Black Actors Who Are in the Longest Relationships

Hollywood is often associated with fleeting romances and short-lived marriages that crumble under the spotlight. However, there are numerous Black actors who have defied these stereotypes by building enduring unions with their partners. These men have managed to balance the demanding nature of the entertainment industry with the dedication required for a healthy relationship. Their stories serve as powerful examples of commitment and loyalty in a business where stability is rare.

Billy Dee Williams

Known for his iconic role in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’, this suave actor has maintained a relationship that spans over five decades. He married Teruko Nakagami in 1972 and they have navigated the complexities of Hollywood together for more than half a century. Their enduring union is a rarity in the entertainment industry and stands as a testament to their commitment. The couple has faced challenges but ultimately chose to stay together and nurture their family life.

Samuel L. Jackson

The prolific star of ‘Pulp Fiction’ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been with his wife LaTanya Richardson since their college days. They met while attending Morehouse and Spelman colleges in Atlanta and tied the knot in 1980. Their relationship has survived the pressures of global fame and his busy filming schedule. Jackson frequently credits his wife for being his harshest critic and his strongest supporter throughout his career.

Tim Reid

This television veteran known for ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ and ‘Sister, Sister’ married actress Daphne Maxwell Reid in 1982. They became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable power couples after she joined him on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ as the second Aunt Vivian. Their partnership extends beyond marriage as they have co-founded a production studio and worked on numerous projects together. They remain a steadfast example of longevity in the entertainment business.

Denzel Washington

An acclaimed actor with two Academy Awards, Washington has been married to Pauletta Pearson since 1983. The couple met on the set of the television film ‘Wilma’ and have since raised four children who are also establishing themselves in the arts. Washington often speaks about the work and dedication required to maintain a marriage for over forty years. Their union is frequently cited as one of the most stable and respected in Hollywood.

Ernie Hudson

Best known for his role as Winston Zeddemore in the ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise, Hudson has been married to Linda Kingsberg since 1985. Their relationship began at a time when interracial marriages faced significant social scrutiny. They have raised a family together while Hudson maintained a consistent presence in film and television. The couple continues to appear together on red carpets and at industry events.

Terry Crews

The former NFL player turned actor known for ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ married Rebecca King in 1989. They have been open about the ups and downs of their marriage and even released a memoir detailing their journey. Crews often discusses how they rebuilt their relationship after facing significant personal challenges. Their story emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and mutual growth in a long-term partnership.

Delroy Lindo

A celebrated character actor known for ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Da 5 Bloods’, Lindo has been married to Neshormeh Lindo since 1990. He prefers to keep his private life away from the spotlight which has likely contributed to the stability of their union. They have raised a son together while navigating his demanding career in film and theater. His long-standing marriage reflects a deep commitment to family values.

Glynn Turman

This veteran actor known for his roles in ‘A Different World’ and ‘The Wire’ married Jo-Ann Allen in 1992. They share a passion for the outdoors and often spend time at their ranch where they host camps for inner-city youth. Turman’s career spans decades and his wife has been a constant source of support throughout his artistic evolution. Their shared interests have helped cement a bond that has lasted for more than thirty years.

LeVar Burton

Famous for his roles in ‘Roots’ and ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’, Burton married makeup artist Stephanie Cozart in 1992. They met on the set of ‘Roots: The Gift’ and have been inseparable ever since. Burton frequently expresses his admiration for his wife’s talent and her role as the bedrock of their family. Their partnership is marked by mutual professional respect and shared advocacy for literacy.

Ice Cube

The hip-hop legend and star of the ‘Friday’ franchise has been with his wife Kimberly Woodruff since they met in college. They married in 1992 and have raised four children together who have also entered the entertainment industry. Ice Cube often states that he still gets butterflies when he sees her and values her perspective above all others. Their relationship is considered one of the most solid foundations in the rap and acting world.

Don Cheadle

The ‘Hotel Rwanda’ and ‘Avengers’ star began his relationship with actress and designer Bridgid Coulter in 1992. They were partners for twenty-eight years and raised two children before officially marrying in 2020. Cheadle has noted that their commitment was always there regardless of a marriage license. Their relationship demonstrates that dedication is defined by the couple rather than external traditions.

Darryl M. Bell

Known for playing Ron Johnson in ‘A Different World’, Bell has been in a committed relationship with actress Tempestt Bledsoe since 1993. The couple met through their connections in the world of sitcom television and have remained together for three decades without feeling the need to marry. They appeared together on the reality show ‘Househusbands of Hollywood’ which showcased their dynamic. Their long-term partnership defies conventional expectations of celebrity relationships.

RuPaul

The world’s most famous drag queen and host of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ met Georges LeBar on a dance floor in 1994. They maintained a private long-distance relationship for decades with LeBar managing a ranch in Wyoming. The couple eventually married in 2017 but continues to live a life that balances high-profile events with quiet seclusion. RuPaul cherishes the freedom and trust that defines their unique bond.

