The 17 Longest Celebrity Marriages in Hollywood

We love these lasting love stories.

Celebrity couples who have the longest marriages in Hollywood

Photos: Getty | Design: Tiana Crispino

Updated Oct 23, 2023

When it comes to famous couples, those who have the longest celebrity marriages in Hollywood are worth celebrating. A-list relationships are often subjected to scrutiny and buzz in the never-ending news cycle, and, all too often, sensationalized stories about short marriages or marital drama dominate headlines. But we must not forget the illustrious duos that have stood the test of time and continue to inspire us (and serve as relationship goals) to this day—some 10, 20, 30, even 40 years into their marriages.

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From Faith Hill and Tim McGraw to Denzel and Paulette Washington, the celebrities who have the longest marriages in Hollywood make us believe in true love…because their fairy tale romances have proven to be the real deal. Here, we look back on the longest celebrity marriages and celebrate the strong foundations these stars have built in the public eye.

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Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan, 45 Years

What is the longest celebrity marriage? Gloria and Emilio Estefan have been married for 45 years, making this the longest Hollywood marriage that we know of. The musical icons met at a jam session with mutual friends in 1975, when she was 17 and he was 22. They struck up a platonic friendship at first; A few weeks after their first meeting, the two crossed paths again at a wedding and decided to make a wedding band together. They went on their first date later that year, and Gloria maintains that Emilio was her first and only boyfriend.

Gloria and Emilio Estefan got married on September 2, 1978. They've embarked on a lifetime of adventures, both as spouses and business partners. In addition to welcoming two children together, they went on to pursue entrepreneurial careers by opening hotels and restaurants, launching charitable foundations, publishing children's books and writing music. When Gloria was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June 2023, she praised her longtime husband in her acceptance speech: "After 48 years together, I love you more deeply than when we began this crazy, exciting, surprising and oftentimes terrifying epic life together."

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, 40 Years

Although Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn were never *technically* married, they have been together since 1983, solidifying their status as one of the longest celebrity relationships. The iconic actors met on a movie set in 1968, but a six-year age difference and a hesitancy to date someone in the biz kept them apart. They reconnected 15 years later during an audition and have been together ever since.

Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell went on to raise a blended family. Kurt had a son, Boston, from a previous marriage, and Goldie had children Oliver and Kate Hudson from a past relationship; together, they welcomed their son Wyatt in 1986. Interestingly enough, the couple has famously said the reason they've been together for so long is *because* they never got married. (Although they sparked wedding rumors in 1989, the reports were ultimately false.)

When asked about the choice to forgo swapping vows on CNN in 2023, Goldie replied, "Why should we get married? Isn't that a better question? I like the idea that I can wake up in the morning and make decisions every day if I want to be here." She continued, "Ultimately, staying independent with independent thinking is important. So you can hold on to yourself and you're going to actually have that feeling."

Pauletta and Denzel Washington, 40 Years

Despite meeting on a film set in 1977, actors Denzel and Pauletta Washington didn't formally get to know each other until a few months later, when they reconnected at a party. After a few attempted proposals (he says it took two tries, while she says three), the couple got engaged and were married in June 1983. They proudly celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2023.

Pauletta took a break from her career in the entertainment industry to help raise their four children, some of whom are following in their parents' famous footsteps. As he accepted the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award in 2019, Denzel gave major credit to his wife for the role she has played both in his career and his life. "I would not be alive without Pauletta Washington," he said.

Oprah and Stedman Graham, 37 Years

Oprah and her longtime love Stedman Graham have been together for nearly 40 years. The duo met in 1986, which was also when The Oprah Winfrey Show first aired on television. After they began dating, Stedman made a surprise appearance on the show in 1987. By 1992, Oprah and Stedman Graham announced that they were engaged…but they never made it down the aisle.

Although there was a change of plans, Oprah and her partner stayed together. Much like Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, they say never getting married was the right choice for their relationship. "The only time I brought it up was when I said to Stedman, 'What would have happened if we had actually gotten married?' And the answer is: 'We wouldn't be together.' We would not have stayed together, because marriage requires a different way of being in this world," she shared with Vogue.

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, 35 Years

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick have one of the longest Hollywood marriages—35 years, to be exact—and their meet-cute is something out of a movie. These two first crossed paths in 1978. While Kevin was in New York City starring in an off-Broadway play, he was approached by a fan and her brother…and that fan was none other than Kyra Sedgwick. They formally met again in 1987 while filming Lemon Sky, and by the end of that year, they were engaged.

Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon got married on September 4, 1988. They have two children together and have since starred alongside each other in plenty of movies and TV shows. In 2023, off the heels of their 35th wedding anniversary, this longtime couple spilled the secret to their long celebrity marriage. "We've always been each other's biggest [supporters] and fans," Kyra told People. Kevin agreed, adding, "To me, walking down the street together just shooting the s— in the middle of the night still feels like a nice place to be."

Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, 35 Years

Like many others on our list of the longest celebrity marriages, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks met on set. These two crossed paths while filming ABC's Bosom Buddies in 1981. Although Tom was married at the time, they quickly hit it off. By 1986, they made their red carpet debut as a couple. Two years later, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson got married and embarked on a lifetime of happiness.

In addition to welcoming two sons together, this Hollywood power couple left their mark on the industry. Beyond starring in films together, they've become a powerful production duo. (Did you know they teamed up to produce the My Big Fat Greek Wedding movie franchise?) On their 35th wedding anniversary in April 2023, Rita Tweeted a photo of a yellow anniversary cake, writing, "35 years of marriage. April 30, 1988. Love is everything."

Brad and George Takei, 35 Years

Although Brad and George Takei have one of the longest celebrity relationships, it was kept private for many years. The Star Trek actor laid eyes on his future husband, a finance journalist, at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in the 1980s. George made the first move by asking Brad to help him train for a marathon, and they quickly fell in love. For years, the couple kept their romance private out of fear that it could cost George his career. "There we were, living together and not being able to share that with the rest of the world," he told The Big Issue in 2016. "I had to stay silent on the subject which mattered most to me."

George publicly came out in 2005 and confirmed his 18-year romance with Brad. Then, one day after the California Supreme Court lifted its ban on gay marriage in May 2008, he announced his intention to marry his longtime partner. Brad and George Takei officially wed on September 14, 2008. When asked by Out in New Jersey about how they have one of the longest celebrity marriages, George gave a candid response. "It really isn't a secret," he said in 2019. "In any marriage, there is give and take. At first, there is lust, and it turns into love, then it turns into comfort, especially when you have been together for 33 years. It's making the loving compromises."

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen, 28 Years

After meeting at an audition in 1983, actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen fell in love on the set of Pontiac Moon in 1985. They were married in Martha's Vineyard on October 7, 1995. Together, they raised their four children from previous marriages and went on to star in multiple projects together.

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In 2023, The Knot exclusively spoke to Mary Steeburgen ahead of the release of her film Book Club: The Next Chapter, and she reflected on her own wedding from 28 years ago. "I still have my wedding dress from when Ted and I got married," she revealed, adding that the design had six violet flowers on the bodice—one for her, her husband, and each of their children. "I haven't tried it on for a long time, but I think it would fit." When asked if she would change anything from their big day, she simply said, "I would wear that again. Same husband, same dress."

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, 27 Years

Back when they were fresh fases on the country music scene, signers Faith Hill and Tim McGraw met at a Nashville gig for up-and-coming industry talent in 1994. Two years later, she joined him as an opening act on his tour—and within months, Tim proposed on stage! The couple hosted a surprise wedding at his aunt's house on October 6, 1996, and went on to have three daughters together.

Ahead of their 27th wedding anniversary in 2023, Tim opened up to Entertainment Tonight Canada about how they've managed to have one of the longest celebrity marriages. "We just made a commitment early on, when we first decided we were getting married and having kids, that we wouldn't just walk out the door when problems arose," he shared.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, 26 Years

Unlike her infamous alter ego Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker has been lucky in love. The actress has been married to her husband, actor Matthew Broderick, for 26 years. The duo met through SJP's brothers' theater company in 1991. They wed at a synagogue in Manhattan's Lower East Side in 1997, one year before Sex and the City premiered on HBO.

The couple has three children together: a son, James, and twin daughters Marion and Tabitha. In 2020, Matthew opened up about their long-lasting union on an episode of Sirius XM's Quarantined with Bruce show, saying, "I don't know the secret at all, but I, you know, I'm very grateful and I love her. It's amazing. I mean, I can't believe that it's been that long. It doesn't feel like it."

Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow, 26 Years

Hollywood power couple Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow have one of the longest celebrity marriages, ringing in 26 years of wedded bliss. The two met when Leslie auditioned for Judd's film The Cable Guy in 1995—and for him, it was love at first sight. When reflecting on their initial meeting, Judd told Elle he remembered thinking, "There goes the future Mrs. Apatow." He continued, "I had a soul connection instantly. I meant it. That's why I remember it."

