Samuel L. Jackson’s Wife LaTanya Shares What’s Kept Their Marriage Going Strong for 40 Years and Counting

Pulp Fiction, Die Hard and Django Unchained star, Samuel L. Jackson, has been one of the most famous actors in Hollywood for dozens of years. But true fans also love and respect him for his strong marriage. The actor and his wife, LaTanya Richardson share a unique and incredibly touching story, one that they’ve been carrying on for 40 years now.

Here at Bright Side, we love “happily-ever-after” stories, especially when they happen in real life and prove that eternal love is possible.

They met in college when Samuel was a biology student.

The 2 first met each other in 1970, when they both were students — LaTonya was attending Atlanta’s Spelman College and Samuel was studying marine biology at Morehouse College with an elective acting class.

Later on, Samuel changed his major — and thank goodness for that! As LaTanya shared later, she found Samuel to be “flamboyant” and “emotionally detached.”

Though their first meeting was memorable for both of them, they didn’t get married right away — their journey began years later when Samuel was already acting in theater and appearing in films. The couple tied the knot in 1980.

2 years later, in 1982, the couple welcomed their daughter Zoe, and LaTonya started gaining popularity. She appeared in the films Fried Green Tomatoes and Sleepless in Seattle and even starred on Broadway in a production of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Samuel claims LaTanya saved his life.

Speaking of their life as actors in New York, Samuel admitted that he had problems and even ended up in rehab. He shared that his wife could’ve easily taken their daughter and left but instead, she stayed by his side and saved his life. And that is a greater love than he will ever know.

With the full support of his wife, Samuel’s career went up in the 1990s, his finest hour came in 1994 after Pulp Fiction directed by Quentin Tarantino. For this role, he was nominated for the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award, and he also won the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Role.

LaTanya says her whole body smiles when she thinks of Samuel.

LaTanya confessed that she has always been there for him, but described their marriage with the words: “Oh God. It’s a ride.” She also added that it’s fun, sad, happy, and creative. LaTanya also once said in an interview that when she thinks about how they’re still able to laugh and enjoy each other, still care about one another, and strive to make the world a better place as a family, it’s what love means for her.

Hollywood marriages tend to have a shorter life, Samuel shares, though they still manage to keep their bond strong.

Once, when Samuel was asked what the secret to a successful marriage was as a world-famous celebrity, he answered that relationships in Hollywood are different from relationships elsewhere as couples are breaking up in neighborhoods all the time.

But the actor explained that he and his wife understand the bond they have and have shared many experiences. And their common joy of theater and their lives together is what keeps them connected.

Do you believe in the idea of love lasting forever? What Hollywood couples inspire you? We’d be happy to hear from you in the comment section below!