Celebrity Couples Married Over 20 Years
Black Celebrity Couples In It For The Long Haul [PHOTOS]
If you look up the phrase “Black love” you’re going to come across a variety of definitions but we think the 10 couples highlighted in this article, which have all lasted longer than 20 years, epitomize what Black love means.
It isn’t just a trendy term used on social media. It represents strength, patience and resilience. A journey between two people who have decided to continuously jump over every hurdle placed before them – big and small- to come out on the other side.
Its joy. It’s the jokes only you two understand. The memories that pop up random times of the day. It’s the happiness you feel for seeing them excel.
Its triumph. In loving and living, and being, despite what society has said you should be.
We’re highlighting celebrity couples but we want to hear from you as well! Shout out your significant other or the couple you admire in the comment section for a chance to get a shout out on social media.
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson
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Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson tied the knot in 1980. The couple welcomed their daughter Zoe Jackson in 1982. During his acceptance speech at the 2016 BET Awards, Jackson spoke candidly about how his wife and daughter helped him overcome substance abuse issues. He shared, “They found me passed out on the floor after I left somebody’s bachelor party and put my a– in rehab the next day and supported me and pushed me and give me a reason to get up and go and chase it day after day.” Samuel has appeared in over 100 films but that hasn’t stopped him from making his wife and family priority. You can catch the couple all over Instagram together or traveling the world for their annual yacht trip.
Will and Jada Smith
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Will and Jada Pinkett Smith started dating on the heels of Will’s first marriage ending. But after 21 years of marriage, the iconic Hollywood couple has proven that love does not have to be status quo. The couple has battled through years of crazy rumors to become one of the most unique couples on the list. What makes them unique? The Smiths have unapologetic-ally raised their children according to their values and have shared insights into their marriage like no other couple on the list. Although sometimes many disagree with the couple’s choices; they can’t help but love the jovial and authentic duo.
Rev Run and Justine Simmons
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Rev Run and Justine Simmons‘ marriage is rooted in faith. The couple tied the knot in 1994 and their blended family became a household favorite after their long stint on reality television.
LL Cool J and Simone Smith
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Way before Love and Hip-Hop, Simone Smith was the O.G. rapper’s girlfriend except with a dose of true love. Simone and LL met when they were only teenagers after being introduced through her cousin. But age didn’t stop this love from blossoming. The couple went on to get married in 1995, have four children and stay united through Simone’s bone cancer diagnosis in 2004.
While we’re at it, we also want to salute two other hip-hop couples who have stood the test of time: Ice Cube and his wife Kim; as well as, Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus.
Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee
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They say behind ever strong man is a stronger woman. In this case, former lawyer Tonya Lewis Lee can always be seen by her man’s side and has since the couple wed in 1993.
Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon
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Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon have quietly been married since 1984. But, if you ever see them in photos or on her Instagram, you can tell that these two are still as in love as the first day they met.
Morris Chestnut and Pam Chestnut
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It can’t be easy being married to a certified heartthrob. Women and men have been fawning over Morris since first seeing him on screen in 1991 in Boyz n the Hood. Pam shut it down just four years later and Morris says he knew she was the one for a very special reason. He told Essence, “And when I met my wife, there were a lot of qualities I was paying attention to. I knew that she would be a great mother just for how she cared for her nephew and her family. She respected her mother and she respected her family and those were some of the initial qualities that I saw that I thought would make her a great partner.”
Magic and Cookie Johnson
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College sweethearts Magic and Cookie Johnson have overcome odds that most couples would not be able to. Despite it all, the Johnsons are going strong after many times when it didn’t seem like they would last but Cookie says she leaned on her faith to stay in her marriage.
Denzel and Pauletta Washington
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The Washingtons jumped the broom in 1983. But that’s after, how John David Washington put it so clearly, Pauletta supported Denzel as he struggled to become an actor. John explained to TODAY, “Before they got married she was on Broadway working. She paid for their first date; she paid the bill; she paid the cab ride.” Adding, “My father taught me to hunt; my mother taught me to love.” What else do we need to say?! We stan for the entire Washington family.
Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham
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We know Oprah and Stedman aren’t married but the couple has been rocking since 1986. To be frank, the couple is an honest portrayal of many American relationships (minus the billions, of course) who have been together a long time but have opted for one reason or another to not get married.
More celebrity couples who have lasted over 20 years:
Blair Underwood and wife Desiree have been married since 1994.
Vanessa Bell Calloway and Hubby Anthony Calloway have been going strong since 1988.
Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete wed in 1995.
D.L. Hughley and his wife wed in 1986.
Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance wed in 1997.
