Jennifer Love Hewitt marked twelve years of marriage with her spouse Brian Hallisay, posting glimpses of their enduring romance on social media. The actress, best known for her performance in
“I Know What You Did Last Summer,”
honored the occasion on November 20 by sharing intimate photos with Hallisay, the couple both dressed in coordinated black blazers as they embraced for a selfie together.
Another photograph showed the duo grinning joyfully, sunlight highlighting their features, capturing the warmth between them. The milestone reflects Hewitt’s continued happiness in her relationship, which began in 2013, and she commemorated the day with a heartfelt social media message:
“12 years of being married to the man of my dreams,”
Jennifer Love Hewitt captioned. Happy Anniversary my love.—Jennifer Love Hewitt, Actress
The couple shares three children: daughter Autumn James, and sons Atticus James and Aidan James. Jennifer Love Hewitt has been candid about how she and Brian Hallisay intentionally keep their family life private and out of the spotlight, focusing on raising their children away from Hollywood’s intense public gaze.
Parenting Philosophies and Life Beyond Fame
Hewitt reflected on how the entertainment landscape has changed since her own start as a young actor, acknowledging the complexities social media brings to raising children today. She shared,
“It’s a different business than when I started,”
Jennifer Love Hewitt told E! News in 2024.
“It’s not quite as simple and easy with social media and all of that stuff now.”
—Jennifer Love Hewitt, Actress
The couple’s desire for their children to remain grounded and avoid the pressures of early fame led them to encourage patience in pursuing acting ambitions.
“Our big thing with her is, even though my experience as a kid actor was very positive, I think we’ve both sort of said, ‘Stay in school, do that,’ ‘Grow up. Wait until you’re a little bit older. Don’t take all of this on quite yet.’”
—Jennifer Love Hewitt, Actress
This protective stance underpins their approach to parenting, and Jennifer Love Hewitt frequently expresses gratitude for their unity in keeping family matters personal, allowing their children a semblance of normalcy despite their celebrity status.
Long-Lasting Marriages in the Spotlight
Jennifer Love Hewitt’s reflections join a chorus of other high-profile couples who have shared insights about nurturing relationships under public scrutiny. Many celebrity pairs attribute their marital longevity to communication, humor, respect, and shared values. Their experiences provide a diverse look at what sustains partnerships over decades.
Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann: The Role of Humor and Grace
Actress Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann, together for more than two decades, have credited humor and mutual grace as cornerstones of their relationship. Hermann revealed the importance of laughter, saying,
“I never thought that I would laugh this much in my marriage. That is such a fundamental ingredient of who you are, this insistence on joy,”
Peter Hermann, Actor
He emphasized that their marriage is sustained by genuine love despite imperfections, describing their dynamic this way:
“And I think what sustains our marriage is that I know you love me in spite of who I am, and that is the definition of grace.”
—Peter Hermann, Actor
They believe humor is especially useful for overcoming arguments, and Peter detailed their approach:
“One of us will test the waters with a joke—about the very thing we were fighting about… It’s like one of us says, ‘I’m not saying I was wrong, and I’m not still insisting I was entirely right, but can we at least inch our way back toward the place where we caught at stuff together?’ Once that happens, it’s a pretty good sign that things are on their way to getting patched up.”
—Peter Hermann, Actor
Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines: Consistency and Connection
Television personalities Chip and Joanna Gaines rely on consistency to keep their marriage strong. Regular date nights and open expression of affection are part of their routine. Chip doesn’t take their bond for granted, stating,
“I’m not saying she’d never cheat on me, but it’s not going to be because I never told her I loved her or because I didn’t send her flowers or I forgot our anniversary.”
—Chip Gaines, Television Personality
The pair prioritizes building their partnership with intention, drawing on advice received before their wedding to maintain their unity through the years.
Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon: Problem-Solving and Commitment
Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon approach their decades-long marriage by focusing on constructive conflict resolution and unwavering commitment. Bacon humorously advised,
“My first piece of advice is not to take advice from celebrities,”
—Kevin Bacon, Actor
The couple abides by a principle that minimizes argument escalation:
“Keep the fights clean and the sex dirty,”
—Unknown
Kyra Sedgwick explained their approach to disagreements, stating,
“Honestly, we don’t like to fight, so when we actually are in an argument, we’re both looking for a solution… For the most part we’re struggling to get back to everything being okay, because it sucks to fight.”
—Kyra Sedgwick, Actress
She summed up their dedication:
“There is no Plan B. No matter what, we want to work it out.”
—Kyra Sedgwick, Actress
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan: Practicing Empathy
The enduring partnership of Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan is shaped by respecting one another’s vulnerabilities and striving for understanding in conflict. Michael J. Fox shared,
“Tracy and I don’t pick scabs,”
—Michael J. Fox, Actor
He described how partners should refrain from exploiting each other’s weaknesses:
“In some marriages, people look at their partner and see vulnerability and they just can’t help but go after that vulnerability, like it’s a sport or something. We don’t do that.”
