Jane Kaczmarek, well-known for her role in the hit series *Malcolm in the Middle*, has opened up about her joyful new life following her recent marriage to Rusty Long. The couple, who reconnected at their 50th high school reunion, celebrated their wedding in July 2025 with a heartfelt ceremony in Wisconsin, surrounded by their family.
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In a recent appearance on *Good Morning America*, Kaczmarek, 70, spoke alongside her former co-stars Bryan Cranston and Frankie Muniz. During the interview, she commented on their upcoming project, *Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair*, referencing the nostalgia of their shared history as part of the show’s reboot.
Reflecting on her reunion with Long, Kaczmarek described the experience as a romantic fairytale. She revealed that a mutual friend facilitated their reconnection, leading to their wedding just months later. “We got back together and we got married this summer,” she recounted, highlighting the remarkable turn of events that led to their current happiness.
The couple is currently dividing their time between their homes in Mequon, Wisconsin, and Pasadena, California. Kaczmarek shared a bit about their daily lives, noting that Long continues to practice as a corporate bankruptcy attorney. She expressed clear contentment with this arrangement, stating, “Life couldn’t be better.”
Before their reunion, both Kaczmarek and Long had experienced significant life events—Kaczmarek was previously married to actor Bradley Whitford, with whom she shares three children: Frances, 28, George, 26, and Mary Louisa, 23. They divorced in 2010. Long, on the other hand, has two children and two grandsons, aged 7 and 11.
Kaczmarek recently discussed their romantic journey in more detail with *PEOPLE*, recalling their immediate connection after reuniting. She described how they spent the evening reminiscing at her family home, where they shared a spontaneous kiss on a couch that hadn’t been updated since the late 1960s.
The couple’s relationship deepened over the following months, leading to an unforgettable moment at a Robert Burns-themed gathering in Pasadena in February 2025. During the event, Long publicly professed his love for Kaczmarek while proposing marriage, declaring, “I’ve been in love with Jane my entire life.” This romantic gesture left Kaczmarek feeling elated and overwhelmed by the depth of their connection.
Their wedding on July 5, 2025, was a family affair, with all three of Kaczmarek’s children present, as well as Long’s children and grandchildren. The ceremony took place in a rustic barn in Wisconsin, a setting Kaczmarek felt was a fitting backdrop for their storybook romance.
Kaczmarek reflected on the unique nature of their relationship, which has blossomed later in life. “You can be really corny because part of you is still feeling like a high school kid,” she mused. Additionally, she acknowledged the significance of their journeys—both having previously navigated relationships and family life—before finding each other at this moment in time. “It’s at that part of your life now where we both had other spouses. Our children are raised, our careers have gone well. It’s like a fairy tale.”
As Kaczmarek steps into this new chapter, she carries with her the warmth of rekindled love and the joy of family. Fans can catch her return to the screen with the premiere of *Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair*, set to debut on April 10 on Hulu and Disney+.