Black Actors In long, Lasting Marriages (40+ Years)

Maintaining a long-term relationship in the entertainment industry is notoriously difficult, yet many Black actors have defied the odds with marriages spanning four decades or more. These men have balanced demanding careers in film, television, and music while cultivating enduring partnerships away from the spotlight. From Hollywood icons to beloved character actors, their commitment showcases resilience and dedication. The following list highlights these remarkable figures and the longevity of their unions.

Samuel L. Jackson

Known for his ubiquity in Hollywood blockbusters, Samuel L. Jackson has been married to actress and producer LaTanya Richardson since 1980. The couple met while attending Morehouse and Spelman colleges in Atlanta, forming a bond long before Jackson became a household name. They have weathered the ups and downs of show business together for over 45 years, often appearing on red carpets as a united front. Their partnership is frequently cited as one of the most solid and supportive in the industry.

Denzel Washington

Two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington has been married to Pauletta Pearson since 1983. They met on the set of the television film ‘Wilma’ in 1977 and have since raised four children, including actor John David Washington. Washington often credits his wife’s faith and stability as the foundation for their family’s success. Spanning more than 40 years, their marriage is considered a gold standard for longevity in Hollywood.

Billy Dee Williams

Best known for his suave portrayal of Lando Calrissian in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, Billy Dee Williams married Teruko Nakagami in 1972. Although they briefly filed for divorce in the early 1990s, the couple reconciled and have remained together ever since. Their union has surpassed the 50-year mark, proving that relationships can survive challenges and evolve over time. Williams has often spoken about the importance of patience and understanding in maintaining their bond.

Ossie Davis

A titan of American theater and film, Ossie Davis was married to the legendary actress Ruby Dee from 1948 until his death in 2005. Their 57-year marriage was not only a romantic partnership but also a professional and political collaboration that influenced the Civil Rights Movement. They frequently shared the screen and stage, becoming symbols of Black love and activism. Their joint autobiography highlights the depth of their lifelong commitment.

Sidney Poitier

The first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, Sidney Poitier was married to Canadian actress Joanna Shimkus from 1976 until his passing in 2022. For 46 years, the couple maintained a private and devoted life together, raising two daughters. Poitier often described Shimkus as his rock, and their relationship remained free from the typical scandals of Tinseltown. Their enduring love story was a quiet constant amidst Poitier’s groundbreaking career.

Bill Cosby

Comedian and actor Bill Cosby has been married to Camille Hanks since 1964. Their union has lasted for over 60 years, surviving through the height of his television fame and his later legal controversies. Camille has remained his business manager and steadfast partner throughout their entire adult lives. Despite the public scrutiny surrounding Cosby, their marriage remains one of the longest in entertainment history.

Tim Reid

Tim Reid, famous for his roles in ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ and ‘Sister, Sister’, married actress Daphne Maxwell Reid in 1982. Daphne is perhaps best known for playing Aunt Vivian in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, and together they founded New Millennium Studios in Virginia. Their partnership extends beyond romance into creative entrepreneurship, spanning more than 40 years. They continue to travel and work together, showcasing a shared passion for the arts.

Dorian Harewood

Character actor Dorian Harewood, known for ‘Full Metal Jacket’ and ‘Roots: The Next Generations’, has been married to Nancy Ann McCurry since 1979. Their marriage has lasted over 45 years, a rare feat for a working actor in Los Angeles. Harewood has kept his personal life relatively low-profile, focusing on his extensive voice-over and acting work. This privacy has likely contributed to the longevity and stability of their union.

Ernie Hudson

‘Ghostbusters’ star Ernie Hudson married his wife, Linda Kingsberg, in 1985. Hudson has often spoken about the challenges they faced as an interracial couple in the 1980s, but their bond has only strengthened over time. With a marriage crossing the 40-year threshold, they have raised children and navigated Hudson’s fluctuating career together. He frequently praises Linda for being the grounding force in his life.

