Black Actresses Who Are in the Longest Relationships

Navigating a career in the entertainment industry often comes with unique challenges that can strain personal relationships. Several Black actresses have defied the odds by maintaining decades-long unions while achieving massive professional success. These women serve as powerful examples of commitment and partnership within a landscape known for fleeting romances. Their stories demonstrate that it is possible to balance the demands of stardom with a grounded and loving home life.

LaTanya Richardson Jackson

This acclaimed actress has been married to fellow Hollywood icon Samuel L. Jackson since 1980. The couple met while attending Morehouse and Spelman Colleges in Atlanta before establishing their careers in theater and film. LaTanya Richardson Jackson often performs alongside her husband and they have one daughter named Zoe. Her extensive career includes a Tony Award nomination for her role in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ on Broadway. She and Samuel are widely considered one of the most enduring power couples in the entertainment industry.

Pauletta Washington

Pauletta Washington has been married to Oscar winner Denzel Washington since 1983. They met on the set of the television film ‘Wilma’ and have built a strong family unit with four children. She is a talented vocalist and actress who has supported her husband throughout his rise to superstardom. The couple renewed their wedding vows in South Africa in 1995 with Archbishop Desmond Tutu officiating. Her grace and their steadfast union serve as an inspiration to many in Hollywood.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard has enjoyed a marriage to writer and producer Roderick Spencer since 1983. The celebrated actress known for ‘Cross Creek’ and ’12 Years a Slave’ met her husband early in her career. They co-founded the organization Artists for a New South Africa to support democracy and equality. The couple shares two children and continues to collaborate on various creative and philanthropic projects. Their relationship remains one of the most stable and private unions in the industry.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen has been married to former NBA player Norm Nixon since 1984. The multi-talented director and actress famously starred in the television series ‘Fame’ where she showcased her dance expertise. She and Nixon have three children together and frequently appear on red carpets as a supportive team. Allen often speaks about the importance of mutual respect and communication in their long marriage. They have successfully balanced high-profile careers in sports and entertainment for decades.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey has been in a committed relationship with educator and author Stedman Graham since 1986. Although they engaged in 1992 they decided against a formal marriage ceremony and have remained happily unmarried partners. The media mogul and actress starred in ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Beloved’ while building her global empire. Graham has been a constant presence by her side through her talk show years and various business ventures. Their partnership challenges traditional norms and proves that commitment is defined by the couple themselves.

Vanessa Bell Calloway

Vanessa Bell Calloway has been married to anesthesiologist Dr. Anthony Calloway since 1988. The actress gained fame for her role in ‘Coming to America’ and has maintained a steady presence in film and television. She and her husband have two daughters and have navigated the challenges of a Hollywood marriage with privacy. Calloway often credits their shared faith and dedication to family for their longevity. Their union stands as a testament to balancing a demanding acting career with a grounded home life.

Tamela Mann

Tamela Mann has been married to actor and comedian David Mann since 1988. The couple is well known for their frequent collaborations in Tyler Perry productions such as ‘Meet the Browns’. They began their careers singing with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family before transitioning to acting. Tamela and David have created a brand centered around their family and faith. Their reality show ‘It’s a Mann’s World’ gave fans a glimpse into their loving and humorous dynamic.

Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete has been married to former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete since 1995. The actress gained fame on ’21 Jump Street’ and has since become a prominent advocate for autism awareness. She and Rodney founded the HollyRod Foundation to help families affected by autism and Parkinson’s disease. They starred in the reality show ‘For Peete’s Sake’ which documented their busy lives with four children. Their partnership is defined by their shared philanthropy and dedication to their family.

Anna Maria Horsford

Anna Maria Horsford has been married to Daniel Wolf since 1996. She is best known for her roles in the sitcom ‘Amen’ and the film ‘Friday’. The actress has maintained a very private personal life throughout her extensive career in television and film. Her marriage has quietly endured for over two decades away from the tabloid glare. She continues to work steadily in the industry while keeping her family life secure and out of the spotlight.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste has been married to ballet dancer Evan Williams since 1997. She received international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Secrets & Lies’. The British actress has built a successful career in both the UK and the US with roles in shows like ‘Without a Trace’. She and Williams have two daughters and reside in Los Angeles. Their artistic backgrounds have helped them forge a deep and lasting connection.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett has been married to actor Courtney B. Vance since 1997. The couple met while studying at the Yale School of Drama and reconnected years later to start their romance. She is renowned for her powerful portrayal of Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. They have twins named Bronwyn and Slater and often speak about the value of friendship in their marriage. Their partnership is celebrated as one of the most dignified and talented matches in Hollywood.

