Can you recall the youthful days of being head over heels in love? The endearing notes, the wakeful nights, and the fluttering feeling in your stomach. It was indeed a delightful sensation, being smitten with your sweetheart from high school or university!
Interestingly, numerous admired celebrities are well-acquainted with the experience of early romance. These individuals too have faced the experience of falling in love during life’s most awkward stage. Although it’s not usual for individuals to stay with their first loves, especially considering the additional stress that fame implicates, it’s astonishing how many celebrities have managed to maintain relationships with their first loves till now.
In the forthcoming sections, we’ll acquaint you with some incredible star-studded duos who found their soulmates quite early in life. Additionally, we’ll uncover which of these pairings succeeded in keeping their romance aflame over the years.
Mr. and Mrs. Bon Jovi
Inquire with any enthusiast and they will affirm, Jon Bon Jovi is an indisputable charmer. Over time, numerous diehard fans’ hearts have been shattered upon discovering that he has been blissfully wedded for nearly half his existence. If this fact has only come to your attention just now, our apologies for popping your rosy illusion!
Here’s another way to tell it: Jon Bon Jovi found his soulmate, Dorothea Hurley, during their high school years. He first caught Dorothea’s attention when he attempted to cheat on an exam by peeking at her answers. Regardless of his cunning move, they ended up becoming close friends after the incident. At that time, Dorothea was dating Bobby, who was Bon Jovi’s best friend, hence, their romantic relationship didn’t start until much later. Even so, Bon Jovi confesses that the moment he first saw Dorothea, he was certain he would marry her. The song “Bobby’s Girl” was, in fact, penned for her.
A Secret Wedding
The couple in love tied the knot amid Bon Jovi’s Jersey Syndicate Tour in the year 1989. The wedding was held at a Las Vegas establishment, known as Graceland Wedding Chapel. Interesting to note is that this chapel is renowned for being the site of Elvis Presley-themed weddings. Besides Bon Jovi’s matrimony, the chapel has been the venue for numerous other high-profile ceremonies.
The charming pair is blessed with four children – three sons and a daughter. In Dorothea’s opinion, their enduring matrimony hinges on standing by each other regardless of circumstances. The steadfast Dorothea hasn’t missed any of Bon Jovi’s performances over the last 27 years. Although she holds a deep affection for all her spouse’s music, the joy is amplified when she gets to experience them in concert.
Tyler Posey & Seana Gorlick: Soulmates at Eleven
Does this guy look familiar, but you can’t remember how you know him? Well, believe it or not, this scruffy cutie is the kid who played Ty Ventura in the J. Lo rom-com, Maid in Manhattan. And the girl he’s hugging? That’s his childhood sweetheart, make-up artist to the stars, Seana Gorlick.
Tyler Posey nostalgically thinks back to his childhood and his early feelings for Seana Gorlick. He reflects that he couldn’t exactly pinpoint what it was, but he knew there was a unique bond between them even at the tender age of eleven. These adored celebrities started dating during their high school years, leading to their eventual marriage in 2013.
Not a Happy Ending
Regrettably, the couple didn’t have a fairy tale ending. After a decade together and an engagement that lasted three months, Posey chose to cancel the nuptial plans. A trustworthy source indicated that at the pinnacle of his career, Tyler recognized he wasn’t prepared to commit to a settled life quite yet.
At the age of 23, Tyler was aware that being married and having a family would, at some point, push him to decline job possibilities—an action he wasn’t prepared to take. Moreover, having been in a relationship with just one girl, Tyler believed he needed to experience other relationships before finally committing to settling down.
Bono & Ali Hewson: From Twelve to Forever
Bono encountered his future wife, Ali Hewson, at the tender age of 12, as they both attended the same high school in Dublin. Hewson later emerged as a businesswoman and an ardent advocate for nuclear disarmament, the rights of children, and the principles of fair trade.
Bono suggests that the binding factor between the two is their shared experience on the red carpet. When times are tough, they doll up and grace the red carpet as a pair. This enjoyable experience rekindles their mutual fondness and appreciation.
30 Years And Counting
Even after being in a relationship for over thirty years, the couple’s bond is as solid and unshakeable as ever. They are parents to four children and maintain residences in France, the US, and Ireland.