Avery Brooks

Celebrated for his commanding role as Captain Sisko in ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’, Avery Brooks has been married to Vicki Lenora since 1976. Their union approaches the half-century mark, characterized by a deep privacy regarding their domestic life. Brooks, also a tenured professor and musician, has relied on this stable partnership throughout his multifaceted career. Their long-standing marriage is a testament to their mutual dedication away from the public eye.

Harry Belafonte

The King of Calypso and a tireless civil rights activist, Harry Belafonte was married to Julie Robinson from 1957 until 2004. Their 47-year marriage saw them raising two children while Belafonte became a global superstar and political figure. Robinson, a former dancer, stood by him during the most turbulent eras of the Civil Rights Movement. Although they eventually divorced late in life, their nearly five-decade union remains a significant chapter in Hollywood history.

Dick Gregory

Groundbreaking comedian and activist Dick Gregory was married to Lillian Smith from 1959 until his death in 2017. For 58 years, Lillian supported Gregory through his hunger strikes, arrests, and constant touring. They raised a large family together, prioritizing their children and their shared values of social justice. Gregory often credited Lillian’s strength as the backbone of his life and work.

Scatman Crothers

Best remembered for his role in ‘The Shining’ and as the voice of Hong Kong Phooey, Scatman Crothers was married to Helen Sullivan from 1937 until his death in 1986. Their marriage lasted 49 years, enduring the racial segregation of the earlier decades which often forced them to stay in separate hotels. Despite these external pressures, they remained inseparable companions. Crothers’ devoted marriage was a central pillar of his life until the very end.

Geoffrey Holder

The multi-talented actor, dancer, and choreographer Geoffrey Holder was married to Carmen de Lavallade from 1955 until his death in 2014. Their 59-year artistic partnership was legendary in the dance and theater worlds. Known for his deep voice and role in ‘Live and Let Die’, Holder viewed his marriage to Carmen as his greatest collaboration. They frequently worked together, inspiring generations of dancers and artists.

Greg Morris

Greg Morris, iconic for playing the electronics expert Barney Collier in the original ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, was married to Leona Keyes from 1956 until his death in 1996. Their 40-year marriage was a steady force behind his television success in the 1960s and 70s. They raised three children, including actor Phil Morris, establishing a legacy of performance in the family. The couple remained together until Morris passed away, highlighting a lifetime of devotion.

Phil Morris

Following in his father’s footsteps, actor Phil Morris has cultivated his own long-lasting marriage to Carla Gittelson. The couple wed in 1983 and have surpassed 40 years together, mirroring the stability of Phil’s parents. Morris, known for ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘Smallville’, has maintained a consistent career while prioritizing his family life. Their enduring union is a rarity for a second-generation Hollywood actor.

Joe Morton

Emmy-winning actor Joe Morton, famous for his role as Rowan Pope in ‘Scandal’, has been married to production designer Nora Chavooshian since 1984. Their partnership has spanned over 40 years, navigating the bicoastal demands of the entertainment industry. Morton frequently speaks about the importance of family and the grounding influence of his long-term marriage. They have worked together on various creative projects, blending their professional and personal lives.

James Pickens Jr.

Best known as Dr. Richard Webber on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, James Pickens Jr. married Gina Taylor in 1984. Their union has lasted more than 40 years, starting long before he found massive success on the hit medical drama. Gina, a former member of the band Musique, gave up her singing career to focus on their family, a sacrifice Pickens often acknowledges with gratitude. They continue to be one of television’s most enduring couples.

Demond Wilson

Demond Wilson, who famously played Lamont Sanford in the 1970s sitcom ‘Sanford and Son’, has been married to Cicely Johnston since 1974. Having celebrated over 50 years of marriage, Wilson transitioned from acting to ordained ministry, with Cicely by his side through this major life change. Their relationship survived the intense fame of the 70s and Wilson’s struggle with addiction, emerging stronger in their later years. They currently live a quiet life away from Hollywood.

Ivan Dixon

Ivan Dixon, known for his role as Kinchloe on ‘Hogan’s Heroes’ and the film ‘Nothing But a Man’, was married to Berlie Ray from 1954 until his death in 2008. Spanning 54 years, their marriage supported Dixon’s transition from actor to successful television director. They met while studying at North Carolina Central University and remained partners throughout the Civil Rights era and beyond. Dixon’s career was defined by integrity, a trait mirrored in his steadfast marriage.

