The Closer Actress Reveals How She and Thomas Handle Arguments

Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon have maintained a marriage for 36 years, according to an E! News report published January 20, 2026. The couple shared insights into their relationship dynamics as part of a feature on long-lasting celebrity partnerships.

The actress, known for her lead role in the series The Closer, discussed her approach to conflict resolution in the 2020 book What Makes a Marriage Last, authored by Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue.

Sedgwick explained that she and Bacon prioritize finding resolutions over winning arguments.

Honestly, we don’t like to fight, so when we actually are in an argument, we’re both looking for a solution

Kyra Sedgwick

While Sedgwick focused on the practical side of their disagreements, Bacon offered a more lighthearted perspective on sharing relationship tips. He joked that his primary piece of advice is not to take advice from celebrities.

Career Context

Sedgwick is widely recognized for her portrayal of Brenda Leigh Johnson in the TNT series The Closer, which aired from 2005 to 2012. In the procedural drama, she played the Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Division at the Los Angeles Police Department.

Her character, a CIA-trained interrogator from Atlanta, was characterized by a sharp tongue and a consistent ability to close complex cases across the show’s seven seasons.

Other Long-Term Industry Partnerships

The E! News report also highlighted other high-profile couples who have sustained their marriages through specific behavioral strategies.

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann, who have been partners for over 20 years, credit joy and grace as fundamental ingredients of their union. Hermann noted that the couple avoids letting arguments linger and often uses humor to bridge the gap after a dispute.

According to Hermann, one partner will often test the waters with a joke about the subject of the fight to signal a move back toward a positive connection.

Chip and Joanna Gaines have also attributed their longevity to consistent habits and early guidance. The couple has followed advice received during premarital counseling prior to their 2003 wedding vows.

Their strategy for maintaining their connection includes:

• Maintaining mandatory Tuesday date nights.
• Avoiding the purchase of a television to find other ways to connect.
• Continuous pursuit of one another’s affection.

Gaines stated that he continues to treat the relationship with the same effort as if he were still hoping for a second date, emphasizing the importance of expressing love, sending flowers, and remembering anniversaries.