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When producer Aaron Spelling cast her in Melrose Place to revive declining ratings, her impact was so powerful she earned the nickname “The Merch,” reflecting her ability to boost viewership and popularity. By the 1990s, she was one of television’s most recognizable faces and a six-time Golden Globe nominee, seemingly at the height of success.
However, life in the Hollywood spotlight brought complications alongside opportunity. Heather’s romantic relationships became constant tabloid material, linking her to high-profile figures such as Tom Cruise and Mark Harmon. Her most publicized relationships, however, were with rock musicians. In 1986, she married Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, a union that paired a polished television star with a rebellious rock icon. Though their chemistry was intense, the instability of the rock-and-roll lifestyle strained their marriage, leading to divorce in 1993.
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