Taxi Star Marilu Henner's 18-Year Marriage with Husband Michael After Reconnecting Decades Later

The couple first met as college students in the 1970s before reuniting years later and overcoming Michael's cancer diagnosis.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 11:15pm

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Marilu Henner and Michael Brown have been married for almost two decades, but their relationship dates back over 50 years. The two first met as college students at the University of Chicago in the 1970s, when Michael was dating Marilu's roommate. After going their separate ways, they reconnected in 2003 and quickly fell in love, marrying just two months later. Their relationship was tested when Michael was diagnosed with lung and bladder cancer shortly after, but Marilu committed herself to being his caregiver. Michael credits Marilu's support for helping him through his health challenges, and the couple has remained strong ever since.

Why it matters

This heartwarming story highlights the power of perseverance and second chances in relationships. Despite losing touch for decades, Marilu and Michael were able to rekindle their connection and build a lasting marriage, even overcoming a serious health crisis together. Their story is an inspiring example of how true love can endure over time.

The details

Marilu and Michael first met as college students at the University of Chicago in the 1970s, when Michael was dating Marilu's roommate. After their breakup, Marilu and Michael remained friends. Years later in 1980, Marilu invited Michael to her wedding to Frederic Forrest, but he never received the details. Marilu went on to marry Robert Lieberman in 1990 and have two children before divorcing in 2001. In 2003, Marilu reconnected with Michael through a mutual friend and the two quickly fell in love, marrying just two months later. Shortly after, Michael was diagnosed with lung and bladder cancer, but Marilu committed herself to being his caregiver. Michael credits Marilu's support for helping him through his health challenges, and the couple has remained strong ever since.

  • Marilu and Michael first met as college students at the University of Chicago in the 1970s.
  • In 1980, Marilu invited Michael to her wedding to Frederic Forrest, but he never received the details.
  • Marilu married Robert Lieberman in 1990 and had two children before divorcing in 2001.
  • In 2003, Marilu reconnected with Michael through a mutual friend.
  • Marilu and Michael married just two months after reconnecting in 2003.

The players

Marilu Henner

An American actress best known for her role in the sitcom Taxi, who reconnected with her college friend Michael Brown decades later and married him in 2003.

Michael Brown

Marilu Henner's husband, whom she first met as a college student in the 1970s before reconnecting with and marrying in 2003.

Frederic Forrest

Marilu Henner's first husband, whom she married in 1980.

Robert Lieberman

Marilu Henner's second husband, whom she married in 1990 and had two children with before divorcing in 2001.

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What they’re saying

“He's the love of my life. I've already had two husbands. This is the guy.”

— Marilu Henner

“You instinctively think, 'This is a death sentence,' but as long as you put one foot in front of the other, gather a support team, and gather people who believe in you and your journey and understand it's a fluid situation, then the whole time you'll feel stronger. I am grateful for Marilu's support as my own personal 'health concierge.' She made all of the challenges easier.”

— Michael Brown

“Having cancer was certainly a difficult and uncomfortable time of my life. But while it was hard on my body, it strengthened my relationship with Marilu. We had very open, honest conversations – right from the initial diagnosis all the way through deciding what treatment option would be best for us.”

— Michael Brown

“Most of all, use humor. Because humor will get you through so much.”

— Marilu Henner

The takeaway

Marilu Henner and Michael Brown's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and second chances in relationships. Despite losing touch for decades, they were able to rekindle their connection and build a lasting marriage, even overcoming a serious health crisis together. Their journey is an inspiring example of how true love can endure over time and the importance of cherishing the people who matter most in our lives.