Love & marriage, Hollywood style

Jun 18, 2011 6:01 PM by Vicki Clinebell

Posted in Love & Sex / Marriage & Relationships

Hollywood Romance

We don't often think of celebrity marriages as iconic examples of love and devotion, and with good reason. The bad relationships and brief marriages get the press, but there are long-term marriages made in Hollywood that have survived both fame and the test of time. For instance, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgewick have been married 23 years, and rocker Ozzy Osbourne and wife Sharon said their vows 29 years ago. They may not be your average couples next door, but these duos make it work.

Kirk and Anne Douglas

Kirk Douglas

Legendary actor Kirk Douglas has been married to his second wife, Anne, for 55 years. They met on a movie set where she was a publicist, and they eloped to Las Vegas -- even though Kirk was engaged to someone else at the time.

Their relationship has had its share of challenges. In 1991, Kirk survived a helicopter crash, and in 2004, their second son together, actor Eric Douglas, died of a drug overdose. Douglas admits to affairs with several co-stars, including Joan Crawford and Marlene Dietrich. In more recent years, Kirk has survived a stroke, Ann has survived breast cancer, and their marriage has survived what they call difficulties -- because she could forgive. They renewed their vows in 2004.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman -- of the extraordinary blue eyes and chiseled features -- was married to wife Joanne Woodward for 51 years before his death from cancer. Though adored by millions of female fans and openly pursued by some famous co-stars, Newman believed the secret to a good marriage was being faithful. He was deeply in love with his beautiful wife; they worked together on screen, were both social and political activists, and raised their family away from the Hollywood limelight. When a reporter once asked if Newman was tempted by the women who pursued him, Newman replied, "Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home?"

Karl Malden

Karl Malden's 71-year marriage to wife Mona ended with his death at age 97 in 2009. They met as young aspiring actors in drama school. Malden insisted the key to his long marriage was very simple: He married the right girl. They lived modestly, always staying in the home they purchased in 1959 and raising their two daughters there. For the Maldens, a successful marriage meant falling in love many times -- but always with the same person.

These stars' recipes for a golden anniversary includes wise choices, a big helping of forgiveness, and a heap of love and faithfulness.