At a Glance
- Sarah Michelle Gellar says a simple rule keeps her marriage to Freddie Prinze Jr. strong: separate bathrooms.
- The couple, married since 2002, are entering their 24th year together.
- Their advice? Quality time, respect, and the habit of carving out moments each day.
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. have been married for more than two decades, and the secret to their enduring partnership is surprisingly simple. At the premiere of Netflix’s Star Search, where Gellar serves as a judge, she revealed the one rule that has never led the couple astray: separate bathrooms.
The Rule That Keeps the Spark
During an interview with E! News on Jan. 20, Gellar, 48, explained her logic. “Separate bathrooms. That’s what I always say,” she told the outlet. The practice, she said, keeps the relationship “sexy and preserves the sexy,” a sentiment echoed by fellow Star Search judge Chrissy Teigen, who also maintains separate spaces with her husband John Legend.
The rule is not about secrecy but about giving each partner room to unwind. Gellar noted that the simple act of having a private space has helped her and Prinze keep the romance alive and avoid daily friction.
A Decade of Love and Friendship
Gellar and Prinze tied the knot in 2002 and have celebrated 24 years together this year. Their marriage has been built on a foundation of friendship, a trait Prinze highlighted in a July 2025 interview with Variety. “Marriage is hard, no matter what business you’re in. What works for us might not work for everyone else. We work at it,” he said. “I’m not perfect. She’s not perfect. We piss each other off, but we respect one another.”
The couple has two children: daughter Charlotte Grace, born in 2009, and son Rocky James, born in 2012. Their family life is often described as a blend of work and play, with both parents actively involved in their children’s upbringing.
| Milestone | Date | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage | 2002 | Gellar and Prinze wed |
| Charlotte Grace born | 2009 | First child |
| Rocky James born | 2012 | Second child |
| 24th anniversary | 2026 | Couple enters 24th year |
Advice From the Couple
Gellar has long shared practical tips for keeping a marriage strong. In a 2016 interview with News Of Los Angeles, she emphasized the importance of daily attention. “Take the 10 minutes. Put the phone down. Have a cup of coffee together. Walk the dog at the end of the night. Read a story with your kids,” she advised. “We are all pulled in so many directions, so make sure that, whichever one you are focusing on, you’re present.”
Prinze echoed this sentiment, stressing that hard work is essential. “It takes hard work, no matter what,” he said. He added that the couple’s friendship was a key element: “We first became friends, and that’s why we’ve been able to navigate the ups and downs of married life.”
The Power of Separate Spaces
Chrissy Teigen’s approach mirrors Gellar’s. Teigen told the same outlet that having a designated separate space helps her and Legend keep the romance alive. “Anything to keep the sexy and preserve the sexy- including designated separate spaces-is worth the effort,” she added.
The idea of separate spaces has become a symbol of mutual respect. By giving each other room to breathe, the couples demonstrate trust and understanding-essential ingredients for a long-lasting relationship.
Key Takeaways
- Separate bathrooms is a simple yet effective rule that has helped Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. maintain a strong marriage.
- The couple’s foundation in friendship and daily attention-such as spending 10 minutes together without distractions-has kept their bond healthy.
- The practice of giving each partner space is echoed by other high-profile couples, suggesting its broader applicability.
- Their story offers a blueprint for couples seeking to balance intimacy, independence, and mutual respect.
The longevity of Gellar and Prinze’s marriage serves as a reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions are the simplest. By carving out space and time for one another, they have built a partnership that endures beyond the spotlight.
