Actresses in Long, Lasting Marriages (40+ Years)

In the fast paced world of the entertainment industry long term marriages are often considered a rarity. Many high profile actresses have defied the odds by maintaining stable and enduring unions for over four decades. These relationships often provide a sense of groundedness amidst the pressures of fame and public scrutiny. Whether married to fellow performers or partners outside the spotlight these women demonstrate a remarkable commitment to their personal lives. Their stories highlight the possibility of finding lasting love within the demanding landscape of Hollywood.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean married in 1966. They have maintained a very private relationship throughout her legendary career in music and film. Parton often attributes the success of their union to their mutual independence. The couple renewed their wedding vows during a ceremony for their fiftieth anniversary. Dean rarely accompanies his wife to award shows or public media events.

Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury was married to Peter Shaw from 1949 until his death in 2003. Their partnership lasted for fifty four years and was known for its deep professional and personal support. Shaw often worked as a producer on his wife’s projects including the hit series ‘Murder, She Wrote’. The actress frequently spoke about how much she relied on his guidance and love. They raised three children together while Lansbury balanced a demanding career on stage and screen.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti were married from 1966 until his passing in 2007. Their relationship began years earlier and faced several legal challenges regarding Ponti’s previous marriage. The couple eventually found stability and spent forty one years as a legally wedded pair. Ponti served as a producer for many of Loren’s most famous films such as ‘Two Women’. They shared a profound bond that spanned the height of the golden age of cinema.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews was married to director Blake Edwards from 1969 until his death in 2010. The couple collaborated on several cinematic projects including the film ‘Victor/Victoria’. Their marriage lasted for forty one years and involved raising a blended family. Andrews has often described their life together as a wonderful professional and personal journey. They remained a prominent power couple in Hollywood for decades.

Sissy Spacek

Sissy Spacek married production designer Jack Fisk in 1974. They met on the set of the film ‘Badlands’ and have remained a team for fifty years. The couple chose to raise their family away from the limelight in rural Virginia. Their enduring partnership has seen them collaborate on multiple films throughout their careers. Spacek and Fisk are frequently cited as one of the most stable couples in the industry.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis married actor and director Christopher Guest in 1984. She famously decided she would marry him after seeing his photograph in a magazine. Their union has now surpassed the forty year mark. The couple has raised two children while successfully managing their individual high profile careers. They are often seen supporting each other at major industry events and award ceremonies.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand and director Joel Coen married in 1984. They began their personal and professional relationship during the production of the film ‘Blood Simple’. Their marriage has lasted for four decades and is marked by their frequent collaborations on acclaimed movies. The couple is known for maintaining a private lifestyle away from the typical Hollywood social scene. They have shared many major milestones including several Academy Award wins.

Joanne Woodward

Joanne Woodward was married to Paul Newman from 1958 until his death in 2008. Their fifty year marriage is considered one of the most iconic romances in the history of cinema. They starred together in numerous films and were known for their philanthropic efforts through various charitable foundations. The couple raised three daughters while living primarily in Connecticut to avoid the pressures of Hollywood. Their devotion to each other remained a constant throughout their long lives.

Anne Bancroft

Anne Bancroft was married to comedian and director Mel Brooks from 1964 until her death in 2005. Their marriage lasted forty one years and was characterized by mutual admiration and humor. They often appeared together on screen and supported each other’s distinct artistic visions. Brooks famously described their meeting as the luckiest moment of his life. They were a beloved couple within the entertainment community for their genuine affection and lasting bond.

Rhea Perlman

Rhea Perlman married actor Danny DeVito in 1982 after meeting in the early seventies. They appeared together in the classic sitcom ‘Taxi’ and later in the film ‘Matilda’. Although they have had periods of separation they remain married and committed to their family after forty two years. The couple has three children and continues to maintain a close relationship. Their long history remains a significant part of their public identities as seasoned performers.

Pauletta Washington

Pauletta Washington and actor Denzel Washington married in 1983. They met on the set of the television movie ‘Wilma’ and have built a strong foundation over forty years. The couple renewed their wedding vows in 1995 during a trip to South Africa. They have four children who have also pursued careers in the creative arts. Pauletta and Denzel are frequently seen together at red carpet events and charity galas.