—Michael J. Fox, Actor
Fox is mindful not to rush resolutions, acknowledging,
“If I’ve said something stupid, I have the tendency to want to take it back and make it all okay,”
—Michael J. Fox, Actor
Tracy Pollan offers understanding when feelings are unintentionally hurt:
“Sometimes you just have to say to yourself, ‘You know what? He said something schmucky and it made me feel bad. But he’s a good person and I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt that he didn’t realize that what he said hurt my feelings.’”
—Tracy Pollan, Actress
Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest: The Power of Laughter
Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest highlight humor as a key ingredient in their lasting marriage. Curtis expressed her joy by stating,
“He still makes me laugh more than any human being,”
—Jamie Lee Curtis, Actress
She playfully pondered what keeps her partner interested, adding,
“…and I’m sure there’s something about me that he likes. I don’t know what it is, but I’m sure there’s something.”
—Jamie Lee Curtis, Actress
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka: Embracing Change and Connection
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka recognize that maintaining a committed relationship requires accepting evolution and continually reconnecting. Harris commented,
“I think one of the things that has kept us together all of these years is that we both define relationships as something that’s relatively indefinable,”
—Neil Patrick Harris, Actor
He detailed how intimacy adapts over the years and how partners must remain open to changing needs:
“When you have sex with the same person over and over, it gets redundant, and so you try different things. Then one day you don’t like each other, and suddenly you’re not attracted to each other, so you have to figure out how to be reattracted to them—but in a different way because you’re aging.”
—Neil Patrick Harris, Actor
Harris elaborated on this journey, adding,
“So in a weird way, we keep falling in love with each other in different ways, over and over.”
—Neil Patrick Harris, Actor
Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone: Laughter and Letting Go
For comic actors Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone, shared laughter is both a hallmark of their union and a key to longevity. McCarthy recounted,
“Whenever we have a good laugh, especially a crazy one, when you’re like, Oh, my God, and you’re almost dizzy—we always assign it a specific amount of time that it added to our lives. And I’m always adding it up. I’ll say, ‘Okay, that was like two months—I just got two more months to live!’”
—Melissa McCarthy, Actress
Falcone described a lighthearted approach to resolving disagreements, preferring to let issues lapse rather than argue into the night:
“I tried it once, and I realized that in the morning I had forgotten what I was mad about. You’re not getting any answers if you’re parsing out an argument when everybody is tired and possibly had a drink or two. I’ve never had the thing where you’re having an argument at ten o’clock at night, and then you say, ‘Well, that was good. I’m glad we got to the bottom of that. We agree. Truce signed.’”
—Ben Falcone, Actor
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen: Blending Families and Support
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen navigated building a new family after previous marriages, focusing on offering support rather than authority to each other’s children. Steenburgen explained,
“There is no book that tells you how to do it, so the one thing I figured out right away is that they already have a mom—and it’s not me. So what did they need from me?”
—Mary Steenburgen, Actress
She realized the importance of being a cheerleader for her stepchildren, not taking on a disciplinary role:
“That’s when I realized that everybody needs a cheerleader, right? There’s never too many of those in your life, so that’s what I’ll be. I never set their boundaries, disciplined them, or tried to teach them right from wrong. They have parents who do that.”
—Mary Steenburgen, Actress
Danson praised her approach, saying,
“I think that’s really wise, to offer yourself as a friend, ‘I’m not going to discipline you and I’m not going to judge you. What I’m going to do is hang out with you and be there for you.’ And that’s what you have to do: absolutely, genuinely be there.”
—Ted Danson, Actor
Elton John and David Furnish: Handwritten Communication and Tradition
Elton John and David Furnish emphasize communication, both in the form of handwritten weekly letters and their recognition of key milestones. Furnish explained their tradition, saying,
“There’s something very spiritual and real about handwriting, and the cards are a chance to reflect on the week that’s passed and talk about the week that’s coming up.”
—David Furnish, Filmmaker
Elton John echoed the belief that strong relationships rely on open lines of communication:
“It’s part of the success, I think, of a lasting relationship. Communication is the most important thing.”
—Elton John, Musician
Dr. Mehmet Oz and Lisa Oz: Prioritizing the Relationship
Dr. Mehmet Oz and Lisa Oz underline the need to prioritize marriage regardless of life changes or outside pressures. Lisa recounted her intuitive sense about her future husband:
“Six months before I met him, I had these recurring dreams about this person I was going to marry,”
—Lisa Oz, Author
She highlighted the deliberate choice to focus on their relationship:
“Marriage is a priority for both of us. And that means that we act on that and refocus when we’ve lost sight of the ball,”
—Lisa Oz, Author
Dr. Oz agreed, expressing his commitment to persevering through obstacles:
“The bottom line is this: I would do anything for her. Climb any mountain, take any bullet—in the chest, too, by the way. I might do things that justifiably make her really angry at me, but I would never let anything block me from delivering my love to her,”
—Dr. Mehmet Oz, Television Personality
He advised,
“You will never let anyone touch it.”
—Dr. Mehmet Oz, Television Personality
Al Roker and Deborah Roberts: Recognizing What Matters to Your Partner
Al Roker and Deborah Roberts exemplify how understanding each other’s needs, even when they differ from your own, strengthens a marriage. Deborah, not fond of small talk, recounted,
“If you’re calling just to say, ‘So, what’s up?’ no, I do not like that.”
