Tosh Angelos: Who Was Maya Angelou’s Ex-Husband?
Maya Angelou, one of the most celebrated literary figures of the 20th century, had a fascinating, complex life filled with creative triumphs, personal challenges, and defining relationships. One such relationship was with Tosh Angelos, a figure often overshadowed by Angelou’s towering legacy. Their marriage in the early 1950s broke societal norms and faced resistance from their families and the public. But who was Tosh Angelos, and how did this man influence one of the most iconic writers in American history? In this article, we delve deep into his life, marriage to Maya Angelou, and their lasting impact.
Who Was Tosh Angelos?
Tosh Angelos was born into a Greek-American family and lived much of his life as an unassuming figure. Although his life was overshadowed by Maya Angelou’s success, he was a man of distinct experiences. Tosh served in the Navy and worked as a musician and electrician. He was a man of quiet intelligence, but his unconventional beliefs in atheism and liberal views stood in stark contrast to the cultural environment he lived in, particularly in relation to Maya Angelou’s religious background.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tosh Angelos (Birth Name: Thomas Angelos) |
| Date of Birth | 1920 |
| Nationality | Greek-American |
| Occupation | Sailor, Musician, Electrician |
| Religion | Atheist |
| Famous For | Husband of Maya Angelou (1951–1954) |
| Marriage | Married Maya Angelou (1951–1954), first of her 3 husbands |
| Death | 1970, at age 53 |
Tosh Angelos’ Early Life and Career
Tosh Angelos’ Greek heritage influenced much of his early life, growing up in a society where immigrant families had to fight for recognition. His early career as a sailor in the U.S. Navy gave him discipline and an exposure to diverse cultures, though it also led him into a life of post-service labor as an electrician and part-time musician. Angelos is often remembered as a thoughtful, gentle man, reserved but deeply principled.
Maya Angelou and Tosh Angelos’ Marriage
In 1951, Maya Angelou, then a young woman still exploring her talents as a performer, singer, and poet, met and married Tosh Angelos. Their union was not only an unusual match due to their racial differences but also because of their differing worldviews. Tosh, a white Greek-American atheist, and Maya, a Black woman with a strong Christian upbringing, faced numerous obstacles from family and society alike.
A Brief Union in the Face of Societal Challenges
Interracial marriages were far from common in the 1950s, especially in the United States. At the time, anti-miscegenation laws had been repealed in California, where the couple lived, but societal attitudes were slow to change. Angelou herself later spoke about the public resistance to their relationship. Even Maya’s mother, Vivian Baxter, disapproved of the match due to Tosh’s atheism and the racial tension the marriage attracted.
“I would not have lasted had I married someone more like me. Tosh was a man of great intellect, though we were from two different worlds.” — Maya Angelou reflecting on her marriage in later years.
Challenges of Interracial Marriage in the 1950s
Although California allowed interracial marriages, societal judgment lingered. Tosh Angelos and Maya faced criticism not only from white Americans but also from the Black community. Angelou’s family was particularly concerned with the idea of her marrying a white man, and racial discrimination cast a long shadow over their short-lived marriage.
At this time, interracial couples had to fight against the prevailing attitudes that saw such relationships as taboo. These obstacles contributed to the stress and eventual dissolution of their marriage.
Religion: A Cause of Conflict in Their Union
Another crucial issue that arose between the couple was their religious differences. Maya Angelou, a deeply spiritual person, struggled with Tosh Angelos’ atheism. Tosh, as an atheist, didn’t share the same faith-based worldview that shaped much of Angelou’s thinking. In the long run, these differences contributed to the strains in their relationship.
Maya Angelou’s Struggle with Spirituality
Angelou later admitted that Tosh’s atheism was one of the defining factors in their separation. Despite her love and admiration for his intelligence, their divergent beliefs made it difficult for them to fully align their values.
“I respected Tosh for his beliefs, but faith is who I am, and I couldn’t leave that behind.” — Maya Angelou in a 1974 interview about their marriage.
Life of Tosh Angelos After Divorce
After their divorce in 1954, Tosh Angelos lived a quieter life, largely away from the public eye. He continued to work in his trade as an electrician, though his health eventually declined. He died in 1970, at the age of 53, and was buried in the Willamette National Cemetery in Oregon, where many veterans, including Tosh, were laid to rest.
Tosh Angelos’ Later Career
Though little is recorded about his professional life post-divorce, it is known that Tosh remained active as an electrician, working diligently to support himself. His later years, however, were relatively uneventful compared to the time he spent with Maya.
How Tosh ngelos Influenced Maya Angelou
Despite their marriage’s brief nature, Tosh Angelos had a profound influence on Maya Angelou’s early career. Angelou adopted her famous surname during their time together, which became the name under which she achieved global recognition.
Tosh also encouraged Maya to pursue her passions and push against societal constraints. Their union may have been strained, but Tosh’s support in those early years helped Maya believe in herself as an artist.
“Tosh pushed me to be myself, despite the world telling me otherwise.” — Maya Angelou on Tosh’s encouragement during her early years.
Maya Angelou’s Career After Her Divorce
Maya Angelou’s career skyrocketed after her divorce from Tosh. She became involved in the Civil Rights Movement, working closely with leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Her literary breakthrough came with the publication of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, the first of many autobiographies that would cement her status as a voice for the oppressed.
Maya Angelou’s Personal Growth Post-Tosh Angelos
In the years following her marriage to Tosh, Maya’s career blossomed, and she became a poet, author, and activist of global renown. Her personal experiences, including her marriage to Tosh, provided her with rich material for reflection in her writing.
Legacy of Tosh Angelos in Maya Angelou’s Life
Though their marriage ended in divorce, Tosh Angelos played an important role in Maya Angelou’s journey of self-discovery. His intellectual influence, encouragement of her artistry, and their unique relationship helped shape her into the woman the world came to know and admire.
In many ways, Tosh Angelos’ legacy lives on in Maya’s work and in the decisions she made in her early career. Although he remains a lesser-known figure, his influence on her cannot be overlooked.
References:
- Tosh Angelos: Who Was Maya Angelou’s Ex-Husband? (https://www.historydefined.net/tosh-angelos-who-was-maya-angelous-ex-husband/)
- Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
- Willamette National Cemetery records on Tosh Angelos
