At the age of 17, Bruce commenced a romantic partnership with 34-year-old actress Brenda Benet. At the time, Bruce was employed as Benet's personal secretary.[31]: 2–5 [32] Later, Bruce and Benet lived together for nearly a year before Bruce moved out of their shared residence. After her son’s death, Benet became severely depressed. On April 7, 1982, Benet died of a self-inflicted gunshot at her home before she was scheduled to have lunch with Bruce.[33][34][35]