Actresses in Long, Lasting Marriages (40+ Years)

Lasting love stories in Hollywood are rare, which makes these marriages all the more remarkable. Each actress here built a partnership that endured for four decades or more through career highs, family life, and personal milestones. Many of these unions only ended with a spouse’s passing, while others continue today. These snapshots focus on when they met, how they kept family at the center, and the work that ran alongside their lives together.

Eva Marie Saint

Eva Marie Saint married director and producer Jeffrey Hayden in 1951 after meeting in New York theater circles. They raised two children while she filmed projects like ‘On the Waterfront’ and ‘North by Northwest’. Hayden directed television and stage while supporting her schedule on location. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2016, with frequent collaborations and public appearances over the years.

Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury wed actor and agent Peter Shaw in 1949 after both had emigrated to the United States from the U.K. They blended careers with family as they raised two children and worked together at his talent management firm. Shaw produced several projects connected to her television work. Their partnership continued until his death in 2003 and remained a touchstone during her long run on ‘Murder, She Wrote’.

Jessica Tandy

Jessica Tandy married actor Hume Cronyn in 1942 after meeting during stage work. They became a celebrated acting team with joint productions on Broadway and in films like ‘Cocoon’. The couple often alternated projects to keep family life steady. Their marriage endured until Tandy’s passing in 1994 and is remembered for frequent stage co-starring turns.

Joanne Woodward

Joanne Woodward married Paul Newman in 1958 after they met while studying and performing in New York. They raised three daughters and co-founded organizations that supported the arts and philanthropy. Woodward balanced acting and producing while Newman expanded into directing and business ventures. Their union lasted until Newman’s death in 2008 and included many collaborations like ‘Rachel, Rachel’.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee married Ossie Davis in 1948 after meeting on stage in Harlem. They became a cornerstone couple in American theater and film and worked together in projects such as ‘Do the Right Thing’. Dee and Davis were active in civil rights efforts alongside their creative work. Their marriage continued until Davis’s passing in 2005 and is noted for partnerships on stage, screen, and community work.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews married filmmaker Blake Edwards in 1969 after they connected in Hollywood. They raised a blended family and later adopted two daughters while balancing shoots and directing schedules. Edwards cast Andrews in multiple films including ‘Victor/Victoria’ as they built a working home life across Los Angeles and Europe. Their marriage continued until his passing in 2010 with frequent collaborations.

Sissy Spacek

Sissy Spacek married production designer and director Jack Fisk in 1974 after they met on the set of ‘Badlands’. They settled in rural Virginia while continuing steady film work and raising two daughters. Fisk’s production design appeared in films by Terrence Malick and others as Spacek maintained a diverse acting career. Their marriage remains ongoing with frequent behind-the-scenes collaboration.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren married producer Carlo Ponti in 1966 after a long partnership that began earlier in her career. Ponti guided many of Loren’s international projects while they raised two sons. They balanced time between Italy and other European locations during production schedules. Their marriage continued until Ponti’s death in 2007 and is closely linked to Loren’s film legacy.

Susan Lucci

Susan Lucci married restaurant executive and producer Helmut Huber in 1969 after they met at a New York hotel where he worked. Lucci’s daytime television career thrived while Huber managed business interests and later produced projects connected to her work. They raised two children and often appeared together at industry events. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2022 with strong family ties.

Olympia Dukakis

Olympia Dukakis married actor and director Louis Zorich in 1962 after meeting through theater circles. They co-founded the Whole Theatre Company in New Jersey and mentored younger performers. Dukakis balanced stage and screen roles while Zorich taught and acted. Their marriage endured until Zorich’s passing in 2018 and reflected a shared commitment to regional theater.

Jane Wyatt

Jane Wyatt married investment broker Edgar Ward in 1935 after her early success in film. While Wyatt’s career grew on stage and television with ‘Father Knows Best’, Ward remained largely private and supportive. They divided time between Los Angeles and the East Coast during production schedules. Their marriage lasted until Ward’s death in 2000 and is noted for its quiet stability.

Kim Novak

Kim Novak married veterinarian Robert Malloy in 1976 after stepping back from the studio system. They built a life in the Pacific Northwest focused on art, wildlife, and horses while she pursued painting. Novak continued select appearances connected to her classic film legacy like ‘Vertigo’. Their marriage continued until Malloy’s passing in 2023 with a private home life away from Hollywood.

Ann Blyth

Ann Blyth married anesthesiologist James McNulty in 1953 after being introduced by friends in Los Angeles. They raised five children while Blyth worked in film, television, and stage musicals. She later focused on concert appearances and special events connected to classic cinema. Their marriage lasted until McNulty’s passing in 2007 and emphasized family throughout her career.

