Then & Now Hot Couples

UPDATED 10/19/2009 at 01:00 AM EDT • Originally published 10/19/2009 at 01:00 AM EDT

1981

PRINCE CHARLES & PRINCESS DI

The shy kindergarten teacher wed the British heir to the throne before a world TV audience of 750 million—but there was no happy ending.

1988

LONI ANDERSON & BURT REYNOLDS

The couple wed six years into their relationship, but divorced six years later.

1973

JACK NICHOLSON & ANJELICA HUSTON

They fell in love within days of meeting at a Hollywood party and began a 17-year on-and-off romance.

1982

FARRAH FAWCETT & RYAN O'NEAL

Theirs was an up-and-down romance, but O'Neal was at Fawcett's side when she died.

1986

TOMMY LEE & HEATHER LOCKLEAR

The rocker inked his love for the then-Dynasty star on his forearm—a black rose emblazoned with her name.

2006

TOM CRUISE & KATIE HOLMES

The movie star told the New York Times Style magazine, "I knew I wanted to marry Kate when I met her."

1992

COURTNEY LOVE & KURT COBAIN

The rockers' intense and volatile union produced daughter Frances Bean.

2008

ELLEN DEGENERES & PORTIA DE ROSSI

DeGeneres said she was "the luckiest girl in the world" when she wed De Rossi.

1992

MICHELLE & BARACK OBAMA

The future First Lady was the President-to-be's law firm mentor when they started their romance.

2005

ANGELINA JOLIE & BRAD PITT

Arguably the most chronicled—and scrutinized—couple in showbiz history.

FOR MORE HOLLYWOOD ROMANCES GO TO PEOPLE.COM/35TH