Black Actors In Long, Lasting Marriages (20+ years)

Hollywood relationships are often fleeting but many black male actors have defied the odds with marriages spanning decades. These men have balanced demanding careers in the entertainment industry with long-term commitments to their spouses. Their unions serve as enduring examples of partnership and stability within the public eye. From action stars to comedic legends these actors have maintained strong family foundations while achieving professional success.

Billy Dee Williams

This legendary actor has been married to Teruko Nakagami since 1972. Williams is best known for his charming role as Lando Calrissian in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. The couple has faced the typical ups and downs of a long life together but they have remained united for over five decades. Their enduring bond stands as one of the longest active marriages in Hollywood history.

Avery Brooks

Best known for his commanding presence as Captain Sisko in ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ Brooks has cultivated a private and lasting personal life. He married Vicki Lenora in 1976 and the couple has been together for nearly half a century. Brooks often credits his family as a grounding force throughout his career in theater and television. Their union is a testament to longevity away from the constant glare of the spotlight.

Dorian Harewood

The actor famous for his role in ‘Roots: The Next Generations’ has enjoyed a stable marriage to Nancy Harewood since 1979. Harewood has maintained a consistent career in voice acting and television while prioritizing his family life. They have raised two children together during their four decades of marriage. His ability to balance a busy work schedule with a long-term partnership is truly commendable.

Samuel L. Jackson

The ubiquitous star of ‘Pulp Fiction’ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been married to LaTanya Richardson Jackson since 1980. They met as college students in Atlanta before either achieved fame and have remained inseparable ever since. Richardson is also an accomplished actress and the pair frequently support each other at industry events. Their relationship is often cited as a gold standard for black love in Hollywood.

Tim Reid

Television icon Tim Reid married actress Daphne Maxwell Reid in 1982. Fans recognize them as a power couple who even played husband and wife on the sitcom ‘Frank’s Place’. They later worked together on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ where Daphne played the second Aunt Viv. They have built a production studio together and continue to collaborate on various creative projects.

Denzel Washington

Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington married Pauletta Pearson in 1983 after meeting on the set of the television film ‘Wilma’. Pauletta is a talented pianist and vocalist who has been by his side through his rise to global superstardom. Washington frequently expresses gratitude for his wife’s unwavering support and her role as the matriarch of their family. They have raised four children who have all pursued careers in the arts.

James Pickens Jr.

Known to millions as Dr. Richard Webber on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Pickens has been married to Gina Taylor since 1984. His steady presence on the long-running medical drama mirrors the stability of his personal life. Gina was a former member of the disco group Musique before focusing on their family. Their partnership has thrived for over four decades amidst the changing landscape of television.

Joe Morton

Character actor Joe Morton has been married to production designer Nora Chavooshian since 1984. Morton is widely acclaimed for his role as Rowan Pope in the hit series ‘Scandal’. The couple has maintained a low profile despite his intense on-screen persona and steady work in film. They share a commitment to the arts and have raised three children together.

Ernie Hudson

‘Ghostbusters’ star Ernie Hudson married his wife Linda Kingsberg in 1985. Hudson has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity but his marriage has been a consistent source of support for forty years. He often speaks about the importance of family and the strength he draws from his relationship. They reside in Minnesota and have successfully navigated the challenges of an interracial marriage in the public eye.

D.L. Hughley

Comedian and actor D.L. Hughley married his wife LaDonna in 1986. Hughley rose to fame as one of the ‘The Original Kings of Comedy’ and star of his own sitcom. He has been open about the struggles and infidelities early in his marriage that they worked hard to overcome. Their ability to weather storms and stay together speaks to their deep commitment.

Fred Williamson

Former football pro turned action star Fred Williamson married Linda Williamson in 1988. Known as The Hammer he became an icon of the 1970s blaxploitation era before transitioning to producing and directing. Linda has been his partner through his prolific career in independent cinema. They have maintained a strong union for over thirty-five years.

Frankie Faison

Frankie Faison married Jane Mandel in 1988 and they have built a life together spanning nearly four decades. Faison is known for his roles in ‘The Wire’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. He has balanced a career between stage and screen with a dedicated family life. Their long marriage is a quiet success story in the entertainment business.

Terry Crews

Former NFL player and ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ star Terry Crews married Rebecca King in 1989. The couple has been very public about their journey including overcoming financial hardships and personal challenges. They released a book together detailing the secrets of their enduring bond and the work required to sustain it. Crews frequently highlights Rebecca as his rock and best friend.

