Spring 2024

38 116 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 4 son he evokes a sense of calm. “To me, my dad is the embodiment of home, so there’s a feeling of peace and safety that influ- ences those around him,” she says.“His freedom to absolutely be himself and be present might contribute to the reach and connection with so many people over the course of his career.” As for Clint’s love of Carmel, Francesca says it’s very complex and deep. “It’s an interdependent relationship,” she says. “He loves Carmel and I believe Carmel truly loves him back. “For me, Carmel is this beautiful, angelic, kind of sacred place that I got to spend a good amount of time growing up in,” she says. “I feel very lucky that I got to spend time somewhere that’s so beautiful and unique.” Laurie Murray Laurie Murray was a fifth-grade science teacher when she was younger, and now divides her time between Lakewood, Washington, and La Quinta, California. Laurie first met her biological father, Clint Eastwood, when she was in her 30s; neither of them knew about the other up until that point. “I was adopted as a baby, and dad didn’t know about me, and I didn’t know about him,” she says.“When I met my dad, it was love at first sight. He is a wonderful man, and we have unconditional parent/child love for each other. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed becoming part of a much larger family.” Murray recalls being shown a newspaper clip- ping from the 1950s showing her father in his very early 20s at a lifeguard training class on Lake Washington. Even before he was an actor, his star quality was captivating. “There was a whole group of people together, and he’s the one in that photo that stands out,” she says. “People say, ‘Oh my gosh, look at him.’” Growing up far removed from Hollywood, Murray explains her experience with her father has had very little to do with the movie business. “When I first met him, it was more like, ‘Oh wow, this is my dad,’ and I never thought about his fame. We’ve had a long time together and it’s been very fun. I’ve enjoyed my life with the Eastwood family. They are all really fun and lovely, interesting people.” “People just melt when they see him. It’s really fun to watch.” —Laurie Murray (Clockwise) Clint Eastwood with girlfriend Christina Sandera; daughters Francesca and Morgan; with two Oscars at the 77th Academy Awards; with son Kyle; daughter Alison and son Scott; with Francesca and Morgan as children; Francesca, Dina Ruiz, Clint, daughter Kathryn, Alison, Frances Fisher and Scott; with daughter Laurie Murray and Clint’s mother Ruth Wood. Photos: (Clockwise) Kelli Uldall, Everett Collection Inc/Alamy, dpa picture alliance archive/Alamy Stock Photo, Kelli Uldall, Tinseltown/Shutterstock, Allstar Picture Library/Alamy Stock Photo, The Hollywood Archive/Alamy, Kevin Mazur/Getty Images