Judith Light believes that the secret to her long-lasting marriage lies in ignoring conventional ideas about how couples should behave. In an interview with PEOPLE about her Apple TV+ supernatural drama Before, Light discussed how she and her husband of almost 40 years, Robert Desiderio, keep their relationship strong despite living on opposite coasts.
Light resides primarily in New York, while Desiderio prefers life in California. One essential part of their relationship is regular communication. “We talk and FaceTime every day,” Light explained.
Light discusses how creative fulfillment stems from the alone time they both value
She added that both she and Desiderio enjoy solitude, which they’ve embraced as an important part of their dynamic. “Having alone time is something we both value, and it’s creatively fulfilling for us.”
Even though they are apart, they prioritize resolving conflicts promptly. “When something bothers one of us, we stay present and keep talking,” Light said. She admitted that they sometimes take a pause when discussions get heated. “There are moments when we need to say, ‘Let’s stop now and come back to this later.’”
Their romance began while Light was playing Karen Wolek on One Life to Live, a role that earned her two Daytime Emmy Awards in 1980 and 1981. Her career soared later with the hit series Who’s the Boss? Recently, she won another Emmy in January for her guest role in Poker Face.
Desiderio, who once acted in shows like Knots Landing, The Sopranos, and Ryan’s Hope, eventually shifted his focus to writing. In 2020, he published his first novel, The Occurrence.
Light shared that her husband feels more content since leaving acting behind. “He calls himself a recovering actor,” she joked, adding that his happiness has positively impacted their marriage.
Reflecting on her earlier life, Light acknowledged how her views on marriage evolved. Although she once claimed she would never marry another actor, she now advises against making such firm declarations.
“You never know what life will bring,” Light said thoughtfully. “Opportunities to grow, expand, and meet people who will transform your world can arise in unexpected ways.”
