Shortest Celebrity Marriages

The Internet lit up yesterday with news of Kim Kardashian's split from NBA player husband Kris Humphries. The reality star filed for divorce after a mere 72 days of matrimony, citing "irreconcilable differences." The couple's short courtship was followed by a four-hour televised wedding special, and they reportedly took in $25 million for the big day.

It's true that few celebrity marriages last forever, and many Hollywood stars go on to marry over and over again. Nonetheless, the failed marriage of Kim and Kris is is one of the shortest we can remember. She's in good company, though—here's a look at the shortest celebrity marriages.

Ethel Merman and Ernest Borgnine

Lest we think flash-in-the-pan weddings are a modern phenomenon, back in the day this pair split right after the honeymoon. According to Ernest, Ethel was upset that no one recognized her abroad. This union lasted 31 days.

Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman

The beauty and the basketball player said "I do" in Las Vegas, and filed for an annulment nine days later. Rodman blamed it on the alcohol, saying he was drunk at the time.

Jennifer Lopez and Cris Judd

This marriage ended after only nine months, when Judd learned (from the tabloids) that Lopez was dating Ben Affleck.

Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley

In retrospect 20 months seems less a failure than an achievement. "Irreconcilable differences," indeed.

Elizabeth Taylor and Conrad Hilton

One might assume this marriage, Taylor's first, was shortened to make room for the other seven, but she attributes its failure to her naivety. She was nineteen at the time, with no idea what she wanted. It was over in eight months.

Britney Spears and Jason Alexander

But of course the "winner" here is Britney and Jason's famous Las Vegas romp, when they exercised their right to redefine marriage in their own way (as somewhere between a long hug and helping someone move). Officially annulled in 55 hours.