Lincoln Kilpatrick

Character actor Lincoln Kilpatrick, a familiar face in film and television for decades, was married to Helena Ferguson from 1957 until his death in 2004. Their union lasted 47 years, providing a stable foundation for Kilpatrick’s prolific career in roles ranging from ‘The Omega Man’ to ‘Soylent Green’. Helena, a singer, supported his work in the theater and Hollywood. Their enduring partnership was well-known within the acting community.

Paul Robeson

The iconic singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson was married to Eslanda Goode from 1921 until her death in 1965. Their 44-year marriage endured immense political persecution, passport revocations, and health struggles due to Robeson’s activism. Eslanda was not just a wife but also his manager and a chemist, playing a crucial role in his career. Despite personal complexities, they remained legally and publicly united until the end.

Cab Calloway

Jazz legend and actor Cab Calloway, famous for ‘The Blues Brothers’ and ‘Stormy Weather’, was married to Zulme “Nuffie” MacNeal from 1949 until his passing in 1994. Their 45-year marriage saw Calloway transition from a bandleader to a beloved elder statesman of entertainment. Nuffie was a stabilizing presence for Calloway, helping him manage his career resurgence in later years. They raised three daughters together in a close-knit household.

Fats Domino

Rock and roll pioneer Fats Domino, who appeared in films like ‘The Girl Can’t Help It’, was married to Rosemary Hall from 1947 until her death in 2008. Their marriage lasted an incredible 61 years, with the couple raising eight children in New Orleans. Domino was famously a homebody who disliked touring, preferring the company of his wife and family. Their devotion was a constant throughout the evolution of modern music.

Count Basie

Jazz pianist and bandleader Count Basie, who appeared in films such as ‘Blazing Saddles’, was married to Catherine Morgan from 1940 until her death in 1983. For 43 years, Catherine managed the domestic side of their lives while Basie toured the world. She was known for her social grace and involvement in charitable causes, complementing Basie’s quiet demeanor. Their partnership was a pillar of the jazz community.

Billy Eckstine

Smooth-voiced singer and actor Billy Eckstine was married to Carolle Drake from 1953 until his death in 1993. Their 40-year marriage survived the changing tides of the music industry and the challenges of raising a large family in show business. Eckstine, known for his elegance, found a matching partner in Carolle, who was a former model. They remained a glamorous and devoted couple throughout their lives.

Duke Ellington

Composer and pianist Duke Ellington, who scored and appeared in ‘Anatomy of a Murder’, was married to Edna Thompson from 1918 until her death in 1967. Spanning 49 years, their marriage began as high school sweethearts in Washington, D.C. Although they lived apart for many years due to his touring, they never divorced and remained legally married for nearly half a century. Edna was the mother of his only son, Mercer Ellington.

Dizzy Gillespie

Trumpet virtuoso and actor Dizzy Gillespie was married to Lorraine Willis from 1940 until his death in 1993. Their 53-year union was the bedrock of Gillespie’s life; Lorraine managed his business affairs and kept his career on track. She was known for her sharp wit and business acumen, often negotiating his contracts. Gillespie freely admitted that without Lorraine, his career would not have achieved its legendary heights.

Earl Cameron

One of the first Black stars in British cinema, Earl Cameron was married to Audrey Godowski from 1954 until her death in 1994. Their 40-year marriage produced five children and survived the racial prejudices of mid-century Britain. Cameron famously took a hiatus from acting to move his family to the Solomon Islands, demonstrating his commitment to family over fame. He later remarried, but his four-decade union with Audrey defined the prime of his life.

Don Marshall

Don Marshall, best known as Dan Erickson in ‘Land of the Giants’, was married to Vivian Lee Jones from 1957 until his death in 2016. The couple shared a 59-year marriage that began before Marshall’s television career took off. They navigated the industry together, raising a daughter and a son in Los Angeles. Marshall’s long, stable marriage stood in contrast to the tumultuous personal lives of many of his contemporaries.

