Actors in Long, Lasting Marriages (30+ Years)

Some Hollywood love stories really do go the distance, and these actors have the decades to prove it. Each one has been married for 30 years or more, with timelines that include how they met, family milestones, and a few projects that crossed over into their personal lives. Here is a friendly tour through partnerships that stood the test of time and show what long haul commitment looks like in the spotlight.

Alan Alda

Alan Alda married Arlene Weiss in 1957 after they met at a party in New York. They have three daughters and built their early years around stage work and television schedules. Arlene pursued photography and music while Alda balanced time on sets like ‘MASH’. The family kept a steady base in the Northeast as his film and writing work expanded.

Michael Caine

Michael Caine married Shakira Baksh in 1973 after spotting her in a television commercial and tracking down a mutual friend. They welcomed a daughter and kept homes in the United Kingdom where Caine often filmed. Shakira worked as a model and entrepreneur and frequently appeared with him at premieres. Caine has credited that first commercial sighting as the start of a lifelong partnership.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington married Pauletta Pearson in 1983 after meeting on the set of the TV movie ‘Wilma’. They have four children and renewed their vows in South Africa with Archbishop Desmond Tutu officiating. Pauletta built her own career in acting and music while supporting charitable work the family shares. The couple often attends industry events together during his releases like ‘Glory’ and ‘Training Day’.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks married Rita Wilson in 1988 after meeting on ‘Bosom Buddies’ and reconnecting on ‘Volunteers’. They have two sons together and are regular collaborators on projects through their production work. Wilson is Greek American and the family is part of the Greek Orthodox community. They have appeared together at many premieres including runs for films like ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ and ‘Cast Away’.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson married LaTanya Richardson in 1980 after meeting through Atlanta theater circles connected to Morehouse and Spelman. They have a daughter and long standing ties to New York stages and schools. Richardson is an acclaimed actor and producer with credits on Broadway and television. The pair often supports arts education alongside Jackson’s film work like ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Die Hard with a Vengeance’.

Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges married Susan Geston in 1977 after meeting in Montana while he was filming ‘Rancho Deluxe’. They raised three daughters and kept family life centered in California. Geston worked behind the scenes on several projects and managed parts of Bridges’s art and music interests. The couple has appeared together at award ceremonies tied to films such as ‘Crazy Heart’.

Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon married Kyra Sedgwick in 1988 after they met working on ‘Lemon Sky’. They have two children who both work in creative fields. Sedgwick built a strong career in television and directing with series work like ‘The Closer’. The family has split time between New York and Los Angeles during film shoots for projects like ‘Apollo 13’ and ‘Mystic River’.

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox married Tracy Pollan in 1988 after first meeting on ‘Family Ties’ and reconnecting on the film ‘Bright Lights, Big City’. They have four children and have been active in health and research advocacy. Pollan co authored cookbooks with her family while continuing selected acting roles. Fox’s foundation work grew alongside appearances tied to ‘Back to the Future’ reunions and documentaries.

Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken married Georgianne Walken in 1969 after meeting through New York theater circles. They chose not to have children and built parallel careers with Georgianne becoming a sought after casting director. Their professional paths overlapped on projects where casting supported films like ‘The Deer Hunter’ and ‘Catch Me If You Can’. They keep a low profile away from sets and events.

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill married Marilou York in 1978 after they met when she worked as a dental hygienist. They have three children and spent many years balancing family life with global press tours. York managed household logistics during Hamill’s returns to the ‘Star Wars’ universe and voice acting schedules. The family maintained privacy while still joining him at major franchise premieres.

Gary Sinise

Gary Sinise married Moira Harris in 1981 after meeting through the Chicago theater community and Steppenwolf connections. They have three children and continued to support stage companies where they began. Harris acted in film and television while Sinise moved between directing and acting in projects like ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Apollo 13’. His foundation work for veterans became a central part of their public life.

Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck married Jillie Mack in 1987 after meeting her while she performed in ‘Cats’ in London. They have a daughter together and also raised Selleck’s son from his first marriage. The family settled on a ranch in California where Selleck balanced television work like ‘Blue Bloods’. Mack continued performing and joined him for select industry events.

John Lithgow

John Lithgow married Mary Yeager in 1981 while she was advancing her academic career in history. They have two children together and often keep schedules shaped around teaching calendars and film shoots. Yeager has taught at the university level while Lithgow moved between stage and screen including roles in ‘Third Rock from the Sun’ and ‘The Crown’. They maintain strong ties to theater communities.

Ed Harris

Ed Harris married Amy Madigan in 1983 after meeting during work related to ‘Places in the Heart’. They have a daughter and have collaborated on multiple films including ‘Pollock’ where Harris directed and Madigan played Peggy Guggenheim. Both continue to work in film and theater with periodic joint projects. Their careers often intersect at festivals and museum events focused on film art.

Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins married Sharon R. Friedrick in 1969 after meeting during their college years and early theater work. They have two children and long involvement with the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence. Friedrick built a career in choreography and arts education while Jenkins moved into film with projects like ‘The Visitor’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. They have kept Rhode Island as a steady home base throughout his career.

Ron Howard

Ron Howard married Cheryl Alley after they met as teenagers in their hometown. They raised a family while he moved from acting in ‘Happy Days’ to directing film and television. Cheryl has written and supported various creative projects while keeping their home life steady during long shoots. They often attend premieres together and stay closely involved with their grown children’s work in entertainment.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston married Robin Dearden after they met on a television set where they appeared in the same episode. They built their family while he balanced stage roles, sitcoms, and the transformation that came with ‘Breaking Bad’. Robin has acted and directed, and they collaborate on audiobook and charity events. They keep a low profile outside of public appearances tied to theater and series releases.

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman married Lisa Hoffman after reconnecting through family friends who had known them since his early theater years. They raised children while he shifted between character roles and leading parts in films like ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ and ‘Rain Man’. Lisa built a business in beauty and wellness and has produced select projects. The couple is seen together at tributes and festivals celebrating his screen career.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones married Cecilia Hart after meeting through theater circles and television work. They appeared together in stage productions while he continued film roles that included ‘Star Wars’ voice performances and ‘Field of Dreams’. Cecilia pursued acting and charity work and supported educational programs. Their partnership remained anchored to New York theater communities until her passing.

David McCallum

David McCallum married Katherine Carpenter after a chance introduction connected to a photo shoot. They raised a family while he moved from ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ to a long run on ‘NCIS’. Katherine worked in modeling and philanthropy and helped organize events for veterans and arts groups. They often split time between production schedules and charity commitments.

Jeremy Irons

Jeremy Irons married Sinéad Cusack after meeting through the theater where both were building respected reputations. They performed together on stage while he took on screen roles such as ‘Reversal of Fortune’ and ‘The Borgias’. Sinéad continued a distinguished acting career and humanitarian advocacy. They support arts organizations and often appear at West End and festival events.

Bill Pullman

Bill Pullman married Tamara Hurwitz after an introduction through the arts community where she worked as a dancer and educator. They raised children who also chose creative paths. Pullman balanced film work like ‘Independence Day’ with teaching and stage appearances. Tamara has led dance projects and community programs, and they often collaborate with regional arts groups.

Ted Danson

Ted Danson married Mary Steenburgen after working together on ‘Pontiac Moon’ and staying close through mutual friends. They blended families and supported each other’s film and television schedules, including his runs on ‘Cheers’ and ‘The Good Place’. Mary continued acting and songwriting and developed projects as a producer. They are active in environmental causes and often appear together at advocacy events.

Denis Leary

Denis Leary married Ann Lembeck after meeting through the comedy and theater scene in Boston and New York. They built their family while he developed projects like ‘Rescue Me’ that drew on his writing and producing. Ann has worked behind the scenes and as an author with bestselling books. Together they support firefighter charities and health initiatives, including benefits connected to his series.

Steve Carell

Steve Carell married Nancy Walls after they met at a comedy theater where he taught and she was a student. They worked together on ‘The Office’ and other projects while raising their children. Nancy writes, acts, and produces, and they co own a small town general store that became a local favorite. The couple keeps press light and focuses on family and community work between shoots.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan married Joan Lin after an introduction within the Hong Kong film community. Joan was a successful actor and later stepped back to focus on family as his action career accelerated with films like ‘Police Story’ and ‘Rush Hour’. They keep personal matters private while supporting charity efforts through foundations and disaster relief. Public appearances are usually tied to film festivals and cultural events.

Chow Yun-fat

Chow Yun-fat married Jasmine Tan after crossing paths in the entertainment business through friends. They chose a quiet life outside the spotlight when not filming, often hiking and engaging in community activities. He maintained an international career with roles like ‘A Better Tomorrow’ and ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. The couple is known for philanthropy and for keeping a modest lifestyle.

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan married Jaya Bhaduri after they worked together on film sets and developed a strong creative rapport. They have acted in multiple projects, including ‘Zanjeer’ and ‘Sholay’, while supporting their children’s careers in film. Jaya returned to acting and public service after time devoted to family. The family remains a prominent fixture in Indian cinema and cultural events.

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan married Gauri Chhibber after a long courtship that began before his film career took off. They built a production company that backed projects like ‘Chennai Express’ and ‘Om Shanti Om’. Gauri leads a design business and handles parts of their brand and philanthropic work. The couple often appears together at film launches and charity galas.

Richard Attenborough

Richard Attenborough married Sheila Sim after meeting through repertory theater and shared stage tours. They maintained acting careers while he moved into directing films such as ‘Gandhi’. Sheila continued performing and supported arts education and charitable trusts. Their partnership remained closely tied to British theater institutions and film academies across many decades.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman married Joanne Woodward after they met working on stage and on the set of ‘The Long, Hot Summer’. They built a family while alternating between film shoots and theater runs. Newman and Woodward co founded a line of food products that funds camps and programs for children with serious illnesses. They collaborated on multiple films and maintained deep ties to charitable work through the Newman’s Own Foundation.

Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks married Anne Bancroft after meeting at a rehearsal and quickly became a creative pair around New York stages and television studios. They worked in adjacent worlds where he wrote and directed while she built a celebrated acting career. Their partnership included appearances at premieres for projects like ‘The Producers’ and ‘The Graduate’. Brooks often credited their steady home life with giving him the freedom to take big creative swings.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman married Betsy Arakawa after they met in Los Angeles during his mid career period. They settled into a quieter life as he gradually stepped away from acting and moved toward writing novels. Hackman kept occasional industry appearances tied to his classic roles in films like ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven’. The couple is known for keeping a low profile and prioritizing privacy outside of public events.

Patrick Duffy

Patrick Duffy married Carlyn Rosser after introductions through the dance world, where she performed and taught. They raised two sons while he filmed ‘Dallas’ and later returned for revival projects. Duffy has spoken about how their shared interest in the arts shaped family routines during long television seasons. Their home life centered around creative pursuits and travel connected to stage appearances.

Peter Falk

Peter Falk married Shera Danese after they met through television circles and mutual friends. She appeared in several episodes of ‘Columbo’, often in different guest roles. They were frequently seen together at festivals celebrating classic television and film. Falk balanced museum exhibitions of his artwork with acting commitments while Danese managed portions of his public schedule.

Bob Newhart

Bob Newhart married Virginia Quinn after a whirlwind introduction through comedy friends. She partnered closely with him through the runs of ‘The Bob Newhart Show’ and ‘Newhart’. Their family life included cross country moves aligned with studio tapings and stand up tours. The couple was active in charity events tied to television history and children’s hospitals.

Carl Reiner

Carl Reiner married Estelle Lebost after meeting during his early stage career and Army entertainment work. They built a household that supported his writing and producing on ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’. Estelle appeared memorably in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ while maintaining her own creative pursuits. The family remained connected to comedy institutions and archives that preserve television history.

Dick Van Dyke

Dick Van Dyke married Margie Willett early in his career and they navigated his rise from radio and variety programs to ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’. Their family life unfolded alongside movie musicals and national tours. Later in life Van Dyke returned frequently to television and live performance. He often credits steady family support with sustaining the long hours of rehearsals and production work.

Henry Winkler

Henry Winkler married Stacey Weitzman after meeting in Los Angeles during his early television years. They raised a family while he filmed ‘Happy Days’ and later moved into producing and directing. Winkler’s children’s books and voice work continued as he took on roles in series like ‘Barry’. The couple supports literacy programs and regularly attends events for schools and libraries.

Warren Beatty

Warren Beatty married Annette Bening after they worked together on ‘Bugsy’. They raised a family while managing alternating production schedules so one parent could be home during long shoots. Beatty maintained producing and occasional acting projects while Bening continued stage and screen work. They are regulars at film festivals and museum retrospectives that showcase their collaborative projects.

Michael Palin

Michael Palin married Helen Gibbins after they met on holiday and later moved to London as his television career took off. He balanced writing and performing with ‘Monty Python’ while she kept family routines steady through travel and location work. Palin’s later documentaries took him across the globe and he credited family planning for making extended shoots possible. Their home base remained tied to writing rooms and editing suites where he developed travel series.

Eric Idle

Eric Idle married Tania Kosevich after introductions within the music and theater community. They raised a family while he toured with ‘Monty Python’ stage shows and created projects like ‘Spamalot’. Idle’s work often blended comedy and music, and the couple coordinated tours and rehearsals around school calendars. They participate in charity concerts and reunions celebrating British comedy.

Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer married Elaine Taylor after they met through British theater circles. They made a home in the countryside while he continued international film and stage commitments. Taylor worked as an actor and later focused on family and philanthropic interests. The pair appeared together at tributes honoring Plummer’s performances in films like ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Beginners’.

Michael York

Michael York married Patricia McCallum after a photo session led to a longer collaboration across arts circles. They balanced his film work in productions like ‘Cabaret’ and ‘Logan’s Run’ with her career in photography and media. York later devoted time to advocacy and public speaking related to health while continuing stage appearances. The couple maintained a steady presence at literary and film society events.

James Garner

James Garner married Lois Clarke after a brief courtship that turned into a lifelong partnership anchored in Los Angeles. They supported each other’s careers while he worked on ‘Maverick’ and ‘The Rockford Files’. Garner kept a reputation for doing his own driving stunts and credited home life for grounding a demanding schedule. The pair were regular attendees at television academy events and charity functions tied to veterans and public service.

Share your favorite examples of lasting star marriages in the comments and let us know who else belongs on this list.