Marlo Thomas

Marlo Thomas married broadcaster Phil Donahue in 1980 after meeting on his talk show. They formed a blended family with his five children and supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through advocacy and fundraising. Thomas continued acting and producing while Donahue pursued media projects and writing. Their marriage remains ongoing with frequent philanthropic work together.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep married sculptor Don Gummer in 1978 after being introduced by friends in New York. They raised four children who each pursued creative careers. Streep maintained a global film schedule while Gummer built a respected body of work in sculpture. Though they have lived separate lives for several years, they remain married and continue to support their family.

Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple married Charles Alden Black in 1950 after meeting at a California dinner party. Black worked as a business executive and naval officer while she moved from acting into public service. They raised two children together and supported arts and civic causes in the Bay Area. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2005 and remained a steady anchor during her diplomatic career.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno married Leonard Gordon in 1965 after he transitioned from cardiology into talent management. He later managed aspects of her career while they raised a daughter in New York and Los Angeles. Moreno continued stage and screen work through decades of touring and filming. Their marriage continued until Gordon’s death in 2010 with frequent public appearances as a couple.

Anne Bancroft

Anne Bancroft married Mel Brooks in 1964 after they met at a rehearsal in New York. They collaborated on projects while maintaining separate creative paths, and they welcomed a son during the 1970s. Bancroft balanced theater and film with voice work and teaching. Their marriage endured until her passing in 2005 with regular behind-the-scenes support for each other’s productions.

Estelle Harris

Estelle Harris married Sy Harris in 1953 after growing up in New York and Pennsylvania. While she built a busy character-acting and voice career, he ran family businesses and handled travel logistics. They raised three children and later moved between New York and Los Angeles for her work. Their marriage continued until his death in 2021 and spanned nearly seven decades.

Anne Jeffreys

Anne Jeffreys married actor Robert Sterling in 1951 after they worked on stage and television. They co-starred in ‘Topper’ and toured in musical theater while raising three children. Jeffreys kept a steady schedule of TV guest roles and concert appearances through later years. Their marriage lasted until Sterling’s passing in 2006 and is closely tied to their joint screen legacy.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton married Carl Dean in 1966 after meeting outside a Nashville laundromat. Dean ran a paving and asphalt business while she built a wide entertainment portfolio that included film and television roles. The couple kept their home life private despite her public schedule and touring. Their marriage has continued for decades with occasional joint milestones shared with fans.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis married Christopher Guest in 1984 after spotting his photo in a magazine and arranging an introduction. Guest worked across acting and directing while Curtis expanded into writing and philanthropy. They adopted two children and maintained a low-key home life in Los Angeles. Their marriage has remained steady alongside long stretches of film and television work.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver married theater director Jim Simpson in 1984 after meeting through New York stage circles. They founded the Flea Theater in Tribeca and supported downtown productions for many years. Weaver balanced large-scale film shoots with regular returns to the stage. Their marriage has included frequent collaborations and community arts projects.

Bette Midler

Bette Midler married Martin von Haselberg in 1984 following a brief courtship in Las Vegas. He pursued performance art and later creative ventures while she alternated between concerts, film roles, and television specials. They raised a daughter and split time between work on both coasts. Their marriage has accompanied decades of touring schedules and recording projects.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard married writer Roderick Spencer in 1983 after meeting through industry friends. They co-founded a production banner for select projects and raised two children. Woodard continued a mix of film, television, and producing while engaging in advocacy work. Their marriage has remained consistent through frequent location shoots and awards seasons.

Christine Lahti

Christine Lahti married director Thomas Schlamme in 1983 after collaborating in theater. He directed numerous television series while she worked across film and prestige television. They raised three children and often alternated project schedules to manage family time. Their marriage has continued through multiple long-running shows and recurring stage work.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen married former NBA player Norm Nixon in 1984 after they met in Los Angeles. She built a career that spans acting, choreography, directing, and producing while he moved into sports management and business. The couple raised two children and supported community arts education through Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Their marriage has paralleled extensive television and stage commitments.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand married filmmaker Joel Coen in 1984 after working together early in their careers. They adopted a son and maintained a bi-coastal life tied to film and theater. McDormand continued taking stage roles between movie projects and awards campaigns. Their marriage has included regular creative collaboration and long stretches on location.

Prunella Scales

Prunella Scales married actor Timothy West in 1963 after meeting in repertory theater. They raised two sons and often appeared together in stage tours and documentaries. Scales balanced television comedy with classical theater while West pursued acting and narration work. Their marriage has remained active in the U.K. performing arts community for decades.

Imelda Staunton

Imelda Staunton married actor Jim Carter in 1983 after meeting during a theater production. They raised a daughter while managing overlapping stage and screen commitments in London. Staunton continued West End and film projects as Carter worked on long-running television series. Their marriage includes frequent charity benefits and backstage support throughout busy production calendars.