Bono believes that the key to a lasting marriage is treating your partner as an equal. Given that they continue to enjoy a happy marriage, a feat not typically achieved by many famous couples, this advice appears to be quite reliable.
Elizabeth Banks & Max Handelman: College Lovers
While Elizabeth Banks’ most recent film, the Charlie’s Angels reboot, was not a success, the same cannot be said about her marriage. She met her husband, Max Handelman when they were both studying at the University of Pennsylvania. Decades later, they are still very much in love.
Despite not attaining the same level of fame as his partner, Max Handelman has achieved great success in his career as a sports writer, film producer, and author.
Together in Faith
Max Handelman was brought up in the Jewish faith. His wife, Elizabeth Banks, while not formally converting, aligns herself with his faith. The actress-director expressed that she believes she is as Jewish as she could possibly be.
The couple tied the knot in 2003 and continues to be together. They are parents to two sons, Felix and Magnus Mitchell, brought into this world via surrogacy.
The Taylor-Dogg Love Affair
Snoop Dogg is well-known as a formidable rapper, lyricist, and music producer, but also infamously recognized for his clashes with legal authorities due to illicit drug use. However, something less known about him is his over two-decade long marriage.
Snoop Dogg and Shante Taylor have been in a relationship since their high school days. Despite the numerous challenges and fluctuations in their marriage, they have succeeded in remaining united. They are the happy parents of three offspring – Corde, Cordell, and Cori.
Together, Apart, and Together Once More
Snoop Dogg submitted a divorce filing on May 21, 2004, blaming unresolvable disputes for the breakup. In a subsequent discussion, Shante conveyed empathy for Snoop’s confused state, stating that he was unsure of his actual desires.
The artist eventually recognized the depth of his love for his spouse and children and through time and distance, he understood he couldn’t exist without them. He discarded the documents and rescinded the divorce proceedings. They reconciled and even renewed their pledges to each other in 2008.
LeBron James and Savannah Brinson’s High School Romance
LeBron James and Savannah Brinson started their relationship during their high school days. While LeBron was engaged in football, Savannah was involved in softball and cheering. Their union was indeed perfect.
The initial romantic encounter between the two happened at an Outback Steakhouse when they were just college students. Neither of them had any idea that LeBron was on his path to NBA stardom. As of today, LeBron’s financial standing exceeds $275 million. Therefore, inexpensive meals are no longer a part of their routine!
A Supportive Wife and Business Woman
While she is known to many as the loving wife of a successful NBA player, Savannah Brinson is much more than that. She is the owner of a furniture business named Home Court, and the founder of a mentorship program, Women of Our Future.
James and Brinson became husband and wife in 2013. Their three kids, who frequently accompany their mother to the stands to enthusiastically support LeBron during his matches, are regularly seen in public.
Jeff Daniels’ Greatest Achievement to Date
Jeff Daniels is among the most captivating performers in the film industry. He has been honored with two Emmy Awards and received numerous nominations for the Golden Globes, SAG, and Tony Awards. However, regardless of his commendable acting career and the numerous recognitions he has gathered, his proudest accomplishment remains his thriving marital life.
Jeff Daniels found his life companion, Kathleen Treado, during his collegiate years. Their marriage bond, which was formed in 1979, remains strong and happy till this day. Considering the frequent incidents of divorce in Hollywood, their four-decade-long (and still running) union is truly remarkable.
Those Bangs Though
It’s often mentioned that long-term couples begin to resemble each other, and this is certainly the case with Jeff Daniels and Kathleen Treado. The pair, who have three attractive offspring, have passed on more than just their looks, as their children strikingly resemble them.
This image captures three charming youngsters displaying the most enchanting hairdos. Presently, these little ones, Benjamin, Lucas, and Nellie, have all reached their thirties.
It’s A Hard Knock Life for LL Cool J
Putting it mildly, LL Cool J had a tumultuous childhood. His formative years were spent in Queens, raised in a Catholic household. Tragically, his father turned a gun on his mother and grandfather, nearly resulting in their demise. As a young child, James (LL Cool J’s birth name) bore witness to the frightening scene and the terrifying visibility of blood. Even more distressing is that he was merely four years old when this incident occurred.
Fortunately, everything in his youth wasn’t terrible. He encountered his future spouse, Simone, during his adolescent years via a shared acquaintance.