LaTanya Richardson Jackson

LaTanya Richardson Jackson married actor Samuel L. Jackson in 1980. They have been together for over forty four years and have one daughter. Both have maintained active careers in film and television while supporting each other’s professional growth. They are well known for their joint philanthropic work and commitment to the arts. The couple remains a fixture in the entertainment industry as a symbol of marital longevity.

Jayne Meadows

Jayne Meadows was married to television personality Steve Allen from 1954 until his death in 2000. Their marriage lasted for forty six years and was a prominent partnership in the early days of television. They often appeared together on talk shows and variety programs showcasing their chemistry and wit. Meadows was a steadfast supporter of Allen’s varied career as a musician and writer. They were highly respected for their long term commitment to each other and their craft.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was married to actor Ossie Davis from 1948 until his passing in 2005. Their union lasted for fifty six years and was as much a political partnership as it was a personal one. They were active participants in the civil rights movement while simultaneously pursuing legendary careers on stage and screen. The couple often performed together and received numerous honors for their contributions to American culture. Their marriage is remembered as a powerful example of shared values and enduring love.

Jane Wyatt

Jane Wyatt was married to Edgar Ward from 1935 until his death in 2000. She was best known for her role in the television series ‘Father Knows Best’ and for her work in films like ‘Lost Horizon’. Their marriage lasted for sixty five years which is an extraordinary length by any standard. The couple maintained a quiet life together and avoided much of the typical Hollywood gossip. Wyatt credited their long marriage to mutual respect and a shared sense of humor.

Eva Marie Saint

Eva Marie Saint was married to director Jeffrey Hayden from 1951 until his death in 2016. Their marriage spanned sixty five years and was a cornerstone of the actress’s life. Hayden directed several episodes of television and stage plays featuring Saint. They were often seen attending industry events as a dedicated and inseparable pair. The actress frequently mentioned her husband as the most significant influence on her happiness and career.

Ann-Margret

Ann-Margret was married to actor and manager Roger Smith from 1967 until his death in 2017. Their fifty year marriage began at the height of her fame and continued through various shifts in her career. Smith eventually retired from acting to manage his wife’s professional endeavors full time. The couple was known for their intense loyalty and remained together through significant health challenges. Ann-Margret often spoke of their deep bond as the most important aspect of her life.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver married stage director Jim Simpson in 1984. They have been married for forty years and have one daughter. The couple has occasionally worked together in the theater world where Simpson has spent much of his career. Weaver has maintained a very successful film career while keeping her family life relatively private. They continue to be seen together at various high profile events in New York and Hollywood.

Susan Lucci

Susan Lucci was married to Helmut Huber from 1969 until his death in 2022. Their marriage lasted for fifty two years and was a central part of her identity during her long run on ‘All My Children’. Huber also served as her manager and was a constant presence by her side during award shows. The couple raised two children and were often described as a model of marital stability. Lucci has frequently expressed her gratitude for his unwavering support throughout her iconic career.

Isabelle Huppert

Isabelle Huppert married producer Ronald Chammah in 1982. They have been married for forty two years and have three children. While Huppert is one of the most prolific and acclaimed actresses in international cinema she keeps her personal life very private. Chammah has produced some of her films and the couple shares a deep connection to the global film community. They are a rare example of a long term marriage within the demanding world of European and global film.

Cheryl Ladd

Cheryl Ladd married music producer Brian Russell in 1981. They have been married for forty three years and have a blended family. Ladd became famous for her role in the series ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and has continued to work in television and film. The couple has written children’s books together and shares a commitment to their faith and family. They frequently appear together at events and speak openly about the strength of their relationship.

Barbara Bach

Barbara Bach married musician and actor Ringo Starr in 1981. They met on the set of the film ‘Caveman’ and have remained together for forty three years. Both have been active in promoting healthy living and sobriety throughout their long union. They are often seen together at public events and continue to support each other’s creative ventures. Their marriage is noted for its longevity and their shared commitment to a peaceful lifestyle.