Samuel E. Wright

The voice of Sebastian the Crab in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and a Tony-nominated actor, Samuel E. Wright was married to Amanda Wright from 1974 until his death in 2021. For 47 years, they built a life in upstate New York, away from the Hollywood frenzy. They founded a performing arts school together, pouring their shared love for theater into their community. Wright’s devotion to his wife and family was as celebrated as his iconic voice roles.

Nick Stewart

Nick Stewart, a vaudeville performer and voice actor known for ‘Song of the South’ and ‘Amos ‘n’ Andy’, was married to Edna Stewart from 1941 until his death in 2000. Their 59-year marriage was a true partnership; together they founded the Ebony Showcase Theatre in Los Angeles. This theater provided opportunities for countless Black actors when roles were scarce. Their joint legacy remains a cornerstone of African American theater history.

Frederick O’Neal

Frederick O’Neal, a founder of the American Negro Theatre and the first African American president of Actors’ Equity, was married to Charlotte Talbot Hainey from 1942 until his death in 1992. Their 50-year marriage supported O’Neal’s tireless work in labor unions and the arts. Charlotte stood by him as he broke racial barriers in theater administration. They remained a dedicated couple throughout his influential career.

William Greaves

William Greaves, an actor and prolific documentary filmmaker, was married to Louise Archambault from 1959 until his death in 2014. During their 55-year marriage, Louise was not only his spouse but also a key producer and collaborator on his films. They moved between Canada and the United States, working together to document African American history. Their relationship was a seamless blend of love and professional partnership.

Woody Strode

Woody Strode, a pioneering Black athlete and actor in films like ‘Spartacus’, was married to Princess Luukialuana Kalaeloa from 1940 until her death in 1980. Their 40-year marriage endured the difficulties Strode faced as one of the first Black leading men in Westerns. Luukialuana was a constant companion, often accompanying him on location shoots around the world. Strode remained devoted to her memory long after her passing.

Afemo Omilami

Character actor Afemo Omilami, known for his roles in ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Glory’, has been married to Elisabeth Omilami since 1985. Celebrating 40 years of marriage, the couple is deeply involved in humanitarian work through Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. They have blended their acting careers with a shared ministry of service. Their partnership is a powerful example of using celebrity for social good.

Chubby Checker

Music icon and actor Chubby Checker, who popularized “The Twist,” married Catharina Evans in 1964. Their interracial marriage made headlines at the time, but they have remained together for over 60 years. Despite the pressures of fame and touring, they raised three children and maintained a private, stable home life. Checker often speaks of his wife with profound respect and affection.

George Benson

Grammy-winning musician and actor George Benson has been married to Johnnie Lee since 1965. Their union has lasted more than 60 years, surviving the heights of his global superstardom. Benson credits his wife for managing their family and keeping him grounded throughout his career. They stand as one of the longest-married couples in the music and entertainment industry.

John Lee Hooker

The legendary bluesman and actor John Lee Hooker was married to Maude Mathis from 1943 until the end of her life (divorced shortly before, but effectively a 50+ year union, or until death depending on source accuracy regarding the final years). For nearly 58 years, their lives were intertwined as he rose from poverty to international acclaim. Maude inspired several of his songs and managed their growing family. Their long history together remains a central part of his biography.

Verdine White

Verdine White, the bassist for Earth, Wind & Fire who also appeared in films like ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’, has been married to Shelly Clark since 1980. Shelly, a former member of the R&B group The Honey Cone, understands the demands of the industry perfectly. Their 45-year marriage is known for being fun, stylish, and deeply supportive. They are frequently photographed together, looking as vibrant as they did decades ago.

Robert “Kool” Bell

Robert “Kool” Bell, co-founder of Kool & the Gang and occasional actor, was married to Sakinah Bell from 1971 until her death in 2018. Their 47-year marriage was the emotional core of his life; Sakinah was credited with giving the band its name. They navigated the disco era and beyond side by side. Bell has spoken openly about the profound loss he felt after her passing.

Share your favorite couple from this list or let us know who we missed in the comments.