In addition to being an actor, Gunilla Hutton was also a talented singer in her prime. She met the late jazz pianist and vocalist Nat King Cole through her singing. Gunilla eventually began accompanying Nat King Cole on his tours, and during one of them, she caught his attention. Nat King Cole fell in love with Gunilla Hutton after being smitten by her beauty.
Gunilla Hutton, too, eventually developed feelings for Nat King Cole, and the two began a passionate affair. Their relationship quickly became media fodder, but for all the wrong reasons. Nat King Cole was 25 years Gunilla Hutton‘s senior and married to singer Maria Cole at the time. Nat King Cole referred to her as his mistress. Nat King Cole‘s daughter, Natalie Cole, mentions their affair in her autobiography.
When Nat King Cole was diagnosed with lung cancer, Gunilla Hutton‘s relationship took a turn for the worse. After collapsing, he was taken to the hospital while performing at the ‘Sands Hotel and Casino’ in Las Vegas. Nat King Cole later sent Gunilla Hutton US$5,000.
She later called Maria Cole in an attempt to persuade her to divorce Nat King Cole. Nat King Cole was confronted by Maria Cole, who requested that he end his relationship with Gunilla Hutton instead. Nat King Cole, who reconciled with his wife in his final days, agreed to do what Maria Cole had requested. Gunilla Hutton didn’t even show up to Nat King Cole‘s funeral or memorial service.
After splitting up with Nat King Cole, Gunilla Hutton married ‘US Air Force’ pilot Allan Freeman. According to sources, the two married in 1970, five years after Nat King Cole died. The marriage, however, ended in 2014.
Gunilla Hutton and Allan Freeman have three children: a daughter, Amber Vanderbilt, and two sons, Amber Erik and Christian Freeman. Amber Vanderbilt is the wife of screenwriter James Vanderbilt.
Gunilla Hutton is still very much alive and breathing.
