Black Actors in Long, Lasting Marriages (30+ Years)

Maintaining a marriage in the entertainment industry is a significant challenge due to the demanding schedules and constant public scrutiny. While many Hollywood relationships are fleeting, there are numerous Black actors who have built enduring unions lasting three decades or more. These men have balanced their successful careers with long-term commitments to their spouses. The following list highlights these actors and the impressive longevity of their marriages.

Samuel L. Jackson

The prolific actor known for his roles in films like ‘Pulp Fiction’ has been married to LaTanya Richardson since 1980. They met while attending Morehouse and Spelman colleges in Atlanta. Richardson is also an accomplished actress with numerous credits in theatre and film. The couple has one daughter together and often appears together at industry events. Their relationship spans over four decades and remains one of the most steadfast in Hollywood.

Denzel Washington

This two-time Academy Award winner married Pauletta Pearson in 1983 after meeting on the set of the television film ‘Wilma’. Pauletta is a talented pianist and vocalist who has supported her husband throughout his rise to superstardom. They have four children including actor John David Washington. The couple renewed their vows in 2002 in South Africa with Desmond Tutu officiating. Their marriage is frequently cited as a prime example of longevity in the film industry.

Billy Dee Williams

Best known for playing Lando Calrissian in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’, Williams married Teruko Nakagami in 1972. Nakagami is of Japanese descent and brought a daughter from a previous marriage into their union. The couple has a daughter together named Hanako. Although they briefly filed for divorce in 1993, they reconciled and have remained together ever since. Their union has now surpassed the half-century mark.

Sidney Poitier

The legendary actor who broke barriers in ‘Lilies of the Field’ was married to Joanna Shimkus from 1976 until his passing in 2022. Shimkus is a former Canadian actress who retired from the screen in the early 1970s. Over their 46-year marriage, they raised two daughters named Anika and Sydney Tamiia. Poitier often credited his wife for bringing stability and balance to his life. Their partnership endured until the very end of his historic life.

James Earl Jones

Known for his commanding voice as Darth Vader and Mufasa, Jones was married to actress Cecilia Hart from 1982 until her death in 2016. They met while working together on the police drama ‘Paris’ and later starred in ‘Othello’ on Broadway. The couple had one son named Flynn Earl Jones. They maintained a private life in upstate New York away from the bustle of Hollywood. Their marriage lasted for 34 years until Hart succumbed to ovarian cancer.

Bill Cosby

The comedian and actor married Camille Hanks in 1964. Camille has stood by her husband through the height of his fame and his later legal troubles. They have five children together and have weathered significant public storms over six decades. She has also acted as his business manager for much of his career. Their marriage is one of the longest in the history of American entertainment figures.

Ossie Davis

Davis and his wife Ruby Dee were a power couple in both the arts and the civil rights movement. They were married from 1948 until Davis died in 2005. The couple frequently worked together in films like ‘Do the Right Thing’ and on stage productions. They were jointly honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2004 for their contributions to culture. Their partnership lasted 57 years and set a high standard for artistic collaboration.

Clarence Williams III

Famous for his role as Linc Hayes in ‘The Mod Squad’, Williams was married to actress Gloria Foster from 1967 until her death in 2001. Foster was a celebrated performer known for her role as the Oracle in ‘The Matrix’. They worked together on various projects and supported each other’s careers in theatre and film. The couple did not have children but were dedicated to their craft and each other. Their union spanned 34 years.

Geoffrey Holder

The Trinidadian-American actor and dancer known for playing Baron Samedi in ‘Live and Let Die’ was married to Carmen de Lavallade from 1955 until his death in 2014. Carmen is a renowned dancer and choreographer who met Holder when they were both in the cast of ‘House of Flowers’. They had one son named Léo. Their artistic partnership was a central part of their lives for 59 years. They were considered royalty in the dance and theatre worlds.

Brock Peters

Best remembered for his role in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, Peters was married to Dolores Daniels from 1961 until his death in 2005. Daniels was a producer who helped manage her husband’s career. They had one daughter named Lise. The couple remained devoted to each other for 44 years. Peters often spoke of the strength his family provided him throughout his career.

Robert Guillaume

The star of ‘Benson’ and voice of Rafiki in ‘The Lion King’ married Donna Brown in 1986. They remained together for 31 years until his passing in 2017. Donna Brown is a television producer who met Guillaume during his years on sitcoms. They had one daughter together named Rachel. The couple lived quietly in Los Angeles during his later years.

Greg Morris

Morris gained fame as the electronics expert Barney Collier in ‘Mission: Impossible’ and married Lee Morris in 1956. They remained married for 40 years until his death in 1996. The couple had three children who all pursued careers in the entertainment industry. Their son Phil Morris followed in his father’s footsteps by also acting in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. The marriage was a stable foundation for their acting family.

John Witherspoon

The comedic actor known for ‘Friday’ and ‘The Wayans Bros.’ married Angela Robinson in 1988. Angela is an actress and model who created artwork and managed family affairs. They had two sons named John David and Alexander. The couple was married for 31 years until Witherspoon passed away in 2019. Their relationship was characterized by mutual support and shared creative interests.