Staying Together in Sickness and in Health
In 1995, LL Cool J and Simone committed to a life together in marriage, and they remain a strong pair even now. They are proud parents to four children, namely Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina, and they have recently become grandparents to a little boy, King-James. Unfortunately, Simone received a diagnosis of an unusual strain of bone cancer in 2004. This unfortunate development led to LL Cool J’s retirement from his career in the entertainment world to focus on his wife’s care.
After undergoing a bone marrow transplant followed by years of rehabilitation, Simone is now finally free of cancer. This terrifying ordeal has led to the pair becoming staunch advocates for cancer research. Currently, LL Cool J has resumed his role as the host of Lip Sync Battle.
Samuel L. Jackson & LaTanya Richardson
Isn’t this photo of a young Samuel L. Jackson simply adorable? What heightens the cuteness is his enduring four-decade-long affectionate relationship with his beloved wife, LaTanya Richardson.
Acclaimed actor and producer Samuel L. Jackson found his soulmate, LaTanya Richardson, during his college years. Both of them were studying at Morehouse College when they found love in each other. In 1980, they tied the knot, and a couple of years later, they welcomed a daughter into their lives.
They Tried To Make Him Go To Rehab, And He Did Go
At the age of 70, Samuel L. Jackson received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards. During his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to his wife LaTanya and daughter Zoe, acknowledging their encouragement in him seeking rehabilitation.
The actor admitted to having experienced numerous heroin overdoses. Gratefully, the backing from his family was sufficient to aid him during these challenging periods.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Brad Hall: Northwestern Lovers
Julia Louis-Dreyfus recently celebrated 32 years of marriage with her husband, Brad Hall. She met the future SNL comedian at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. The future Veep star auditioned for a theater play that Hall was producing. They soon fell in love and tied the knot in 1987. The adorable couple now has two sons, Henry and Charles.
Julia and Brad were an odd couple, sharing very little in common. Hall grew up in California and loved surfing, while Louis-Dreyfus was born and raised in New York. But, in an interview on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Louis-Dreyfus shared that she knew almost instantly that Hall was the one.
Staying Strong in the Midst of Adversity
In 2017, Louis-Dreyfus shared on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She also expressed her gratitude for having a strong support group in her husband and two sons. During her treatment period, the filming of her show, Veep, had to be canceled.
The distressing journey through chemotherapy was mildly alleviated for the actress because her loved ones were by her side throughout. She asserts that though it may sound trite, laughter genuinely serves as the most beneficial remedy.
Rainn and Holiday
Before we say anything, we just want to take a moment to express how epic Rainn Wilson’s hair is in this photo. With that out of the way, let’s talk about the beauty beside him in the photo. While his character in The Office, Dwight Schrute, has the uptight Angela Martin for a wife, in real life, Rainn Wilson is married to the far more relaxed Holiday Reinhorn.
This joyful pair first crossed paths in the central 1980s at a performance school in Washington University. Their shared enthusiasm for performing arts brought them closer (though it’s intriguing to think that their unique names may have also played a part in their bonding).
Twenty-Four Years and Counting
Rainn and Holiday tied the knot in 1995 on the Kalama River in Washington. They have a son named Walter, who was born in 2004. They both adhere to the Bahá’í faith, which is a religion that recognizes the worth of all other belief systems.
The couple continues to be unwavering even after 24 years. Rainn Wilson commemorated their anniversary in June 2019 by sharing several endearing flashback images of their times together.
Mark Zuckerberg & Priscilla Chan: A Memorable Frat Party
If you’ve seen The Social Network, then you already know how this couple met and fell in love. For those unacquainted with the story, back in 2003, at a frat party at Harvard, the future Facebook CEO saw Priscilla, and according to him, it was insta-love.
Priscilla Chan works as a pediatrician and is actively involved in charitable activities. Noted for her exceptional intelligence, her peers would often label her as a prodigy. Raised by refugee parents, her first language was Cantonese.
Pre-Facebook Romance
Unaware of the immense success awaiting Zuckerberg in the future, the two met during their college years. An encounter in the queue for the washroom at a social gathering sparked their bond, and they have remained together since that moment.
In order to foster a stronger bond with Chan’s family, Zuckerberg took steps to learn Cantonese. After being in a relationship for nine years, the duo got married in May 2012. The nuptial ceremony was held in their Palo Alto backyard.
