The Most Iconic Celebrity Pairs Who Defined The '60s and '70s

Sally Field and Burt Reynolds

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In 1977 Sally Field, a two-time Academy Award-winning actress, and Burt Reynolds, the charismatic action star, first met on the set of the box-office hit, Smokey and the Bandit. Their electric chemistry was evident from the moment they stepped in front of the camera, and it didn't take long for romance to blossom. The two would date on-and-off for the next five years, and star in four movies together, but the relationship was a rocky one, as Sally and Burt were both struggling with personal issues. Burt's struggle with addiction and his self-confessed controlling nature often put a strain on their relationship. Meanwhile, Sally grappled with her own insecurities and the pressure of being in the limelight. Once they parted ways for good, Burt later admitted that he deeply regretted letting Sally go, describing her as the love of his life. The feeling was not quite mutual. In her memoir, In Pieces, published in 2018, Sally Field provided a detailed account of her relationship with Burt, which noted that the recently deceased actor could be quite controlling, though he would always have a piece of her heart.

Diana Ross and Gene Simmons

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KISS Frontman Gene Simmons first met Diana Ross while dating her friend, Cher. He and Ross struck up a friendship, and, once his relationship with Cher had ended, the two eventually got together with Cher's blessing. Ross and Simmons were an unlikely pair, as Simmons was a self-admitted casanova while Ross had an established family, but it felt right: 

I was the guy in the band who was constantly on the hunt for skirt, but here I was settling into domestic life. I remember walking into Diana’s home in Connecticut and feeling the love she and her three girls shared. It felt safe.

Sonny and Cher

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Sonny Bono, a multi-talented songwriter and performer, first encountered the enchanting Cherilyn Sarkisian, a young woman with a voice as distinctive as her raven-haired beauty, in a Los Angeles coffee shop. As their love grew, so did their musical collaboration, their chemistry palpable in every note they sang together. Their chart-topping hits like "I Got You Babe" and "The Beat Goes On" resonated with fans, who couldn't get enough of the couple's enchanting harmonies. Cher's bold, bohemian style and Sonny's groovy, eclectic wardrobe became the epitome of 1960s and 1970s fashion, turning heads and setting trends wherever they went. In 1971, they ventured into television with their own variety show, "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour," which showcased their undeniable chemistry, quick wit, and irresistible charm. The show was a hit, further cementing their status as America's sweethearts and solidifying their place in the hearts of fans across the nation. But behind the scenes, Sonny and Cher's relationship began to unravel. Their once-strong bond weakened by the pressures of fame and creative differences, the couple ultimately divorced in 1975, marking the end of an era.

Jack Nicholson and Michelle Phillips

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The stage was set for a love affair when Jack Nicholson, the charismatic actor with a devilish grin, met the ethereal Michelle Phillips, a member of the iconic folk-rock group, The Mamas & the Papas. After meeting in Hollywood, it wasn't long before Jack and Michelle found themselves entwined in a passionate, whirlwind romance that would leave fans breathless with anticipation. Sadly, it only lasted about a year - after learning that who he thought was his sister was actually his mother, Nicholson's life turned upside down. He ended things with Phillips, who understood he was going through things: 

 Jack had a life-changing experience...[he] was incredulous. He'd been raised [...] surrounded by women.... Now I think he felt women were liars.

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

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In the golden age of Hollywood, when glamour and glitz reigned supreme, there emerged a love story that transcended the test of time. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, a couple whose deep devotion and unwavering commitment to one another, became the stuff of legend, standing as a beacon of true love in a world often clouded by fleeting passions. It was the year 1953 when the handsome, blue-eyed Paul Newman first met the radiant, talented Joanne Woodward on the set of the Broadway play Picnic. Though both were involved with other people at the time, fate had other plans for them. By 1957, destiny could no longer be denied, and the stars aligned for Paul and Joanne to unite as a couple. In 1958, the couple exchanged vows, pledging their eternal devotion to one another.  The couple's unwavering dedication to one another stood in stark contrast to the fickle nature of many Hollywood romances. Paul famously quipped, "Why go out for a hamburger when you have steak at home?" – a sentiment that captured the essence of their unshakeable bond. They remained steadfastly by each other's side until Paul's passing in 2008, their 50-year love story coming to a close but leaving behind an inspiring legacy.

