MomSkoop
Some love stories begin long before the red carpets and spotlight. Many famous couples first met as kids or teenagers, forming bonds that would last a lifetime. These Hollywood pairs prove that childhood sweethearts can make it in the real world, building families and careers together while staying true to their earliest connections.
1. Carey Mulligan & Marcus Mumford
Their friendship started at a Christian youth camp when both were just twelve years old.
Years passed and they went their separate ways, building successful careers in acting and music.
After reconnecting through letters and emails, they began dating in 2011.
Within five months, they were engaged, and married in April 2012 on a farm in Somerset, England.
The couple now has three children together.
Carey once described Marcus as her best friend from childhood who became the love of her life.
They keep their relationship private, rarely discussing their personal lives in interviews.
Both continue thriving in their respective careers while raising their family away from the Hollywood spotlight.
2. LeBron James & Savannah James
They met at a football game in Akron, Ohio, when LeBron was a high school sophomore and Savannah was a freshman.
LeBron asked a mutual friend for her number, and their first date was at Outback Steakhouse.
Savannah supported him through his rise to NBA stardom, standing by his side before the fame and fortune arrived.
The couple welcomed their first son in 2004, followed by two more children.
After years together, LeBron proposed on New Year’s Eve 2011.
They married in San Diego in September 2013, surrounded by family and close friends.
Savannah runs her own businesses and philanthropic projects.
Their relationship shows how hometown love can survive the pressures of superstardom.
3. Bono & Ali Hewson
Paul Hewson, better known as Bono, first spotted Ali at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin when he was just twelve.
He was immediately smitten, though it took time to win her over.
They started dating as teenagers and married in 1982, the same year U2 began achieving international success.
Ali has always stayed grounded, keeping their family life normal despite Bono’s worldwide fame.
The couple raised four children together in Dublin.
Ali became a successful businesswoman and activist, co-founding ethical fashion brand EDUN.
Bono credits her with keeping him humble and focused on what matters most.
After more than four decades together, they remain one of rock music’s most enduring couples.
4. Jon Bon Jovi & Dorothea Bongiovi
Jon met Dorothea at Sayreville War Memorial High School in New Jersey during the 1980s.
She was his high school sweetheart, and their romance blossomed before Bon Jovi became a household name.
Even as the band skyrocketed to fame, Jon never forgot his roots or the girl who knew him before stardom.
They eloped to Las Vegas in 1989, getting married at the Graceland Wedding Chapel.
The couple has four children and recently celebrated over three decades of marriage.
Dorothea runs a restaurant in New Jersey that provides meals to people in need.
Jon often says marrying his high school sweetheart was the smartest decision he ever made.
Their relationship proves that true love can survive the rock and roll lifestyle.
5. Tom Jones & Melinda Trenchard
Tom and Melinda first met as twelve-year-olds in Pontypridd, Wales, attending the same school.
They fell in love as teenagers, and Melinda became pregnant at sixteen.
The young couple married in 1957, just before their son was born.
Tom’s career took off in the 1960s, bringing fame, wealth, and unfortunately, temptations that tested their marriage.
Despite Tom’s admitted infidelities over the years, Melinda stayed with him.
She preferred staying out of the spotlight, living quietly while Tom toured the world.
Melinda passed away in 2016 after a battle with cancer.
Tom was devastated, later saying she was the love of his life and his biggest regret was hurting her.
6. Denzel Washington & Pauletta Washington
Denzel and Pauletta first crossed paths on the set of the television film Wilma in 1977.
Their connection was instant, though Pauletta turned down Denzel’s first two marriage proposals.
The third time proved the charm, and they married in June 1983.
The couple renewed their vows in South Africa in 1995, with Archbishop Desmond Tutu officiating.
They raised four children, two of whom followed their parents into acting.
Pauletta has her own successful career as a classically trained pianist and actress.
Denzel often credits his wife for keeping their family strong through decades in Hollywood.
Their marriage stands as one of the entertainment industry’s most stable and respected partnerships.
7. Novak Djokovic & Jelena Djokovic
Novak and Jelena first met in high school in Serbia, long before he became a tennis champion.
They dated throughout his early tennis career, with Jelena supporting him through victories and defeats.
After nearly eight years together, Novak proposed in 2013 at a luxury resort in Monaco.
The couple married in July 2014 in Montenegro, celebrating with family and close friends.
They now have two children and split time between Monaco and Serbia.
Jelena runs the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which focuses on early childhood education in Serbia.
She often travels with Novak to major tournaments, cheering from the stands.
Their relationship shows how childhood connections can grow stronger through shared dreams and achievements.
8. Samuel L. Jackson & LaTanya Richardson
Samuel and LaTanya met as college students at Spelman College and Morehouse College in Atlanta during the 1970s.
They were both studying theater and shared dreams of making it as actors.
The couple married in 1980, years before Samuel achieved mainstream success.
LaTanya stood by him through his struggles with addiction, helping him get sober in the early 1990s.
Shortly after his recovery, Samuel’s career exploded with roles in Pulp Fiction and other major films.
They have one daughter together, Zoe, who works as a television producer.
LaTanya continues acting on stage and screen, earning critical acclaim for her performances.
After more than four decades together, they remain committed partners in life and art.
9. Ron Howard & Cheryl Alley
Ron and Cheryl met at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California, when Ron was already famous from The Andy Griffith Show.
Despite his celebrity status, Cheryl treated him like a normal teenager, which Ron found refreshing.
They started dating in high school and stayed together through his Happy Days years.
The couple married in June 1975, when Ron was just twenty-one years old.
They have four children, including actress Bryce Dallas Howard and twins Jocelyn and Paige.
Cheryl is a successful writer who has penned several books.
Ron credits their long marriage to respecting each other and maintaining open communication.
Nearly five decades later, they remain Hollywood’s example of a high school romance that actually worked.
10. Lin-Manuel Miranda & Vanessa Nadal
Lin-Manuel first saw Vanessa during their high school years in New York City and was immediately interested.
They attended the same school but didn’t start dating until reconnecting on Facebook years later.
By then, Lin-Manuel was working on In the Heights, his first Broadway musical.
He invited Vanessa to see an early performance, and their romance rekindled.
They married in 2010, before Hamilton made Lin-Manuel a worldwide sensation.
Vanessa is a lawyer specializing in international law and human rights.
The couple has two sons and lives in New York City.
Lin-Manuel often mentions that Vanessa inspired some of his most romantic songs, proving that childhood crushes sometimes get their happy endings.