There are many couples in Hollywood that have beautiful love stories, and who's relationships have lasted for decades. Some of the longtime couples have shared their secrets to success when it comes to a healthy and long-lasting relationship, some say their strong faith binds them together while others speak about the importance of communication and putting their marriage first. Here are what six celebrity couples have to say about their successful long-lasting relationships.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
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Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson first met in 1981 on the set of "Bosom Buddies," while Hanks was still married to Samantha Lewes. Years later, after Hanks had split from Lewes, he reconnected with Rita Wilson, where the couple eventually tied the knot in April of 1988. In 2001, Hanks told Oprah what he thought the reason to their successful relationship was. "Willingness to have an intimate connection" is the secret to success according to the actor. Hanks has spoken numerous times about their strong marriage saying, "In real life, our connection is as concrete as me sitting here. Not that marriage doesn't come close to being Hell in a hand basket sometimes. But we both know that no matter what, we'll be with each other - and we'll get through it."
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn
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Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn first met in 1966 while they were starring in the comedy "The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band." Hawn was 21 while Russell was 16, at the time Hawn recalled thinking Russell was "adorable but much too young." Years later, the pair met up again where Hawn says she liked him much more than she did back when they first met. The couple has been together ever since, just celebrating their 40th anniversary. Their secret to a successful relationship? Hawn says their relationship is so strong because they haven't walked down the aisle. "We have done just perfectly without marrying, I already feel devoted and isn't that what marriage is supposed to do? So as long as my emotional state is in a state of devotion, honesty, caring and loving, then we're fine," said Hawn.
Denzel and Pauletta Washington
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Denzel and Pauletta Washington first met back in 1977 on the set of the movie "Wilma," where they met and remained as friends until a year later when they reconnected at a mutual friend's party. Pauletta said they were reintroduced at the party and went their separate ways. The next day, Pauletta attended a play, where she arrived late, and when the lights turned on at intermission, she realized she was sitting next to Denzel. In the past, Denzel has spoken about how there is no secret to a perfect marriage, but he credits his faith for keeping their marriage strong. "A spiritual foundation helps everything - marriage, work, peace of mind," said Denzel.
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
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Country stars, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill first met in 1994 at a gig, but were both in separate relationships. Two years later, the pair reconnected when Hill opened for McGraw on his tour. Over the years, the couple has credited their long-lasting relationship to date nights, praying, and making sure they take time for themselves to be alone. Hill has spoken about the importance of putting their marriage first by saying, "My husband and I have made the choice that our marriage is the most important thing to us. We respect what we have and understand how we need to feed it."
Alice Cooper and Sheryl Goddard
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Alice Cooper met his wife Sheryl Goddard in 1975 where she auditioned to be a dancer for his band's stage show "Welcome to My Nightmare." The couple married a year later in 1976 and have been going strong ever since. When asked what their secret to a successful marriage is, Goddard responded saying "true love." Cooper responded to her jokingly by saying, "She likes me, I don't know why, but she likes me."
Will and Jada Pinkett Smith
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Will Smith first met his wife Jada Pinkett Smith back in 1994 when she auditioned to play the role of Will Smith's girlfriend in his show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." While the pair had chemistry between them, Jada ultimately did not get the part. At the time, Smith was married to Sheree Zampino, but divorced in 1995. Soon after their split, Will and Jada began their relationship, tying the knot in 1997 on New Year's Eve. The pair has been together ever since, Jada saying the love they have for each other plays a big role in their marriage. "We love to laugh together, we love to learn together, and we just love each other. We just have a good time together. Yeah, I guess that's the secret," said Jada.
So many factors go into keeping a marriage healthy and long-lasting, and there likely is no "secret" to the perfect marriage, but these celebrity couples are the perfect example of true love. Whether it be a strong faithful foundation, "fate," or strong communication skills between each other, one thing is for sure that these couples are great examples of what successful and healthy relationships should look like.