Farrah Fawcett and Lee Majors

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 In the late 1960s, the charming, up-and-coming actor Lee Majors met the stunning, young Farrah Fawcett at a Hollywood function. The chemistry between them was electric, and it wasn't long before they embarked on a whirlwind romance. As their relationship blossomed, so too did their careers. Lee Majors rose to fame as the charismatic Six Million Dollar Man, while Farrah Fawcett's iconic role on Charlie's Angels and her legendary swimsuit poster cemented her status as a pop culture phenomenon. Together, they became the golden couple of the 1970s, gracing magazine covers and captivating the world with their undeniable allure. In 1973, the couple exchanged vows, solidifying their union and setting Hollywood abuzz with talk of their fairytale romance. However, as is often the case in the world of fame and fortune, the pressures of their skyrocketing careers began to take a toll on their marriage. The couple spent long periods of time apart as they pursued their respective projects, their once-strong bond strained by the demands of life in the public eye. Despite their unwavering love for one another, Farrah and Lee's marriage ultimately ended in 1982, their love story coming to a bittersweet conclusion.

Warren Beatty and Julie Christie

Warren Beatty and British beauty Julie Christie first co-starred on the set of the critically  film McCabe & Mrs. Miller in 1971.  As their characters danced and sparred on-screen, so too did their real-life counterparts, their chemistry as palpable off-screen as it was in the film. Despite Christie having been warned about Beatty's womanizing ways, the two struck up an on-again-off-again romance that lasted for years. The duo also continued to collaborate professionally, notably in the groundbreaking film Shampoo (1975) where their chemistry once again set the screen ablaze. However, as with many Hollywood romances, the passage of time and the pressures of their careers eventually took their toll on the couple's relationship. Though they never married, Warren and Julie's love story came to an end in the late 1970s, as they decided to part ways and follow their own paths. Christie still speaks fondly of him: 

He gave me a political perspective, which I am very grateful for. I loved the way, say, that he would go to baseball matches and stand up in the interval and talk about getting rid of guns. He would be this little tiny figure in this big baseball stadium, and I would be looking down at him, I thought he was wonderfully courageous for doing that.

Jane Fonda and Roger Vadim

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In the mid-1960s , actress Jane Fonda, met the enigmatic French film director, Roger Vadim. They tied the knot in 1965,  embarking on a journey that would see them collaborate on groundbreaking films such as Barbarella, which showcased Jane's captivating beauty and undeniable talent, while simultaneously elevating Vadim's status as a visionary director. They lived together in Paris, and welcomed their daughter ,Vanessa, into the world. But the relationship was not a happy one. Vadim was adulterous, displayed emotionally abusive behavior, and bullied Fonda into unwanted threesomes, as she mentions in her autobiography, My Life So Far:

For me with Roger Vadim, that meant bringing other women into our bed. It seems shocking that I did that, but I managed to convince myself that it was fine, that I wanted to, even though it was killing my heart.

Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott

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Katharine Ross, the talented actress who stole hearts as Elaine Robinson in The Graduate, and Sam Elliott, the rugged cowboy with a distinctively deep voice, first crossed paths in 1969 while filming Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Despite sharing a brief encounter during the making of this classic film, it wasn't until 1978 when they truly connected on the set of The Legacy. Ross had recently separated from her husband, and Elliott decided to make his move. They married in 1984, welcomed a daughter the same year, and now, nearly four decades later (and counting), the two are still together! Elliott credits their long marriage to love and hard work:

I think really what it boils down to is we love each other, and we work at it. And I think more importantly than anything, it takes wanting to be married. The two things that I wanted in my life were to have a movie career and to be married, to have a family. And it's an embarrassment of riches that I've got both.

