According to PEOPLE, the couple first crossed paths on Morehouse College's campus, where Samuel attended at the time. Although LaTanya attended Spelman College, the two were part of the Morehouse Spelman Players where they acted in plays together, growing their relationship over time.

However, LaTanya said in a New York Times interview that "Sam was not part of my circle . . . I was a theater snob; he loved movies." Despite having different interests, they were able to pursue their love for each other throughout the years.

After ten years of dating, the two married on August 8, 1980. On The Jennifer Hudson Show, the actor revealed the great debate he and LaTanya have over how their marriage came to be. Samuel claims he came home one day to already-made wedding invitations and was told to “Be here” by LaTanya, while he claims she said her sick grandfather was the reason for the wedding so he could walk her down the aisle before he passed.

On March 28th, 1982, the pair welcomed their first and only child Zoe Jackson.

The couple faced challenges with the actor's addiction for some time, but  LaTanya remained his support system and helped him through rehab. He has been in recovery for more than 30 years. "She gave me the chance to be the man I was supposed to be," Samuel told PEOPLE.

The couple was seen buttoned-up in a black tie for the 70th Annual Academy Awards.

The pair co-founded Samuel L. and LaTanya R. Jackson Foundation in 1999, supporting educational, art, and health organizations. They have also contributed to LaTanya’s alma mater university and donated to the National African American Museum of History and Culture in Washington, DC.

It was a big day for the Snakes on a Plane actor when he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with LaTanya by his side.

Another big day came when the actress watched her husband “leave his print” at the famed Hand & Footprint Ceremony, where the imprints of several stars, from George Clooney to Marilyn Monroe, were left to honor their incredible work on the silver screen.

The actors hit the red carpet at the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.

In 2014, LaTanya starred in A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway, receiving a Tony Award nomination for “Best Lead Actress in a Play.” This stellar role alongside Denzel Washington highlighted how both Samuel and LaTanya are accomplished despite him “not part of my [theater] circle” at first.

Aside from the pandemic, 2020 was a milestone year for the Broadway vet and her husband when August marked their 50 years together and 40 years married. Despite their constantly full schedules, LaTanya told PEOPLE how they can still come out on top. "I'm amazed at how busy we are in our seventh decade…I'm grateful because I think of all the things that could be."

Samuel’s caption on their anniversary post read, “We’re still glued together, hip to hip, and holding each other up, not covering as much of the floor, but owning & loving the space that’s ours.”

The couple adapted to new ‘roles’ in their relationship, as they worked together on the remake of August Wilson’s Piano Lesson, starring Samuel and directed by LaTanya. He received a Tony nomination for “Best Feature Actor in a Play” while the production was nominated for “Best Revival of a Play” for her outstanding work.