Bernie Mac

The stand-up comedian and star of ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ married his high school sweetheart Rhonda McCullough in 1977. She was with him through his early struggles in comedy clubs before he achieved mainstream success. They raised a daughter named Je’Niece. Rhonda remained by his side until his untimely death in 2008 due to complications from pneumonia. Their marriage lasted 31 years and was frequently referenced in his comedy routines.

Harry Belafonte

The singer and actor married Julie Robinson in 1957 after meeting on the set of ‘Carmen Jones’. Robinson was a dancer of Russian Jewish descent. They had two children together named David and Gina. The couple was deeply involved in the civil rights movement and used their platform for activism. Their marriage lasted for 47 years before they divorced in 2004.

Lincoln Kilpatrick

A familiar face in films like ‘Soylent Green’, Kilpatrick married Helena Ferguson in 1957. Helena was a singer and actress who supported his extensive career in theatre and film. They had five children together and remained married for 47 years. The marriage ended only upon Kilpatrick’s death in 2004. He was a founding member of the Kilpatrick-Cambridge Theatre Arts School with his wife’s support.

Meshach Taylor

Best known for his role as Anthony Bouvier on the sitcom ‘Designing Women’, Taylor married Bianca Ferguson in 1983. Ferguson is also an actress known for her work on ‘General Hospital’. They had four children together and lived in the Los Angeles area. The couple remained married for 31 years until Taylor died from cancer in 2014. Their relationship was kept largely out of the tabloids.

Paul Robeson

The celebrated bass-baritone and actor married Eslanda Goode in 1921. Eslanda was an anthropologist and author who managed Robeson’s career during his most successful years. They had one son named Paul Robeson Jr. Despite the intense political persecution Robeson faced, Eslanda remained his partner and advocate. Their marriage lasted 44 years until her death in 1965.

Woody Strode

Strode was a pioneering Black actor in Westerns like ‘Spartacus’ and married Luukialuana Kalaeloa in 1940. His wife was a Hawaiian princess and a dancer. They had two children and lived on a ranch where they could ride horses. The couple was married for 40 years until her death in 1980. Strode credited her with helping him navigate a segregated film industry.

Chuck Berry

While primarily a rock and roll pioneer, Berry appeared in several films like ‘Go, Johnny, Go!’ and married Themetta Suggs in 1948. Suggs stayed with Berry through his meteoric rise and legal troubles. They raised four children together in St. Louis. The marriage lasted an incredible 69 years until Berry died in 2017. She was the dedicatee of many of his songs.

Andre Braugher

The star of ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ and ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ married actress Ami Brabson in 1991. They met while working on the set of ‘Homicide’ where she played his character’s wife. The couple had three sons and lived in New Jersey to raise their family away from Hollywood. They were married for 32 years until Braugher’s sudden death in 2023. Their partnership was known for being grounded and family-oriented.

Tim Reid

Reid is known for his roles in ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ and ‘Sister, Sister’ and married Daphne Maxwell Reid in 1982. Daphne is best known as the second Aunt Vivian on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. They founded New Millennium Studios in Virginia to produce independent films. The couple has worked together on numerous projects throughout their marriage. They have been married for over 40 years and continue to collaborate creatively.

James Pickens Jr.

Famous for playing Dr. Richard Webber on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, Pickens married Gina Taylor in 1984. Gina is a former member of the musical group Musique. They have two children who have also pursued careers in entertainment. The couple enjoys competitive roping and horseback riding in their spare time. Their marriage has remained strong for over four decades.

Ernie Hudson

The ‘Ghostbusters’ star married Linda Kingsberg in 1985. They met while he was starring in a stage production of ‘The Great White Hope’. The couple has two sons together in addition to Hudson’s children from a previous marriage. They have navigated the ups and downs of a long acting career together. Their union has lasted for 40 years.

Frankie Faison

Known for his role in ‘The Wire’ and the Hannibal Lecter films, Faison married Jane Mandel in 1988. They have three daughters and live in Montclair, New Jersey. Mandel has worked in casting and production. The couple balances Faison’s shooting schedule with a quiet home life. They have been married for over 35 years.

Terry Crews

The former NFL player turned actor married Rebecca King in 1989. Rebecca is a singer and gospel recording artist. They have five children and have even starred in a reality show about their family life. The couple has been open about the challenges they have faced and overcome in their relationship. They have been married for more than 35 years.

LeVar Burton

The ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and ‘Reading Rainbow’ icon married Stephanie Cozart in 1992. Stephanie is a professional makeup artist who has worked on various film and television sets. They have a daughter named Mica who is also an actress and cosplayer. The couple frequently attends industry conventions and events together. Their marriage has thrived for over 30 years.

Avery Brooks

Best known as Captain Sisko in ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’, Brooks married Vicki Lenora in 1976. Vicki is an assistant dean and has worked in academic administration. They have three children and maintain a very private personal life. Brooks has often spoken about the importance of family stability. Their marriage is approaching the half-century mark.