—Deborah Roberts, Journalist
After a friend’s insight, she came to appreciate these calls’ significance for Al:
“One friend said to me, ‘Did you ever think that maybe he just feels comfortable when he hears your voice, because that tells him that all is right in the world?’”
—Deborah Roberts, Journalist
This revelation shifted her perspective:
“And I thought, ‘That’s very sweet. I’d never thought about it in that way. And if it means something to him, then it should mean something to me.’”
She summarized how their small interactions matter in their marriage:
“I have learned to take a breath and say, ‘Sweetie, I’ve got some stuff going on, but what’s going on with you? Great. I’m glad to hear from you. Got to go. Talk to you later. Love you.’ That makes all the difference in the world to him, and it doesn’t kill me for two minutes to be nice and sweet.”
—Deborah Roberts, Journalist
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos: Lessons Learned from Early Challenges
The nearly three-decade-long marriage of Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos is built on facing and learning from their early conflicts. Ripa shared,
“Early in a marriage, it’s easy to let little things become big things—whether it’s financial strain or career strain or you have kids and you’re sleep-deprived,”
—Kelly Ripa, Television Host
She praised Mark’s influence in encouraging her to avoid letting minor arguments define their relationship:
“But Mark taught me to walk away and take a breath. That’s when you figure out that it’s not a marriage-defining moment.”
—Kelly Ripa, Television Host
Consuelos noted the strength gained from mutual perseverance:
“Anytime you see a couple who seems truly happy, you can bet they’ve gone through some crazy, crazy stuff together and they’ve survived,”
—Mark Consuelos, Actor
“That’s something to be proud of.”
—Mark Consuelos, Actor
Viola Davis and Julius Tennon: Embracing Differences
Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s approach to marriage centers on accepting and loving their differences. Davis, identifying herself as an introvert and her husband as outgoing, advises new couples to recognize that challenging traits are part of the package, stating,
“Marriage does not start when you walk down the aisle, Your marriage starts when you look over at a person who you love more than anything, and there’s something about him—just one character trait that makes you say to yourself, ‘Oh man, that’s going to drive me crazy. I don’t know if I can deal with this.’ And then the next minute you say, ‘But you know what? I love him.’ That’s when your marriage starts.”
—Viola Davis, Actress
Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner: Apologies and Self-Control
Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner, together for five decades, have found success by resolving quarrels quickly and being willing to take the first step towards reconciliation. Tomlin admitted,
“Usually, I’m the one who apologizes. It’s not hard because I love her and can’t bear for her to feel lonely for even five minutes.”
—Lily Tomlin, Actress
Her perspective on the aftermath of arguments is a valuable reminder:
“Remember, when you’re angry at your partner and say something hurtful, you will be more angry at yourself later for having said hurtful things to the person you love. You’ll feel angry twice. Not good for your blood pressure, and certainly not good for your relationship.”
—Lily Tomlin, Actress
Judges Judy Sheindlin and Jerry Sheindlin: Acceptance Over Change
The marriage between Judges Judy Sheindlin and Jerry Sheindlin demonstrates that accepting each other’s differences is crucial to marital harmony. Judy advises against trying to alter a partner’s fundamental nature, saying,
“Every relationship is different, but there is a common thread of unhappiness, and that unhappiness comes from trying to make another person different from who they are. You can try, but they’re always going to resent it.”
—Judy Sheindlin, Judge
She concluded firmly,
“I don’t think you should marry anyone with the expectation of changing who they are.”
—Judy Sheindlin, Judge
Daniel Dae Kim and Mia Kim: Gratitude for Support and Stability
Daniel Dae Kim, reflecting on over thirty years with Mia Kim, highlighted the importance of patience and stability in family life despite a hectic career in the entertainment field. He expressed his appreciation by stating,
“My wife—being patient as I traipse around the world, going from job to job—she’s kept our family stable. She’s been fantastic.”
—Daniel Dae Kim, Actor
The actor described Mia Kim as a grounding force, contributing to the family’s humility and values. Kim further emphasized their role in shaping his perspective:
“It’s great to have that perspective and North Star.”
—Daniel Dae Kim, Actor
The Broader Impact of Celebrity Marriages
These accounts, including Jennifer Love Hewitt’s anniversary reflections, highlight that despite fame and outside pressures, the foundations of a lasting marriage—honest communication, mutual respect, acceptance of quirks, and resilience—are universal. For Hewitt, maintaining privacy, encouraging patience, and creating lasting family memories underpin the happiness she celebrates with Brian Hallisay. Across varied public lives, couples like Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon, Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone, and Viola Davis and Julius Tennon illustrate that grounded advice, rather than grand gestures, is what sustains long-term romantic bonds.
As Jennifer Love Hewitt continues to nurture her relationship and family away from public scrutiny, her openness about the journey offers insight and inspiration to others navigating lasting partnerships in any walk of life. The lessons shared by her and many others reinforce that while every marriage is unique, universal principles apply—choices made each day to cherish, honor, and support one another, both in private and in view of the world.