Timothy Olyphant’s 30-Year Marriage
Timothy Olyphant may have a zombie wife in the Netflix series, Santa Clarita Diet, but his real-life wife is very much alive. He met Alexis Knief many years ago when he paid a visit to the University of Southern California.
Despite their young age, the couple instantly fell in love and tied the knot in 1991. Unlike many college relationships that tend to dissolve post-graduation, their bond withstood the test of time. Today, almost three decades later, their marriage remains blissfully intact.
Family of Five
The charming pair share three children, specifically Grace Katherine who was born in 1999, Henry who arrived in 2001, and Vivian, introduced to the world in 2003. Their family residence is situated in Westwood, Los Angeles.
Olyphant seldom speaks about his married life, however, their thirty years of unity strongly indicate their contentment.
Pre-NFL Love Story
Eli Manning’s acclaim largely stems from his impressive tenure as a player for the New York Giants. However, his accomplishments wouldn’t hold the same significance without the unwavering love and encouragement from his wife and children.
Before he established his career as an NFL quarterback, Manning encountered his soon-to-be wife, Abby McGrew, while attending the University of Mississippi, where he was a junior and she was a freshman. In 2007, he popped the question to McGrew, and in 2008 they decided to become one in a private wedding in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
Party of Six
Abby McGrew may not share the same level of fame as her spouse, however, she has made significant strides in her fashion career. Despite their family’s relatively youthful status, it’s expanding at a fast pace – with the birth of their fourth child in 2019.
The stunning duo now boasts a beautiful family of three girls and a boy – Ava Frances, Lucy Thomas, Caroline Olivia, and Charles Elisha. Given how genetically blessed they are, it’s easy to see why they’d want to continue expanding their family!
The Real Slim Shady Really Fell In Love
Marshall Mathers may have a bad boy image, but when it comes to love, he’s as soft and vulnerable as the rest of us. Eminem met his wife, Kim Scott, at secondary school while he was rapping the LL Cool J hit, I’m Bad.
Kim Scott and her twin sister had quite a troubled childhood. They escaped from their home and found refuge with Eminem, who was merely 15 years old then. After two years, in 1991, they tied the knot. In 1995, they were blessed with their daughter, Hailee.
On-Again, Off-Again
The pair has a tumultuous love story – head over heels in love one day and hating each other the next. In 2002, Eminem said in a Rolling Stone interview that he will never get married again. But lo and behold, he remarried Kim in 2006.
They may no longer be a couple, but they’re still friends. Do you believe there’s a chance they could reconcile, much like Ross and Rachel did?
The Colorful Lives (And Outfits) of Sarah and Todd Palin
Sarah Palin’s life has been as vibrant as the sweater her husband is wearing in this picture. The ex-Alaska Governor encountered Todd Palin during their high school days. The couple is parents to five kids – CJ, Trig Paxson Van, Bristol Sheeran Marie, Willow Bianca Faye, and Piper Indy Grace.
Despite the strains and obstacles linked with a life in politics, the couple stays steadfast and devoted to each other and their children.
A Rocky Road to 32 Years
Today, they are nearing their 32nd anniversary celebration and have been blessed with five grandchildren. However, it appears that their 32nd anniversary may not be a thing to anticipate as Todd Palin reportedly lodged a divorce petition earlier this year.
Sarah Palin, however, claims that the divorce proceedings have not yet been concluded. As a matter of fact, the pair are undergoing joint counseling. Therefore, it’s still possible that the well-known couple might reconcile.
Enter The Sandman
Maintaining the spark in a relationship after many years can be a daunting task. However, this is not the case for ex-major league athlete Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara. They remain deeply in love, offering a deviation from many couples around them who found their significant other in high school. Instead, Mariano and Clara’s love story began during their elementary school years.
Mariano and Clara got married in 1991 and are parents to three children – Jaziel, Jafet, and Mariano III. Originally from Panama, they relocated to the United States in 2000 and currently live in Rye, New York.
Mariano Rivera’s Second Family?
In the beginning of 2019, allegations were made by a female from Panama that Mariano had another family and was neglecting his responsibilities towards his children. The woman claimed to share two offspring with Mariano – a boy of 11 and a girl who is 15 years old.