Morris Chestnut

Since his breakout role in ‘Boyz n the Hood’, Chestnut has been a heartthrob for decades but his heart belongs to Pam Byse. They married in 1995 and are known for their strong presence on red carpets. Chestnut often credits his wife’s intelligence and resilience as key factors in their lasting union. He makes it a priority to keep their family life grounded despite his celebrity status.

LL Cool J

The rapper and ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ actor has been married to Simone Smith since 1995. They met as teenagers in their neighborhood in Queens and have supported each other through major health scares and career changes. Their marriage is built on faith and a deep shared history that predates his fame. They frequently collaborate on charitable initiatives and jewelry lines.

Phil Morris

Best recognized as Jackie Chiles on ‘Seinfeld’, Morris has been married to Carla Gittelson since 1996. He comes from a family of actors and has navigated the industry with his wife by his side for nearly thirty years. They have two children who have also pursued careers in the arts. Morris maintains a low profile which has helped them build a normal life away from the cameras.

Will Smith

One of the biggest movie stars in the world, Smith married Jada Pinkett in 1997. Their marriage has been the subject of intense public interest but they have remained partners through every controversy. They often refer to their union as a life partnership rather than a traditional marriage. The couple focuses on unconditional support and personal evolution within their relationship.

Courtney B. Vance

The Emmy-winning actor of ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’ married fellow acting legend Angela Bassett in 1997. They met while studying at the Yale School of Drama and built a friendship that blossomed into romance. They have authored a book about their relationship and emphasize the importance of putting God and family first. Their marriage is widely admired for two successful actors supporting each other without competition.

Snoop Dogg

The rap icon and actor married his high school sweetheart Shante Broadus in 1997. Despite a brief separation and divorce filing in 2004, they renewed their vows in 2008 and have remained together since. Their relationship has weathered the storms of the music industry and evolved into a partnership involving business ventures and family management. Snoop often refers to her as his boss and the backbone of the Broadus family.

Mykelti Williamson

Known for his unforgettable role as Bubba in ‘Forrest Gump’, Williamson has been married to Sondra Spriggs since 1997. They have raised three daughters together and prioritize family time over Hollywood parties. Williamson has continued to work steadily in television and film with his wife’s support. Their long marriage is a quiet success story in an industry known for turnover.

Pooch Hall

The star of ‘The Game’ and ‘Ray Donovan’ met his wife Linda Hall when they were college students. They married in 1997 shortly after graduation and before his acting career took off. They have navigated the challenges of raising a child with developmental disabilities while managing his filming schedule. Hall frequently highlights his wife as his anchor and the reason for his sustained success.

Jeffrey D. Sams

A familiar face on television series like ‘Soul Food’ and ‘CSI’, Sams married Lisa Bourcier in 1998. He has maintained a steady career as a character actor while keeping his personal life very private. This discretion has allowed their marriage to thrive away from the tabloid culture. They have been together for over a quarter of a century.

David Oyelowo

The British actor known for portraying Martin Luther King Jr. in ‘Selma’ married actress Jessica Oyelowo in 1998. They met as teenagers in the National Youth Music Theatre and have been inseparable ever since. The couple works together often and prioritizes keeping their family unit close during global film shoots. Oyelowo speaks openly about his deep love and respect for his wife.

Cedric the Entertainer

The King of Comedy and star of ‘The Neighborhood’ married Lorna Wells in 1999. She previously worked in the costume department on his shows which is how they connected. They have raised two children together and balance his stand-up tours with a stable home life. Cedric often jokes about marriage in his routine but speaks with great affection about their enduring bond.

Bokeem Woodbine

Known for his intense roles in ‘Fargo’ and ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’, Woodbine has been married to Mahiely Woodbine since 1999. They are frequently seen together at award shows where he praises her support. The couple has managed to keep the details of their private life out of the news. Their relationship has lasted through his transition from supporting roles to major television stardom.

Jason George

The ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Station 19’ actor married poet Vandana Khanna in 1999. They met while studying at the University of Virginia and bonded over their shared artistic ambitions. George credits their strong communication and mutual respect for their long-lasting marriage. They support each other’s careers in the disparate fields of television and academia.

Flex Alexander

The actor and comedian married R&B singer Shanice in 2000. They starred together in a reality show that documented their family life and financial struggles with honesty and humor. Their relationship is characterized by a strong friendship and shared faith. They have overcome significant obstacles by sticking together and reinventing themselves as a team.

Ving Rhames

Famous for his deep voice and roles in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, Rhames has been married to Deborah Reed since 2000. He is known for fiercely protecting his family’s privacy and rarely discusses his personal life in interviews. This strategy seems to have worked well as they have been together for over two decades. Rhames prioritizes his role as a husband and father above his celebrity status.

Clifton Davis

The songwriter and actor known for ‘Amen’ married Monica Durant in 2000. Davis had a successful career in the 1970s and later became a minister which brought a new dimension to his life. He and Durant have built a life centered around their faith and service to others. Their marriage represents a second chapter filled with stability and shared purpose.

