Black Actresses with Marriages Lasting Over Two Decades

Maintaining a successful relationship in the entertainment industry is notoriously difficult, but many talented Black actresses have defied the odds by building unions that have stood the test of time. These women have balanced demanding careers in film, television, and theater while nurturing marriages that have lasted for twenty years or more. From legendary screen icons to beloved television stars, their stories serve as powerful examples of commitment and partnership. The following list highlights forty-five Black actresses who have celebrated over two decades of marriage, including those whose unions lasted until the passing of a spouse.

Ruby Dee

This legendary actress shared a powerful bond with actor Ossie Davis for nearly six decades until his passing in 2005. They were known not only for their artistic collaborations but also for their joint activism during the Civil Rights Movement. Their partnership remains one of the most revered examples of enduring love in entertainment history. Ruby Dee continued to honor their shared legacy of art and activism until her own death.

Lena Horne

The trailblazing singer and actress was married to musical director Lennie Hayton from 1947 until his death in 1971. Their relationship faced significant scrutiny due to the racial prejudices of the era, yet they remained devoted to one another for twenty-four years. Horne often credited Hayton with helping her refine her vocal style and navigate the complexities of the studio system. Her marriage stands as a testament to resilience during a challenging period in American history.

Leslie Uggams

Best known for her role in the groundbreaking miniseries ‘Roots’, this Tony Award winner has been married to Grahame Pratt since 1965. Their union has spanned over half a century and defied the societal pressures often placed on interracial couples at the time of their wedding. Uggams continues to perform on stage and screen while maintaining her long-standing partnership. She frequently expresses gratitude for her husband’s unwavering support throughout her multifaceted career.

Marilyn McCoo

As the lead female vocalist of The 5th Dimension and the host of ‘Solid Gold’, she became a television staple in the 1970s and 1980s. She married fellow group member Billy Davis Jr. in 1969, and the couple has performed together for over five decades. Their professional collaboration includes hit songs and joint acting appearances on shows like ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’. They credit their shared faith and friendship as the foundation of their lasting union.

Berlinda Tolbert

Fans of ‘The Jeffersons’ remember her fondly as Jenny Willis Jefferson, but in real life, she has been married to journalist Bob Reid since 1979. Their relationship began after a whirlwind romance where they married just days after meeting. Despite the rapid start, their commitment has proven to be incredibly strong and has lasted for more than forty-five years. Tolbert has largely kept her private life out of the spotlight, focusing on her family and select acting roles.

LaTanya Richardson Jackson

This accomplished actress and director has been married to box office titan Samuel L. Jackson since 1980. They met while attending Morehouse and Spelman colleges in Atlanta and bonded over their shared passion for theater. The couple often speaks candidly about the work required to keep a marriage together through the ups and downs of Hollywood fame. They continue to collaborate on various philanthropic and artistic endeavors.

Penny Johnson Jerald

Known for her authoritative roles in ’24’ and ‘The Orville’, she has been married to Gralin Jerald since 1982. They met as young artists and have built a life centered around their family and shared creative interests. The couple founded a theater company together to provide opportunities for aspiring actors. Her career longevity is matched only by the stability of her enduring marriage.

Daphne Maxwell Reid

Famous for her role as the second Aunt Vivian on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, she married actor Tim Reid in 1982. Together they established New Millennium Studios in Virginia to bring film production to their local community. Their partnership extends beyond romance into a successful business relationship that has produced numerous projects. They are frequently cited as one of the most dynamic power couples in the industry.

Alfre Woodard

This critically acclaimed actress has been married to writer and producer Roderick Spencer since 1983. They eloped in a simple ceremony on a polo field and have remained inseparable ever since. Woodard often mentions that their shared values and dedication to social causes strengthen their bond. The couple has raised two children while managing busy careers in film and television.

Pauletta Washington

A talented actress and classically trained pianist, she has been married to Denzel Washington since 1983. She famously turned down his marriage proposal twice before finally saying yes. The couple has raised four children who have all pursued careers in the entertainment industry. Her grace and strength are often credited as the bedrock of their family’s success.

Darlene Love

The legendary singer and actress, known for her role in the ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchise, has been married to Alton Allison since 1984. After experiencing career highs and lows, she found a steady partner in Allison who supported her resurgence in the industry. Her career revival was highlighted in the documentary ’20 Feet from Stardom’. Love credits her marriage as a source of stability throughout her remarkable journey.

Debbie Allen

As a director, choreographer, and actress, she is a force in the entertainment world and has been married to former NBA star Norm Nixon since 1984. Their relationship bridges the worlds of sports and entertainment with impressive success. They founded the Debbie Allen Dance Academy together to train young dancers in Los Angeles. The couple continues to be a prominent fixture on red carpets and at community events.

