Courtney B. Vance Reveals Secrets to 30-Year Marriage with Angela Bassett

Los Angeles, CA – Actor Courtney B. Vance shared the secrets to his nearly 30-year marriage with Angela Bassett during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the world premiere of Disney’s live-action movie, Lilo & Stitch, on May 17.

Vance, 65, emphasized one key rule for marital harmony: “When my wife is happy, the land is happy.” He explained that checking in with Bassett is essential. “I just try to [go], ‘Does this work for you, baby?’ If it doesn’t work … we’re not doing that,” he said.

The couple, who married in 1997, has maintained their strong bond through mutual respect and honest communication. Vance believes that both partners should express their thoughts, especially concerning significant decisions. “You gotta talk about [it] and figure out which way … [you] want to go,” he noted.

Vance and Bassett first met as graduate students at Yale‘s drama school in the early ’80s. However, their romance reignited years later when they accidentally crossed paths in New York City in 1994. Bassett recalled the moment in a 2007 interview, highlighting the excitement of their reunion.

The couple’s chemistry was undeniable, and Bassett described their first kiss in their book Friends: A Love Story, stating, “I got pinpricks and chills up the back of my thighs and across my butt, up my neck, and across my scalp.” They welcomed fraternal twins Bronwyn Golden and Slater Josiah in 2006.

Today, the twins are 19 and have just finished their freshman year in college. Vance proudly shared that both are exploring paths in the entertainment industry. “My daughter may major in film with sociology. My son’s doing a lot of different things … doing plays, doing films, doing camera work,” he said.

As supportive parents, Vance and Bassett encourage their children to pursue what makes them happy, regardless of whether it falls within the entertainment world. “I just want them to be happy, as does my wife. If it’s in the business, [if] it’s not — just find something that makes you get up in the morning,” he added.

Despite their stardom, Vance humorously mentioned that they oscillate between being “cool” and just being parents. “We’re usually just parents. But when we’re on the [red] carpet, we are very cool,” he said.

Looking ahead, Vance is busy with his role in Lilo & Stitch, set to hit theaters on May 23. His continued success in Hollywood showcases not just his talent but also the stability of his long-lasting relationship with Bassett, reminding fans that respect and communication can be the foundation of a thriving marriage.