Actresses Who Married Their Childhood Sweethearts

It’s often assumed that finding lasting love is hard for celebrities, but several famous actresses actually found their partners before fame struck. These women stayed with people they’d known from high school or college, building relationships rooted in their earlier lives. Whether they met in small towns or at university, these connections have proven remarkably durable, even with the pressures of fame. Their stories offer a sweet look at stars who chose lasting stability over the often fleeting romances of Hollywood.

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman met as freshmen at the University of Pennsylvania in 1992 and eventually married in 2003. Before tying the knot, they supported each other through long distance and the early stages of their careers. They later created a successful production company together, collaborating on many films. Banks often credits their long history as the key to both their strong family life and professional achievements. Their relationship is considered a lasting success story in the entertainment world.

Heather Morris

Heather Morris is famous for playing Brittany Pierce on the popular TV show ‘Glee’. She and her husband, Taylor Hubbell, were high school sweethearts in Arizona. Even after finding fame with her role on the show, they stayed together. They married in 2015 and now have two children. Their story shows how a strong relationship built in their younger years can last, even with the challenges of being in the public eye.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Brad Hall met while students at Northwestern University in the early 1980s and bonded over their shared love of comedy. They performed together in a comedy group called The Practical Theatre Company and both later joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 1982. They married in 1987 and have built a lasting partnership, both personally and professionally, raising two sons and supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. Their long and successful marriage is often held up as an example of enduring love in the often unpredictable world of entertainment.

Uzo Aduba

I was so touched to learn that Uzo Aduba married Robert Sweeting, a friend she’d known since childhood! They grew up together in Massachusetts, and it’s just lovely to hear how their friendship blossomed into something more. Apparently, they had a secret wedding back in 2020, which feels so wonderfully them. Uzo has said that having someone who knew her before all the fame is incredibly grounding, and I can totally understand why. And now, they’ve welcomed a baby! They’re a very private couple, which I respect, but it’s just heartwarming to know they’ve built such a solid, loving life together.

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford have a surprisingly sweet story: they first met as kids and wrote letters to each other, but eventually lost contact. Years later, after both became famous – she as an actress and he as a musician – they reconnected and fell in love. They married in 2012 in a simple, countryside wedding and have intentionally created a private life, staying out of the public eye as much as possible. It seems like destiny brought them together after a long time apart. While they occasionally attend events, they prioritize their family and giving back to the community.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher first met when they were both very young – Kunis was just 14 – while working on the TV show ‘That ’70s Show’. Though their characters were a couple on screen, they didn’t become romantically involved until years later. Kunis has often talked about how their long friendship helped them develop a strong foundation of trust and understanding. They got back together in 2012 and married privately in 2015. Their story, from teen co-stars to a married couple with a family, is a popular one with fans of the show.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have been married for over 50 years after meeting on her first day in Nashville at just 18 years old – at a laundromat, no less! While Dolly became a world-famous singer and actress, Carl has always preferred to stay out of the public eye. Dolly often playfully suggests that their different personalities are the key to their lasting relationship. They renewed their wedding vows in a private ceremony in 2016, celebrating half a century together.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance met while studying at the Yale School of Drama. Though they didn’t begin dating right away, they became close friends as they both started their acting careers. Years later, they reconnected in Los Angeles, and their friendship blossomed into a romance. They married in 1997 and have since become one of Hollywood’s most admired couples, celebrated for their support of each other and their shared achievements. Together, they’ve raised twins and continued to earn critical acclaim for their work in film and theater.

LaTanya Richardson Jackson

LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson first connected while students at Spelman and Morehouse Colleges, respectively. They started dating in the early 1970s and collaborated in local theater before moving to New York City to pursue bigger roles. They married in 1980 and have supported each other throughout their successful careers. LaTanya Richardson has also worked as an actress in films like ‘Fried Green Tomatoes,’ as well as a producer and director. Their enduring relationship is well-known and admired in the entertainment industry.

Pauletta Washington

Pauletta Washington and Denzel Washington first met in 1977 while working on the TV film ‘Wilma.’ Their connection grew as Denzel became a hugely famous actor. Pauletta is a skilled actress and pianist, and has appeared in shows like ‘She’s Gotta Have It.’ They married in 1983 and reaffirmed their commitment to each other years later in South Africa, with Archbishop Desmond Tutu leading the ceremony. Together, they have four children, all of whom are pursuing careers in creative fields.

Kyra Sedgwick

Kyra Sedgwick first saw Kevin Bacon perform when she was just 12 years old. They didn’t officially meet until years later, on the set of the TV movie ‘Lemon Sky,’ and quickly began dating. The ‘Closer’ star married Bacon in 1988, and they’ve been a devoted couple ever since, supporting each other through their successful careers. They often work together on projects and share interests in both music and protecting the environment. Their marriage has lasted over 35 years, making them one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples.

