Marlon Brando, a legendary American actor, filmmaker, and activist, was not only known for his remarkable talent but also for his tumultuous personal life and numerous relationships. Among the women who played a significant role in his life was Christina Maria Ruiz. A Guatemalan native, Ruiz worked as a housekeeper and maid for Brando, eventually becoming his lover and the mother of his three children. In this article, we delve into the life of Christina Maria Ruiz, exploring her background, her relationship with Brando, and the aftermath of their separation.
A Mysterious Background
Christina Maria Ruiz was born in either 1958 or 1959 in Guatemala. Little is known about her life before she came to the United States in pursuit of the “American Dream.” Her background remains shrouded in mystery, with only her time working for Marlon Brando shedding some light on her past.
Working for Marlon Brando
In the 1980s, Brando hired Ruiz as his maid and housekeeper at his Beverly Hills home. Despite Brando’s fame and notoriety, he was a reclusive man who preferred spending most of his time at home or on his French Polynesian atoll of Tetiaroa. It was during this period that Ruiz and Brando developed a romantic relationship, which began in 1988.
A Unique Love Story
Despite the significant age difference, with Brando being in his early 60s and Ruiz in her late 20s when they started dating, their love story defied societal norms. Brando, still active as an actor at the time, cherished his time spent with Ruiz. Their relationship lasted for nearly 14 years and resulted in the birth of three children.
Their oldest child, Ninna Priscilla Brando, was born on May 13, 1989. Two years later, on January 16, 1992, Ruiz gave birth to their son, Myles Jonathan Brando. Their second son, Timothy Gahan Brando, was born on January 6, 1994. The birth of their children solidified their bond and created a unique family dynamic.
The Unraveling of a Relationship
Sadly, Brando and Ruiz’s relationship ended abruptly in 2001. Brando decided to cut off financial support for Ruiz, leading her to file a palimony lawsuit against him in April 2002. In the lawsuit, she claimed that Brando had promised her half of his estate if they ever separated. The legal battle was not only about financial support but also highlighted the emotional investment Ruiz had made in their relationship.
Brando, on the other hand, denied the claims made by Ruiz and her lawyer, stating that their relationship was purely sexual. He countered her claims by mentioning that he had already provided her with a $400,000 home and a Mercedes car. The separation and subsequent lawsuit added to the challenges Brando was facing in his personal life, including health issues and the tragic loss of his daughter Cheyenne.
A Legal Resolution
The legal battle between Ruiz and Brando was settled in April 2003. The details of the settlement were kept private, with both parties agreeing to maintain confidentiality. Ruiz, who was present at the hearing, chose not to comment and remained out of the public eye. The resolution of the lawsuit marked the end of their legal dispute and allowed both Ruiz and Brando to move on with their lives.
Life After Marlon Brando
Since the settlement, Christina Maria Ruiz has led a private life, avoiding the spotlight. It is unknown whether she had any significant relationships before meeting Brando or after his death. Additionally, there is no information available regarding any other children she may have had. While her children, Ninna, Myles, and Timothy, are active on social media, Ruiz herself has chosen to stay out of the public eye.
Conclusion
Christina Maria Ruiz played a significant role in Marlon Brando’s life as his housekeeper, lover, and the mother of his three children. Despite the challenges they faced and the legal battle that ensued, their relationship left an indelible mark on both their lives.
Today, Ruiz maintains her privacy, keeping her personal life out of the public eye. As the woman behind the scenes of Marlon Brando’s legacy, Christina Maria Ruiz remains an intriguing figure in Hollywood history.