Hollywood's marriage management

By SAMANTHA ETTUS
Scripps Howard News Service
17-FEB-05

While every young marriage faces challenges, the extreme pressures placed on Hollywood marriages make it a wonder any survive. As soon as a celebrity couple announces an engagement to wed, tabloids and fans begin awaiting the seemingly inevitable demise.

But many couples weather the storm. Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon, and Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks are a few examples of couples still going strong after many years of juggling the spotlight and dual acting careers.

This week we take a look at how three high-profile celebrity couples _ Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, and Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony _ handle marriage under intense scrutiny.

Jennifer Lopez/Marc Anthony

One way to avoid breakup rumors is to stick together, and no couple has been as physically inseparable as Jennifer and Marc. Recently, Marc was even spotted walking Jennifer into the bathroom at a restaurant.

But his presence on the set of Jennifer's latest film signals he may be becoming too invasive. Rumor has it that Marc was coaching Jennifer and never left her side, at times interfering with the film's production.

Though physical proximity is crucial, there is such a thing as too close for comfort. Jennifer's fans are attracted not only to her talent, but also to her individuality and strength. She rose to fame as an independent woman who paved her own path from modest means to stardom. So long as Jennifer's relationship with Marc keeps a smile on her face her fans won't complain, but the twosome should be careful that the union does not turn from smoldering to smothering.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony's Brand A$$$ets

Jennifer Aniston/Brad Pitt

The high-profile couple shocked fans when they split last month. Whether temporary or not, they have made only glowing remarks about one another since the very public breakup and shown that their mutual admiration and respect remains.

Hollywood couples might learn from Jennifer and Brad _ even the most loving and seemingly well-matched couples cannot endure significant time apart, particularly when separation is amplified by working in different time zones and the temptation presented by sexy cast mates.

The on-set atmosphere is often compared to sleep-away camp for adults. And for good reason. While we may never know all the details behind Brad and Jennifer's downfall, we can surmise that their marriage would have been strengthened had they taken turns filming on location or, as many Hollywood couples do, placed limits on the number of days spent apart.

Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt's Brand A$$ets

Jessica Simpson/Nick Lachey

They have proven resilient in the face of repeated challenges to their commitment, and have struggled to nurture their young marriage under a close spotlight. But, despite speculation, they consistently maintain that their marriage is solid, and they simply experience the same highs and lows of any happily married couple. Though they bear responsibility for inviting the cameras into their lives through their MTV reality show "Newlyweds," they failed to anticipate the constant dissection of their relationship that has resulted.

With Jessica shooting her first feature film, "The Dukes of Hazzard," in New Orleans, and Nick focusing on his musical career while based in L.A., the two still manage to spend loads of time together. Sadly, most of that time seems to be passed socializing at parties or clubbing late-night, which feeds the speculation that trouble is brewing. With the tabloids following their every move, it would be easy for them to shift press coverage away from the partying and toward the everyday activities of a happily married couple, like shopping and going to the movies. And, perhaps more than anything, Nick should tone down the solo partying _ it reinforces the prying coverage and is surely taking its toll behind closed doors.

Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey's Brand A$$$ets

Remember: The most dependable road to the top is to treat your brand as your greatest asset.

(Samantha Ettus is the author of "The Experts' Guide to 100 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do" (Random House). Contact her at Samantha(at)celebrityassets.com)

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.shns.com)