Hollywood’s power couple, Don Cheadle and Bridgid Coulter, recently stepped out for a cause close to their hearts. The famously private pair offered a rare peek into their long-standing romance. They attended the HollyRod Foundation’s DesignCare 2025 gala on Saturday, October 4. There, Cheadle, 60, didn’t hold back his admiration for his wife, Bridgid Coulter, 57.
Speaking with an entertainment publication on the red carpet at NYA EAST in Los Angeles, Cheadle shared loving words. He called Coulter an amazing mother, a wonderful wife, and a skilled entrepreneur and designer. "She’s an exemplary citizen," Cheadle added, noting their relationship has spanned over 30 years.
The actor, known for his roles in movies like Crash and Hotel Rwanda, began dating Coulter way back in 1992. The couple took their time getting to the altar. They quietly tied the knot in 2021, a secret ceremony during the coronavirus pandemic.
Coulter, though thankful for her husband’s kind words, gave a more playful response. When asked what she admires most about Cheadle, she chuckled. "He’s handsome," she quipped. "It’s all about looks, and of course he’s very talented!"
Chelsea Lauren / Shutterstock for HollyRod
Cheadle and Coulter were at the event to receive a special honor. Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete presented them with the Clarence & Jacqueline Avant Humanitarian Award. This award celebrates people whose kindness, advocacy, and generosity make a lasting difference.
The couple’s dedication to making the world better is clear. Cheadle serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme. Coulter, a driving force herself, created Blackboard Collective and Blackbird Alliance. These groups offer women of color and their allies important spaces for belonging, leadership, and creativity.
The world only learned of their marriage in June 2021. Cheadle confirmed the news during an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Guest host Wanda Sykes apologized on air. She confessed she didn’t know he was married until Cheadle texted her the personal update. Cheadle quickly reassured the comedian there were no hard feelings. The Oscar nominee joked about their long road to marriage. "It’s understandable," he said, "since we were together for 28 years before we finally got married." He added, "I don’t blame you at all."
John Salangsang / Shutterstock for HollyRod
The couple, who share adult children Tai and Imani, usually keep their relationship out of the spotlight. Coulter admitted that being honored by the Peete family’s charity felt important. "We don’t really do much together in public," she said, standing beside her husband. "This is just for the cause."
The HollyRod Foundation does vital work. It provides caring support to people living with autism and Parkinson’s disease. The Peete family understands these challenges firsthand. Holly and Rodney’s son, RJ, was diagnosed with autism at age 3. Today, RJ is 27 and works successfully for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Holly’s father, Matt Robinson, sadly passed away from Parkinson’s in 2002. Her brother also lives with early-onset Parkinson’s.
Cheadle spoke highly of Holly and Rodney’s efforts. "We’ve been friends with their family for a long time," he shared. "We truly support what they do. Their foundation’s work is so unique and excellent, built over many years. I’m glad to be here to stand with them." Coulter agreed, highlighting the impact of their mission. "Their work for autism and Parkinson’s is incredibly important," she added. "We’ve known Matt [Robinson] for ages. It’s a real privilege for us to honor their work here."