Sometimes We Like Couples

A few weeks ago something that we all didn't expect to happened, happened.

After 10 assumedly blissful years of marital bliss, one of our favorite star couples, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and his wife Dany, announced that they were going to separate.

A press statement was issued thusly:

"While certain aspects of our relationship have changed, we are both vitally important to each other's lives. We will continue to advance and manage our business interests, our philanthropic efforts and most importantly the raising of our child together, as a loving team. We've been fortunate enough to spend the last 17 years together as a couple and look forward to spending the rest our lives together as best friends and business partners."

So ok... some of us have expressed a bit of disappointment and sadness over this turn of events (and also expressed a bit of guilt in admitting that we, at the same time, thought "huzzah, The Rock is single" but still.) Why is this, many of you are asking. Why does it matter that people you've never met, famous people who more often than not don't give a rat's ass what you think, coming together and separating just like the larger, commoner demographic, make you care?

The answer is simple: Because they give us a bit of hope.

I, personally, consider myself lucky to have parents who are blissfully and disgustingly married for over 32 years (and counting). And although I'm not saying that they were without their rock bottom moments, I thank my mom and dad for showing my sis and I that no matter the situation, regardless of what bad times come along, they were willing to make it work. And you know, I'd like to think that all the bad shit that came down on them just helped to make their relationship stronger. Because to them marriage was FOR REAL, not trivialized, and something to sacrifice, compromise, fight over, cry over, celebrate over. I guess they're a rarity nowadays, which saddens me.

So I like to think that beyond family and friends' example one must take into account Hollywood's example. We all know that it's even harder for Hollywood couples to stay together (happily). In this entertainment microcosm there's a grandiose amount of abnormal drama and external factors that come into play. And yes, it's even a bit incestuous - partners swapping and breaking up and swapping with other partners, etc. Therefore, a long-term happily married Hollywood couple (made up of cool people that we actually like) is an ultimate rarity. (And in Hollywood, 5 years is like a lifetime.) And for this, we cherish each one that exists.

So I'm mourning the loss of one of my favorite couples. But in it's demise, I want to turn around and celebrate other favorite long-term Hollywood couples, whose relationships give me reason to stand up and say, "bravo" for beating the odds. Here are my top ten (and my venerated honorable mention.)

#10: Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy

Married: 10 years (Although they lived together for 15 years before deciding to tie the knot.)



#9: Kyra Sedgewick and Kevin Bacon

Married: 19 years

#8: Sharon Osbourne and Ozzy Osbourne

Married: 25 years



#7: Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell

Partnered: 24 years (not officially married, but that doesn't matter to me.)

#6: Tracy Pollan and Michael J. Fox

Married: Almost 19 years

#5: Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins

Partnered: 19 years (another non-married pair, and he's 12 years younger...go girl.)

#4: Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito

Married: 25 years

#3: Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith

Married: 10 years

#2: Iman and David Bowie

Married: 15 years

#1: Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman

Married: 49 years

Venerable Honorable Mention: Gracie Allen and George Burns

George and Gracie were such a pair. Professional comedic partners and married for 38 years until her death in 1964. In an interview after her death, he described Gracie as "his next breath." He never remarried.