Jayne Kennedy

This pioneering sportscaster and actress has been married to actor Bill Overton since 1985. After retiring from the limelight to focus on her family, she built a strong and private life away from Hollywood scrutiny. Kennedy and Overton have raised four daughters and remain active in various charitable causes. Their long marriage is a testament to prioritizing family over fame.

Vonetta McGee

Known for her roles in Blaxploitation classics like ‘Blacula’, she was married to actor Carl Lumbly from 1987 until her passing in 2010. They met on the set of ‘Cagney & Lacey’ and shared a deep connection rooted in their craft. Their union lasted twenty-three years and produced one son. Lumbly often speaks of her with profound love and respect for the life they built together.

Vanessa Bell Calloway

With a career spanning decades in films like ‘Coming to America’, she has been married to anesthesiologist Dr. Anthony Calloway since 1988. They have successfully balanced her filming schedule with his medical practice and raising two daughters. Calloway often shares advice on maintaining a healthy relationship amidst busy professional lives. Her marriage is frequently celebrated for its longevity and mutual support.

Tamela Mann

This powerhouse singer and actress, famous for her roles in Tyler Perry productions, married David Mann in 1988. They work together constantly on stage, television, and in music, yet they maintain a loving and playful relationship. Their reality show ‘It’s a Mann’s World’ gave fans a glimpse into their wholesome family dynamic. They are considered one of the most endearing couples in gospel and entertainment.

Suzzanne Douglas

Best recognized for her role as the matriarch in ‘The Parent ’Hood’, she was married to neuro-radiologist Jonathan Cobb from 1989 until her death in 2021. Their thirty-two-year union was marked by mutual respect and a dedication to their family. Douglas balanced her acting career with her education and family life seamlessly. Her husband remained by her side throughout her illness.

Ami Brabson

She was married to the late Andre Braugher from 1991 until his passing in 2023. They met on the set of ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ where she played the wife of his character. Their thirty-two-year marriage was kept relatively private, allowing them to raise their three sons away from the tabloids. Brabson continues to act in theater and television following the loss of her husband.

CCH Pounder

Known for her commanding presence in shows like ‘The Shield’ and ‘NCIS: New Orleans’, she was married to anthropologist Boubacar Kone from 1991 until his death in 2016. They founded the Pounder-Kone Art Space in Los Angeles and shared a deep love for African art. Their marriage was a partnership of intellectual and artistic discovery. She often speaks fondly of their time together and his influence on her life.

Iman

The supermodel and actress had a legendary romance with rock icon David Bowie, lasting from their marriage in 1992 until his death in 2016. They were considered one of the most stylish and devoted couples in the world. Iman has stated in interviews that she will never remarry because she still considers herself married to him. Their love story remains an enduring symbol of devotion.

Holly Robinson Peete

After rising to fame on ’21 Jump Street’, she married NFL quarterback Rodney Peete in 1995. They have become advocates for autism awareness following their son’s diagnosis, founding the HollyRod Foundation. Their partnership has transitioned from the football field and soundstages to philanthropy and reality television. They frequently celebrate their long union publicly with affectionate tributes.

Kasi Lemmons

Starting her career as an actress in films like ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, she transitioned to directing with the support of her husband, Vondie Curtis-Hall. They married in 1995 and have collaborated on several projects, including ‘Waist Deep’. Their artistic partnership is matched by their devotion to their family. They are a rare example of a dual-director household that thrives creatively and personally.

Rhonda Ross Kendrick

The daughter of Diana Ross, she is an actress and singer who married jazz musician Rodney Kendrick in 1996. Known for her role on ‘Another World’, she has balanced her performance career with a stable family life. The couple often performs together, blending their musical talents on stage. Their union is approaching the three-decade mark with quiet strength.

Angela Bassett

This screen legend met her husband Courtney B. Vance while they were drama students at Yale, and they married in 1997. They have worked together on stage and screen and even wrote a book about their relationship titled ‘Friends: A Love Story’. Their partnership is characterized by mutual admiration and a shared commitment to excellence. They are parents to twins and continue to support each other during awards seasons.

Erika Alexander

Best known as Maxine Shaw from ‘Living Single’, she married screenwriter Tony Puryear in 1997. Together they have created graphic novels and collaborated on various writing projects. Their creative partnership fuels their relationship, allowing them to build new worlds together. Alexander often speaks about the importance of having a partner who supports her ambitious vision.

