On NCIS: LA, LL Cool J takes on notorious criminals as the beloved Sam Hanna. The CBS show is about to enter its 11th season, and it definitely wouldn’t be the same without the suave special agent.
Acting is only one of LL’s many talents, though. He rose to fame in the music industry with songs like “Doin’ It” and “Mama Said Knock You Out,” eventually winning two Grammy Awards and many other accolades.
LL’s proudest achievement, though, is likely his enduring relationship with his wife, Simone I. Smith. The two have been together for decades, which is an impressive feat, especially in Hollywood. Here’s what to know about LL and Simone.
LL and Simone have known each other a long time.
LL, whose real name is James Todd Smith, by the way, and Simone met in 1987 when they were teenagers. LL was apparently driving and stopped to say hi to a friend, who then introduced LL to Simone. They married in 1995 after 8 years of dating, and will celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary in 2019.
LL stuck by Simone’s side during her battle with cancer.
In 2004, Simone discovered a knot on her shin. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with stage 3 chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, according to Entertainment Tonight. She had to undergo a 15-hour surgery that required a “two and a half year recovery, where I had to learn to walk again.”
LL had her back throughout the entire process, even offering up his own fibula because “he felt it would be bigger and stronger.”
“You don’t abandon someone in that fox hole,” LL told Oprah Winfrey about his dedication to Simone during that difficult time. “You gotta be there in that fox hole with them.”
Fortunately, Simone has been cancer-free for 14 years. Now, the two pay it forward by raising awareness through the “Beat Cancer Like a Boss” campaign. A portion of the proceeds from Simon’s jewelry line are also donated to the cause.
They’re close with their four kids.
The famous couple are the proud parents of four kids, son Najee, 29, and their three daughters Italia, 28, Samaria, 23, and Nina, 18. Their family appears very tight-knit, and Simone and LL have taught them some important lessons.
“Almost every week, or every few days, he always pulls me aside and is like you can do anything you put your mind to,” his daughter told Oprah.
Compromise is the key to making their marriage work.
They’ve spoke out several times about how they’ve made their marriage last. A few of our favorite tidbits:
- “Putting God first, we both come from a spiritual background. And compromise, a lot of compromise. Picking your battles; respecting each other.” –Simone
- “Mutual respect and knowing how a person wants to be loved.” –LL
- “Being supportive of my wife is the easiest way to show true love.” –LL
Write these down, people!
Catch Up on "NCIS: Los Angeles"
Megan Stein is the executive editor for The Pioneer Woman, and oversees entertainment, features, and news for the website. Whether it's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, or re-watching the best '80s movies for the zillionth time, she's always here to talk about anything and everything relating to pop culture.
