Alfre Woodard, known for her commanding presence on screen in films like Clemency and Holiday Heart, has quietly maintained a 40-year marriage with film producer and writer Roderick Spencer. The couple’s relationship has stayed largely out of the public eye, with Woodard choosing to speak about it only on rare occasions. Recently, however, the actress opened up in an interview with People ahead of their 41st anniversary on October 21, shedding light on the values that have kept them together for four decades.
At the core of their enduring bond, Woodard says, is laughter. Reflecting on the challenges they’ve faced over the years, she emphasized how humor has been a “principle” in their marriage. “You can cry about it, you can argue about it, and then sometimes in the middle of it all, you don’t know why, but something will make you laugh,” she shared. “And if either of you can make the other laugh, or something happens that brings humor to the situation — it’s always all right. The laughter is always there.”
Spencer, who has taken on roles behind the camera as well as small parts in shows like Malcolm in the Middle and L.A. Law, partnered with Woodard professionally when he executive produced the 2019 film Juanita, in which she starred. But while their professional collaborations are known, their personal life has largely remained under wraps. Some fans only recently discovered the long-standing marriage and were surprised to learn of Spencer’s background — including the fact that he is white.
While some expressed surprise on social media, others celebrated the couple’s longevity, especially given Hollywood’s reputation for short-lived unions. “Forty years is a long time, especially for a Hollywood marriage,” one user wrote. Woodard, however, dismisses the idea of marking milestones as particularly significant. “You know what? When it’s real, you don’t stop to mark a date. We just do what we would be doing,” she said. The couple doesn’t renew vows, and Woodard still wears the same wedding band from their wedding day. “If I want another ring, I put it on another hand,” she quipped.
The pair has raised two children together: Mavis Spencer, 33, and Duncan Spencer, 30, both of whom were adopted. Mavis, an accomplished equestrian, has represented Team USA in prestigious competitions like the FEI Jumping Nations Cup, while Duncan prefers to lead a more private life, keeping details about himself largely out of the public eye.
For Woodard and Spencer, the key to their relationship seems to lie not just in love, but in mutual trust and discovery. “Your partner just happens to be good in bed, but it’s more than that,” Woodard said. “It’s your trust place. It’s family, but in a way that has nothing to do with DNA. It’s constant discovery and renegotiating, and continuing to fall in love.” As they approach their 41st anniversary, their relationship remains grounded in these values, a quiet testament to a love that has withstood the test of time.
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