We spend a lot of time discussing the downfall of high-profile marriages, looking for the missteps that strain relationships and turn divorces into costly, drawn-out battles. But we often lose sight of the wisdom to be gleaned from successful celebrity couples. After all, these relationships survive the harsh glare of the media spotlight, intense career pressure, constant job insecurity, and a “community” legendary for chasing wild fads. Hollywood might still be the glamour capital of the world, but its high-profile, high-pressure environment is not always conducive to lasting romantic relationships. So, when a celebrity relationship stands the test of time, it can be helpful to see if there’s a secret formula or at least one or two key ingredients to that success. Let’s look at insights from successful celebrity relationships (officially and unofficially married) that might apply to any affluent couple hoping to sustain their marriage.
Shania Twain & Frédéric Thiébaud: Talk Through the Conflict — Shania Twain rocketed to prominence in the mid-1990s on the strength of two bestselling country-pop albums, The Woman in Me (1995) and Come On Over (1997). But her career hit the skids soon after, when she contracted Lyme disease from a tick bite. She suffered from dizziness, blackouts, and nerve damage affecting her vocal cords, forcing a 15-year hiatus from recording. Her personal life suffered another blow when her first husband left their marriage for Marie-Anne Thiébaud, a close friend of Ms. Twain. In a rare case of “turnabout is fair play,” Ms. Twain subsequently married Frédéric Thiébaud, Marie-Anne’s former husband.
Fifteen years later, the couple is still together, a fact that Shania attributes to her husband’s gregarious nature. As she recently told People, “He’s really good at reminding both of us that we have to keep communication open.” According to Ms. Twain, “He’s the greatest talker, and he’s not inhibited at all with expressing his feelings, which is really wonderful in a man.” When a relationship conflict arises, Ms. Twain admits she generally prefers to “meditate over the issue, take a walk or be alone with my guitar….” That can allow problems to fester, which is why Shania says, “If you have a man that is really open and wants to keep the communication open, you’re blessed as a woman.”
Takeaway: Communication beats avoidance.
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr.: Put Friendship First. The couple’s relationship began as a working friendship while filming I Know What You Did Last Summer in 1997. As Mr. Prinze told E! News in 2017, "We were just friends for a good two years before we ever went on a date. She knew what kind of guy I was. She knew what my morals were, what my priorities were, and vice versa. We already kind of knew all the faults in the other person.” In addition to the “solid foundation built” on friendship, Mr. Prinze credits laughter as a key to success, because “laughter lasts forever.”
Takeaway: Start with friendship and build from there.
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick: Be Grateful for Love, and Go Back to Work — Married in 1988, this celebrity couple lost virtually all their accrued wealth in the Bernie Madoff scandal that broke in 2008. Other couples could have played the blame game, accusing one another of being more instrumental in the fateful decision to invest their life savings in what turned out to be a Ponzi scheme. As People.com reported, Mr. Bacon has admitted, "It sucked, and we were certainly angry….” However, the couple refused to let anger consume them. “But then we woke up the next day and said, 'What do we got? We love each other. We love our children. We’re healthy. No one took away our ability to make a living.' So we got back to work."
Takeaway: Face adversity as a team with gratitude for what you have.
Denzel and Pauletta Washington: Daily Commitment — For 43 years and counting, the Washingtons have maintained their marriage by working at it. “It's work,” Pauletta told People.com in 2024. “There are a lot of prayers for strength for staying in a forgiveness mode and both parts, mine and his.” Mrs. Washington claims, “There’s no secret,” but the formula seems to rely on patience, persistence, and prayer. Her words seem to echo her husband’s from 2010, when Denzel told The Guardian, “Everybody has their ups and downs; we've had ours. It's hard work, you know. But we made a commitment. A spiritual foundation helps everything – marriage, work, peace of mind.”
Takeaway: A lifelong commitment requires daily re-commitment.
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell: Commitment Without Containment — This celebrity couple has never married, but have remained intimate partners for more than 40 years. They find joy in living and working together, but they’ve avoided constraints. As Vanity Fair reports, Ms. Hawn has said, “I’m a bird. And you leave the cage door open, I may never fly out. But if you close that door, for my freedom and my independence, I would probably take all my feathers off.”
