Kathryn Hahn Feels She & Ethan Sandler Have Split 7 Times In 30 Years

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Kathryn Hahn’s marriage to Ethan Sandler has weathered many seasons.

Actress Mila Kunis, married to sitcom producer Ashton Kutcher since 2002, recently discussed their relationship with Gwyneth Paltrow. Paltrow, herself an Oscar winner, expressed curiosity about how the couple has maintained a lasting romance.

Kathryn shared on Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop podcast on November 25th that she and her partner have jokingly gone through seven ‘marriages and divorces’ during their relationship.

Despite experiencing ups and downs throughout their relationship, which began when they were students at Northwestern University in the early 1990s, the couple has consistently prioritized their future together.

You know, I’ve always loved this perspective on long-term relationships. I heard someone once say that in a 30-year marriage, even having five difficult years is actually a pretty good run. My husband and I have adopted that mindset – when we hit a rough patch, we remind ourselves that it’s probably just one of those five years, and we can get through it. It really helps to reframe things and feel better about the journey.

Throughout their marriage, Elizabeth Olsen and Ethan Slater had two children: a 19-year-old son named Leonard and a 16-year-old daughter named Mae. Olsen shared that watching her oldest child move out helped her realize how much she valued her husband.

It really hit me how lucky we are to have each other as I watched my son leave for college. It’s a strange, sweet feeling having him away – a mix of pride and a little sadness, I guess. It’s just… no one truly gets what it’s like to raise a child and then see them grow up and leave home quite like your partner does. It’s made me so grateful to have someone to share all of life’s stages with, especially as we get older.

Earlier this year, Kathryn described herself as being very upset and worried about Leonard moving away. She said she felt like a mess knowing he was leaving.

She explained on The Drew Barrymore Show in May that she’s letting herself feel sad now so she can fully celebrate his future. She admitted it’s a difficult time, saying it’s hard to accept that the years spent raising children will eventually come to an end and that life will change drastically.

As Kathryn and Ethan adjust to this new chapter in their marriage, continue reading to discover what other celebrities have shared about their lasting relationships.

In their 2020 book, What Makes a Marriage Last, Hermann revealed he never expected to share so much laughter in his marriage to Marlo Thomas. He described a consistent focus on joy as a core part of who she is. He believes their long-lasting relationship thrives because they love each other unconditionally, which he defines as true grace.

He explained that finding humor is essential, even after disagreements. Often, after a heated argument, one of them will try to lighten the mood with a joke about the very thing they were fighting over. “It’s about finding a way back to connection,” Hermann shared, describing how they’ll gently test the waters to see if they can start laughing together again. He sees this as a strong signal that they’re on the path to resolving their issues.

They’ve managed to avoid big changes in their relationship by following the same advice they received before getting married in 2003. Even with five children, they prioritize weekly date nights and have chosen to connect in ways other than watching TV.

Chip says his biggest piece of advice is to passionately pursue the person you love. After twenty years, he still approaches the relationship like he’s trying to win a second date. He jokes that while he can’t guarantee anything, his wife won’t stray because he consistently shows her his affection with words, gifts, and by remembering important dates.

Kevin Bacon jokingly advises against taking marriage advice from celebrities, referencing his 36-year relationship. He and his wife have a playful motto – “Keep the fights clean and the sex dirty” – which they use to quickly shut down any further discussion about their marriage.

In reality, they prioritize resolving conflicts quickly and avoid prolonged arguments. As the actress explained, they focus on finding solutions rather than winning. They simply don’t enjoy fighting and want to restore harmony as soon as possible. Ultimately, she emphasized that they are committed to making things work, because there’s no alternative plan – they want to stay together no matter what.

After over 37 years of marriage, the actors have learned how to argue constructively. As one of them explained, they avoid bringing up past hurts. Many couples, he noted, focus on their partner’s weaknesses and attack them, but they make a conscious effort not to do that.

They do have disagreements, of course. He admits he often tries to take back hurtful things he says, but realizes that doesn’t solve anything. Instead, he lets his wife take the lead and gives her space when she needs it. She, in turn, tries to be understanding, reminding herself that everyone makes mistakes and that a good person didn’t intentionally mean to cause pain.

Honestly, Christopher Still makes me laugh harder than anyone else, even after all these years. I was on Today in December 2024, just before our 40th anniversary, and I said as much. And I’m certain he finds something to appreciate in me too – I have no idea what it is, but it must be something!

Neil Patrick Harris believes the secret to his long-lasting relationship is accepting that relationships are always changing and hard to define. After 21 years together, including navigating career changes—like his partner David Burtka’s cookbook release in 2019—raising twins Gideon and Harper, and facing challenges, Harris explained that marriage isn’t static. He described how intimacy evolves over time, requiring couples to find new ways to connect and rediscover attraction. He noted that as people age, attraction shifts, and eventually, they find themselves drawn to their partner’s inner self, then their physical self again. According to Harris, this constant evolution allows them to repeatedly fall in love with each other in new and different ways.

The comedic duo jokingly believe their laughter actually extends their lives. It’s a habit they’ve had throughout their 19-year relationship. As the actress from Can You Ever Forgive Me? explained, after a particularly hilarious moment – the kind that leaves you breathless – they estimate how much extra life it’s given them. She often calculates it, playfully adding, “That was a good one – I just bought two more months!”

