Actresses in Long, Lasting Marriages (40+ Years)

As a fan, I’ve always been amazed by how rare long-lasting marriages are in Hollywood. It’s incredible to see actresses who’ve managed to build relationships that have lasted over forty years! It seems like having that solid, supportive partnership helps them stay grounded, especially with all the pressure and attention they face. It doesn’t matter if their spouse is also in the industry or someone more private, their commitment to making things work is really inspiring. It just proves that real, lasting love is possible, even in the crazy world of Hollywood.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean got married in 1966 and have intentionally kept their relationship private, even as Dolly became a huge star in music and movies. Dolly often says their successful marriage is because they both value their independence. They celebrated 50 years of marriage by renewing their vows. Carl generally prefers to stay out of the spotlight and doesn’t usually join Dolly at award shows or public events.

Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury and Peter Shaw enjoyed a loving and supportive partnership for fifty-four years, from their marriage in 1949 until Shaw’s passing in 2003. He often produced her work, including the popular show ‘Murder, She Wrote,’ and she often credited him with invaluable guidance and affection. Together, they raised three children while Lansbury maintained a successful career in acting.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti were married for forty-one years, from 1966 until Ponti’s death in 2007. Their romance started years before, but they faced legal difficulties because of Ponti’s prior marriage. Eventually, they resolved these issues and enjoyed a long, stable marriage. Ponti also worked as a producer on many of Loren’s most celebrated films, including ‘Two Women,’ and they shared a deep connection throughout the golden age of cinema.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews and director Blake Edwards were married for forty-one years, from 1969 until his passing in 2010. They worked together on several films, most notably ‘Victor/Victoria’, and blended their families. Andrews has frequently described their life together as both a fulfilling career and a loving partnership. For many years, they were one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and successful couples.

Sissy Spacek

Sissy Spacek and Jack Fisk have been married since 1974. They first met while working on the movie ‘Badlands’ and have been together ever since, celebrating over fifty years of marriage. Choosing a private life, they raised their family in rural Virginia. Throughout their careers, Spacek and Fisk have often worked together on films, and they’re known as one of the most long-lasting couples in Hollywood.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest have been married since 1984. Curtis says she knew he was the one after seeing his picture in a magazine. They’ve been together for over forty years, raised two children, and both maintained successful careers in the entertainment industry. They frequently support each other at premieres and awards shows.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand and Joel Coen have been married for over four decades, ever since they met and began a relationship while working on the film ‘Blood Simple’ in 1984. They’re a celebrated couple, both personally and professionally, having collaborated on many successful movies. Despite their fame, they’re known for keeping their lives private and away from the spotlight, and have celebrated numerous achievements together, including multiple Academy Awards.

Joanne Woodward

Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman were married for fifty years, from 1958 until Mr. Newman’s passing in 2008. Their relationship is remembered as one of cinema’s greatest love stories. They appeared in many films together and were also dedicated to helping others through their charitable work. They chose to raise their three daughters mostly in Connecticut, seeking a quieter life away from the spotlight of Hollywood, and remained deeply devoted to each other throughout their lives.

Anne Bancroft

Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks were married for forty-one years, from 1964 until Bancroft’s death in 2005. Their relationship was known for its warmth, humor, and deep respect. Both were successful in the entertainment industry and consistently supported each other’s work. Brooks often said meeting Bancroft was the best thing that ever happened to him, and they were widely admired as a loving and enduring couple.

Rhea Perlman

Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito tied the knot in 1982, after first meeting in the early 1970s. They famously worked together on the sitcom ‘Taxi’ and the movie ‘Matilda’. Despite going through some tough times and periods apart, they’ve stayed married for over forty years and are dedicated to their family. They share three children and continue to have a strong bond. Their long relationship is well-known, and they are both established and respected actors.

Pauletta Washington

Pauletta and Denzel Washington have been married since 1983, after meeting while working on the TV movie ‘Wilma’. Over the past forty years, they’ve built a lasting and supportive relationship, even renewing their vows in South Africa in 1995. They are parents to four children, all of whom are involved in creative fields. The couple often appears together at public events like premieres and charity fundraisers.