Shelley Morrison

Shelley Morrison was married to Walter Dominguez from 1973 until her death in 2016. She was best known for her role as Rosario on the sitcom ‘Will & Grace’. Their marriage lasted for forty three years and was marked by their shared passion for social activism and the arts. Dominguez is a filmmaker and the couple collaborated on several documentary projects. They were dedicated to their community and maintained a strong bond throughout her long career in television.

Estelle Getty

Estelle Getty was married to Arthur Gettleman from 1947 until his death in 2004. Their marriage lasted for fifty seven years and predated her fame on the sitcom ‘The Golden Girls’. Gettleman was a businessman who supported his wife as she pursued her acting dreams later in life. They had two sons and maintained a long term residence in New York before moving to California for her work. Getty remained devoted to her husband throughout their decades together.

Vicki Lawrence

Vicki Lawrence married Al Schultz in 1974. Schultz was a makeup artist on ‘The Carol Burnett Show’ where they first met. Their marriage has lasted for fifty years and they have two children. Schultz eventually became his wife’s manager and helped guide her career through various television and stage projects. The couple is known for their humor and their enduring partnership in both business and life.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno was married to Leonard Gordon from 1965 until his passing in 2010. Their marriage lasted for forty five years and involved Gordon serving as her manager for much of that time. Moreno has often spoken about the complexities of their long union and the growth they experienced together. They had one daughter and shared a life filled with achievements in film, television, and theater. Moreno remains one of the few performers to have won an Oscar, Emmy, Tony, and Grammy.

Gloria Henry

Gloria Henry was married to Robert Guy Heisen from 1943 until his death in 2005. She was most famous for playing the mother on the classic television series ‘Dennis the Menace’. Their marriage lasted for sixty two years and was a source of great personal happiness for the actress. The couple raised three children and maintained a stable family life during the height of the television era. Henry was known for her dedication to her family and her long term commitment to her husband.

Janet Leigh

Janet Leigh was married to Robert Brandt from 1962 until her death in 2004. Following her earlier high profile marriages she found long term stability with Brandt for forty two years. He was a stockbroker who provided a life away from the intense media scrutiny of the film industry. The couple raised their daughters and were frequently seen at Hollywood social events as a devoted pair. Leigh’s marriage to Brandt was the longest and most stable of her life.

Mary Pickford

Mary Pickford was married to actor Buddy Rogers from 1937 until her death in 1979. This was her third marriage and it lasted for forty two years. Rogers was a musician and actor who remained a constant companion to the legendary silent film star. They lived at the famous Pickfair estate and were known for their involvement in various film industry charities. Rogers remained dedicated to preserving Pickford’s legacy long after her passing.

Imelda Staunton

Imelda Staunton married actor Jim Carter in 1983. They met during a production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ at the National Theatre and have been together for forty one years. Both have achieved great success in the industry with Staunton starring in films like ‘Vera Drake’ and Carter in ‘Downton Abbey’. They have one daughter and often speak about the balance between their busy careers and their home life. The couple is highly respected within the British acting community for their talent and enduring marriage.

Petula Clark

Petula Clark married Claude Wolff in 1961 and they remain married after sixty three years. Wolff was a publicist who helped guide her career as she transitioned into an international star. The couple has three children and has lived in various parts of the world including France and Switzerland. While they have lived separate lives at times they remain legally married and committed to their family. Clark continues to perform and record music while maintaining her long term bond with Wolff.

Bonnie Bartlett

Bonnie Bartlett married actor William Daniels in 1951. Their marriage has lasted for seventy three years making it one of the longest in the history of the industry. They appeared together as a married couple on the medical drama ‘St. Elsewhere’ for which they both won Emmy Awards. The couple has two sons and has remained active in the Hollywood community for decades. They frequently give joint interviews and share the secrets to their extraordinary longevity.

Jess Walton

Jess Walton married John James in 1980 and remained with him until his death in 2021. She is a familiar face to viewers of ‘The Young and the Restless’ where she has played Jill Abbott for years. Their marriage lasted for forty one years and was marked by their move to Oregon to find a more peaceful lifestyle. Walton often spoke about her husband as her best friend and her primary source of support. The couple shared a deep bond that survived the pressures of the television industry.

