Finding the Right Father
Michelle married radio executive Robert Burch in 1978. “I threw myself at him, as I tend to do,” Michelle admitted. They were together for two years before getting divorced. Then, as she yearned for another child, she met her next beau of six months – the handsome, easygoing actor Grainger Hines. As Michelle recalled, when she was “absolutely smashed on martinis,” she proposed a deal to Grainger.
Michelle Phillips and Grainer Hines. Photo by Alan Berliner / BEI / Shutterstock
The deal? If he agreed to father a baby for her, she would take full responsibility for it. “The minute you tell a guy that he doesn’t have to parent, he becomes the best parent,” Michelle stated. The couple had a son, Austin Hines. Their marriage ended, but Michelle didn’t give up on love…