Keith David

With one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood, Keith David married Dionne Lea Williams in 2001. They act and sing together and often perform at events as a duo. David credits his wife with bringing balance and joy to his life amidst a very busy work schedule. Their shared love for music and performance is a cornerstone of their relationship.

Bill Bellamy

The comedian and actor known for ‘Insecure’ and ‘Any Given Sunday’ married Kristen Baker in 2001. They have two children and frequently share glimpses of their family vacations on social media. Bellamy emphasizes the importance of keeping laughter in the relationship. They are considered one of the most fun-loving couples in the industry.

Dave Chappelle

The legendary comedian and actor has been married to Elaine Chappelle since 2001. They live on a farm in Ohio to ensure their children grow up away from the Hollywood bubble. Elaine has been a steadfast partner through his meteoric rise and his decision to walk away from his hit show. Chappelle values her privacy and her role in keeping him grounded.

Harold Perrineau

Best known for his roles in ‘Lost’ and ‘The Best Man’, Perrineau married his wife Brittany in 2002. They have three daughters including actress Aurora Perrineau. The couple has supported each other through the various phases of his career from theater to blockbuster films. They appear to have a very close-knit and supportive family unit.

Dondré Whitfield

The ‘Queen Sugar’ actor married actress and director Salli Richardson in 2002. They are vocal advocates for healthy marriages and often speak on panels about maintaining black love. Both manage busy careers in front of and behind the camera while prioritizing their union. They view their marriage as a partnership that requires constant nurturing and attention.

Wesley Snipes

The action star of the ‘Blade’ trilogy married Nakyung Park in 2003. She is a painter and has stood by him during his legal troubles and subsequent return to acting. Their relationship has proven to be resilient in the face of significant adversity. They live a relatively quiet life while raising their children and focusing on his career resurgence.

Seth Gilliam

Known for playing Father Gabriel on ‘The Walking Dead’ and Ellis Carver on ‘The Wire’, Gilliam married theater director Leah Gardiner in 2005. They share a background in stage acting and a deep appreciation for the craft. The couple balances his long location shoots with their home life. Their artistic partnership is a key element of their long relationship.

Boris Kodjoe

The German-Ghanaian actor met actress Nicole Ari Parker on the set of ‘Soul Food’ and they married in 2005. They are considered one of the most attractive couples in Hollywood and have built a lifestyle brand together. They are open about the work required to keep the spark alive in a long marriage. Their partnership extends to health advocacy and fitness businesses.

Colman Domingo

The Oscar-nominated star of ‘Rustin’ met his husband Raul Domingo in 2005 in a chance encounter at a drugstore. They have been together ever since and officially married in 2014. Domingo often tells the romantic story of their meeting and how they connected through the early days of the internet. Their relationship is built on deep affection and mutual support of their creative dreams.

Larenz Tate

The star of ‘Love Jones’ and ‘Power’ married Tomasina Parrott in 2006. They have four sons and Tate is known for being extremely protective of his family’s privacy. He believes that keeping his marriage out of the public eye is the secret to its longevity. They focus on raising their children with strong values away from the limelight.

Sean Patrick Thomas

Best known for ‘Save the Last Dance’, Thomas married actress Aonika Laurent in 2006. They originally met at a party thrown by ‘Barbershop’ director Tim Story. The couple often shares humorous and heartwarming stories about their family life on social media. They have navigated the ups and downs of the industry as a solid team.

Omar Epps

The ‘House’ and ‘Love & Basketball’ star married Keisha Spivey of the R&B group Total in 2006. They dated in the 1990s and reconnected later to build a life together. Epps often speaks about how their friendship is the foundation of their romance. They have authored a book together exploring the dynamics of fatherhood and family.

Sterling K. Brown

The ‘This Is Us’ star met actress Ryan Michelle Bathe while they were both students at Stanford University. They married in 2007 and have acted together in several projects. Brown frequently dedicates his awards to her and highlights her sacrifices for their family. Their relationship is marked by intellectual connection and mutual artistic admiration.

Steve Harvey

The omnipresent television host and comedian married Marjorie Harvey in 2007. He credits her with helping him mature and become the man he is today. They have a blended family and often travel the world together. Harvey frequently shares advice on relationships based on his own experiences and his successful union with Marjorie.

Michael Beach

A versatile actor seen in ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Aquaman’, Beach has been married to Elisha Wilson since 2007. This is his second marriage and he has blended his family with grace. They document their life together on social media showing a fun and affectionate bond. Beach balances his intense dramatic roles with a relaxed and happy home life.

Russell Hornsby

The star of ‘Grimm’ and ‘The Hate U Give’ married Denise Walker in 2008. He credits his wife for holding down the fort while he films on location for extended periods. They have a relationship grounded in traditional values and mutual support. Hornsby often speaks about the importance of having a strong partner to navigate the entertainment industry.

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