Top 10 Celebrity Couples That Met When They Were Young

#10: Ron & Cheryl Howard

After “The Andy Griffith Show” ended but before playing Richie on “Happy Days,” Ron Howard went on his first date with Cheryl Alley in 1970. The two attended a screening of “It’s a Mad Mad Mad World” before grabbing some pizza. Although they were still in high school, it didn’t take Howard long to realize that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Alley. He proposed to Alley, although she wanted to focus on school. Howard later asked a second time, but Alley still wasn’t ready. She was once Howard proposed for the third time, tying the knot after being together for five years. They’ve been together for roughly five decades, having four children, including actress/director Bryce Dallas Howard.

#9: Jack Black & Tanya Haden

When they first crossed paths at Crossroads School in the 80s, Jack Black was just the kid from that “Pitfall!” commercial. Tanya Haden was one of jazz musician Charlie Haden’s triplet daughters. Haden followed in her father’s footsteps, performing as a solo artist and with her sisters. Black made some contributions to the music scene, although he’d become better known for his comedic chops. Despite knowing each other in high school, the two didn’t date. Black was too shy to even speak to her. It was Haden who made the first move upon reconnecting with Black at a friend’s surprise party in 2005. Within the next year, the two eloped in Big Surf. That same year, they welcomed their first son with a second following.

#8: Ryan & Zinzi Coogler

Between the first “Creed” and “Black Panther,” director Ryan Coogler tied the knot with his college sweetheart, Zinzi Evans. The two had known each other since their early teen years, but didn’t start dating until they were undergraduates at Saint Mary’s College. Movies have always been a major part of their relationship, going to see “Bring It On” on their first date. Evans supported her future husband’s filmmaking aspirations, buying him the Final Draft screenwriting software when he was struggling financially. She also worked closely with Coogler, helping to make his student short film, “Locks.” Along with Sev Ohanian, the couple has since co-founded Proximity Media, the production company behind “Judas and the Black Messiah” and “Sinners,” both of which Evans executive produced.

#7: Ja Rule & Aisha Atkins

According to rapper Ja Rule, he went to the same kindergarten as his future wife, although they didn’t realize it until later. Romance wouldn’t blossom until a 14-year-old Aisha Murray arrived at her new school. Ja Rule, then-Jeffrey Atkins, noticed her getting off the bus. Reflecting on their courtship, Ja Rule said, “She was cute, but she tried to play me at first. Then she realized I was one of the cool guys at school, and got with the program.” After being on and off, the two settled down in 2001, throwing a 40s-themed gangster wedding with around 800 guests. Their relationship hasn’t been without hurdles, including Ja Rule’s two-year prison stint. The two have remained committed to each other and their three children, however.

#6: LeBron & Savannah James

LeBron James and Savannah Brinson were high school sweethearts, despite attending different schools. James played basketball at St. Vincent-St. Mary High. Brinson was a cheerleader and softball player at Buchtel High School. That didn’t stop James from asking her to a game, followed by a date at Outback Steakhouse. Brinson forgot her leftovers, but James remembered to grab them for her. That’s when she knew this guy might be a slam dunk. Exceeding even her expectations, James was selected in the 2003 NBA draft. Brinson became pregnant during her senior year as James started his professional career. The couple had their second son in 2007, although they wouldn’t get engaged until 2011. The wedding came two years later, followed by the birth of their daughter.

#5: Thomas Rhett & Lauren Akins

Country music star Thomas Rhett and best-selling author Lauren Akins have known each other for most of their lives, although it’d be a long road to the altar. The two met in 1990 when they were just in grade school. Rhett didn’t get to know Akins until sixth grade when they attended the same church camp. The two started dating in high school, although their teen fling was short-lived. Despite breaking up after six months, they stayed good friends. A couple of years later at her sister’s graduation party, Akins ran into Rhett again. He told her, “I just want to kiss you one time. If you don’t feel anything, we can go back to being friends.” That kiss led to marriage and four kids.

#4: Jeff Daniels & Kathleen Treado

Jeff Daniels met Kathleen Treado in high school, although they wouldn’t start dating until college. The couple got hitched in 1979 while Daniels was still working as a stage actor. It wasn’t long until Daniels started finding prominent roles in film and television. Even as his career was taking off, Daniel and Treado knew family should always be a priority. The two thus decided to leave the big city in favor of Daniels’ hometown of Chelsea, Michigan, where they raised their three children. Despite being away from the entertainment industry, Daniels’ résumé continued to grow. From box office hits like “Dumb and Dumber” to Emmy winners like “The Newsroom,” Daniels has never lost sight of what’s most important in his life.

#3: Bono & Ali Hewson

Not everyone can say their high school band went on to become superstars and their high school sweetheart is now their wife of more than 40 years. Bono is a rare exception. Ali Hewson had known the artist who would later be known as Bono since she was 12. Bono, who was about a year older, was smitten with Hewson, who didn’t instantly reciprocate. Deep down, though, Hewson was developing feelings for the bloke. The two grew closer after Bono’s mother died and Hewson started looking after him. They officially started dating in 1976, the same year Bono formed a band called Feedback, which eventually became The Hype and finally, U2. Although Bono and Hewson briefly separated, they’d be married by 1982, starting a family.

#2: Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone

As a high school student, Ben Falcone encountered a goth chick who was just starting college. Falcone was intimidated by her, having no clue she would one day be his spouse. As you might’ve guessed, the goth was Melissa McCarthy, who wouldn’t properly meet Falcone until both took a class at The Groundlings years later. Falcone initially didn’t recognize McCarthy, who had retired the cape and blue hair. He eventually put two and two together, however. McCarthy was drawn to Falcone after seeing him perform a sketch, leading to a friendship that matured into a romance. They dated for several years before saying, “I do.” Their married and professional lives have frequently intersected, working together on several projects.

#1: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Vanessa Nadal

The mastermind behind “Hamilton” might not strike you as the shy type, but Lin-Manuel Miranda almost missed his shot with Vanessa Nadal. The two both went to Hunter College High School. Nadal zeroed in on her studies while Miranda was too timid to even talk to her. Still, Miranda didn’t forget about the girl who used to dance through the hallways. Years later, when his hip-hop improv troupe was putting on a show, Miranda worked up the nerve to invite Nadal via Facebook. Even then, Miranda had to get Nadal’s number through a friend. After attending another one of Miranda’s performances, though, Nadal found herself helpless. Miranda proposed in 2009 and surprised Nadal with a rendition of “My Life” at their wedding a year later.

Can you think of any other couples who met during their youth? Let us know in the comments.