Jada Pinkett Smith

She married Will Smith in 1997, creating one of the most talked-about unions in Hollywood. Despite intense public scrutiny and open discussions about their relationship dynamics, they have remained legally married for over twenty-five years. They have raised two creative children and built a media empire with Westbrook Inc. Their partnership continues to evolve while maintaining a committed family unit.

Keesha Sharp

Known for her role as Monica on ‘Girlfriends’, she married actor and musician Brad Sharp in 1997. They have been together since meeting in a touring production and share a deep love for music and acting. The couple works together frequently, writing and producing projects as a team. Their enduring romance is often featured on her social media, showcasing their travels and life together.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

The Oscar-nominated actress from ‘Secrets & Lies’ married Evan Williams in 1997. She has maintained a steady and acclaimed career in both the UK and the US while keeping her private life grounded. They have raised two daughters and navigated the transatlantic demands of her work. Her marriage is a pillar of stability amidst her intense dramatic roles.

Lela Rochon

The ‘Waiting to Exhale’ star married director Antoine Fuqua in 1999. While her husband directs major blockbusters, she has focused on raising their children and selecting specific acting roles. They have weathered the pressures of Hollywood gossip and remained a united front. Rochon frequently accompanies Fuqua to premieres, celebrating his directorial achievements.

Adjoa Andoh

Now globally recognized as Lady Danbury in ‘Bridgerton’, she married Howard Cunnell in 2001. They have been partners for even longer and have navigated the British theater and television landscape together. Her husband is a writer and lecturer, and they share a deep intellectual bond. Andoh often speaks of their family life as the grounding force behind her recent global fame.

Gladys Knight

The Empress of Soul has acting credits ranging from ‘Pipe Dreams’ to various Tyler Perry films. She married William McDowell in 2001, and he has been her devoted partner and manager. Together they oversee their community center and restaurant ventures in North Carolina. Their marriage came later in life for Knight, bringing her a well-deserved sense of peace and partnership.

Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Starting as an actress in movies like ‘I Am Legend’, she married actor Dondre Whitfield in 2002. She has since transitioned into a prolific television director, with her husband’s full support. The couple is vocal about prioritizing their marriage and parenting above industry demands. They often share insights on maintaining a spiritual foundation in their home.

Viola Davis

The EGOT winner found lasting love with actor and producer Julius Tennon in 2003 after praying for a husband who fit specific qualities. They founded JuVee Productions together to create more opportunities for people of color in the industry. The couple often speaks about the importance of mutual support and understanding in navigating Hollywood. Their blended family includes their adopted daughter Genesis.

Karyn Parsons

Best known as Hilary Banks on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, she married director Alexandre Rockwell in 2003. They work together on independent films, with Parsons often producing or acting in his projects. She also runs a non-profit organization that creates animated films about Black history. The couple lives a relatively quiet life in New York, focusing on their art and children.

Kim Wayans

The comedic actress from the famous Wayans dynasty has been with her husband Kevin Knotts for many years, marrying in the early 2000s. They collaborated on a series of children’s books titled ‘Amy Hodgepodge’ which celebrates multiracial identity. Their creative partnership extends to writing television scripts together. Wayans credits their shared sense of humor as a key to their longevity.

Rakie Ayola

The Welsh actress, known for ‘Holby City’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’, married fellow actor Adam Smethurst in 2004. They have managed dual acting careers while raising two daughters in London. Ayola recently won a BAFTA, with her husband cheering her on as her biggest supporter. Their marriage is built on a shared understanding of the actor’s life.

Paula Jai Parker

Famous for her voice work in ‘The Proud Family’ and roles in ‘Friday’, she married Forrest Martin in 2004. They met on the set of ‘Hustle & Flow’ where he was working as an intern. The couple appeared on ‘Hollywood Divas’, giving fans a look into their efforts to rebuild their careers and finances together. They remain a resilient team committed to their family unit.

Nicole Ari Parker

She met her husband Boris Kodjoe on the set of the TV series ‘Soul Food’, and they married in 2005. The couple is known for their stunning red carpet appearances and their joint fitness and lifestyle ventures. They often discuss the importance of keeping the romance alive while raising two children. Their relationship is a favorite among fans for its palpable chemistry.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Currently enjoying a career renaissance with ‘Abbott Elementary’, she married Senator Vincent Hughes in 2005. They manage a bi-coastal relationship, with her in Hollywood and him in Philadelphia, proving that distance can make the heart grow fonder. Ralph frequently praises her husband for being secure in her success and shine. Their union blends the worlds of politics and entertainment with style.

Which of these enduring power couples inspires you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.