LaTanya Richardson Jackson

LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson have been happily married since 1980 and share a daughter. Both are successful actors who have supported each other’s careers while also remaining dedicated to their own work in film and television. They are also known for their charitable efforts and love of the arts, and continue to be a prominent and enduring couple in the entertainment world.

Jayne Meadows

Jayne Meadows and Steve Allen were married for 46 years, from 1954 until Allen’s passing in 2000. They were a well-known couple during the early years of television, frequently appearing together on talk shows and variety programs where their playful connection and humor shone. Meadows consistently supported Allen’s diverse talents as both a musician and a writer, and they were admired for their enduring relationship and dedication to their work.

Ruby Dee

I’ve always been moved by the story of Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. They weren’t just a married couple for fifty-six years – from 1948 until Mr. Davis’s death in 2005 – they were true partners in every sense of the word. Beyond their incredible individual careers on stage and in film, they were deeply committed to the Civil Rights Movement, often working side-by-side. They frequently performed together, and their contributions to American culture were richly recognized. To me, their marriage stands as a beautiful and inspiring example of lasting love built on shared beliefs.

Jane Wyatt

Jane Wyatt and Edgar Ward enjoyed a remarkably long marriage, lasting sixty-five years until Ward’s death in 2000. Wyatt was a well-known actress, famous for her role in the TV show ‘Father Knows Best’ and films such as ‘Lost Horizon’. They lived a private life, steering clear of Hollywood drama, and Wyatt often said their successful marriage was built on respect and a good sense of humor.

Eva Marie Saint

Eva Marie Saint and director Jeffrey Hayden were married for sixty-five years, from 1951 until his passing in 2016. Their long and loving relationship was central to Saint’s life. Hayden also directed Saint in various television episodes and stage productions, and the couple were well-known as a devoted pair at industry events. Saint often credited her husband with being the biggest source of joy and support in both her personal life and career.

Ann-Margret

Ann-Margret and actor Roger Smith were married for fifty years, from 1967 until his passing in 2017. They met when Ann-Margret was a rising star, and their relationship endured throughout the ups and downs of her career. Roger eventually left acting to focus on managing her work full-time. Known for their unwavering devotion, they supported each other through difficult health issues, and Ann-Margret often described their strong connection as the most meaningful part of her life.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver and stage director Jim Simpson have been married for forty years, since 1984. They have one daughter together. While Jim Simpson has primarily worked in theater throughout his career, Sigourney Weaver has become a highly successful film actress. Despite their busy careers, they’ve managed to keep their family life private and are still frequently seen at events in New York and Hollywood.

Susan Lucci

Susan Lucci and Helmut Huber were married for fifty-two years, from 1969 until his passing in 2022. Their relationship was a significant part of Lucci’s life, especially during her decades-long role on ‘All My Children’. Huber also managed her career and was a supportive companion at public events. Together, they raised two children and were known for their strong and lasting marriage. Lucci often spoke about how grateful she was for his constant encouragement throughout her successful career.

Isabelle Huppert

Isabelle Huppert and producer Ronald Chammah have been married for over forty years, since 1982, and have three children together. Despite Huppert’s successful and celebrated career as an international actress, she generally keeps her family life private. Chammah has also worked as a producer on some of her films, and both share strong ties to the international film world. Their long-lasting marriage is notable within the often-challenging environment of European and global cinema.

Cheryl Ladd

Cheryl Ladd and music producer Brian Russell have been happily married for over forty years, since 1981. They’ve built a blended family and continued to work on creative projects together, including writing children’s books. Ladd is best known for her role on ‘Charlie’s Angels,’ but has remained active in television and film. Both are dedicated to their faith and family, and often share how strong their relationship is when appearing at public events.

Barbara Bach

Barbara Bach and Ringo Starr married in 1981 after meeting on the set of the movie ‘Caveman.’ They’ve been happily married for over forty years, and are well-known for their dedication to healthy living and staying sober. The couple frequently appear together at events and consistently support each other’s work. Their long-lasting marriage is admired for its stability and their shared, peaceful way of life.

Shelley Morrison

Shelley Morrison, famous for playing Rosario on ‘Will & Grace’, was married to filmmaker Walter Dominguez for forty-three years, until her passing in 2016. They shared a love for social justice and the arts, and often worked together on documentary films. Throughout her successful television career, they remained deeply committed to each other and their community.

