Samuel L. Jackson reveals the secret behind his 41-year marriage to wife LaTanya

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By stefan armitage

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Samuel L. Jackson has revealed the secret to his long-standing marriage to wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson.

The Marvel legend recently spoke to PEOPLE alongside his wife, Broadway actor LaTanya, about their family dynamic and a pact they both vowed to stick to.

LaTanya, 72, revealed that they both believed that "the most revolutionary thing that Black people could do was stay together, raise their children with the nucleus of having a father and a mother." The couple wanted to help break the false narrative that Black children are just raised by women.

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Credit: Paul Smith / Alamy

In order to help change that narrative, the couple made a pact.

LaTanya added: "We made a decision to say, 'We are going to stay together no matter what. We'll figure it out.'"

The Pulp Fiction star, 73, then added that their relationship to a happy marriage is as follows: "It's two people who respect each other, love each other and look out for each other."

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Credit: Barry King / Alamy

Back in 2020, LaTanya spoke to Essence about the couple's relationship and explained the differences between men and women.

"You have to have a big heart and the Lord. You can’t do this without the Lord. You’re going to have to turn to somebody, something — because men, they are different," she said. "They’re cut from a different cloth."

LaTanya then echoed the fruitful marriage advice of never going to bed angry at each other.

"No matter what: don’t let the sun go down on your wrath. I’d be like this," she said, gritting her teeth, "'OK good night, I love you. I love you.' And I’d go to sleep."

The couple first met when Samuel was studying at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. After changing his major to drama, he started attending Morehouse's sister school of Spelman College, where LaTanya was studying.

They went on to tie the knot in 1980, and share a 39-year-old daughter, Zoe.

And I think it's safe to say that the Jacksons have since become an example of enduring love for all Hollywood relationships.

Featured image credit: DPA picture alliance / Alamy