When did Christopher Rich divorce Nancy Frangione? What we know as Reba actor opens up about post-stroke health battle

Christopher Rich is an American actor widely known for his role as Brock Hart in the hit sitcom Reba. As Rich discusses his recovery from strokes, so much interest has been drawn to his personal life, including his previous marriage to actress Nancy Frangione and his recent health challenges.

The couple married in 1982, having met on the set of the soap opera Another World, where Christopher Rich played Alexander Sandy Cory, and Frangione played Cecile DePoulignac. The two mutually connected through their work in daytime television and were married for 14 years before divorcing in 1996.

According to Cape Cod Times, though the reasons for their split are unknown, the couple share one daughter, Mariel Rich, who has kept a relatively private life.

Rich eventually remarried after their divorce. He married Eva Halina Rich, a former gymnast and finalist for Miss Poland in 2003. The couple are the parents of twin daughters, Daisy Grace Wilson and Lilly Hanna Wilson.

Christopher Rich has dealt with serious health problems in the recent past. The actor suffered a serious stroke in 2018 that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, which impaired his ability to walk, talk and use the left side of his body.

Rich has since opened up about his challenges and the tough path of recovery. In an interview with Us Weekly, Rich revealed that he experienced what he called a "hard reset" following his stroke.

He subsequently suffered further complications, including blood clots that resulted in pulmonary embolisms and debris in his heart. The actor said he is hopeful about his recovery and returning to the entertainment industry.

"I’m hoping that when some of this gets out there, that people that I’ve worked with in the past are going to say, "OK, let’s bring him back. We can work with him."'

Christopher Rich’s reunion with Reba co-stars and relationship with wife after a stroke

Recently, Christopher Rich caught up with his Reba co-stars, Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman, as a guest star on NBC’s Happy Place. He said it was heartwarming and like being on Reba again, where he felt at home with the cast and crew.

As per a February 19 publication by Daily Mail, Christopher Rich has also been open about how his stroke has changed his intimate relationships, especially with his wife, Eva.

He acknowledged that their marriage has evolved, as his wife has needed to adjust to living with a "different person." Although his relationship with her has ups and downs, he says their relationship has taught them a lot. He said:

"Treat your significant other nicely because you’re gonna be relying on them, and don’t forget to ask other people for help because you can use all the help you can get right now."

He has shared advice to people struggling due to medical reasons, encouraging them to look for help and stay hopeful.