last?
Doctors initially said it would last a few days, but Hamilton told Page Six it actually took years for his memories to fully return.
How did he remember his life without his memory?
He read his own 2008 memoir "Don’t Mind If I Do: My Adventures in Hollywood" multiple times to learn about his past and figure out who he was.
Who is George Hamilton dating now?
He’s been dating Katherine Bryan for a year and a half. She’s a psychologist, writer, and author of a book on interior design.
What projects is he working on at 87?
He’s creating a one-man show about his life with his girlfriend’s son, George Gurley (hoping to perform in Palm Beach this winter), and they’re also working on a sequel to his memoir.
What does he consider most important in life now?
After his experience, Hamilton values kindness, good manners, optimism, and believing in something bigger than our egos above all else. He says these are the "valuable things in life once you have lived it."