Actors William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett clarified remarks about their open marriage ahead of their 75th wedding anniversary this month.
The couple's comments address the complexities of long-term partnerships and the normalization of attraction to others after decades of marriage.
Daniels, 99 [1], and Bartlett, 96 [2], spoke about their relationship in televised and print interviews, including appearances with Entertainment Tonight and The Daily Mail. The discussion follows comments originally made in Bartlett's 2023 [4] memoir regarding the nature of their bond.
Bartlett said that occasional attraction to other people is a natural part of a long-term relationship. "It would be abnormal if you… weren't attracted occasionally to other people," she said [1].
While some reports suggested the existence of a months-long affair involving another actor, the couple emphasized that they have maintained a committed partnership. Bartlett said, "We did go in different directions, but we always came back to each other" [1].
The couple has navigated their 75-year [3] marriage by establishing informal boundaries to ensure mutual comfort. Bartlett said, "We’ve set a few non-spoken rules that keep us comfortable and happy" [2].
These non-spoken rules allow the couple to acknowledge external attractions without destabilizing their primary commitment. By addressing these dynamics publicly, the couple aims to reduce the stigma associated with the evolving needs of partners in extremely long-term marriages.
“"It would be abnormal if you… weren't attracted occasionally to other people."”
The public clarification by Daniels and Bartlett reflects a broader shift in how some long-term couples define fidelity and partnership. By framing occasional attraction as 'normal' rather than a betrayal, the couple challenges traditional marital norms, suggesting that flexibility and communication regarding boundaries can be a key factor in the longevity of a relationship.