Glynn Turman

The veteran actor from ‘A Different World’ married Jo-Ann Allen in 1992. This was Turman’s third marriage and has proven to be his longest. The couple owns a ranch where they raise horses and host rodeos. They share a passion for the western lifestyle and philanthropy. They have been together for over 30 years.

Delroy Lindo

Known for his intense roles in films like ‘Da 5 Bloods’, Lindo married Neshormeh Lindo in 1990. Neshormeh is an artist and educator who works in the arts sector. They have one son named Damiri. The couple resides in the San Francisco Bay Area to keep a distance from the Los Angeles scene. Their marriage has lasted for 35 years.

Morris Chestnut

The heartthrob from ‘The Best Man’ married Pam Byse in 1995. They met in a club in Atlanta and Chestnut was immediately drawn to her. They have two children named Grant and Paige. Chestnut often credits his wife’s understanding of the business for their relationship’s success. They celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2025.

Ice Cube

The rapper and actor married Kimberly Woodruff in 1992. He has stated that he knew she was the one the first time he saw her. They have four children together including actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. Kimberly serves as a matriarch for their close-knit family. Their marriage has remained solid for over 30 years despite the pressures of fame.

LL Cool J

The hip-hop legend and ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ star married Simone Smith in 1995. They met as teenagers in New York and have been together ever since. The couple has four children and has faced health challenges together including Simone’s battle with cancer. They are known for their coordinating fashion on red carpets. Their marriage has endured for three decades.

Spike Lee

The acclaimed director and actor married Tonya Lewis in 1993. Tonya is a lawyer, producer, and author who has produced several of her husband’s projects. They have two children named Satchel and Jackson. The couple is a fixture at New York Knicks games and cultural events. Their creative and romantic partnership has lasted over 30 years.

D.L. Hughley

The comedian and actor married LaDonna Hughley in 1986. They have three children together and have navigated Hughley’s extensive touring schedule. The couple has been candid about infidelity and forgiveness in their relationship during interviews. They have managed to keep their family unit intact through various struggles. Their marriage is nearing the 40-year mark.

Al Roker

The weatherman and actor married journalist Deborah Roberts in 1995. They met while working at NBC and have since collaborated on books and television specials. They have two children together named Leila and Nick. The couple often shares glimpses of their life on social media. They celebrated 30 years of marriage in 2025.

Magic Johnson

While primarily an athlete, Johnson has numerous acting credits and married Cookie Johnson in 1991. They faced a massive challenge early in their marriage regarding Johnson’s HIV diagnosis. Cookie stood by him and they became advocates for health awareness. They have two children together and have built a business empire. Their marriage has remained a symbol of resilience for 34 years.

Phil Morris

The actor known for playing Jackie Chiles on ‘Seinfeld’ married Carla Gittelson in 1983. Carla is an interior designer and they have two children together. Morris has maintained a steady career in voice acting and television while keeping a low profile personally. The couple has been married for over 40 years. They reside in California.

Joseph Marcell

Famous for playing Geoffrey the Butler on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, Marcell married Joyce T. Walsh in 1995. They have a daughter and a son and live between London and the United States. Walsh has supported his career on stage and screen on both sides of the Atlantic. They have maintained a strong union for 30 years. Marcell continues to act in theatre productions globally.

Colin Salmon

The British actor known for the James Bond franchise married Fiona Hawthorne in 1988. Fiona is an artist and illustrator. They have four children and live in London. Salmon is also a musician and the couple is very involved in community arts projects. Their marriage has lasted for 37 years.

Demond Wilson

Best known as Lamont Sanford in ‘Sanford and Son’, Wilson married Cicely Johnston in 1974. After leaving the hit show, Wilson became an ordained minister. The couple has six children and has focused their lives on religious ministry. They have been married for over 50 years. They live a quiet life away from the entertainment spotlight.

Fred Williamson

The action star known as “The Hammer” married Linda Williamson in 1988. Linda helped manage his production company and acted in some of his films. They have been partners in business and life for decades. Williamson continues to produce and star in independent action films. Their marriage has lasted for 37 years.

Michael Warren

Known for his role on ‘Hill Street Blues’, Warren married Jenny Palacios in 1990. This was his second marriage and they have two children together. Warren is also a former college basketball star who played at UCLA. The couple has maintained a private lifestyle for 35 years.

James Reynolds

Reynolds has played Abe Carver on ‘Days of Our Lives’ since 1981 and married Lissa Layng in 1986. Lissa is also an actress and they run a theatre company together in California. They have one son and Reynolds is a stepfather to Lissa’s children. They are one of the longest-lasting couples in the soap opera world. Their marriage is approaching 40 years.

Vondie Curtis-Hall

The actor and director married Kasi Lemmons in 1995. Lemmons is a celebrated director and actress known for ‘Eve’s Bayou’. They have two children including actor Henry Hunter Hall. The couple frequently collaborates on film projects and supports each other’s artistic endeavors. They celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2025.

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