The Heartbreaking Tragedy of Genie Francis

More than 30 million people watched Laura walk down the aisle in the “wedding of the century,” believing they were witnessing one of the greatest love stories in American television. But at the time, Genie Francis was only 19 — and her real life was nothing like the story portrayed on screen. Laura was adored across America, but Genie Francis struggled with depression, intense pressure over her appearance, and personal pain that followed her for years. She was even replaced and pushed away from the role that had made her a television icon. Behind the love story of Luke and Laura was also a deeply controversial reality: their relationship began with a rape, but television later reshaped it into the romance that millions of viewers came to love. At 64, Genie Francis is no longer avoiding her past. This is the story of the real woman behind Laura — and everything she endured after becoming one of the most memorable icons in American television.