Sunny Hostin

Sunny Hostin has been married to orthopedic surgeon Emmanuel Hostin since 1998. While widely known as a lawyer and host she has appeared as an actress in ‘Girls Trip’ and various television cameos. The couple shares two children and often highlights their Afro-Latino and Haitian heritage. Hostin frequently mentions her husband’s support during her segments on ‘The View’. Their marriage balances her public media career with his medical practice.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine has been married to Glenn Marshall since 2001. The Emmy-winning actress is beloved for her work in ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She and Marshall have built a quiet life together that supports her busy filming schedule. Devine is known for her distinct voice and warm screen presence which matches her stable home life. Their relationship is a prime example of finding love and companionship later in life.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph has been in a long-term partnership with director Paul Thomas Anderson since 2001. The ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’ star shares four children with the acclaimed filmmaker. They have collaborated creatively notably in his film ‘Licorice Pizza’ but generally keep their family life private. Rudolph refers to Anderson as her husband despite them not having a public marriage record. Their bohemian and artistic lifestyle has sustained a relationship of over two decades.

Renée Elise Goldsberry

Renée Elise Goldsberry has been married to attorney Alexis Johnson since 2002. She achieved massive success originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in the musical ‘Hamilton’. The couple has two children and has navigated the demands of her Broadway and television career together. Goldsberry often expresses gratitude for her husband’s support during her rise to stardom. Their marriage exemplifies a successful balance between the arts and the corporate world.

Karyn Parsons

Karyn Parsons has been married to director Alexandre Rockwell since 2003. Best known as Hilary Banks on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ she now focuses on writing and production. The couple has two children and has collaborated on several independent film projects together. Parsons founded the organization Sweet Blackberry to teach children about Black history. Her marriage reflects a shared passion for storytelling and creative education.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has been married to actor and producer Julius Tennon since 2003. The EGOT winner often tells the story of how she prayed for a husband before meeting Tennon. They founded the production company JuVee Productions to create opportunities for diverse voices in Hollywood. Davis famously starred in ‘Fences’ and ‘The Woman King’ with her husband’s unwavering support on and off the red carpet. They share a daughter named Genesis and are partners in both life and business.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph has been married to Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes since 2005. The ‘Abbott Elementary’ star splits her time between Hollywood and Philadelphia to support her husband’s political career. They met after being introduced by a mutual friend and have created a powerful bi-coastal blended family. Ralph is a legendary figure from the original production of ‘Dreamgirls’. Their union brings together the worlds of entertainment and public service.

Nicole Ari Parker

Nicole Ari Parker has been married to actor Boris Kodjoe since 2005. The stunning couple met on the set of the television series ‘Soul Food’ where they played love interests. They have two children and have launched several business ventures together including a fitness app. Parker and Kodjoe are known for their chemistry and open discussions about maintaining a healthy marriage. They remain one of the most photogenic and beloved duos in the industry.

Ryan Michelle Bathe

Ryan Michelle Bathe has been married to actor Sterling K. Brown since 2007. The couple met as students at Stanford University and acted together in the hit drama ‘This Is Us’. They have two sons and frequently share humorous anecdotes about their parenting journey. Bathe is a talented actress who has appeared in ‘The First Wives Club’ series. Their relationship is grounded in a long shared history that predates their Hollywood fame.

Kim Fields

Kim Fields has been married to Broadway actor Christopher Morgan since 2007. The child star known for ‘The Facts of Life’ and ‘Living Single’ found lasting love with Morgan. They have two sons together and appeared on reality television where they showcased their family life. Fields continues to direct and act while her husband pursues his own artistic projects. Their marriage has remained strong despite the scrutiny of reality TV cameras.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes has been married to Alex Niedbalski since 2008. The comedian and actress met her French wife on a ferry ride to Fire Island. Sykes is known for her voice work in ‘Ice Age’ and her stand-up specials. They have twins and split their time between Los Angeles and media engagements. Their relationship marked a significant personal milestone for Sykes as she lived more openly and authentically.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé has been married to rapper and mogul Jay-Z since 2008. The global superstar and actress in films like ‘Dreamgirls’ began dating him around 2001. They have three children and have toured the world together as a musical duo. Their relationship has weathered intense public speculation and was artistically explored in her visual album ‘Lemonade’. They stand as one of the wealthiest and most influential couples in entertainment history.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys has been married to music producer Swizz Beatz since 2010. The singer and actress appeared in ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ and has a strong presence in the film industry. They knew each other as teenagers but did not begin dating until they were adults. The couple shares two sons and has a blended family with Swizz Beatz’s other children. Their relationship is fueled by a mutual passion for art and music.

Sonequa Martin-Green

Sonequa Martin-Green has been married to actor Kenric Green since 2010. She is best known for her leading role in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and her time on ‘The Walking Dead’. The couple met while acting in a play together in New Jersey before moving to television. They have two children and Kenric has even appeared alongside her in ‘The Walking Dead’. Their partnership is built on shared professional goals and a tight-knit family life.