Estelle Getty

Estelle Getty and Arthur Gettleman were married for fifty-seven years, from 1947 until his passing in 2004. They were together long before she became famous on ‘The Golden Girls.’ Arthur was a businessman who encouraged Estelle’s acting career. Together, they had two sons and lived in New York for many years before moving to California because of her work. Estelle remained deeply committed to Arthur throughout their long life together.

Vicki Lawrence

Vicki Lawrence and Al Schultz have been married for fifty years, since 1974. They met while working on ‘The Carol Burnett Show’ – Al was a makeup artist. Together, they have two children. Al later became Vicki’s manager, supporting her throughout her successful career in television and on stage. They’re a famously funny and devoted couple, both in their personal and professional lives.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno and Leonard Gordon were married for 45 years, from 1965 until Gordon’s death in 2010. He also managed her career for many of those years. Moreno has frequently discussed the challenges and personal growth within their long relationship. Together, they had one daughter and enjoyed successful careers in film, television, and theater. Moreno is celebrated as one of the few artists to have won an Oscar, Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award.

Gloria Henry

Gloria Henry and her husband, Robert Guy Heisen, enjoyed a happy marriage for sixty-two years, lasting from 1943 until his passing in 2005. She was best known for her role as the mother in the popular TV show ‘Dennis the Menace’. Together, they raised three children and created a stable home life during the golden age of television. Henry was deeply devoted to her family and remained committed to her husband throughout their long life together.

Janet Leigh

Janet Leigh and Robert Brandt were married for forty-two years, from 1962 until Leigh’s death in 2004. After several well-publicized marriages, she found lasting stability with Brandt, a stockbroker, who offered her a more private life away from the intense Hollywood spotlight. They were a devoted couple who raised their daughters and often attended industry events together. This marriage was the longest and most secure relationship of Leigh’s life.

Mary Pickford

Mary Pickford and actor Buddy Rogers were married in 1937 and remained together until Pickford’s death in 1979 – a marriage that lasted forty-two years. It was Pickford’s third marriage. Rogers, also a musician, was a devoted partner to the iconic silent film star. The couple lived at the well-known Pickfair estate and actively supported film industry charities. Even after Pickford’s death, Rogers continued to work to preserve her memory and achievements.

Imelda Staunton

Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter have been happily married since 1983. They first met while working on a production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ at the National Theatre and have been together for over four decades. Both are well-known actors – Staunton has starred in films like ‘Vera Drake,’ and Carter is famous for his role in ‘Downton Abbey.’ They share one daughter and frequently discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing their successful careers with family life. The couple is highly regarded in the British acting world for both their talent and their long-lasting relationship.

Petula Clark

Petula Clark and Claude Wolff have been happily married for over sixty years, since tying the knot in 1961. Wolff, a publicist, played a key role in boosting Clark’s career as she became famous worldwide. Together, they have three children and have made homes in places like France and Switzerland. Despite periods of living apart, they remain committed to each other and their family, and Clark continues to make music while cherishing her long-lasting relationship with Wolff.

Bonnie Bartlett

I’ve been thinking about Hollywood power couples lately, and Bonnie Bartlett and William Daniels truly stand out. They tied the knot way back in 1951, and incredibly, they’re still going strong after seventy-three years – a real rarity in this industry! What’s even cooler is they actually played a married couple on ‘St. Elsewhere,’ and both took home Emmys for their work. They’re parents to two sons and have been a constant presence in Hollywood for decades. You often see them giving interviews together, and they’re always so charming when sharing what they believe is the key to a lasting relationship. It’s really inspiring!

Jess Walton

Jess Walton and John James were married for forty-one years, from 1980 until his passing in 2021. Many viewers recognize Jess Walton as Jill Abbott on ‘The Young and the Restless,’ a role she’s played for a long time. The couple sought a quieter life together and moved to Oregon. Jess often described John as her closest friend and biggest supporter, and they had a strong, lasting relationship despite the demands of the entertainment industry.

Nancy Marchand

Nancy Marchand and actor Paul Sparer enjoyed a forty-eight-year marriage, lasting from 1951 until Sparer’s passing in 1999. Marchand, famous for her work on shows like ‘Lou Grant’ and ‘The Sopranos’, and Sparer shared a passion for the theater, appearing in numerous plays together and being well-known figures in New York’s acting scene. Together, they raised three children while both having thriving careers in stage and television.

