James Allen News Center

The Hollywood spotlight shines brightly on the stars who are often elevated up into the stratosphere as immortals by their fans. We see them act, watch them flaunt their diamond rings and studs, and we`re fascinated when they hook up for marriage. Hollywood couples also have an extremely high divorce rate. Let`s face it: how many celebrities do you expect to stay married until death separates them? Likely, you can`t think of too many who will survive more than a few years past their wedding day.

There are some couples who are defying terrible odds, by racking up the years without uttering the word "divorce" once. Their wedding bells rang long ago and you aren`t likely to see them ditch their spouse in favor of a new flame. Let`s take a look at some couples who are sharing anniversary rings year after year.

Although divorced when she met Ozzie Davis, the lovely Ruby Dee married him in 1948 and they stay married until his sudden death in 2005. Their 56 year marriage, which produced three children and seven grandchildren, was one of Hollywood`s longest and brightest.

Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks were married in 1964, which was the second marriage for both. As challenging as Hollywood marriages can be, the couple`s interfaith marriage (she was Catholic, he Jewish) survived and even thrived. Considered by many as having the happiest Hollywood relationship, all of that came to an end in 2005 just after the couple`s 41st wedding anniversary when Bancroft succumbed to uterine cancer.

One of the greatest threats to the survival of a marriage is the death of a child. Even though neither person may have had a hand in the child`s passing, withdrawing from a spouse over the intense loss threatens many marriages. Bill Cosby and his wife, Camille, have been married since 1964 and had five children together. In 1997, their son Ennis was murdered and later that same year a woman came forth and claimed that Cosby had fathered her child (an allegation later disproved). The couple has stood up under intense public scrutiny and their marriage continues strong despite some very painful and trying circumstances.

Perhaps the secret to marital success is staying out of the limelight as much as possible. Or, at least, to keep one`s personal life private. Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman will soon be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary and have kept the diamonds coming with each passing year. Unlike so many famous couples who reside in California, the Newmans have made their home in Connecticut.

Gifts of studs, eternity rings and diamonds, although helpful aren`t what has kept these marriages together. Love, trust, and fidelity with a whole lot of patience have contributed to their longevity, something lacking in too many marriages today. Of course, earrings, studs and rings can be a terrific expression of your love, but no gift should be given apart from the sincerity found in your heart.