The history of Hollywood is filled with unforgettable stars, but sometimes the most dramatic stories happen far away from movie sets. One of the most talked-about family conflicts in entertainment history involved legendary actress Bette Davis and her daughter, Barbara Davis Hyman, better known as B.D. Hyman. At the center of that family feud was Jeremy Hyman, a British-born businessman who became Bette Davis’s son-in-law and remained a controversial figure for decades.
Although Jeremy Hyman never achieved celebrity status himself, his marriage to B.D. Hyman and his role in one of Hollywood’s most public family disputes ensured that his name would remain linked to the Davis legacy. His life story includes business ventures, financial struggles, a dramatic religious conversion, and a family conflict that permanently altered his relationship with one of cinema’s greatest icons.
Quick Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeremy Hyman |
| Birth Year | 1933 |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Death | November 2017 |
| Known For | Son-in-law of Bette Davis |
| Spouse | B.D. Hyman (Barbara Davis Sherry) |
| Marriage Year | 1964 |
| Children | J. Ashley Hyman and Justin Hyman |
| Early Career | Film Industry Executive |
| Later Career | Ministry Administrator, Author, Illustrator |
| Notable Book | Narrow Is the Way (1987, co-authored) |
Early Life in England
Jeremy Hyman was born in London, England, in 1933. He grew up in a religious household where faith played a central role in daily life. According to accounts from those who knew his background, church attendance and strict moral expectations were common parts of his childhood.
As a young man, however, Hyman reportedly moved away from many of the beliefs that shaped his upbringing. Like many people raised in highly structured religious environments, he sought independence and explored a more secular lifestyle during adulthood.
His British upbringing helped shape the polished, confident personality that later allowed him to move comfortably within business and entertainment circles.
Building a Career in the Film Industry
Before becoming connected to one of Hollywood’s most famous families, Jeremy Hyman worked in the entertainment business. He became associated with Seven Arts Productions, a company led by his uncle, Eliot Hyman.
His family connection opened doors within the film industry and provided opportunities that many aspiring executives spend years trying to obtain. Through this role, Hyman gained experience in film production, business management, and international entertainment events.
The position also brought him into contact with influential actors, producers, and filmmakers. It was through these professional connections that he eventually met the woman who would become his wife.
Meeting B.D. Hyman
The turning point in Jeremy Hyman’s life came during the 1963 Cannes Film Festival in France.
At the time, Bette Davis was enjoying renewed success thanks to her acclaimed performance in the horror-thriller What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Her daughter, Barbara “B.D.” Hyman, was also present.
Reports from that period suggest that Jeremy and B.D. met through industry connections and quickly developed a romantic relationship. Their courtship progressed rapidly, attracting attention because of the significant age difference between them.
What began as a brief acquaintance soon evolved into a serious relationship that would dramatically impact both families.
A Marriage That Sparked Controversy
In January 1964, Jeremy Hyman and B.D. Hyman were married.
The marriage immediately generated public discussion because B.D. was only sixteen years old, while Jeremy was twenty-nine. The thirteen-year age gap raised concerns among family members and attracted media attention.
Bette Davis reportedly had strong reservations about the relationship. While she ultimately gave legal consent for the marriage, various biographies and interviews suggest she remained deeply uncomfortable with the situation.
Despite the controversy, the newly married couple remained committed to one another and began building a life together away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Life Away from Bette Davis
After their wedding, Jeremy and B.D. moved to England, creating physical distance from Bette Davis and the Hollywood environment.
The couple eventually welcomed two sons, J. Ashley Hyman and Justin Hyman. During these years, they attempted to establish a family identity separate from the fame and influence of B.D.’s mother.
Over time, the family relocated several times, living in different locations including Pennsylvania and the Bahamas. These moves reflected both personal and financial circumstances as Jeremy sought business opportunities and a stable future for his family.
Although B.D. remained the daughter of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, she and Jeremy increasingly pursued their own path.
Financial Challenges and Business Difficulties
Unlike his famous mother-in-law, Jeremy Hyman never enjoyed long-term financial stability.
Several business ventures reportedly failed to produce lasting success, and over the years, stories circulated about financial difficulties faced by the family. Some biographers have suggested that Bette Davis occasionally provided financial assistance during particularly challenging periods.
While details remain disputed, there is little doubt that money became a recurring source of stress. Financial pressure can strain even strong family relationships, and in this case, it may have contributed to the growing tension between Jeremy, B.D., and Bette Davis.
The economic challenges they experienced became an important backdrop to later events that would permanently damage family ties.
A Life-Changing Religious Conversion
One of the most significant chapters in Jeremy Hyman’s life occurred during the 1980s.
After years focused primarily on business pursuits, both Jeremy and B.D. experienced a renewed interest in Christianity. Their spiritual journey reportedly began after meeting religious figures who influenced their thinking and encouraged them to embrace evangelical faith.