Mick and Bianca Jagger

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Mick Jagger and Bianca Pérez-Mora Macías first met at a Rolling Stones concert in France in 1970. The moment they met, sparks flew, and it wasn't long before the two became inseparable. In 1971, they exchanged vows in a chic, star-studded ceremony in the South of France, with the bride donning a now-iconic white Yves Saint Laurent suit, complete with a plunging neckline and wide-brimmed hat. Bianca was 4 months pregnant with their daughter, Jade, at the time. After the wedding, Mick reportedly went out partying till 4 a.m. while Bianca waited, alone, in their honeymoon suite. The two remained married for seven years, but Mick was anything but faithful. They finally divorced in 1978 due to his infidelity - specifically citing his affair with model Jerry Hall. Bianca said of their relationship: 

 My marriage ended on my wedding day.

Paul and Linda McCartney

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The world of music has witnessed its fair share of iconic love stories, but few have captured the hearts and imaginations of fans quite like the enduring romance between Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman. First meeting at a Georgie Fame concert in London, 1967, Paul and Linda grew close quickly and tied the knot in a small civil ceremony the following year. They soon welcomed their first child, Mary, in August 1969, and their family continued to expand with the births of Stella, James, and the adoption of Linda's daughter, Heather, from a previous marriage. When the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Paul and Linda embarked on a new musical journey together, forming the band Wings.  The couple also became passionate advocates for animal rights and vegetarianism, using their platform to raise awareness and promote their shared values. Tragically, in 1995, Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after a brave battle, she passed away in 1998 at the age of 56. Paul was devastated, but is committed to carrying on her legacy. 

[After Linda died] I cried for about a year, on and off. You expect to see them walk in, this person you love, because you are so used to them. I cried a lot. It was almost embarrassing except it seemed the only thing to do.

Johnny Cash and June Carter

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The seeds of this love story were sown in the early 1960s when Johnny Cash, the "Man in Black," first laid eyes on June Carter of the country music group The Carter Family during a backstage meeting at the Grand Ole Opry. Despite both being married at the time, Johnny and June felt an undeniable connection, and their friendship quickly blossomed. June had been performing with Elvis Presley at the time, but later began working with Cash, and their chemistry became increasingly evident both on and off the stage. However, their path to love was far from smooth. Cash's wife, Vivian Liberto, divorced him due to his ongoing affairs and addictions, which obviously took a toll on his personal life. However, he decided to propose to Carter onstage two weeks later, and she accepted. They tied the knot on March 1, 1968, and remained devoted to one another for the rest of their lives, despite ups, downs, and struggles with addictions. Below is an excerpt from Carter to his wife from the 90's, after decades of marriage: 

Sometimes we irritate each other a little bit. Maybe sometimes take each other for granted. But once in awhile, like today, I meditate on it and realize how lucky I am to share my life with the greatest woman I ever met. You still fascinate and inspire me. You influence me for the better. You’re the object of my desire, the #1 Earthly reason for my existence. I love you very much.

Barbra Streisand and Elliott Gould

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Young, ambitious Barbra Streisand caught the attention of Elliott Gould, an up-and-coming actor, during an audition for the Broadway musical I Can Get It for You Wholesale, where he had been cast as the lead. Once she was cast as well, the rest was history. They got married the following year - in 1963 - and though their relationship started while they weren't household names, both of their careers quickly started taking off. The couple welcomed their son, Jason, in 1966, but struggled to balance their personal and professional lives. They finally began the divorce process in 1971. Gould has said the relationship was full of highs and lows:

 Marriage to Barbra was a fantastic experience. It had a lot of chocolate souffle and things like that, but it was also like a bath of lava.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton

