According to the actor and producer, who also starred in 1984’s “Starman,” 2009’s “Crazy Heart,” and 2010’s “True Grit,” meeting his future wife was “love at first sight.” At the time, he was filming the 1975 movie in Paradise Valley, Montana, where Susan worked as a waitress.

She was working to support herself through college, and when he saw her he couldn’t take his eyes off her. Despite her “Two black eyes and a broken nose,” he found her beautiful, saying, “That damage juxtaposed to the beauty just had me.”

Jeff imagined saving her from an abusive boyfriend but later learned she’d gotten the bruises from being in a car accident. When he finally mustered the courage to ask her out, she refused. Yet, at that very moment, the film’s makeup artist snapped their photo, capturing their first exchange.

Years later, Jeff still keeps that picture in his wallet as a memento of their first meeting. See, Susan eventually changed her mind, saying they might see each other around, as Paradise Valley was a small town.

By 2020, the duo were grandparents to a boy and a girl: Grace and Ben. Like all couples, they faced obstacles, especially when Jeff was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

The couple’s biggest trial came when Jeff was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer affecting the lymphatic system. His fight against cancer was further complicated when he also contracted COVID-19 while undergoing chemotherapy (chemo).

At the time, the vaccine wasn’t yet available, and he tested positive. The virus severely affected him due to his weakened immune system from chemo. “I had no defenses. That’s what chemo does — it strips you of all your immune system. I had nothing to fight it,” he explained.

When the hospital called her to inform her that her husband might need to go on a ventilator, she instructed them, “‘Save his life. No matter what you have to do.'” Fortunately, the medical team managed to avoid placing him on a ventilator.

Having cancer and contracting the virus triggered a range of emotions for Jeff. He shared, “Fear wasn’t a real strong one. It was mainly kind of the feeling of getting with the programme, you know.”

Susan’s husband had a profound realization while ill, saying, “I know I don’t want to die because one of the things that the illness brought to my attention is how much I love being alive…” He reflected that battling both COVID-19 and cancer “exacerbated all these feelings of love for my wonderful family.”

Jeff and Susan have been together for over four decades, with a few secrets to their lasting bond.

How Have Jeff and Susan Lasted So Long?

By June 5, 2024, Susan and Jeff had celebrated 47 years of marriage! Jeff shared that mutual respect is one of the keys to their long-lasting relationship.

Another secret, he maintained, is that he “respect[s] her wisdom, and I’m sure the girls do too.”

Reflecting on her parents’ union and what keeps them going, she shared, “They love each other, but they like each other, they spend time together.” She noted how they “make an effort to ask each other questions about what the other is interested in.”

Jeff and Susan continue to captivate as a couple, appearing together at various events that reflect their warmth and mutual admiration.

In January 2023, the couple attended the AARP Annual Movies for Grownups Awards at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, an event dedicated to honoring films that appeal to mature audiences.

The following April, Susan proudly joined Jeff at Lincoln Center in New York City, where he was honored at the 49th Chaplin Award Gala. It was a memorable night celebrating his legacy in the entertainment industry.

From a chance encounter at a Montana ranch to a life woven with family and resilience, Jeff and Susan prove that love can weather any storm, standing strong even through life’s toughest battles.