Rhea Perlman

Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito first connected in 1971 when Rhea went to support a friend in an Off-Broadway play. They quickly became a couple, moving in together within two weeks, and were married in 1982 after over a decade together. Both actors found widespread recognition – Perlman on the sitcom ‘Cheers’ and DeVito on ‘Taxi’. Despite facing some time apart, they’ve remained married and dedicated to their family. Their relationship has lasted over fifty years, and they’ve frequently worked together both on and off screen.

Danielle Fishel

Most people recognize Danielle Fishel as Topanga Lawrence from the popular TV show ‘Boy Meets World.’ She and her husband, Jensen Karp, first met as high school students at Calabasas High School in the 1990s, but they didn’t start dating until years later. They reconnected on social media and got married in 2018, with many of her former co-stars attending the wedding. Since then, Fishel has returned to her famous role in ‘Girl Meets World’ and has also created a thriving business with her own hair care products.

Sasha Pieterse

Sasha Pieterse rose to fame as Alison DiLaurentis on the hit show ‘Pretty Little Liars’. She started dating Hudson Sheaffer as a teenager, and they experienced many firsts together as a couple. They got engaged in 2015 and married in 2018 in a stunning Irish castle. Pieterse has often spoken about how supportive her husband has been, especially while she dealt with a hormonal condition and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight. They had their first child in 2020 and regularly share moments from their life together on social media.

Candace Cameron Bure

Candace Cameron Bure met her husband, Valeri Bure, thanks to her ‘Full House’ colleague, Dave Coulier, at a charity hockey game. She was just 18 years old, but they quickly connected despite working in different fields. They married in 1996 and have since built a family with three children, all while balancing successful careers. Candace has continued to be a familiar face on TV with her roles in ‘Fuller House’ and many popular holiday movies. After celebrating over 25 years of marriage, the couple frequently shares tips for a happy and strong family life.

Robin Wright

Robin Wright first married her high school sweetheart, Dane Cox, in the early 1980s, before becoming famous for her role on ‘Santa Barbara’. Though the marriage didn’t last long, it was an important part of her life before her well-known relationship with Sean Penn. Wright later became a highly respected actress, celebrated for films like ‘The Princess Bride’ and the series ‘House of Cards’. Her early marriage to someone outside of the entertainment industry shows her grounded beginnings, away from the typical Hollywood lifestyle. Throughout her successful career, she’s also dedicated herself to being a mother and advocating for causes she believes in.

Cheryl Howard

Cheryl Howard and director Ron Howard first connected as students at John Burroughs High School in Burbank. She’s appeared in several of his films, like ‘Splash’ and ‘Angels and Demons’, often in smaller roles. They married in 1975 and have four children, all of whom work in the entertainment business. In addition to being a wife and mother, Cheryl is a writer and has successfully combined her creative work with her family life. Their long and stable marriage is well-known as a rare success story in Hollywood.

Ayesha Curry

Ayesha and Stephen Curry first crossed paths as teenagers in a church youth group while growing up in North Carolina. They didn’t start dating right away, but reconnected years later when Ayesha was trying to launch her acting career in Los Angeles. After appearing in a few TV shows and movies, she found widespread success as a cookbook author and TV personality. The couple married in 2011 and have since become a well-known and influential pair in the worlds of sports and entertainment. Ayesha continues to pursue acting alongside building her successful lifestyle brand and raising her family.

Simone Smith

Simone Smith and LL Cool J first connected as teenagers growing up in Queens, New York. Since then, she’s become a successful jewelry designer and has appeared on shows like ‘Lip Sync Battle.’ They married in 1995 and have raised four children together, all while building their careers. Simone has often talked about how the strong connection they formed early on helped them handle the challenges of fame and wealth. The couple are well-known for supporting each other at events, from glamorous red carpets to charity galas.

Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin and Todd Palin were high school sweethearts who married in 1988 after meeting in Wasilla, Alaska. While best known as a politician, Palin has also appeared on television shows like ‘Who Is America?’. Their relationship was often highlighted during her career as governor and when she ran for vice president. Together, they raised five children and built a life in Alaska, away from major entertainment centers. Though they later divorced, their long relationship stands out as a well-known childhood romance played out in the public spotlight.

Kim Scott

Kim Scott and Eminem first met as teenagers while in high school in Michigan. She’s appeared in several films and documentaries about the rapper’s life and career. Their relationship was often difficult, and they married and divorced each other twice over the years. They have a daughter together and have worked to stay connected as parents despite the challenges of fame and personal hardship. Their story began long before Eminem became a world-famous star.

Sonequa Martin-Green

Sonequa Martin-Green and Kenric Green first connected as students and fellow actors in a play. They bonded over their love of acting and decided to pursue their careers as a couple. Sonequa went on to star in popular shows like ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ while Kenric also found success in the entertainment industry. They married in 2010 and have frequently collaborated on television projects throughout their relationship. Their strong bond began with a shared passion for performing, long before they became well-known.

Please share your thoughts on these long lasting celebrity couples in the comments.

2025-12-30 19:48