When it comes to discovering the secrets to a happy marriage, Hollywood probably isn’t the first place you want to look. After all, it’s the home of Kim Kardashian’s infamous 72-day marriage to Kris Humphries (not to mention Britney Spears’s 55-hour marriage to childhood friend Jason Alexander). However, despite the crazy stories that spill out of Tinseltown, there are a few famous couples that have been able to make their marriages last. And they have some helpful advice to give.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
Academy Award-winner Tom Hanks and actress Rita Wilson got hitched in 1988, and have been together ever since. Although you may not have known Hanks and Wilson were a couple (they keep their private lives extremely, well, private), you’ve no doubt seen them appear together in classic movies like “Sleepless in Seattle.” So what’s their secret to success? They work as a team both personally and professionally (they produced the hit movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”). Hanks also leaves the love of his life little notes around the house. Cue the aww’s.
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Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick
As far as famous couples of the ’80s go, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick are about as good as it gets. The two have been married since 1988 (apparently it was a good year for long-lasting celeb marriages), and they’ve been able to keep the magic alive by making each other laugh and keeping the lines of communication open. Sedgwick also says that Bacon makes her feel special by constantly giving her little complements. Men of the world, take note.
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan
Also married in 1988 (can you believe it?) “Back to the Future” star Michael J. Fox and wife Tracy Pollan have not only managed to stay together through the normal ups and downs of marriage, but also through Fox’s battle with Parkinson’s disease. Laughter is a big part of this happy marriage (sensing a theme?). While they both acknowledge that marriage is hard work, Fox and Pollan have relied on each other for support throughout the years. Their advice? Be each other’s rock.
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Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara
Legendary comedy duo Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara have been married since 1954, and may also be responsible for another long-lasting celebrity union (their son, Ben Stiller, has been married to Christine Taylor since 2000). If you really want the details about how they’ve made their marriage last (spoiler alert: the title kind of gives it away), you can check out Jerry Stiller’s book, “Married to Laughter: A Love Story Featuring Anne Meara.”
Warren Beatty and Annette Benning
Although the age difference may have had people betting against them (Warren Beatty is 22 years older than Annette Benning), these two Hollywood superstars have been able to make their marriage last. Wed in 1992, Beatty and Benning met on the set of “Bugsy,” in which they were co-stars. Benning says they’ve been able to keep their marriage strong with unending love and respect for each other.