The two hosted a destination wedding in Hawaii on June 9, 1997, while Leslie was expecting their first child. The couple's daughter Maude (who you likely know from HBO's Euphoria) was born at the end of that year, and her sister Iris joined the family in 2002. During a May 2022 appearance on Live With Kelly and Ryan, Leslie joked about what makes their romance work after nearly 30 years together. "I feel so lucky that I get to spend my life with him. He really is a good person," she said. "And at the same time, I feel like I do not know him at all. Who is this person walking around my house, eating my food and sneaking off into his little secret room doing secret things?"

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, 25 Years

Did you know one of the longest Hollywood marriages began at a wedding? Model Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber met at her agent's nuptials in the early 1990s. Although they were both with other people at the time, the two hit it off as friends—and when they both broke off their romantic relationships, they found love with each other.

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber had a beautiful, intimate destination wedding in the Bahamas on May 29, 1998. Their son Presley was born in 1999, and daughter Kaia (who's following in her mom's modeling footsteps) was born in 2001. Reflecting on their love story in 2017, the supermodel revealed what they do to keep the love alive after all these years. "All throughout our marriage, we have made time to just be together, whether it's a walk on the beach or a weekend away," she told People. "And I think we laugh with each other and we really respect each other's opinion. Even when we don't agree. When he doesn't agree with me, I am fascinated. I want to know why, because I respect him enough to hear him out and he does the same for me."

David and Victoria Beckham, 24 Years

We can't talk about the longest celebrity marriages without giving a little love to Posh and Becks. Although they grew up in neighboring London towns, Victoria and David Beckham officially met at a soccer game in 1997. After this brief first encounter, they spent more time together at another match the following week. By the end of their conversation, Victoria wrote her number on a train ticket—and David still has that special memento to this day.

The couple's son Brooklyn was born in March 1999, and that July, the new parents hosted a lavish wedding at a castle in Ireland. Since then, they've welcomed three more children together. On their 24th anniversary in 2023, Victoria shared a sweet celebratory post on Instagram. "Still holding hands and still laughing (with you not just at you😂)," she captioned the photo dump. "I love you so much @davidbeckham xx"

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr., 21 Years

In the 1990s, they were *the* it-couple—and we're happy to report that Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. are still going strong, 21 years into their marriage. The beloved actors met on the set of the 1997 horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer and became fast friends. In 2000, they showed up for what was supposed to be a dinner reservation with a mutual friend—but when that person failed to show up, romantic sparks flew. They got engaged less than a year later, and on September 1, 2002, they were married in Mexico.

After two kids and many movies together, the couple celebrated 21 years of marriage in 2023. In honor of the special milestone, Sarah jokingly called out the traditional anniversary gifts in an Instagram post. "@realfreddieprinze what's customary for 21 years?" she captioned a photo from their wedding day. "I believe it's @celine or is it @loewe?!?"

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann, 19 Years

Mariska Hargitay, known for her role as the beloved Olivia Benson, literally met her husband on the set of Law & Order: SVU. Peter Hermann was brought on as a guest star for the popular drama series in 2002, and it was love at first sight. On The Drew Barrymore Show, Mariska recalled her thoughts from the moment she first laid eyes on him, thinking, "Who is that Clark Gable, superman guy that I need to marry today?"

Her intuition was strong. The couple got married on August 28, 2004, in Santa Barbara, California. The actress gave birth to their son in 2006, and they adopted two more children in 2011, just four months apart. In June 2019, Peter credited laughter as the secret to their long marriage. "I never thought I would have this much laughter in my life," he shared with People. "Not just actual laughter, but also the way that Mariska is just the embodiment of laughter — of joy."

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, 17 Years

Aussies Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban met at a gala in 2005, and they wed the following year in Sydney. "Meeting her and getting married wasn't life-changing, it was life-beginning," the Grammy-winning country singer told CBS News in 2016. "It was literally, like, 'Okay, life starts.'"

After their intimate wedding, the actress helped her husband through a challenging struggle with alcohol abuse by staging an intervention and kickstarting his sobriety journey. In addition to raising their children from previous relationships, the couple welcomed two daughters together in 2008 and 2010. In a 2022 interview with Gayle King, Nicole opened up about finding love in her 30s. "I met him later in life and it's been the best thing that's ever happened to me," she mused. "That man is the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, 15 Years

Rounding out our list of the longest celebrity marriages are Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who have been together for 15 years. The talk show host met the actress backstage at a concert in 2001, but Portia wasn't publicly out at the time. They reconnected three years later and began dating. In 2005, they publicly confirmed their romance, and by 2008, they announced their engagement.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's wedding took place in the backyard of their LA home on August 16, 2009. They marked 15 years together in 2023, which Ellen opened up about on social media. "To my wife of 15 years- I fall more in love with you every day," she captioned an Instagram photo of them on a yacht. "My life is blessed because you're in it. Happy anniversary."