Trivia

Lived with Dick Van Dyke from 1976 until her death.

When actor Lee Marvin ended their 6-year live-in relationship, she sued him for financial support, even though they weren't legally married. The case was heavily covered by the press at the time, and, although such cases of "palimony" are now often brought by female companions of wealthy men, she did not in fact win the case, as is widely and wrongly believed.

She is not step-mother of Barry Van Dyke, Christian Van Dyke, Carrie Beth Van Dyke and Stacy Van Dyke. Because Michelle Triola was never legally married to actor Dick Van Dyke, she is not in any way legally and/or officially related to anyone in the Van Dyke family.

Underwent surgery for lung cancer in April 2008.

Legally changed her name to "Michelle Triola Marvin" in May 1970.

She is survived by her sister, Diane Triola Johnson, of Los Angeles, California.