After experiencing four divorces, filmmaker James Cameron has discovered what he describes as the key to a successful marriage. During a recent episode of the In Depth With Graham Bensinger podcast, Cameron reflected on his past relationships and emphasized that marriage is a “learned art.” Cameron, who has been married to former actress Suzy Amis since 2000, explained that although he deeply valued each of his previous partners, the reasons his earlier marriages ended were tied to his own growth and understanding of marriage.
Overview of Cameron’s Previous Marriages
Before his current marriage to Amis, Cameron was married four times: first to lawyer Sharon Williams from 1978 to 1984, then to entertainment producer Gale Anne Hurd from 1985 to 1989, followed by Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow from 1989 to 1991, and finally to actress Linda Hamilton from 1997 to 1999. When discussing this history, Cameron offered important context about the duration of these marriages, pointing out that his active cohabitation in each lasted less than a year.
Reflecting on Early Marriages and Growth
Speaking candidly, Cameron said,
“There was always a long sort of decay curve through separation and divorce, but actively married, cohabitating for one year, four times,”
adding,
“So I wasn’t very good at it.”
He contrasted this with his current marriage, saying,
“Now I’ve been married happily and have earned that happiness, which you find out that you have to work at it for 25 years, and going strong and looking forward to the next 25 years. So, I think it’s a learned art.”
Cameron underscored that maintaining a strong marriage requires ongoing effort and commitment.
The Importance of Understanding and Commitment
James Cameron shares three children with Suzy Amis and highlighted the importance of continual learning within a marriage. He explained that a successful partnership involves
“constantly learning about the other person”
and committing to
“a pact with yourself to actively want to make them happy.”
This perspective shows a shift in his approach to relationships, rooted in mutual dedication and understanding.
Insights on Past Relationship Challenges
When reflecting on what eventually led to the end of his earlier marriages, Cameron identified himself as the “common denominator.” He stated,
“I could unpack each one individually and they were all different learning curves and they were all different experiences.”
Regarding his relationship with Linda Hamilton, he acknowledged,
“Linda Hamilton and I hung on for a long time. Long, long after we probably should have. We were together for seven years and we loved each other. We just didn’t get along.”
Admiration and Compatibility in Relationships
Cameron revealed that he tends to fall in love with people from whom he can learn, saying,
“I fall in love with somebody that I admired greatly. I admired Gale greatly. I admired Kathryn greatly. I admired Linda greatly, but I think I didn’t pre-select well enough for people that could stand me, that I could stand them. Everybody’s got their habits and their ways.”
Family Life With Suzy Amis
James Cameron met Suzy Amis on the set of his 1997 film Titanic, and they married three years later. Together, they share three children along with Amis’s son Jasper Robards, from a previous relationship with actor Sam Robards, and Cameron’s eldest daughter Josephine, whom he shares with Linda Hamilton. Their blended family reflects Cameron’s commitment to building lasting relationships beyond his previous struggles.
