Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, was no stranger to falling for his stunning co-stars, but there was one leading lady who left an unforgettable mark on his heart – Debra Paget. The smoldering chemistry between the two on the set of Love Me Tender sparked a lifelong obsession for Elvis, one that would eventually shape even his relationships, including his marriage to Priscilla Presley. While Paget would go on to marry into one of the world’s most powerful families, her connection to Elvis remains a fascinating and lesser-known chapter in the legend’s life.
#1. The Start of Something Tender
In 1956, Elvis made his film debut in Love Me Tender, a Western that showcased more than just his singing chops – it also introduced him to Debra Paget, the woman who would captivate his heart. At 22, Paget was already a rising star, appearing alongside icons like Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner in The Ten Commandments the same year. Even though there was no on-screen kiss in Love Me Tender, Elvis ensured that their promotional images oozed passion, capturing a lip-locked embrace that hinted at his real-life feelings. According to reports, Elvis “followed her around the set like a lovesick puppy.”
Paget recalled their connection fondly: “Elvis and I just sort of came together like a couple of children, really.” She even took him home to meet her family, where he charmed her parents with his Southern manners. The King’s infatuation with Paget was so intense that he would reportedly drive by her house late at night, jealously watching for other callers.
#2. A Proposal Rejected
Elvis’s feelings for Paget went beyond the set. According to Paget, “He did ask me to marry him, but my parents objected to my getting married.” While she cared deeply for Elvis, her loyalty to her parents led her to turn down his proposal. Little did Elvis know, Paget was already involved in a secret relationship with Howard Hughes, the eccentric billionaire, making her a woman caught between two of the most powerful men in entertainment.
#3. Paget’s Wild Side
While Paget may have been seen as a sweet and religious young woman, she also had a daring side, which would later be exposed in one of the most provocative movie moments of the 1950s. In Fritz Lang’s The Indian Tomb (1959), Paget performed a nearly naked snake dance that pushed boundaries for its time, cementing her status as both a beauty and a fearless performer. This bold move contrasted with the conservative public image she had cultivated in Hollywood.
#4. Elvis Never Forgot Her
Even after Paget moved on, Elvis couldn’t shake his feelings for the brunette beauty. Over the years, many of his leading ladies, including Joan Blackman, resembled Paget. It’s no coincidence that his wife, Priscilla Presley, shared a strikingly similar look – with dark, voluminous hair and a glamorous allure reminiscent of Paget. As Priscilla herself once noted, “Elvis had a type, and Debra was definitely it.”
#5. A Life of Power and Prestige
While Elvis’s romantic dreams of marrying Paget were dashed, her life took a dramatic turn when she wed Ling C Kung, an American-Chinese oil magnate, in 1962. This union introduced Paget to one of the most influential families in the world. Kung’s father was one of the wealthiest men in early 20th-century China, and his aunt, Madame Chiang Kai-Shek, was considered one of the most powerful women on the global stage.
Paget’s marriage marked the end of her film career, and she embraced her new role in high society. The couple had one son, Gregory Teh-chi Kung, but by 1980, the marriage had ended. Despite the breakup, Paget never returned to acting and instead devoted herself to faith, becoming a born-again Christian and working on religious projects, including her own Christian television show.
#6. The Legacy of Debra Paget
Debra Paget may have left Hollywood behind, but her legacy endures. To Elvis, she was more than just a co-star – she was the one that got away. As Paget once reflected on her famous admirer, “He was a precious, humble, lovely person. Elvis had a lot of talent; there was a lot of depth they never used. He could have been a fine actor.” Their brief but intense connection was one of the many untold stories in the life of the King, whose heart remained tethered to Paget even as his star continued to rise.
Though Paget’s career in film ended, her impact on one of Hollywood’s biggest legends and her glamorous life with the Kung family ensure that her story is far from forgotten. Even now, fans can’t help but wonder what might have been if Elvis’s love for Debra Paget had found its way to the altar.
