Don Cheadle and Bridgid Coulter have been together for nearly 30 years, showcasing a remarkable partnership. Though they first met in the 1990s, it wasn’t until 2020 that the “Hotel Rwanda” actor and his longtime partner decided to formalize their relationship. Cheadle and Coulter’s decision to marry came after 28 years of dating.
Despite tying the knot early in 2020, thoughts of marriage had been present for a while. In a 2021 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Cheadle humorously attributed their decision to his accountant’s advice on tax benefits. “Our accountant laid out the numbers and suggested we should get married,” Cheadle explained. “We kept thinking, ‘We’re already together,’ but the accountant said it was a better reason to solidify things. So, we did it.”
Offering some wisdom on marriage, Cheadle advised, “Wait 28 years before getting married. Don’t rush into things. Proceed with caution!” Coulter playfully added, “You need to be sure. I wasn’t entirely sure before, but now I’m almost there.” Curious about Don Cheadle’s spouse? Here’s what you need to know about Bridgid Coulter and her connection with the actor.
Previously an actress
Before transitioning to entrepreneurship, Coulter had a successful acting career with outstanding roles in “Rosewood,” “Martin,” “Family Matters,” and “Always Outnumbered.” She later chose to shift her focus to business ventures.
Her wedding to Cheadle was a private affair
Cheadle revealed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in June 2021 that he and Coulter exchanged vows during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their wedding was an intimate home ceremony, which Cheadle described as particularly meaningful. “It was a beautiful event, just for us and our two kids in our backyard,” he reminisced.
Guest host Wanda Sykes humorously recounted her surprise at the news of their marriage. “You texted me early this year about your wedding, and I thought, ‘Wow, the pandemic really changed things for Don and Bridgid,’” Sykes joked. She admitted she had mistakenly assumed they were married before 2020, to which Cheadle responded, “Given that we had been together for 28 years before marrying, it’s understandable.”
They have two children together
Coulter and Cheadle are parents to two grown children: Tai and Imani. Tai is involved in camera work for TV and film, while Imani works as a development associate at Cheadle’s production company, This Radicle Act. In a December 2022 interview with PEOPLE, Cheadle praised his close relationship with his children. “I’m fortunate to be close with my adult children. They’re grounded and not caught up in Hollywood,” he said.
She runs a wellness workspace
Coulter founded Blackbird, a wellness and workspace collective designed for women of color and their allies. Located in Culver City, California, the 12,000-square-foot facility has hosted events like a reception for Kamala Harris in 2019. “Blackbird blends sophistication with a welcoming atmosphere where both men and women can feel empowered and supported,” Coulter explained to The Hollywood Reporter in 2019. She emphasized the space’s dual purpose: to foster both productivity and community.
In a July 2023 appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Coulter shared entrepreneurial advice. “As an entrepreneur, you juggle many roles—tech, marketing, sales. It’s crucial to pause and appreciate your achievements,” she said.
She’s also an interior designer
Returning to UCLA, Coulter earned a master’s-level certificate in interior design. “I’ve always been attuned to how space affects me, whether it’s inspiring or comforting,” she told USA Today in April 2022. Her design portfolio features a variety of projects, including homes, offices, and showrooms throughout Southern California.