Nancy Reagan

Nancy Reagan married Ronald Reagan in 1952 after they met while working in Hollywood and later transitioned to public life. She stepped back from acting as he pursued roles in the Screen Actors Guild and then politics. The couple raised two children together while maintaining a public schedule that spanned Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2004 and included extensive advocacy work for health and research causes.

Jane Powell

Jane Powell married actor Dickie Moore in 1968 after both had established careers in classic Hollywood. They supported each other’s late-career projects and public appearances while living in New York and Connecticut. Powell continued concert work and television guest roles alongside memoir writing. Their marriage endured until Moore’s death in 2015 with frequent collaborations at film festivals and retrospectives.

Ann-Margret

Ann-Margret married actor and manager Roger Smith in 1967 after meeting in Los Angeles. Smith later shifted from acting to managing her career, coordinating tours and screen projects. They kept a close partnership through concert residencies and film commitments. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2017 with a shared focus on performance and charitable events.

Deborah Kerr

Deborah Kerr married writer Peter Viertel in 1960 after moving between film locations in Europe and the United States. She gradually reduced on-screen work while supporting literary and theater circles around their homes in Spain and Switzerland. The couple balanced travel with community involvement and private family life. Their marriage continued until her death in 2007 with a steady presence at cultural gatherings.

Janet Leigh

Janet Leigh married stockbroker Robert Brandt in 1962 after a period of high-profile studio work. She continued acting in select film and television projects and later focused on writing and convention appearances. The couple divided time between Los Angeles and the Palm Springs area. Their marriage lasted until her passing in 2004 and was marked by low-key public life.

Angela Cartwright

Angela Cartwright married Steve Gullion in 1976 after her early success in television and film. She built a parallel career in photography and design while taking occasional screen roles and reunion specials. The couple raised two children and supported creative projects tied to arts education. Their marriage has remained longstanding with frequent participation in fan and museum events.

Julie London

Julie London married musician and actor Bobby Troup in 1959 after collaborating in clubs and recording studios. They performed together regularly while she balanced screen roles with a recording career. London later focused on television work alongside Troup’s music and acting commitments. Their marriage continued until his death in 1999 with ongoing appearances in music venues and benefit shows.

Angela Thorne

Angela Thorne married actor Peter Penry-Jones in 1967 after meeting in repertory theater. They raised two sons who also pursued acting careers while the couple toured in stage productions. Thorne built a steady television and stage resume with regular returns to classic plays. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2009 with active involvement in U.K. theater companies.

Saira Banu

Saira Banu married actor Dilip Kumar in 1966 after rising to prominence in Hindi cinema. She balanced film work with managing family commitments and later oversaw archival and charitable initiatives tied to his legacy. The couple maintained homes in Mumbai and participated in industry events together. Their marriage continued until his death in 2021 with widespread recognition in Indian film circles.

Jaya Bachchan

Jaya Bachchan married actor Amitabh Bachchan in 1973 after meeting on film sets and at theater events. She stepped back from full-time acting for periods to focus on family and public service while returning for select roles. The couple supported film productions, a production banner, and philanthropic efforts. Their marriage has spanned decades of cinema and public life with shared appearances at industry functions.

Hema Malini

Hema Malini married actor Dharmendra in 1980 following years of working in Indian cinema. She balanced film and dance productions with public service while he continued acting and producing. The couple raised two daughters who entered the industry and supported cultural programs and temple festivals. Their marriage has remained a long-running partnership alongside touring and screen commitments.

Sharmila Tagore

Sharmila Tagore married cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi in 1969 after a cross-cultural courtship widely covered in India. She continued acting selectively while supporting sports and social initiatives connected to his work. The couple raised three children and maintained family residences in Kolkata and Delhi. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2011 with ongoing involvement in foundations established in his name.

Vyjayanthimala

Vyjayanthimala married physician Chamanlal Bali in 1968 after her peak years in dance and film. She shifted focus to Bharatanatyam performances, teaching, and cultural organizations while appearing occasionally on screen. The couple made Chennai their base and supported arts institutions across India. Their marriage continued until his passing in 2014 with sustained contributions to classical dance.

Lee Grant

Lee Grant married producer Joseph Feury in 1962 after establishing parallel careers in acting and documentary work. They collaborated on film and television projects, including award-winning documentaries. Grant balanced directing and acting with teaching and mentorship programs. Their marriage has remained in place for decades through independent productions and festival circuits.

Barbara Barrie

Barbara Barrie married theater director and journalist Jay Malcolm in 1964 after meeting in New York’s performing arts scene. She built a long career in television, film, and literature while he worked in media and stage projects. The couple raised two children and supported health and literacy advocacy following her memoir publications. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2023 with continued ties to theater workshops and readings.

Share your favorite examples of enduring Hollywood partnerships in the comments and tell us who else belongs on this list.