For Jeremy, the transformation was particularly notable because he had previously distanced himself from the strict religious environment of his childhood.
The couple eventually became deeply involved in ministry work and dedicated much of their lives to religious outreach and teaching.
Creating a Ministry Together
Following their conversion, Jeremy and B.D. founded a Christian ministry based in Virginia.
B.D. became the public face of the organization, speaking about faith, family, and spiritual growth. Jeremy largely worked behind the scenes, handling administrative responsibilities and helping manage the ministry’s operations.
Together they also collaborated on religious publications. One of their notable projects was the book Narrow Is the Way, published in 1987, which reflected their shared religious beliefs and experiences.
Supporters viewed their ministry as a sincere expression of faith. Critics, however, questioned some of their motivations and remained skeptical because of the ongoing family controversy involving Bette Davis.
The Book That Changed Everything
The event most closely associated with Jeremy Hyman’s legacy is the publication of My Mother’s Keeper in 1985.
Written by B.D. Hyman, the memoir presented a highly critical portrayal of Bette Davis. The book described painful family experiences and painted a picture of Davis as a difficult and troubled parent.
The memoir immediately generated enormous media attention. Readers were fascinated by the idea of a Hollywood legend being criticized by her own daughter.
Bette Davis strongly rejected the book’s claims and believed that Jeremy Hyman played a major role in encouraging its publication. Whether or not he directly influenced the project remains a matter of debate among historians and biographers.
What is clear is that the memoir permanently damaged family relationships.
The Family Rift Deepens
Following the book’s release, communication between Bette Davis and her daughter essentially collapsed.
The disagreement extended beyond private family conversations and became a public battle covered extensively by newspapers, magazines, and television programs.
Many people close to Davis defended her and criticized the memoir. Others sympathized with B.D.’s perspective and believed she had the right to tell her story.
Regardless of where public opinion fell, the emotional consequences were severe. The once-famous mother-daughter relationship became one of Hollywood’s most tragic family estrangements.
Jeremy Hyman’s association with the controversy ensured that his name would remain connected to the conflict for the rest of his life.
Disinheritance and Lasting Consequences
When Bette Davis passed away in 1989, the effects of the family dispute became even more apparent.
B.D. Hyman, Jeremy Hyman, and their children were excluded from Davis’s estate. Instead, portions of the actress’s wealth were directed toward other beneficiaries, including family members and trusted associates.
Many observers viewed the decision as Davis’s final statement regarding the fractured relationship.
The disinheritance became one of the most widely discussed aspects of the family’s story and further cemented the long-lasting consequences of their estrangement.
Later Years and Death
After years of public attention, Jeremy Hyman gradually retreated from the spotlight.
He continued supporting his wife’s ministry work and largely avoided media appearances. Unlike earlier periods of his life, his later years were marked by relative privacy.
Despite decades of controversy, his marriage to B.D. endured. The couple remained together for more than five decades, a remarkable achievement considering the scrutiny they faced throughout their relationship.
Jeremy Hyman died in November 2017 at the age of eighty-four.
Legacy and Public Perception
Jeremy Hyman remains a complex and divisive figure in celebrity history.
To supporters, he was a devoted husband, father, and ministry administrator who helped his family build a life beyond Hollywood fame. To critics, he was a major influence behind one of the entertainment industry’s most painful family conflicts.
His story is often viewed through the lens of his relationship with Bette Davis, yet his life contained many other dimensions: business ambitions, financial setbacks, religious transformation, and decades of dedication to his family.
More than anything, Jeremy Hyman’s legacy serves as a reminder that family conflicts can have lasting consequences, even among the world’s most famous people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Jeremy Hyman?
Jeremy Hyman was a British-born businessman, film executive, ministry administrator, and the husband of B.D. Hyman, the daughter of legendary actress Bette Davis.
How did Jeremy Hyman meet B.D. Hyman?
The two reportedly met during the 1963 Cannes Film Festival through connections within the entertainment industry and quickly began a serious relationship.
What was the age difference between Jeremy and B.D. Hyman?
Jeremy Hyman was approximately thirteen years older than B.D. Hyman. Their age gap became a major source of controversy when they married.
Why did Bette Davis and Jeremy Hyman have a conflict?
The primary source of conflict was the publication of B.D. Hyman’s 1985 memoir My Mother’s Keeper. Bette Davis believed the book unfairly portrayed her and blamed Jeremy for encouraging its release.
Did Jeremy Hyman have children?
Yes. Jeremy Hyman and B.D. Hyman had two sons, J. Ashley Hyman and Justin Hyman.
What did Jeremy Hyman do later in life?
Later in life, Jeremy worked alongside his wife in Christian ministry, helping manage religious outreach programs and publishing faith-based materials.
When did Jeremy Hyman die?
Jeremy Hyman passed away in November 2017 after spending his later years largely out of the public eye.
