LL Cool J reveals secret behind 31-year marriage to wife Simone I. Smith

LL Cool J reveals how pursuing personal dreams and maintaining mutual respect have helped his 31-year marriage thrive

LL Cool J has opened up about the values that have helped sustain his 31-year marriage to wife Simone I. Smith, highlighting the importance of personal ambitions, mutual respect and understanding in a lasting relationship.

The rapper and actor, whose real name is James Todd Smith, discussed how maintaining individual goals while supporting a partner can contribute to a successful marriage in an exclusive interview with People published on November 15.

“To be in a successful partnership with anybody, you gotta be on your own personal mission,” he said, encouraging individuals to pursue their dreams while also helping their partners achieve theirs.

The NCIS: New York star also emphasised the importance of accepting imperfections and staying true to oneself, explaining that consistency in one's identity can help build meaningful and long-lasting connections.

LL Cool J and Smith first met as teenagers in New York City in 1987 before tying the knot in August 1995. The couple share four children and recently celebrated 31 years of marriage.

The actor previously offered insight into their relationship in a 2025 interview, joking that having separate televisions helped them enjoy their individual entertainment preferences.

However, he identified mutual respect as one of the simplest yet most important foundations of their marriage.

Beyond their relationship, LL Cool J also spoke about prioritising family despite a demanding career. The father and grandfather stressed that people make time for the relationships they genuinely value, regardless of their professional commitments.

Meanwhile, LL Cool J has returned as Special Agent Sam Hanna in NCIS: New York, which premiered on CBS in October. The series airs Tuesdays at 9pm ET/PT and is available to stream on Paramount+.