An article from Panama in 2014 also suggests that Rivera confessed to multiple instances of infidelity towards his spouse. Nevertheless, Mariano Rivera fervently refutes such accusations. Presently, the athlete is facing five legal actions, and it remains to be seen how everything will unfold.
Joey Fatone & Kelly Baldwin: Highschool Sweethearts
We all know the adorable Joey Fatone for being one of the five members of the well-loved 90s and early 2000s boy band NSYNC. Since the band broke up, we’ve seen Joey take on many solo projects, including stints as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, and more recently, The Masked Singer.
Only a handful of people are aware that Joey has been blissfully in love with a girl named Kelly Baldwin, whom he met during his high school years. In 2004, these childhood sweethearts decided to get married, and they are now the proud parents of two lovely daughters, Kloey Alexandria and Briahna Joel.
Bye, Bye, Bye
Although their love story might appear flawless, it’s not always been peaches and cream for the duo. Ever since tying the knot, they’ve experienced numerous cycles of separation and reconciliation.
Despite the many beautiful moments they’ve shared over the years, it appears that their love tale may not conclude on a blissful note. In 2019, Joey Fatone initiated a divorce process. The entertainer has been spotted at various red carpet events accompanied by his current partner, Izabel Araujo. It appears the couple has been in a relationship for over four years.
Robin Thicke & Paula Patton
Robin Thicke, you certainly do have a lush head of hair! No jesting about it! The skilled artist crossed paths with his would-be spouse, Paula Patton, at Balystyx, an LA club for under 21s, in 1993. At the time, he was only 14 and still in high school, while Patton was a 16-year-old aspiring actress. As Thicke serenaded her with Stevie Wonder’s “Jungle Fever,” they shared a dance. This magical evening sparked a strong, instantaneous love between them.
Following a twelve-year courtship, the couple made the decision to marry in 2005. Their first-born, Julian Fuego, arrived in 2010. Although it seemed as though everything was perfect in their lives, it was clear that troubles were quietly brewing beneath the surface.
(Very) Blurred Lines
It was evident that the matrimonial union of the couple was tumultuous, marked by Thicke’s continuous infidelity and unlawful substance use. Consequently, Patton sought to end the marriage in 2014. After an extensive and agonizing proceedings, their matrimony was finally dissolved in 2015.
In 2017, their son Julian was placed under the exclusive custody of Patton. Thicke was blamed not only for cheating and substance misuse but also for domestic abuse. Following their breakup, Thicke began a relationship with April Love Geary, who is 17 years his junior. The couple shares two children together, namely Mia Love and Lola Alain.
Heather Morris and Taylor Hubbell’s Online Romance
Talented Glee alum Heather Morris met her hubby, Taylor Hubbell all the way back in high school. At the time, Hubbell was a college baseball player. The two did not start dating right away, though. When Morris moved to LA to follow her dreams, she received a message from Hubbell through MySpace, the two met up, and the rest is history.
In an interview in 2011, Morris was evidently mesmerized by her beloved Hubbell, expressing her deep affection for him. She expressed a strong desire to wed him, with the intention of spending the remainder of her life by his side.
Dreams Do Come True
Despite being at the peak of her career, Morris indicated that she won’t hesitate to give it up if it affects her personal life adversely. Fortunately, her marriage to Hubbell didn’t hinder her acting pursuits. Luckily for us, as we adore Heather and don’t want to see her leave the industry!
The affectionate pair currently have two offspring, Elijah and Owen. They exchanged wedding vows in 2015 and continue to be joyously wedded even today.
Taylor and Natalie Hanson
If you grew up in the 90s, you’ll surely recall the charming and skilled pop-rock group, Hanson. It’s likely you’ve pondered at one point or another about what transpired with Taylor, Zack, and Isaac.
There might not be enough information on Zack and Isaac, however, it is known that Taylor is joyfully wedded to his college love. Taylor met Natalie Anne Bryant in the year 1999 and they tied the knot in 2002.
Party of Eight
Given that Taylor Hanson grew up in a family with six siblings, it’s not surprising that he also desired a large family. He and Bryant replicated his upbringing, becoming parents to six children. Clearly, the Hanson family is quite large!
Indeed, each day is always filled with activity at the Hanson’s residence. With the constant hustle and bustle brought about by Jordan, Penelope, River, Viggo, Wilhelmina, and Claude, moments of silence are a rarity for the Hanson family.