Hughes marries Ella Rice, a Houston socialite. The marriage ends in divorce after four years, reportedly due to Hughes' infatuation with Hollywood and his demanding lifestyle.

Hughes engages in numerous high-profile relationships with famous actresses, including Katharine Hepburn, Ava Gardner, Ginger Rogers, Jean Harlow, Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland and many others. These relationships are often characterized by extravagance, short-term flings, and Hughes' reluctance to commit.

Hughes begins a relationship with Katharine Hepburn that lasts several years. They share a mutual interest in aviation and adventure, but ultimately their relationship ends due to conflicting ambitions and lifestyles.

Hughes marries actress Jean Peters in a private ceremony. This marriage is kept secret for several years. While seemingly more stable than his previous relationships, it is eventually strained by Hughes' increasing reclusiveness and mental health struggles. She remained married until 1971. Peters refused to talk about their life together.

Hughes and Jean Peters divorce after a long separation. The divorce is attributed to Hughes' increasingly erratic behavior and isolation.

In his later years, Hughes becomes increasingly isolated and dependent on his staff for care and companionship. He has limited contact with the outside world and his personal life is shrouded in secrecy.