Ann Leary’s explanation for her long marriage to Denis Leary is less a single secret than a mix of space, continued fascination, humor and a shared history. In a July 2024 report about her appearance on The Martha Stewart Podcast, she said that spending less time together—particularly early in their marriage—helped keep her interested in him.
What Ann Leary says helped their marriage last
In a July 8, 2024 report by People, republished by Yahoo Entertainment, Ann described time apart as important to her relationship with Denis. “I think that’s the key to a successful marriage,” she said, referring to not seeing one another as much as they might like, especially in the early years. The report presents excerpts from the podcast conversation rather than a full, independently verified transcript.
Ann also described what she continues to value in Denis: “I’m fascinated by him.” She said he is funny, that they get along, and that their long history gives them a bond they enjoy returning to. She mentioned frequent phone calls as another part of their connection.
That is Ann’s personal account, not a universal prescription. In her telling, distance mattered alongside affection, communication, humor and knowing one another over many years.
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How Denis has described their relationship
Denis offered a complementary perspective in a 2014 interview with Parade. Asked about the marriage, he said, “I have no funny answer.” He then expressed admiration for Ann: “Listen, I married up—she was way out of my league.” He also called her funny and described greeting her enthusiastically when she entered a room.
The comments come from different interviews, a decade apart: Ann’s 2024 account emphasizes space and ongoing interest, while Denis’s 2014 remarks stress admiration and affection. Both speak to humor, but neither presents a joint formula for a lasting marriage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The couple’s long history included a difficult period
Ann and Denis married in 1989, according to the July 2024 People report. In a separate 2024 interview with Jen Hardy, Ann said they had “been living together for over 40 years.” She also spoke candidly about a difficult stretch in the relationship that nearly ended their marriage, saying they worked through it and were still happily married at the time of that interview.
Ann connected that period to an earlier Modern Love essay about tennis. She said revisiting the experience was difficult for both her and Denis, and that her essay collection I’ve Tried Being Nice expands on the earlier piece. Her account describes a past challenge they worked through, not a current crisis.
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