For most of us, finding the right mate is a process that often involves kissing a few frogs along the way. Celebrities are no different. If you find yourself reeling in the aftermath of a string of unfruitful situationships, let this list of 13 celebrity couples (and some rumored couples) encourage you that life goes on long after the one that you thought was the one:
1. Eve and Stevie J
Before Love & Hip Hop notoriety, Stevie J was one of the most successful record producers of the mid-to-late ’90s. At the height of his success, he dated Eve, the first lady of the Ruff Ryders.
2. Martin Lawrence and Lark Voorhies
Best known for her role as Lisa Turtle on the cult classic, Saved by the Bell, Lark Voorhies and Martin Lawrence were a match made in ’90s sitcom heaven. Engaged in 1993, the couple announced their split shortly thereafter.
3. Questlove and Amel Larrieux
Drummer for Grammy Award-winning band The Roots, Ahmir Khalib Thompson, escorted a young Amel Larrieux to the prom long before she was an accomplished singer and songwriter.
4. Tracy Chapman and Alice Walker
Grammy Award-winning artist Tracy Chapman and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Color Purple, Alice Walker, were rumored to once be an item. Can you imagine how deep their conversations must have been?
5. Damon Wayans and Stacey Dash
Before landing a co-starring role in Clueless, Stacey Dash made her break from television to film smaller black films, such as 1992’s Mo’ Money, written by and co-starring her ex-beau, Damon Wayans.
6. George Clooney and Kimberly Russell
In the mid-’90s, actor George Clooney and Head of the Class star Kimberly Russell were a thing.
7. Rick James and Linda Blair
What happens when you pair a self-proclaimed “Super Freak” with the actress best-known for her demon-possessed role in The Exorcist? We’re not exactly sure, but it happened back in the day.
8. D’Angelo and Angie Stone
These two ’90s neo-soul-era legends were an item long before the fame.
9. Bob Marley and Anna Wintour
Legend has it that fashion icon and the British editor-in-chief of American Vogue, Anna Wintour, had an intense, week-long fling with legendary international reggae star Bob Marley back in 1975 – and that she still regards him as the love of her life.
10. Seal and Tyra Banks
Before tying the knot with Heidi Klum, singer and serial ‘modelizer’ Seal and Tyra Banks dated back in the ’90s.
11. Jean-Michel Basquiat and Madonna
Aside from bringing hip-hop, post-punk and graffiti street art to the mainstream, neo-expressionist artist Basquiat had a relationship with the then upcoming singer Madonna.
12. Kobe Bryant and Brandy
In 1996, before Kobe became “black mamba,” he was pop-star Brandy’s date to her senior prom. Despite the prayers of Brandy’s mom, Mrs. Norwood, the two wholesome rising stars never became a thing.
13. Jay Z and Rosario Dawson
Before he traded Rocawear for couture designer suits, and back when lemonade was just a refreshing summer beverage, Hov dated the talented and savvy actress Rosario Dawson.
