Top 10 Celeb Couples Who Got Together Before They Were Famous
#10: LeBron & Savannah James
Although they got married in 2013, LeBron James and his wife Savannah have been together since the early 2000s. The two were students of rival high schools in Ohio when they met. After a pivotal dinner at the Outback Steakhouse, they started dating. And right as James was about to be thrust into the NBA spotlight, they found out they were having a child together. The two managed to take both pieces of good news in stride. As the basketball legend’s star began to rise, their bond only seemed to grow deeper. The high school sweethearts now have three children and an incredibly strong relationship.
#9: Elizabeth Banks & Max Handelman
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Actress and director Elizabeth Banks met her husband Max Handelman the first day she started her college career. Little did they know that the relationship that sprouted there would blossom into an entire life together. While Banks started gaining recognition as an actress, Handelman worked a job on Wall Street. Eventually, she convinced him to found the production company Brownstone Productions in 2002. Together, the college sweethearts have developed projects such as the “Pitch Perfect” franchise and the 2019 reboot of “Charlie’s Angels.” The couple got hitched in 2003 and are the parents of two boys. Between their long relationship and exciting upcoming projects like “Cocaine Bear”, it’s fun to root for Banks and Handleman.
#8: LL Cool J & Simone Smith
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The love story between rap legend and actor LL Cool J, and his wife Simone Smith dates back to the late ‘80s. Back then, he was already getting name recognition in the industry thanks to the release of his critically acclaimed debut album “Radio” in 1985. The rapper was also just 19 years old when he was introduced to Smith by his friend, who was her cousin. That chance meeting led to an 8-year relationship that led to the couple getting married in 1995. They’ve stuck by each other’s side through the highs and lows. LL Cool J even made scheduling adjustments to support his wife as received treatment for cancer. Three decades and four children later, the two remain as happy as ever.
#7: Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Brad Hall
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In the early ‘80s, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her future husband Brad Hall were added to the regular cast of “Saturday Night Live” for its eighth season. Many might assume that’s where the pair first encountered each other. But their relationship actually predates their dual SNL stint. While they were both students of Northwestern University, the “Veep” star and her writer-producer husband met when she joined his improv troupe The Practical Theatre Company. Their “SNL” Reunion paved the way for a fairytale wedding in 1987. In the years since their wedding, they’ve supported each other’s personal and professional goals. Hall even directed a few episodes of “Veep” for good measure.
#6: Stephen & Ayesha Curry
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NBA MVP Stephen Curry met his wife Ayesha Curry back in the early 2000 at the North Carolina church they both attended. Although they didn’t start dating there, they reconnected after they started their respective careers. Ironically, Ayesha Curry initially rejected her future husband’s first attempt to go on a date because she wasn’t sure about going out with an athlete. But she gave him a shot and found he was much different than what she was expecting. Within five years, the two got married at the same church where they first met. The superstar couple have had three children since they tied the knot. It’s safe to assume that Ayesha Curry doesn’t regret going on that first date.
#5: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Vanessa Nadal
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These days, Lin-Manuel Miranda is known as both the creative force behind the hit musical “Hamilton,” and as a confident stage and screen actor. But back in high school, the multi-award-winning entertainer couldn’t muster up the courage to talk to his crush. After they graduated, Miranda invited Nadal to a couple of his shows. A hangout after the second performance helped the two realize how well they complimented each other. The two started dating shortly after and got married in a beautiful ceremony worthy of its own Broadway adaptation. Seeing how they publicly love and support each other has made them an inspirational and aspirational couple.
#4: Denzel Washington & Pauletta Pearson
Soon after earning his Bachelor's degree from Fordham University in 1977, Denzel Washington got his first acting role in the television film “Wilma.” While on that set, Washington met actress Pauletta Pearson. They reconnected months later at a mutual friend’s party and coincidentally ran into each other again at a play later that night. Those fateful encounters would mark the start of what would be a lifetime together. After the awe-inspiring couple exchanged vows in 1983, they brought four children into the world. They’ve also seen one of their kids achieve massive Hollywood success. Actor John David Washington followed in the footsteps of his Academy Award-winning father and is now a highly sought-after Hollywood star.
#3: Samuel L. Jackson & LaTanya Richardson
Years before he became one of the highest grossing actors in history, Samuel L. Jackson was a student at Morehouse College while LaTanya Richardson was studying at Spelman College. After performing together at Morehouse and dating, they decided to tie the knot in 1980. The two went on to have a child named Zoe Jackson together. As they raised her, they both kept working in the industry. While LaTanya Richardson can be seen in movies like “Fighting Temptations”, it’s safe to say you’ll see Samuel Jackson in at least one film a year. The duo has worked together behind the scenes on projects such as “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey”. It’s just one of their many successful collaborations.
#2: Bono & Alison Hewson
Then known by his real name Paul Hewson, Bono met Alison Hewson when they were both students at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin. He was a year ahead of his future beau when they first met. After Bono lost his mother, Allison Hewson helped him through the difficult situation. These interactions brought them close enough to start a relationship. Although they took a break, they got back together and wedded in 1982. Their union has produced four children. As Bono continued to tour, Alisson Hewson was constantly there to support him while working on her own goals. U2 songs like “Sweetest Thing” are completely dedicated to her.
#1: Jon Bon Jovi & Dorothea Hurley
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In a bit of irony, the committed decades-long relationship between Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea Hurley began with an act of cheating. The two were students of the same New Jersey high school when Bon Jovi tried to copy answers off Hurley’s paper during an exam. They eventually started dating while Bon Jovi was working on his music career. In 1989, the band were at the top of their game and on their first major world tour when the couple got married in Las Vegas. Despite being world famous, Bon Jovi and Hurley have done their best to shield their life from the public eye. But they have let us in on their secret to a long lasting relationship: Good ol’ mutual respect.