They also limit how long disagreements last. Following the advice to not go to bed angry, Falcone shared that she once tried letting an argument linger overnight, but realized she’d forgotten what she was even upset about. She believes trying to resolve things when everyone is tired or has had a drink is pointless. She’s never had a late-night argument end with a satisfying resolution and a peaceful truce.

Each having wed before they found their way to the other in 1995, they not only had to navigate a marriage, but life as step-parents to two children apiece. “There is no book that tells you how to do it, so the one thing I figured out right away is that they already have a mom—and it’s not me. So what did they need from me?” the Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist actor recalled. “That’s when I realized that everybody needs a cheerleader, right? There’s never too many of those in your life, so that’s what I’ll be. I never set their boundaries, disciplined them, or tried to teach them right from wrong. They have parents who do that.”

The Cheers alum agreed with her stance wholeheartedly. “I think that’s really wise, to offer yourself as a friend,” he said. “‘I’m not going to discipline you and I’m not going to judge you. What I’m going to do is hang out with you and be there for you.’ And that’s what you have to do: absolutely, genuinely be there.” 

When same-sex civil unions became legal in Britain, musician Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, had a civil union ceremony on December 21, 2005. Nine years later, they officially married on the same date. However, they celebrate their relationship based on a chance meeting at a dinner party in 1993 at John’s home in Windsor, England – a party arranged by a friend.

Every Saturday, no matter where they are, they write each other handwritten letters. They estimate they’ve written around 1,352 letters in total. David Furnish explains that handwriting feels meaningful and personal, and the letters allow them to reflect on the past week and discuss the week ahead. Elton John agrees, saying that consistent communication is key to a long-lasting relationship and a big part of their success as a couple.

After quietly building a 40-year marriage – she even had dreams about meeting him six months before they did – they’ve made a conscious effort to keep their relationship strong, even as their lives have changed. They prioritize their marriage, making sure to reconnect when they’ve lost focus. If she could give one piece of advice, it would be to always put that bond first. He passionately affirmed his devotion, saying he’d do anything for her, even face any hardship, and would never let anything interfere with showing her his love. He believes that if you truly value your marriage and your long-term happiness, you must protect it at all costs.

ABC News reporter Roberts admits she doesn’t enjoy casual phone calls. “I don’t like just checking in,” she said. “If you’re calling just to ask ‘What’s up?’, I really don’t like that.” However, a close friend—who loves to chat on the phone—helped her change her perspective.

One friend pointed out, “Maybe he just feels comfortable hearing your voice, because it assures him everything is okay.” Roberts realized this was a sweet thought she hadn’t considered before. “If it makes him happy, then it should matter to me,” she thought.

Now, she takes a moment to respond kindly. “I take a breath and say, ‘Sweetie, I’m busy, but what’s happening with you? Good, I’m glad to hear from you. I have to go. Talk to you later. Love you.’ It means the world to him, and it only takes two minutes to be nice.” They celebrated their 29th anniversary in September 2024.

Their almost 30-year marriage started building its foundation early on. They recall even small arguments feeling like dealbreakers – once, a disagreement led to a ring being thrown out the window! As Kelly Ripa, co-host of LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, explained, it’s easy for little issues – like money problems, career stress, or raising kids while exhausted – to become major conflicts. However, her husband, Mark Consuelos, taught her the importance of stepping away and taking a moment to calm down, realizing not every disagreement needs to define their relationship.

Now, as parents of three, they’re enjoying the rewards of that lesson. Consuelos believes that truly happy couples have weathered difficult times together, and that’s something to celebrate.

She describes herself as an introvert, almost a loner, while he’s incredibly outgoing – he jokingly calls himself “the mayor of everywhere.” She’s a bit messy, and he’s a perfectionist, as she playfully pointed out. But after being married since 2003, they’ve learned to accept each other’s quirks.

That’s the advice the lead actress from How to Get Away With Murder says she gives to friends who are getting married. She explains that marriage doesn’t begin at the wedding ceremony. It starts when you realize something about the person you love will likely frustrate you, but you accept it anyway. That moment of recognizing a potentially irritating trait, and still choosing to love them, is when the marriage truly begins.

Maintaining a long-term relationship, like any lasting over 50 years, requires quickly resolving conflicts. Jane Fonda, star of Grace and Frankie, often takes the lead in making amends. She explains it’s easy because she deeply loves her partner and hates to see them feel alone, even for a short time.

Ideally, she avoids arguments altogether. She’s learned that saying something hurtful in the heat of the moment will ultimately cause you more pain later. You’ll regret the words and end up feeling angry twice – which isn’t good for your health or the relationship.

It’s fitting that Jerry, a former judge, says his long marriage to the iconic Judge Judy works because he generally lets her have the final say. For her, the key is accepting that you won’t always get your way. Their first marriage ended in 1990 because he couldn’t provide the support she needed after her father died. When they remarried a year later, she understood he wouldn’t suddenly become a homemaker or take charge of planning events.

She explained simply that unhappiness in relationships often comes from trying to change someone. “You can try, but they’ll always resent it,” she said. “Don’t marry someone expecting them to be different than they are.”

The actor from Lost credits his wife with being the rock of their family. He told TopMob News in April 2025 that her patience and support while he travels for work have been invaluable. He described her as ‘fantastic’ and the key to their family’s stability.

The actor described his wife as incredibly patient, and said she and their two sons always keep him grounded, no matter what challenges he faces.

“They shape my values,” he added. “It’s great to have that perspective and North Star.”

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2025-12-04 01:19