The 5 Shocking Truths About Tim Robbins And Susan Sarandon's 23-Year 'Marriage' That Never Was

The question of whether Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon were married remains one of Hollywood’s most persistent and fascinating mysteries, even years after their highly-publicized split. The simple, definitive answer is no: the two Oscar-winning actors were never legally married, despite sharing a life, a home, and two children for over two decades. As of December 12, 2025, the latest updates on their lives reveal a surprising philosophical reason behind their conscious decision to forgo a wedding, a choice that defined their unique partnership from the moment they met on a baseball diamond movie set until their unexpected separation.

Their nearly 23-year relationship was a counter-cultural cornerstone in an industry obsessed with traditional unions. Their decision to remain unmarried was not an oversight but a deliberate statement on commitment, trust, and the institution of marriage itself. This deep dive explores the full timeline of their romance, the philosophical reason for their unmarried status, the details of their unexpected breakup, and what the two powerhouse actors are doing today.

Detailed Biography and Relationship Profile

The relationship between Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon was a true Hollywood power pairing, spanning the end of the 1980s through the 2000s. Their shared commitment to political activism and professional excellence made them one of the most respected—and scrutinized—couples in the industry.

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Susan Sarandon Profile

• Full Name: Susan Abigail Tomalin
• Born: October 4, 1946 (Age 79 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Activist
• Key Films: Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking (Oscar Winner), Bull Durham, The Client, Lorenzo's Oil.
• Previous Marriage: Chris Sarandon (1967–1979)
• Children: Eva Amurri (with Franco Amurri), John "Jack" Henry Robbins (with Tim Robbins), Miles Guthrie Robbins (with Tim Robbins).
• Current Status (2025): Unattached/Single, actively promoting new projects like The Fabulous Four and The Gutter.

Tim Robbins Profile

• Full Name: Timothy Francis Robbins
• Born: October 16, 1958 (Age 67 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: West Covina, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Writer, Producer
• Key Films: The Shawshank Redemption, Mystic River (Oscar Winner), Dead Man Walking (Director/Producer), Bull Durham, Jacob's Ladder.
• Previous Marriage: Gratiela Brancusi (2017–2022)
• Children: John "Jack" Henry Robbins (with Susan Sarandon), Miles Guthrie Robbins (with Susan Sarandon).
• Current Status (2025): Linked to filmmaker Reed Morano, with whom he attended the 2024 Academy Awards.

1. They Met on the Set of a Classic Sports Film

The epic, decades-long relationship began in 1988 on the set of the iconic baseball comedy, Bull Durham. Susan Sarandon, already an established star, played the role of Annie Savoy, a baseball groupie who takes a young, hot-shot pitcher under her wing. Tim Robbins, 12 years her junior, was cast as that pitcher, "Nuke" LaLoosh.

Despite the age difference—which was a major talking point for the tabloids at the time—their chemistry was undeniable both on-screen and off. The film’s success cemented their status as a Hollywood couple, and their professional lives often intertwined. Robbins would later direct Sarandon in the 1995 Oscar-winning drama, Dead Man Walking, a project that earned Sarandon her only Academy Award and Robbins an Oscar nomination for directing.

The couple's shared passion extended beyond film and into political activism. They were staunch, vocal progressives, often using their platform to champion causes and speak out on social issues, further solidifying their bond and public image as a unified force.

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2. The Surprising Reason They Never Said "I Do"

The single most compelling truth about their relationship is that their unmarried status was a deliberate, philosophical choice, not a mere formality they put off. For 23 years, the question "Why aren't they married?" followed them, and Sarandon was always candid with her answer.

Sarandon often stated that she believed marriage was an unnecessary institution that could lead to complacency. She famously said she "liked the idea of choosing to be with somebody" every day.

She felt that if a couple was not legally bound, they would be less likely to take each other for granted. In her view, the lack of a marriage certificate meant both partners had to actively work to earn the other's commitment, making the relationship stronger and more honest than a legally sealed union. This non-traditional approach became a hallmark of their relationship, challenging conventional ideas of commitment in Hollywood.

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3. Their Relationship Produced Two Talented Sons

Despite never marrying, the couple built a family together, raising two sons: John "Jack" Henry Robbins and Miles Guthrie Robbins. They also co-parented Sarandon’s daughter from a previous relationship, Eva Amurri.

Both Jack and Miles have followed their parents into the entertainment industry, becoming successful actors and musicians in their own right. Jack Henry Robbins is a writer and director, while Miles Guthrie Robbins is known for his acting roles in films like Blockers and *Halloween (2018)*, and is also a musician. The family remains close, often supporting each other's professional endeavors, demonstrating that a legal marriage was indeed not required for a deep and lasting familial bond.

4. The Shocking Split After 23 Years of Partnership

In 2009, after more than two decades together, the couple announced their separation, which came as a major shock to Hollywood and the public. The relationship had spanned 23 years, making it one of the longest non-marital partnerships in celebrity history.

The reasons for the split were kept relatively private, though Sarandon later opened up about the difficulty of the breakup. She confessed that she never thought the split would happen and that the end of the relationship was a period of intense grief and re-evaluation. She attributed the separation, in part, to growing apart and the natural evolution of two people over time.

Their separation in 2009 marked the end of an era, not just for them but for the public perception of non-traditional celebrity relationships. It proved that even the most committed, non-marital unions were not immune to the challenges of long-term partnership.

5. Where Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon Are Today (2025 Update)

The former partners have both continued their successful careers and personal lives, with recent updates showing they are moving forward in new directions.

Tim Robbins' Recent Relationships and Work

In a surprising turn, Tim Robbins, who avoided marriage with Sarandon, later secretly married actress Gratiela Brancusi in 2017. Their marriage, however, was short-lived, with Robbins filing for divorce in 2021, which was finalized in 2022.

More recently, in 2024, Robbins was publicly linked to Emmy-winning director and cinematographer Reed Morano, with the couple attending high-profile events together, including the Academy Awards. Robbins continues his prolific career as an actor, director, and activist.

Susan Sarandon's Current Status and Projects

Susan Sarandon, now in her late 70s, remains fiercely independent. As of 2025, she is single and "unattached," but has expressed she is "open to love" and dating, explicitly stating she is open to dating individuals of any gender.

She continues to be an active voice in social and political issues while maintaining a busy acting schedule, with recent projects like the comedy film The Fabulous Four and the indie film The Gutter. Sarandon's life post-Robbins has been a testament to her lifelong philosophy: that true fulfillment comes from personal choice and independence, not the confines of traditional labels.