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It all began on the set of the epic film Cleopatra in 1962. Elizabeth Taylor, the violet-eyed beauty who had already conquered Hollywood, met Richard Burton, the charismatic and talented Welsh actor. Both actors were married at the time, but that didn't stop them - in fact, the Vatican even accused Taylor of "erotic vagrancy" for the affair. Once they both were eventually divorced, they married (each other) in Montreal on March 15, 1964. However, the relationship was constantly rocky, so much so that the tabloids referred to them as the "Battling Burtons". A note from Taylor to Burton offers a glimpse into the turmoil of their romance: 

Richard, there have been times that I have loved you more than my life—and more than my children. Something must be very wrong with the two of us if I’m put in the position of having to take sides—having to choose between you or my kids. Your behavior tonight has sickened me and I think made my children not like you very much—not that you give a ****. But they do care about each other and I care about them. Sorry about you.

Carly Simon and James Taylor

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Carly Simon, a talented singer-songwriter with an enchanting voice, first met James Taylor at one of her concerts in 1971. Both musicians fell fast and hard, exchanging vows in a small and intimate ceremony, surrounded by close friends and family. As newlyweds, they continued to create music, recording songs like "Mockingbird" together while maintaining their successful, separate, music careers. However behind the scenes, their marriage was strained by periods of infidelity on both sides, as well as James' struggle with heroin addiction. Simon revealed later in her memoir that their relationship often felt like it swung between extremes: 

Our love became bipolar, switching from love to hate, lust to loathing, and back again, sometimes within a day.

In 1983, after a decade of marriage and two children, Carly Simon and James Taylor made the difficult decision to part ways. The heartache and pain of their separation - and the tumultuous marriage - were evident in their music both during and after their relationship.

Jack Nicholson and Anjelica Huston

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The nearly two-decade long relationship between Jack Nicholson and Anjelica Huston was fraught with drama and volatility. It started at a party at Nicholson's house, when he was still in a relationship with Michelle Phillips. This foreshadowed a continual theme in their tumultuous romance: Jack constantly stepping out with other woman. His never-ending, well-documented infidelities put a strain on their relationship, which continued on-and-off for 17 years despite the heartache it caused Anjelica. In 1990, things took a turn for the worse when it was revealed that Jack had fathered a child with another woman. Anjelica flew into a fit of rage in response, and that was the end of their romantic relationship for good: 

He was coming out of the bathroom when I attacked him. I don’t think I kicked him, but I beat him savagely about the head and shoulders. He was ducking and bending, and I was going at him like a prizefighter, raining a vast array of direct punches.

Cher and Gregg Allman

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In June 1975, just a few days after her divorce from Sonny was finalized, Cher and Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Las Vegas. Their marriage was quickly marred by Gregg's struggle with substance abuse, and Cher filed for divorce just nine days after their wedding:

Let's face it; men have been making all my decisions for me all my life. Now I'm finally on my own ... I'm bound to make a mistake here and there. Marrying Gregg was, as it turned out, a mistake. I guess he makes a much better boyfriend than a husband.

However, the two reconciled shortly after, with Cher deciding to give their marriage another chance if Greg agreed to go to rehab. However, Gregg's addiction still caused issues, as did Cher's new professional career with ex-husband Sonny Bono. In 1979, after four years of marriage and the birth of their son, Elijah Blue, Cher and Gregg made the difficult decision to go their separate ways.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono

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These two artistic paths first crossed in November 1966 at the Indica Gallery in London, where Yoko Ono, a Japanese avant-garde artist, was exhibiting her work. John Lennon, the famous Beatles member known for his wit and rebellious spirit, was immediately intrigued by Yoko's art and her unique approach to creativity. They began collaborating on various projects, including experimental films and music, pushing the boundaries of conventional art forms. In 1969, after several years of dating, John and Yoko married in Gibraltar. A year after their wedding, the Beatles broke up - which many fans blamed Yoko for. The couple continued to work together on their own musical projects, and became powerful advocates for peace and social justice. Tragically, in December 1980, John Lennon was assassinated outside his New York City apartment, bringing an abrupt end to their love story.

Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg

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This romance began in 1967 when Keith Richards, the talented and rebellious guitarist for The Rolling Stones, met Anita Pallenberg, an Italian-German model and actress.  At the time, Anita was in a relationship with Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones, but the spark between her and Keith was undeniable. The three were all friends for a while, but after Brian punched Anita so hard he broke his hand, she left him for Keith. Their love for each other fueled their creativity, and her style rubbed off on him: 

[Anita] could put anything together and look good. I would wake up and put on what was lying around. Sometimes it was mine, and sometimes it was the old lady's, but we were exactly the same size, so it didn't matter. If I sleep with someone, I at least have the right to wear her clothes

After struggles with addiction and over a decade together, Pallenberg and Richards decided to part way. The loss of their infant son to SIDS had taken a huge toll on both of them, and Pallenberg had started an affair with their 17 year old neighbor, Scott Cantrell, who tragically shot himself in the head. Although they separated romantically, Pallenberg and Richards remained close until her death in 2017.

George Harrison and Pattie Boyd

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In 1964, on the set of The Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night, George Harrison met Pattie Boyd, a young and captivating British model. The two fell for each other, and were married within two years. The couple's love for one another was a powerful source of inspiration for George, who famously penned the Beatles' hit song "Something" as a tribute to Pattie. The couple ended up going separate ways in 1974, but not for dramatic reasons, according to Boyd: 

George and I were going in different directions. He was starting to distance himself from me.

Marilyn Monroe & Arthur Miller

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The love affair between the silver screen's most iconic sex symbol and the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright was a union of beauty and brains, defying stereotypes and capturing the world's imagination. Though Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller met in 1951, they didn't reconnect until 1956, after Monroe's marriage to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio had ended. Later that year, Monroe and Miller married in a small, private ceremony.  Miller's intellectual depth provided a sense of security and grounding for Monroe, who struggled with the pressures of fame and her own emotional turmoil. Unfortunately, these pressures grew to be too much when combined with the stress of Monroe's multiple miscarriages and Miller's House Un-American Activities Committee Trial. Things came to a boiling point while working together on Monroe's film, The Misfits, when Marilyn felt her husband became increasingly controlling:

Arthur said it’s his movie. I don’t think he even wants me in it. It’s all over. We have to stay with each other because it would be bad for the film if we split up now.

Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg

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The story began in 1968 when Jane Birkin, a young and captivating British actress, met Serge Gainsbourg, a talented French musician, on the set of the film Slogan. Despite initial language barriers and contrasting personalities, the pair felt a spark.  Together, they created some of the most iconic music of their time, including the controversial hit "Je t'aime... moi non plus", which was banned from British radios due to its explicit content. Unfortunately, Gainsbourg's struggles with alcohol led to violence, which led to the end of the relationship of 1980. However, they became friends afterwards, remaining close until Gainsbourg's death in 1991. 

Jean Shrimpton and David Bailey

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This love affair between a stunning British supermodel and iconic photographer is a tale of love, creativity, and a whole lot of philandering. Jean Shrimpton and David Bailey were introduced by a fashion editor in the early 1960's, and got together romantically and creatively almost immediately, Bailey leaving his wife to do so. The pair collaborated together on photographs for Vogue that changed the game:

I think we created each other. You can’t create a portrait by yourself. I always tell people it’s them taking the photograph, not me. For me it’s always about the people. [Shrimpton] was magic. In a way she was the cheapest model in the world — you only needed to shoot half a roll of film and you had it.