Nancy Marchand

Nancy Marchand was married to actor Paul Sparer from 1951 until his death in 1999. She was a celebrated actress known for her roles in ‘Lou Grant’ and ‘The Sopranos’. Their marriage lasted for forty eight years and was built on a shared love for the theater. The couple appeared in several plays together and were active members of the New York acting community. They raised three children while maintaining successful and respected careers on stage and television.

Maureen Van Zandt

Maureen Van Zandt married musician and actor Steven Van Zandt in 1982. She played his wife on the television series ‘The Sopranos’ bringing their real life chemistry to the screen. Their marriage has lasted for forty two years and involves a shared life in the music and acting worlds. They are often seen together at rock concerts and theater openings. The couple remains a prominent pair in the New York entertainment scene.

Shakira Caine

Shakira Caine married actor Michael Caine in 1973. She is a former model and actress who appeared with her husband in the film ‘The Man Who Would Be King’. Their marriage has lasted for fifty one years and is often cited as one of the most successful in the film industry. Michael Caine frequently praises his wife for keeping him grounded throughout his legendary career. The couple has one daughter and remains a steady presence on the global social circuit.

Jane Alexander

Jane Alexander was married to director Edwin Sherin from 1975 until his death in 2017. She is a highly decorated actress known for her work on stage and in films like ‘The Great White Hope’. Their marriage lasted for forty two years and involved many professional collaborations. Sherin directed Alexander in several plays and television projects over the decades. They were known for their intellectual and creative partnership within the arts community.

Jo Anne Worley

Jo Anne Worley was married to actor Roger Perry from 1975 until his death in 2018. She is best known for her comedic work on the variety show ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. Their marriage lasted for forty three years and was a well known Hollywood partnership. Perry was a veteran actor who appeared in numerous television series and films. The couple was frequently involved in charitable activities and was beloved for their humor and longevity.

Kim Novak

Kim Novak was married to veterinarian Robert Malloy from 1976 until his death in 2020. After leaving Hollywood at the height of her fame she sought a quieter life in the Pacific Northwest. Their marriage lasted for forty four years and centered on their shared love for animals and nature. Novak often spoke about the peace she found in her relationship with Malloy away from the cameras. They lived on a ranch and maintained a private life for several decades.

Lee Grant

Lee Grant married producer Joseph Feury in 1962 and they remain married after sixty three years. She is an Academy Award winning actress who also found success as a director. Feury has produced several of her directorial projects including award winning documentaries. Their long term partnership has spanned major shifts in the film industry and her personal career. They are respected for their enduring personal and professional relationship in the New York film scene.

Susan Seaforth Hayes

Susan Seaforth Hayes was married to actor Bill Hayes from 1974 until his death in 2024. They were famous for playing a couple on the daytime soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives’. Their marriage lasted for fifty years and was a favorite story for fans of the show. They were the first daytime actors to appear on the cover of Time magazine due to their immense popularity. The couple shared a life filled with music, travel, and a shared dedication to their long running television roles.

Katherine Helmond

Katherine Helmond was married to David Christian from 1962 until her death in 2019. She was a beloved actress known for her roles in ‘Soap’ and ‘Who’s the Boss?’. Their marriage lasted for fifty seven years and was a source of great stability for her. Christian is a sculptor and the couple shared a deep appreciation for the visual and performing arts. They remained a devoted and private couple throughout her long and successful career in television.

Arlene Francis

Arlene Francis was married to actor Martin Gabel from 1946 until his death in 1986. She was a major television personality and actress famous for her long run on ‘What’s My Line?’. Their marriage lasted for forty years and was a prominent union in the New York social and theater world. Gabel was a respected actor and producer who shared her passion for the arts. They were known for their wit and their sophisticated presence in the entertainment community.

Lydia Clarke

Lydia Clarke was married to actor Charlton Heston from 1944 until his death in 2008. She was an actress and photographer who met Heston while they were both studying drama. Their marriage lasted for sixty four years and survived the height of his fame as a major film star. Clarke appeared in some of Heston’s films and also maintained her own career as a photographer. They were a legendary couple known for their shared values and lifelong commitment.

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