Tamera Mowry-Housley

Tamera Mowry-Housley has been married to former journalist Adam Housley since 2011. The ‘Sister, Sister’ star met her husband after being set up by her professor at Pepperdine University. They have two children and own a winery in Napa Valley together. Mowry often discusses her interracial marriage and faith on talk shows and social media. Their relationship has remained solid through career changes and personal challenges.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis has been married to Arnold Byrd since 2012. Known as the Mother of Black Hollywood she stars in the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. Lewis married her husband in a grand ceremony after years of focusing on her career and personal healing. She is an advocate for mental health and shares her journey openly with her fans. Her marriage represents a happy and stable chapter in her vibrant life.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald has been married to fellow Broadway actor Will Swenson since 2012. The record-breaking Tony Award winner has also appeared in television series like ‘The Good Fight’. They met while working on a theater production and formed a blended family with their respective children. The couple often performs together and supports each other’s stage endeavors. Their home is filled with music and a shared dedication to the arts.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris has been in a relationship with Peter Legler since 2012. The British actress gained worldwide fame as Moneypenny in the Daniel Craig James Bond films such as ‘Skyfall’. She keeps her relationship relatively out of the spotlight but attends major events with Legler. Harris is known for her intensely private nature regarding her personal life. Their long-term partnership provides a stable base for her international filming career.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah has been in a long-term relationship with choreographer Eboni Nichols since approximately 2013. The hip-hop legend and actress starred in ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Chicago’. The couple welcomed a child together recently and maintains a very private family life. Latifah rarely discusses her personal life in interviews but expresses great joy in her family. Their relationship is respected as a quiet and enduring bond within the industry.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington has been married to former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha since 2013. The ‘Scandal’ star is notoriously private and kept her wedding a secret from the press. They have two children together and work on various social justice initiatives. Washington often produces projects that highlight important societal issues with her husband’s support. Their marriage is a prime example of high-profile figures maintaining a low-profile personal life.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana has been married to Italian artist Marco Perego since 2013. The ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ star married him shortly after they began dating. Perego famously adopted her surname when they tied the knot. They have three sons and are raising them in a multilingual household. The couple shares a bohemian and artistic approach to life and parenting.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union has been married to NBA legend Dwyane Wade since 2014. The ‘Bring It On’ actress and her husband have become a power couple known for their advocacy and style. They share a daughter named Kaavia James and parent Wade’s children from previous relationships. Union has been open about their fertility struggles and their support for their LGBTQ+ child Zaya. Their relationship is characterized by transparency and mutual support.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland has been married to her manager Tim Weatherspoon since 2014. The Destiny’s Child member and actress in ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ keeps her marriage relatively low-key. They have two sons and prioritize family time amidst her music and acting projects. Rowland often shares glimpses of their life on social media while protecting their privacy. Their professional and personal lives are closely intertwined successfully.

Kandi Burruss

Kandi Burruss has been married to producer Todd Tucker since 2014. They met while filming ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ and their romance was documented on the show. Kandi is a Grammy-winning songwriter and actress who appears in ‘The Chi’. They have two children together and run several businesses including restaurants. Their relationship has thrived despite the drama often associated with reality television.

Eve

Eve has been married to British entrepreneur Maximillion Cooper since 2014. The rapper and actress known for ‘Barbershop’ lives with her husband and their son. She is also a stepmother to Cooper’s four children from a previous marriage. Eve famously relocated to London to be with him and embraces her life in the UK. Their relationship bridges the worlds of hip-hop and the Gumball 3000 motor rally lifestyle.

Patina Miller

Patina Miller has been married to venture capitalist David Mars since 2014. The actress stars in the ‘Power’ franchise and won a Tony Award for ‘Pippin’. They met through an online dating site and have a daughter together. Miller balances her demanding shooting schedules with her life in New York City. Her marriage connects the Broadway world with the business sector.

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones has been in a relationship with musician Ezra Koenig since 2015. The ‘Parks and Recreation’ actress and the Vampire Weekend frontman have a son together. They are extremely private and rarely walk red carpets as a couple. Jones focuses on her writing and directing while Koenig tours with his band. Their partnership is a quiet union of two indie pop culture icons.

Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia Barrino has been married to businessman Kendall Taylor since 2015. The ‘American Idol’ winner and ‘The Color Purple’ star married him after a brief courtship. Taylor helped her find stability and faith after a turbulent period in her life. They often stream conversations about marriage and spirituality on social media. Their union is central to her personal redemption story and current success.

Ciara

Ciara has been married to NFL quarterback Russell Wilson since 2016. The singer and actress in ‘The Color Purple’ musical film met Wilson after a public breakup. They are known for their philanthropic work and picture-perfect family image. The couple has three children together and they also raise Ciara’s son from a previous relationship. They frequently express their devotion to each other publicly.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley has been married to writer Lauren Morelli since 2017. They met on the set of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ where Wiley acted and Morelli wrote scripts. The couple welcomed a daughter and often advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. Wiley’s role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ has brought her critical acclaim. Their relationship is a celebrated success story coming from the set of the popular show.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks has been married to Dennis Gelin since 2022 but they have been together for several years prior. The ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘The Color Purple’ star shares a daughter with her husband. They celebrated their love with a lavish wedding in Miami that was featured in major fashion magazines. Brooks frequently credits her partner for his support during her Broadway runs and film shoots. Their relationship is a joyful and fashionable modern union.

Please share which of these relationships inspires you the most in the comments.