Judy Helkenberg is an American photographer and actress who is also known as the first wife of American actor Gary Busey. They were married for more than two decades until 1990.

Mrs. Helkenberg has portrayed in the movies American Pie Presents: Band Camp and, History’s Mysteries.

She was born on January 2, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, USA. Her birth name is Judy L. Helkenberg. She is 78 years old as of 2022. Her parents are Delmar Lloyd Busey and Sadie Virginia Arnett.

Her former husband Gary was recently accused of criminal sexual contact at the Monster Mania Convention. As the sex offense accusations are under investigation, people have been looking at his relationship with his former wife.

When did Gary Busey marry Judy Helkenberg? Does the couple share any children? Why did they divorce?

Judy Helkenberg, the First wife of Gary Busey

Judy is the first wife of actor Gary Busey. They both were 24 years old when they married on December 30, 1968. However, it’s still unclear how the couple met.

Judy Helkenberg and her ex-husband Gary Busey

Coming from the same industry, Judy and Gary might have met on the set of a movie. They settled in Los Angeles after the marriage.

The pair welcomed their first and only child William Jacob “Jake” Busey in 1971. After being married for more than 21 years, they divorced in June 1990. Their son Jake was 19 years old at the time of their split.

Judy Helkenberg and Gary Busey’s Children

The ex-couple are the parents of their only son William Jacob Busey Jr. who is popular as Jake Busey. He is an American actor popular for starring in the movies The Frighteners, Starship Troopers, Tomcats, Aiden, From Dusk till Dawn: The Series, and the Predator franchise.

Judy Helkenberg and Gary Busey with their son Jake

He was born on June 15, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, U.S but grew up in Malibu, California.

Jake grew up watching his father’s acting and music concerts and pursued his career in acting and music as he is a drummer as well.

Jake is currently dating April Hutchinson and has a daughter named Autumn with his partner.

Trending: Kate Connelly- Tragedy of chef Bobby Flay’s Ex-Wife

Has Judy married again?

Judy Helkenberg was 46 years old during her divorce from her ex-husband Gary. She never had any interest in starting another relationship, instead, she thought of living a single life.

The 78-year-old photographer and actress has always remained single since her divorce from Gary.

She never had any other affair other than her marriage with Busey.

Gary Busey’s Other Relationships and Marriage

Her ex-husband Gary dated stunt coordinator Tracy Hutchinson after the divorce. They have a daughter named Alectra, born in 1994 and separated after some time.

In 1996, Gary tied the knot with his fellow actress Tiani Warden with whom he had starred in three movies, Gary – The Chain, The Rage, and Plato’s Run.

They split after 5 years of the marital relationship.

Gary is currently engaged to Steffanie Sampson, who is an actress. The pair has a son named Luke Sampson Busey born in 2010.

Gary Busey with his fiance Steffanie Sampson and their son Luke

Gary Busey Bio

Her former husband Gary is an American actor born William Gary Busey on June 29, 1944, in Goose Creek, Texas, U.S. His father Delmer Lloyd Busey was a construction design manager while his mother Sadie Virginia (née Arnett) was a homemaker.

He grew up in Tulsa and attended Bell Junior High School. He completed his high school at Nathan Hale High School.

Gary then attended Pittsburg State University on a football scholarship but later transferred to Oklahoma State University after suffering a knee injury.

He dropped out of college before graduation.

Head Injury

Gary had a severe motorcycle accident on December 4, 1988, which left him injured. He had his skull fractured as he was not wearing a helmet.

As a result, he suffered permanent brain damage.

In 2008, Gary visited a psychiatrist Charles Sophy during the filming of the second season of Celebrity Rehab. The doctor found out that Gary’s injury was tough and had weakened his mental “filters” and even caused him to speak and act impulsively.

Charles then recommended him to take valproic acid.

Moreover, he also had a cancerous, plum-sized tumor grown in his sinus cavity. He had surgery in 1997 which went successful.

Gary Busey’s Sex Offense Charges

The Oscar-nominated actor was charged with sex offense accusations and harassment during the annual Monster Mania Convention held at the Doubletree Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

The Cherry Hill Police Department reported that Gary has been charged with 2 counts of 4th Degree Criminal Sexual Contact, 1 count of 4th Degree Criminal Attempt/ Criminal Sexual Contact and 1 count of Harassment – Disorderly Persons Offense.

He was immediately removed from the guest list as soon as the complaint was received from the attendees.

You Might Like: Jodi Faeth- Tragedy of Mike Wolfe’s Ex-Wife (Divorce and Children)