**A Love Revisited: Jane Kaczmarek and Rusty Long’s Heartwarming Reunion**
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In a tale as sweet as nostalgia itself, Jane Kaczmarek, known for her role as the memorable mother Lois in the beloved sitcom *Malcolm in the Middle*, has shared her extraordinary love story with Rusty Long. Their paths first crossed as teenagers in 1971, and following a serendipitous reconnection at a high school reunion, they have rekindled their affection for one another, leading to joyous nuptials in July 2025.
Kaczmarek, now 70, reflected warmly on her teenage infatuation with Long, who was a star athlete on their high school tennis team at Greendale High School in Wisconsin. She fondly recalled a cherished moment when Long gifted her his ID bracelet from a trip to the state fair—an memento she still cherishes. However, as is often the case with youthful romances, their relationship ended when they graduated and went their separate ways.
Long, now 71, pursued a career in law while remaining active on the tennis court, and Kaczmarek immersed herself in the performing arts, eventually landing her iconic television role. Both went on to marry and have children, with Kaczmarek welcoming three kids with actor Bradley Whitford before their divorce in 2010. Long, too, has raised a family and is now a grandfather to two grandchildren.
The spark of their youthful romance lay dormant for decades until it was reignited during Kaczmarek’s return to her hometown for her 50th high school reunion. Encouraged by her best friend Connie, she eagerly agreed to reconnect with Long. The reunion unfolded seamlessly during a group dinner, and Kaczmarek described the moment as immediate, with long-buried feelings surfacing once again.
She reminisced about a particular Linda Ronstadt song that had always reminded her of Long, and it became apparent that her affection had not faded with time. That evening, Long walked Kaczmarek home, even introducing himself to her mother, and the pair soon found themselves sharing intimate moments on her living room couch—a space untouched since 1968.
Their reconnection blossomed into nightly phone calls, where the two would engage in lengthy discussions about literature, films, and their shared love of classical music. Kaczmarek was pleasantly surprised by how much Long had matured, leading her to proclaim, “I could not make up a better man in my life right now than you.”
The duo’s relationship reached a pivotal moment in February 2025, at a Robert Burns-inspired event in Pasadena, California. Surrounded by friends and festive decor, Long made a toast to Kaczmarek, declaring his lifelong love for her and proposing on the spot. “It was heaven,” she recalled, and with the encouragement of those present, Kaczmarek said yes.
The couple’s blended families were thrilled with the new union. Kaczmarek’s children welcomed Long with open arms, enjoying his familiar charm and wishing to see their mother in love again. “Their father had gotten remarried a couple of years earlier, so the children wanted to see me happy as well,” she explained, underlining the importance of family support in this new chapter.
The wedding took place on July 5, 2025, in a rustic barn setting in Saukville, Wisconsin, surrounded by friends and family. The celebration featured a string quartet and elements of Wisconsin culture, including local delicacies such as walleye pike fish and cheese curds. It was a day filled with joy and nostalgia, perfectly uniting their past and present.
Now happily married, Kaczmarek and Long split their time between Wisconsin and Pasadena, balancing their family lives and celebrating the love that has stood the test of time. Together, they share newfound insight—something Kaczmarek attributes to her most famous role as Lois. “Trust your instincts,” she advises, drawing parallels between the lessons learned through her character and their journey together.
In reflecting on their delightful rekindling of romance, Kaczmarek acknowledged the underlying teenage excitement that persists. “You can be really corny because part of you is still feeling like a high school kid,” she said, capturing the essence of their fairy-tale reunion. With their children grown and careers flourishing, this chapter of their lives is one filled with renewal and hope.
Fans eager to catch more of Kaczmarek can look forward to *Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair*, which premieres on April 10, 2024, on Hulu and Disney+. As she embraces both her on-screen and off-screen life, Kaczmarek’s heartwarming love story with Long serves as a beautiful reminder that true love can transcend time and circumstance.