Maureen Van Zandt

Maureen Van Zandt and Steven Van Zandt have been married since 1982. Interestingly, she even played his wife on the TV show ‘The Sopranos,’ and their natural connection was clear to viewers. For over forty years, they’ve shared a life centered around music and acting, and are frequently spotted at concerts and theater events. They continue to be a well-known couple in New York’s entertainment world.

Shakira Caine

Shakira Caine and Michael Caine have been married since 1973. Before marrying the famous actor, Shakira worked as a model and also had a role alongside him in the movie ‘The Man Who Would Be King’. Their fifty-one-year marriage is well-known as one of the strongest in Hollywood. Michael Caine often credits his wife with helping him stay balanced and humble despite his long and successful career. They have one daughter and continue to be seen at events around the world.

Jane Alexander

Jane Alexander and director Edwin Sherin were married for forty-two years, from 1975 until his passing in 2017. Alexander is a celebrated actress, well-known for her stage and film work, including ‘The Great White Hope.’ Throughout their long marriage, they frequently collaborated professionally, with Sherin directing Alexander in numerous plays and television productions. They were highly regarded in the arts world for their strong intellectual and creative connection.

Jo Anne Worley

Jo Anne Worley and actor Roger Perry were married for forty-three years, from 1975 until Perry’s death in 2018. Worley is famous for her funny appearances on the television show ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.’ Perry had a long career in television and film. The couple was well-known in Hollywood and was admired for their enduring relationship and dedication to charitable causes.

Kim Novak

Kim Novak and veterinarian Robert Malloy enjoyed a forty-four-year marriage, lasting until his passing in 2020. After stepping away from Hollywood at the peak of her career, Novak sought a more peaceful existence in the Pacific Northwest. They bonded over a mutual love of animals and the outdoors, and Novak frequently mentioned the tranquility she found in their life together, far from the public eye. For decades, they lived privately on a ranch.

Lee Grant

Lee Grant and producer Joseph Feury have been married for sixty-three years, a testament to their strong personal and professional bond. Grant is an Academy Award-winning actress who also directs films, and Feury has produced many of her projects, including acclaimed documentaries. Their relationship has lasted through significant changes in the film industry and throughout both of their careers, earning them respect within the New York film community.

Susan Seaforth Hayes

Susan Seaforth Hayes and Bill Hayes were married for fifty years, from 1974 until his passing in 2024. Both were well-known for their roles as a couple on the soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives,’ and their real-life romance captivated fans. They achieved a rare honor for daytime actors, appearing on the cover of Time magazine because of their widespread popularity. Beyond their careers, Susan and Bill enjoyed a life filled with music, travel, and a shared commitment to their iconic television roles.

Katherine Helmond

Katherine Helmond and sculptor David Christian enjoyed a loving, fifty-seven-year marriage that lasted until her passing in 2019. Best known for her roles in popular TV shows like ‘Soap’ and ‘Who’s the Boss?’, Helmond found consistent support and stability in her relationship with Christian. Both shared a passion for the arts, and they maintained a private and devoted partnership throughout her celebrated career.

Arlene Francis

I recently learned more about Arlene Francis, and what a fascinating life she led! Beyond being a beloved face on television, especially as a panelist on ‘What’s My Line?’, she had a remarkable forty-year marriage to actor and producer Martin Gabel. They were a real power couple in New York’s theater and social scene, both incredibly talented and known for their sharp wit and elegant style. It was clear they shared a deep passion for the arts, and their relationship was a genuine highlight of the entertainment world for decades. It’s wonderful to see a love story that lasted so long and was built on mutual respect and creativity.

Lydia Clarke

Lydia Clarke and Charlton Heston were married for sixty-four years, from 1944 until his passing in 2008. Both were involved in the dramatic arts when they met, and Lydia pursued a career as a photographer alongside her husband’s successful acting career. She even appeared in a few of his films. They were a well-known and admired couple, celebrated for their strong values and dedication to each other.

Please share which of these enduring Hollywood partnerships surprised you the most in the comments.

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2025-12-27 23:20