In a world where celebrity marriages usually last about as long as a limited-run Broadway revival, Patti LuPone is an outlier. She doesn't do things halfway. When she takes the stage, she commands it; when she stays in a marriage, she stays in it for decades. People are often surprised to find out that the woman who played the famously lonely Norma Desmond has been blissfully settled for nearly forty years.
Is Patti LuPone married? Yes. She’s been married to Matthew Johnston since 1988.
Honestly, it’s one of those rare Hollywood success stories that doesn’t get enough airtime. Maybe it’s because there’s no drama to report. No messy tabloid splits or "source" leaks about trouble in paradise. Just a woman, her husband, and their life in rural Connecticut.
Who is Patti LuPone's Husband, Matthew Johnston?
Matthew Johnston isn't a Broadway belter or a leading man. He’s a camera operator. They met back in the mid-80s on the set of the TV movie LBJ. Patti was playing Lady Bird Johnson. Matt was behind the lens.
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There’s something kinda poetic about a Broadway titan falling for the guy who literally sees her through a different perspective. While she’s the one in the spotlight, he’s been the steady hand behind the scenes. They’ve managed to keep their private life remarkably low-key, considering Patti's reputation for being, well, outspoken.
They didn't just have a standard church wedding. No, Patti chose the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center. They tied the stage on a day off from her run in Anything Goes. Imagine that: getting married on the very stage where you’re currently starring in a hit musical. It’s the ultimate theater-kid dream, only it was real life for her.
The Secret to a 36-Year Marriage (and Counting)
In 2026, looking back at a marriage that started in the 80s feels like looking at a relic from a different era. But they're still going strong. They have one son, Joshua Luke Johnston, who was born in 1990.
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Joshua actually followed them into the "family business" to some extent. He’s done some acting and even worked with his mom on documentary projects. You’ve probably seen photos of the three of them on red carpets occasionally. They look like a normal, happy family—mostly because they are.
Why It Works
- Distance from the Drama: They live in Kent, Connecticut. It’s far enough from Times Square to let the "diva" persona rest.
- Shared Professional Language: Even though he’s behind the camera and she’s in front, they both understand the grind of production.
- Privacy: You won't find them oversharing on Instagram every five minutes.
What Most People Get Wrong About Patti's Personal Life
People often mistake Patti’s fierce stage presence for her actual personality at home. She’s famously tough on audiences who use cell phones (and rightfully so), but friends describe her as incredibly loyal and grounded.
Before Matt, she had a high-profile, seven-year relationship with Kevin Kline. They were Juilliard classmates and Acting Company members together. She’s been open about that being a "painful" time. It was a classic case of two massive talents clashing during their formative years. Finding Matt Johnston seemed to provide the stability she needed to balance out the chaos of a legendary career.
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Still Married in 2026?
Yes, they are still very much together. Recently, Patti has been doing more screen work—think Agatha All Along and Beau Is Afraid—and Matt is often right there with her. When she gave up her Equity card a few years back, it signaled a shift in her life, but her marriage remained the one constant.
They spend their time in their Connecticut home, which Patti has described as her "sanctuary." It’s where she went during the pandemic, and it’s where she recharges between projects.
If you're looking for the drama, you'll have to find it in her performances. Her marriage is, by all accounts, the least dramatic part of her life. And for a woman who has spent fifty years playing characters in crisis, that's probably exactly how she wants it.
Actionable Takeaway for Fans
If you want to keep up with Patti without the tabloid fluff, look for her interviews in The New Yorker or The New York Times. She tends to be most candid there about how her family life fuels her work. Also, if you ever see her live, put your phone away. Respecting the craft is the best way to show love to the woman who has given us so much on stage while keeping her private life exactly that: private.