A successful marriage is an envy to many in our generation. Yet cultivating such families is a responsibility and skill that many are yet to learn. But our celebrities have been seen to have even worse marriage patterns than any other group of people. In fact it is becoming a stereotype that their marriages don’t work! Take for instance Kim Kardashian’s
marriage to Kris Humphries which lasted for only 72 days. Then Britney Spears whose marriage to Jason Alexander only lasted 55 hours! No kidding, the marriage lasted 55 hours. This sounds like a joke, right?. Clearly, these are indications of marriages not working at all.
On the contrary, there are marriages which are not just working but have been successful for over 15 years! The list below will shock you:-
1. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett
Will and Jada met in the year 1990 on the set of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’ However, it was not until 5 years later that they had their first date. They dated for two years and Will proposed in 1997. One month later they had a secret wedding at Cloister mansion in Baltimore. The couple had their first child, Jaden, in 1998 and their second born, Willow, in 2000. Most recently, during family Broadway night, Will and Jada were spotted alongside Willow Smith, their youngest daughter. No doubt their marriage is doing well having been together 19 years and still counting. The two have gone on to become business partners having founded Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation. Like many other marriages, they have gone through their share of challenges. But they have stayed strong with Jada saying that they “…continue to grow together” as a couple. Will says the secret to their marriage is “…really, really good sex” and says he believes there’s “…no woman for me but Jada.” This a lovely couple indeed.
2. Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington
These two are one of the most admired celebrity couples. They met on the set of a TV film called ‘Wilma’ and got married in 1983. Thirty three years later, the couple has 4 children namely John, 30, Katia, 27 and 13 year-old-twins Malcolm and Olivia. They renewed their marriage vows in 1995 in South Africa in a ceremony which was presided over by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The Washington family’s home is in Beverly Hills, California. Denzel’s secret to a good marriage is commitment, working at it and not giving up on each other.
3. Colin Firth and Livia Giuggioli
Colin is a movie star who has won several awards including an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award and two British Academy Film Awards. On the other hand, Livia is an Italian film producer and director. She also engages in Eco fashion consultancy. The two met in 1996 in a film set in Italy and Colin says that, “…it was love at first sight!” They got married a year later and Livia’s parents did not think Colin was good for her. However, he has turned out to be a great husband to her. They have 3 children: one daughter from Colins’ first marriage and two of their own. They have two homes; one in Chiswick, London and another in Umbria, Italy. The two are still happily married after being together for 19 years!
4. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
Tom says that when he saw Rita, he instantly fell in love with her. He watched her acting in the film ” the Brady Bunch.” They got engaged in 1985 and got married in 1988 in Los Angeles. Tom and Rita Hanks have four children. Two out of Tom’s first marriage and two of their own. The children are Chester, Truman,Elizabeth and Colin. The two continue to act alongside each other lately in the movie ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ and a comedy ‘Larry Crowne.’ Tom Hanks believes good timing is good for a successful marriage and that no one should get married before they are 30.
5. David and Victoria Beckham
David and Vicoria Beckham have been married for 17 years, unbelievably true, right? David, a soccer star and Victoria, a fashionista met in 1997 when Victoria attended a Manchester United match. They wedded at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland one year after their engagement. Many years later they have raised a family of four children together and have motivated each other to even greater success. The family lives in the Beckingham Palace.
These successful marriages model to our generation that success in marriage is not far fetched. It is attainable by any couple who commit themselves to see their marriage work. Celebrities can also achieve success in their marriage if they make it a priority in their lives.