Delroy Lindo

Acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo has been married to Noshormi Lindo since 1990. Lindo is known for his intense performances in films like ‘Da 5 Bloods’ and ‘Malcolm X’. He keeps his personal life relatively private but has remained devoted to his wife for over thirty years. Their stability has allowed him to deliver consistent and powerful work throughout his career.

Glynn Turman

Veteran actor Glynn Turman married Jo-Ann Allen in 1992. Turman has had a career spanning decades with roles in ‘The Wire’ and ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. This is his third marriage and it has proven to be his lasting love. The couple enjoys a quiet life often spending time at their ranch with their horses.

LeVar Burton

beloved host of ‘Reading Rainbow’ and star of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ married Stephanie Cozart in 1992. Stephanie is a professional makeup artist and they met while working in the industry. Burton has become a cultural icon for literacy and education with his wife supporting his various endeavors. They have one daughter together and continue to be a positive presence in Hollywood.

Ice Cube

Rapper and actor Ice Cube married Kimberly Woodruff in 1992. The star of ‘Friday’ and ‘Barbershop’ claims he fell in love with her the moment he saw her. They have raised four children including actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. who played his father in the biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’. Cube often praises Kimberly for being the backbone of their family.

Spike Lee

Visionary director and actor Spike Lee married producer Tonya Lewis Lee in 1993. Tonya is a lawyer and author who has been instrumental in many of their collaborative projects. They have two children who have followed in their footsteps as creative professionals. Their partnership is a fusion of artistic vision and social activism.

LL Cool J

Hip-hop legend and ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ actor LL Cool J married Simone Smith in 1995. They met as teenagers and have stuck together through his rise to fame and her battle with cancer. The couple is known for their stylish appearances on red carpets and their devotion to their faith. They have four adult children and often speak about the importance of compromise.

Morris Chestnut

Heartthrob Morris Chestnut has been married to Pam Byse since 1995. The ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘The Best Man’ actor is famous for keeping his private life out of the tabloids. He credits their mutual respect and shared values for their marital longevity. Fans admire their relationship as a model of stability amidst his status as a sex symbol.

Vondie Curtis-Hall

Actor and director Vondie Curtis-Hall married actress and director Kasi Lemmons in 1995. They are a true power couple with credits including ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and ‘Harriet’. They have collaborated on multiple projects while raising a family in the entertainment business. Their shared passion for storytelling strengthens their personal and professional bond.

Rocky Carroll

‘NCIS’ star Rocky Carroll married Gabrielle Bullock in 1996. While he is known for playing Director Leon Vance she is a renowned architect. They exemplify a successful union between two high-achieving professionals in different fields. They have one daughter and have maintained a strong partnership for nearly thirty years.

Phil Morris

Phil Morris married interior designer Carla Gittelson in 1996. The actor is well known for his role as Jackie Chiles on ‘Seinfeld’ and his voice work in animation. He comes from a family of actors as the son of Greg Morris from ‘Mission: Impossible’. His long marriage adds to his reputation as a steady and reliable talent in the industry.

Courtney B. Vance

Emmy winner Courtney B. Vance married fellow acting titan Angela Bassett in 1997. They met at the Yale School of Drama and their friendship eventually blossomed into romance. They are one of Hollywood’s most respected couples known for their regal presence and mutual support during award seasons. They have twins and have also written a book about their journey together.

Snoop Dogg

West Coast rap icon and actor Snoop Dogg married his high school sweetheart Shante Broadus in 1997. Their relationship has weathered public storms and a brief separation before they renewed their vows. Snoop frequently refers to Shante as his boss and credits her with keeping him grounded. Their love story is a unique chapter in hip-hop history.

Mykelti Williamson

Known for his iconic role as Bubba in ‘Forrest Gump’ Mykelti Williamson married Sondra Spriggs in 1997. Williamson has worked steadily in film and television for decades with his wife by his side. They have created a private world away from the sets and red carpets. Their enduring marriage is a testament to their commitment to family values.

David Oyelowo

British-Nigerian actor David Oyelowo married actress Jessica Oyelowo in 1998. They met as teenagers in the National Youth Music Theatre and have been inseparable since. The ‘Selma’ star and his wife often work together on projects and prioritize raising their four children. Their shared faith plays a central role in their life and marriage.

Cedric the Entertainer

King of Comedy Cedric the Entertainer married Lorna Wells in 1999. Cedric has enjoyed huge success in television and film while maintaining a stable home life. Lorna helps manage the demands of his touring schedule and their busy family. They celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary recently marking a major milestone.