Takeaway: Lasting intimacy doesn’t require losing autonomy.
John Krasinski and Emily Blunt: Mutual Support — Two of the busiest film and TV performers of the last couple of decades have worked separately and together, apparently nonstop, over their 14-year marriage. Although Mr. Krasinski has said that marital success “just sort of happens organically," it helps that he "was a huge fan of [Emily’s] before I even met her, so I continue to be a huge fan of hers in everything she does.” Since they are both in the industry, “we get what the job is and that you gotta travel and do some stuff, but it's always about coming back home and being together, it's the most important thing.” This understanding helps the spouses to be “extremely supportive” of each other. For her part, Ms. Blunt has said that "Having John's support is everything, because we are each other's confidant. That shared understanding has really been a very vital anchor for me."
Takeaway: Be your spouse’s top fan and openly celebrate your spouse's wins.
LeBron and Savannah James: Swearing Off Perfection — Over his 23-year NBA career, LeBron James has made four free-agent moves, and plans to play for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2027. But he has remained faithful to one woman since high school. Married for 13 years, LeBron credits his relationship with his wife, Savannah, to a mutual understanding that “A relationship is never picture perfect.” Of course, the veteran baller knows that an ugly win is still a win. As LeBron says, “If you’re OK with working through the hardships and the adverse moments, then it will make it all worth it, man.” Life with Savannah hasn’t always been “a bed of roses,” but the couple has deepened their relationship by working together on a range of charitable endeavors. As Vogue reported in 2017, the couple has worked together to change lives in their hometown by creating educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
Takeaway: Instead of demanding perfection, enjoy the messy process of growing together and sharing in meaningful endeavors.
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean: You Don’t Have to Share the Spotlight — For 60 years, one of entertainment's most recognizable figures was married to an intensely private man who avoided the spotlight. While Dolly Parton built an entertainment empire fueled by an effervescent public persona, her husband Carl preferred life in the wings. In a classic example of marital Yin and Yang, Dolly and Carl demonstrated that couples don’t have to share every hobby, interest, or social circle. Dolly respected Carl’s preferences, and rather than dragging him into her spotlight, the flamboyant performer, known for her elaborate wigs, chose to dress inconspicuously when out with her husband. As reported on Page Six, their lifestyle proves that marriage can work when spouses have the freedom to live very independent lives.
Takeaway: Be faithful to each other, but true to yourself.
Leighton Meester and Adam Brody: Enjoy One Another — A 12-year marriage of two busy working actors is an accomplishment, but don’t tell Adam and Leighton. Numerous interviews reveal they take a “normal,” “low-key” approach to their union, enjoying each other’s company and their shared sense of humor. It also helps not to take disagreements too personally. As Mrs. Meester told People.com, "I think being with another person and knowing that they're going to be imperfect and challenge you, and that you are far from perfect, is [important]." And while many spouses might dwell on their partner’s flaws, Mrs. Meester recommends that spouses "always be open and willing to work on yourself."
Takeaway: Don't take yourselves too seriously.
Tom Holland and Zendaya: The Power of Privacy — Are they or aren’t they? That was the frequently asked question about the oft-rumored romantic relationship that culminated in a secret wedding ceremony last June. The couple has guarded their privacy throughout their nine-year courtship, speaking volumes about their priorities. They made a conscious effort to avoid the glare of the spotlight and the pressure of publicity while enjoying each other’s company, especially their highly compatible humor, and exploring the potential for a lasting union. Deciding to date like normal people, rather than capitalize on the media buzz their romance might create, gave them the freedom to ground their relationship in real sentiment rather than hype. As Zendaya told People.com, she and Holland share the conviction “that when you really love and care about somebody, some moments or things, you wish were your own.”
Takeaway: Guarding your privacy enriches your intimacy.
All couples face challenges in their marriages. It’s tempting for people who’ve achieved a level of business success and career notoriety to believe they have it easier. But ironically, the trappings of affluence and demands of a high-profile career can distract from the foundational elements of a successful marriage. Even the most enduring marriages require intention, perspective, and honest reflection. If questions about your marriage's future have become more serious, experienced legal counsel can help you understand your options, protect your interests, and approach the decisions ahead with greater clarity. Contact our team today online or at 212.682.6222.