J.K. Simmons, the seasoned actor best known for his iconic role as the strict music teacher in Whiplash and now playing Santa Claus in the Christmas film Red One, opened up about his long and successful marriage to his wife, Michelle Schumacher, at the premiere of his new movie in New York City on November 11. The couple has been together for over 28 years, and the actor shared some heartwarming insights into what makes their relationship work.
At 69 years old, Simmons has learned a thing or two about love and commitment. His advice? "Be nice. Be on the nice list," he said with a smile when asked about the secret to his lasting marriage. His simple yet profound wisdom is rooted in kindness, a quality he believes is crucial in any relationship. But that's not all – he also emphasized the importance of listening. "Listen," he added. "That’s the foundation of everything." For Simmons, listening isn’t just a one-time effort but something that requires constant attention, even after all these years of marriage. "None of us do that all the time, and it's still a work in progress with me," he admitted. "But try to listen, try to really listen."
While these may seem like small, everyday actions, they have proven to be key pillars in Simmons and Schumacher's relationship. They've been married since 1996, which is a significant milestone in Hollywood, where relationships often don't last as long. Their union has withstood the test of time, and it’s clear that their mutual respect and love have played a big part in that.
Simmons and Schumacher, 58, share two children: their son Joe, 25, and daughter Olivia, 22. The couple first met in 1991 when Schumacher joined the same musical production of Peter Pan that Simmons was involved in. She was a dancer, and he played the role of Captain Hook. Their first encounter was far from a meet-cute, but it certainly left a lasting impression on Simmons.
“I rented a car,” Simmons recalled in an interview with PEOPLE back in May, describing the moment he first laid eyes on his future wife. “I don't know where I was going, but I was just leaving the parking lot, and I saw our dance captain walking with this beautiful, petite blonde.” It seems that fate had a hand in bringing them together, even if Simmons wasn’t sure what to do with the feelings that immediately surfaced. “I just tried my best not to be the idiot who's craning his neck leering at this beautiful young woman,” he admitted.
Despite his best efforts to play it cool, Simmons couldn’t help but notice Schumacher. Later that day, he paid her a visit backstage. “I knocked and [she said] ‘Come in,’” he recalled. “She was, like most dancers, dressed in her dance underwear.” But even with his smooth intentions, Simmons found himself making a total fool of himself. He tried to leave her dressing room after wishing her good luck with the show, but in true clumsy fashion, he stubbed his big toe on the door. "I squealed like a 4-year-old," Simmons laughed, recalling the embarrassing moment.
But despite his awkward exit, Simmons later learned that Schumacher was more charmed by him than he initially thought. “Somehow, she still found me attractive,” he joked. The feeling, it turned out, was mutual. In fact, it wasn’t until much later that Michelle confessed to Simmons that she too had been struck by him when they first met.
"Much, much, much later, Michelle told me that she had said, ‘Oh, who's that?’" Simmons shared. “The dance captain had said, ‘Oh, that’s J.K. He’s straight. He’s our Captain Hook.’” It seems that they both had their own little secret crushes on each other from the start, even if they were both too shy to admit it.
In a world where many relationships in the public eye are short-lived, Simmons and Schumacher’s enduring love story is a refreshing reminder of what makes a marriage last. It’s not just about the grand gestures or big moments, but the little things – kindness, communication, and a lot of laughter. And, of course, there’s the ability to look past the awkward missteps and embrace each other’s imperfections.
Simmons, who has worked in Hollywood for decades, said that his marriage has been a constant source of support and balance in his life. Despite his fame, his priority remains his family, and his bond with Schumacher has only grown stronger over the years. “We’re very lucky,” he said with genuine gratitude. “We really are.”
As for their two children, Simmons couldn’t be prouder of the young adults they’ve become. Joe, 25, and Olivia, 22, are now both adults, and Simmons and Schumacher continue to share in the joy of watching them grow into their own people. The couple’s strong foundation and commitment to each other have no doubt played a role in shaping their kids into the people they are today.
But it’s not just about the kids or the years of marriage – it’s about the connection they share as a couple. The small moments of laughter, the love that’s present even in the mundane, and the deep respect they have for one another. That’s what makes their marriage truly special.
Simmons’ advice on marriage isn’t just words to live by – they are principles that have clearly guided him and Michelle throughout their long relationship. "Be nice, be on the nice list, and listen." In a world that can sometimes feel a little too chaotic, those simple yet powerful values can go a long way. After all, a successful marriage isn’t about being perfect; it’s about growing together and supporting each other through all the ups and downs.
In the end, it’s the little things – the listening, the kindness, the moments of vulnerability – that create the foundation for a strong and lasting bond. And it’s clear that Simmons and Schumacher have built just that over the years. Whether it’s through embarrassing moments or quiet evenings at home, their relationship has withstood the test of time, and they continue to show that true love doesn’t have to be complicated – sometimes, it’s just about being kind, being there for each other, and most importantly, listening.
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