Ike and Tina Turner

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In the history of music, few love stories have been as tumultuous and harrowing as the relationship between Ike and Tina Turner. In the late 1950s when Ike Turner, an established musician and bandleader, met Tina, formerly known as Anna Mae Bullock, a young and talented singer with a powerful voice. Ike soon invited her to join his band, The Kings of Rhythm, and their musical career together began. In 1960, Ike rebranded the band as the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, and the couple married the following year. Together, they created some of the most memorable and groundbreaking music of their time, including hits like "A Fool in Love," "River Deep - Mountain High," and "Proud Mary." However, behind the scenes, their relationship was far from the picture-perfect image they presented to the world. Ike's controlling nature and violent, abusive behavior tormented Tina, as she struggled to maintain her career and her sanity. In 1976, after more than a decade of torment, Tina made the courageous decision to leave Ike and rebuild her life and career. The couple divorced in 1978, and Tina embarked on a solo career that would ultimately catapult her to superstardom.

Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow

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It was the mid-1960s when Frank Sinatra, a celebrated singer and actor with a reputation as a ladies' man, met Mia Farrow, a talented actress and rising star.  Despite a significant age difference of nearly 30 years - Mia was 21, while Frank was 50 - they were instantly captivated with each other, and married in 1966. Sinatra, however, was not willing to share the stage, and wanted Farrow to give up her burgeoning acting career to focus on their marriage. Her decision to take on the starring role in Roman Polanski's Rosemary's Baby, against Frank's wishes, only further strained their relationship. In 1968, after just two years of marriage, Frank and Mia's unlikely romance came to an end when Sinatra served Farrow divorce papers on the set of Rosemary's Baby, ending the love story as suddenly as it began. That's showbiz, baby!

John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy

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In the early 1950's, Jacqueline Bouvier was introduced by a friend to a dashing and ambitious young senator from Massachusetts: John F. Kennedy. In 1953, after a whirlwind courtship, John and Jackie married in a lavish ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island, and In 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected the 35th President of the United States, with Jackie by his side as the nation's First Lady. Though the couple was undoubtedly in love - Jackie even wrote poems for John - over time the relationship grew strained by fertility issues and John's constant infidelity. Jackie's longtime friend, Carly Simon, has spoken of the heartache Jackie went through:

I think that some of the things had more effect on [Jackie]. For instance, his not being there for the birth of a child, his being off with a mistress while she was in the hospital. There are various things that he did that by comparison to having a mistress must have hurt more.

Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco

In the enchanting world of Hollywood glamour and royal splendor, the love story of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco stands out as a timeless tale of romance and destiny. The couple was introduced during the Cannes Film Festival, and announced their engagement within the year. Later that year, the couple married in a breathtaking two-day event in Monaco, which was attended by celebrities, royalty, and dignitaries from around the world. The ceremony was dubbed the "Wedding of the Century" and symbolized the union of Hollywood glamour and European royalty. Grace Kelly became Princess Grace of Monaco, leaving her acting career behind to fully embrace her role as a royal. The couple had three children over their 26 years of marriage - Princess Caroline, Prince Albert, and Princess Stéphanie. Tragically, in 1982, the fairytale came to a sudden and heartbreaking end when Princess Grace was killed in a car accident at the age of 52. The world mourned the loss of the elegant and iconic princess, and Prince Rainier was left to continue his reign without his beloved wife by his side. He never remarried, and was buried next to his princess following his death in 2005. 

Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson

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In the late 1970s Goldie Hawn, a captivating actress, met Bill Hudson, a gifted musician and member of the popular music group, The Hudson Brothers. After a whirlwind courtship, they married in 1976, and later became parents to two children, Oliver and Kate. As parenthood became a big part of their lives, Hudson says that their romance remained electric:

Our relationship sizzled. We made love everywhere. The first two weeks we hardly got out of bed. That was the one thing that never failed between us, even when times got bad. The sex was always mind-blowing. We would make love in fancy restaurants, backstage at concerts, on planes, trains and automobiles. The physical attraction between us was animalistic. In life when you find someone like that there is little you can do to help yourself. It was intense.