Jason George

‘Station 19’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ actor Jason George married Vandana Khanna in 1999. Vandana is a poet and professor whom he met while they were students at the University of Virginia. George often speaks proudly of his wife’s literary accomplishments. They have three children and have navigated dual careers in the arts and academia.

Colin Lawrence

Actor Colin Lawrence married actress Lucia Walters in 1999. Fans know him as Preacher from the hit series ‘Virgin River’ where his wife has also made appearances. They have two daughters and frequently share glimpses of their happy family life on social media. Working in the same industry has allowed them to understand and support each other’s passions.

Ving Rhames

The deep-voiced star of the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise married Deborah Reed in 2000. Rhames is known for his intense privacy regarding his personal life. He famously gave his Golden Globe award to Jack Lemmon in a moment of humility that reflects his character. He and Deborah have built a quiet and lasting life together over the last twenty-five years.

Flex Alexander

Actor and comedian Flex Alexander married R&B singer Shanice in 2000. The couple starred in their own reality show which documented their financial struggles and family life. They were open about losing their home and working their way back to stability together. Their resilience and transparency have endeared them to fans.

Clifton Davis

Songwriter and actor Clifton Davis married Monica Durant in 2000. Davis is famous for writing ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ and starring in the sitcom ‘Amen’. He is also a minister which aligns with their shared Christian faith. This marriage has been a source of joy and stability for him in the later stages of his career.

Dave Chappelle

Stand-up legend Dave Chappelle married Elaine Mendoza Erfe in 2001. They live on a farm in Ohio far removed from the Hollywood scene which Chappelle values for his family’s privacy. Elaine has been a steadfast supporter through his decision to walk away from his hit show and his subsequent return. They have raised three children with a focus on grounded values.

Keith David

Voice acting giant and character actor Keith David married Dionne Lea Williams in 2001. With over three hundred acting credits David is one of the hardest working men in show business. Dionne is also an actress and singer and they sometimes perform together. Their partnership has thrived alongside his prolific output in film and television.

Bill Bellamy

Comedian and actor Bill Bellamy married Kristen Baker in 2001. Bellamy gained fame as an MTV VJ and star of ‘Def Jam’s How to Be a Player’. He and Kristen have two children and often share their family vacations on social media. They have maintained a drama-free union for over two decades.

Method Man

Rapper and actor Method Man married Tamika Smith in 2001. The Wu-Tang Clan member turned actor is fiercely protective of his wife and their privacy. He once famously quit social media to defend her from online trolls. Their bond remains strong as he continues to expand his acting portfolio.

Wood Harris

‘The Wire’ star Wood Harris married Rebekah Harris in 2001. Harris is known for playing the calm and calculating Avon Barksdale. In real life he is a dedicated husband and father who values a low-key lifestyle. They have been together for nearly twenty-five years supporting each other through the industry’s shifts.

Coby Bell

Actor Coby Bell married Aviss Pinkney in 2001. Bell is known for his roles in ‘Third Watch’ and ‘The Game’. He and Aviss have two sets of twins which keeps their home life incredibly busy. They have managed to balance his long hours on set with raising four children.

Harold Perrineau

‘Lost’ and ‘Oz’ actor Harold Perrineau married Brittany Perrineau in 2002. Brittany is a former model and actress who has supported Harold through his diverse career roles. They have three daughters including actress Aurora Perrineau. The couple is frequently seen together at red carpet events showcasing their enduring affection.

Sinbad

Comedian Sinbad married Meredith Adkins in 2002. Interestingly the couple was previously married and divorced before remarrying and making it stick the second time around. They have two children together who are also involved in the arts. Their story is a unique example of second chances and lasting commitment.

Wesley Snipes

Action star Wesley Snipes married painter Nakyung Park in 2003. Park stood by Snipes during his highly publicized legal troubles and imprisonment for tax issues. Their marriage survived those significant challenges and remains intact today. They live a relatively quiet life raising their children together.

Julius Tennon

Actor and producer Julius Tennon married Viola Davis in 2003. Tennon is a stabilizing force in the life of the EGOT winner and runs their production company JuVee Productions. They adopted a daughter together and often speak about their spiritual connection. He famously prayed for a husband like him before they met.

Boris Kodjoe

Actor Boris Kodjoe married actress Nicole Ari Parker in 2005. The couple met on the set of the series ‘Soul Food’ and their on-screen chemistry translated to real life. They have two children and are known for their fitness and wellness advocacy. Having just crossed the twenty-year mark their marriage is a favorite among fans.

Share your favorite couple from this list or mention anyone we missed in the comments.