Who Is Clyde Jay Jennings? And Where is He Now?

Many know Martha Mitchell as the outspoken wife of President Nixon’s Attorney General who boldly spoke out about Watergate. But few are familiar with her devoted son Clyde Jay Jennings, who stood dutifully by his controversial mother’s side in her final years while maintaining a private life of his own. 

This in-depth article explores Clyde Jennings’ fascinating yet mysterious journey as the only child of Martha “Mouth of the South” Mitchell.

Summary of Clyde Jay Jennings’s Bio 

Clyde Jay Jennings entered the world in 1947 in Rye, New York to parents Martha Beall Mitchell and her first husband Clyde R. Jennings Jr. His father worked as a manufacturer’s representative for women’s sportswear companies, while his mother Martha held secretarial jobs before marrying John N. Mitchell in 1968, which ushered her into the political limelight.

Clyde was born into a broken home, as his parents divorced when he was 10 years old in 1957 after an 11 year marriage. Records show his mother quickly remarried John Mitchell within months of her divorce being finalized. 

So Clyde spent his early years as an only child raised by a busy working single mother before gaining a new  stepfather in John Mitchell and stepsister Marty.

How Old Is Clyde Jay Jennings?

Details about Clyde Jennings’ childhood and education have been kept private over the years. But we do know he was born in 1947, making him 76 years old currently. 

It seems he preferred to avoid the public eye back then, unlike his vocal mother. What is known is that Clyde grew up in New York, dividing his youth between parents Martha Mitchell and Clyde R. Jennings Sr. before his mother remarried. His biological father was an Army officer originally from Virginia.

By all accounts, Clyde led a fairly low-profile early life compared to the chaos that would surround his mother in the coming years as her political fame grew. His stepsister Marty has similarly avoided media attention over the decades.

Where is Clyde Jay Jennings Now?

Today, Clyde Jennings is believed to be around 76 years old, if he is still living. His current whereabouts and status are unknown since he has succeeded in keeping his personal life out of the public eye.

Some reports suggest Clyde may have married a woman named Janis Crawford in 1974 and started a family, which would mean he has grandchildren now. But this has not been verified. 

The only recent mention of Clyde Jennings came with the 2022 Gaslit series about his mother Martha Mitchell, which brought him briefly back into the pop culture conversation.

Otherwise, Clyde has remained something of a mystery man who found privacy after growing up in the spotlight thanks to his mother’s notoriety. His desire to lead a quiet life away from fame and controversy continues nearly 50 years after Martha Mitchell’s death.   

Clyde Jay Jennings’s Parents Were Married for 11 Years

Martha Mitchell’s marriage to Clyde Jay Jennings’s father lasted 11 years before divorce papers were filed in 1957. The relationship likely crumbled under the pressure of Martha’s growing ambitions in Washington D.C. politics.

Within mere months, Martha was remarried to her second husband John N. Mitchell, a successful New York lawyer who became President Nixon’s Attorney General. John adopted Clyde, raising him alongside his stepsister Marty.

This second marriage of Martha’s also collapsed in 1973 amid the Watergate scandal when she stood by her criticism of the Nixon administration while John aimed to defend it. Their messy, public split played out under the media microscope.

Through it all, both of Martha’s marriages impacted Clyde’s unusual childhood as part of a political family.

Clyde Jay Jennings’s Mother’s Activities Brought Him Fame

When the Watergate break-in occurred in 1972, Martha was one of the first to publicly accuse President Nixon of involvement in a cover-up. She bravely slammed Nixon repeatedly in interviews, creating strife in her marriage as John Mitchell initially defended the administration.

Martha put her reputation at risk by blowing the whistle early about Watergate when few others dared to speak out. Her son Clyde watched as his mother made headlines for her outspoken criticism and controversial views. 

By 1972, Martha’s antics had alienated the Nixon White House. Her vocal attacks made her a target, with Nixon representatives trying to paint her as an unreliable alcoholic in an attempt to undermine her credibility. 

But Martha stood by her bold accusations about the Watergate conspiracy and cover-up. Her son Clyde inevitably got caught up in the chaos surrounding his infamous mother.

What Does Clyde Do For a Living? 

Unlike his vocal mother who relished the media spotlight, Clyde Jay Jennings has guarded his personal life fiercely over the years. Very little is known publicly about his career and professional activities.

By all accounts, Clyde has maintained a private low profile compared to Martha Mitchell’s fame. It is assumed he was able to forge a career and life for himself away from his mother’s notoriety.

When Martha’s health deteriorated from cancer in the mid-1970s, Clyde did step forward as her spokesperson and caregiver. He provided updates on her condition as she battled myeloma. 

So, while Clyde avoided the limelight, he remained devoted to his mother in her time of need. His steadfast support gave her comfort until she died in 1976 at just 57 years old.