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Friday, April 24, 2026

Expert reveals why one person always ages better in a couple

Hollywood isn’t known for long-term marriages and stability, but now and then, some celebrity couples get their ‘happily ever after’. 

Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith, who have been married for over 25 years, Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach’s 44-year marriage, and Michael and Shakira Caine’s 53-year union are among Tinseltown’s most enduring love stories. 

Their lives may be aligned, but are their looks? Striking before-and-after photos reveal the years have been kinder to one partner, plastic surgeon Dr Fadi Hamadani said. 

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are ‘ageing better’, the aesthetics expert told the Daily Mail. ‘Instead, they are managing the ageing process more consistently and earlier.’ 

This ‘proactive’ approach means 70-something male celebrities like 007 actor Pierce look just as good as their younger wives – if not better, according to Dr Hamadani.

There are exceptions, he continued, while pointing to Beatles legend Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara, whose ‘face ages’ are just as ‘aligned’ as their lives together. 

Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith, together for 25 years 

Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith in 1994...
...and the couple in 2025

Irish actor Pierce met his now-wife Keely Shaye Smith at a beach party in Mexico. They tied the knot seven years later in 2001

Pierce Brosnan married his second wife, journalist Keely Shaye Smith, in 2001 after seven years together. 

The Irish actor, now 72, shares two children with Keely, 62, who recently showed off a dramatic weight loss transformation after losing nearly 100 pounds or seven stone at the beginning of 2025. 

However, according to Dr Hamadani, dramatic weight loss can make you look older by highlighting volume loss.  

Giving his verdict, the expert said: ‘Pierce has maintained a very classic, well-aged look, while Keely’s recent weight loss will influence how her face is perceived.

‘Weight loss can initially highlight volume loss, but with the right approach – such as skin tightening and regenerative treatments – it can ultimately enhance definition and structure.’

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, together for 25 years 

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones in 1999...
...And the couple pictured together in 2017

Over two decades after they met in 1998, Michael, now 81, and Catherine are still going strong – but the Wall Street star shows the ‘expected ageing pattern in men’, Dr Hamadani said

Michael Douglas met his now-wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, who is 35 years his junior, at France’s Deauville American Film Festival in 1998. 

Over two decades later, Michael, now 81, and Catherine are still going strong – but the Wall Street star shows the ‘expected ageing pattern in men’, Dr Hamadani said. 

‘In Catherine Zeta-Jones’ case, her skin quality is what stands out most. It’s smooth, lifted and evenly toned, which typically points to long-term maintenance rather than dramatic change,’ he noted. 

‘With Michael Douglas, we see more of the expected ageing pattern in men – loss of volume, increased skin laxity and deeper lines.’ 

Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach, together for 44 years 

Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach in 1983
...And the couple pictured here in 2011

Ringo Starr, 85, and Barbara Bach, 78, have aged at a similar pace, said Dr Hamadani 

Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach, who have been married for 44 years, are a great example of ageing in a way that feels aligned rather than dramatically different despite their eight-year age difference, according to Dr Hamadani. 

‘They’ve both clearly taken care of themselves over time, but without chasing a noticeably “worked-on” look,’ he explained. 

‘When both partners age at a similar pace, it often comes down to maintenance rather than intervention.’

Michael and Shakira Caine, together for 53 years 

Michael and Shakira Caine in 1973
...And the couple pictured together in 2017

Michael Caine married Guyanese actress Shakira in 1973

Michael Caine, now 93, married Guyanese actress Shakira, now 79, during a Las Vegas ceremony in January 1973. 

Dr Hamadani said the couple show a more ‘traditional dynamic where the woman appears to have invested more in maintaining skin firmness and brightness’ and therefore looks younger. 

According to the aesthetics expert, Michael has aged very well, but more naturally, which often results in softer contours and deeper lines becoming more visible over time.

Gordon and Tana Ramsay, together for 29 years

Gordon and Tana Ramsay together in 1999
...And pictured here in 2017

Gordon and Tana Ramsay have been together for 29 years 

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and wife of 29 years, Tana, tied the knot on December 21, 1996. 

‘Tana’s complexion appears smoother and more even, which could suggest regular treatments to support skin quality and prevent deeper lines forming,’ Dr Hamadani noted. 

Meanwhile, Gordon still presents with more visible signs of ageing, particularly in skin texture, he continued. 

This is quite common, as men tend to start later and take a more reactive approach, whereas women often treat ageing more proactively. 

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, together for 38 years 

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson on their wedding day in 1988
...And the couple pictured here  in 2025

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson said ‘I do’ on April 30, 1988

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson said ‘I do’ in 1988 and have stayed committed to each other since.  

Dr Hamadani told the Daily Mail that Rita’s skin appears more refined and radiant, suggesting consistent skin treatments and likely a combination of subtle anti-wrinkle injections alongside collagen support. 

Meanwhile, ‘Tom has aged naturally and well, but without that same level of visible intervention,’ he added. 

Sting and Trudie Styler, together for 33 years

The couple seen here in 1992
...And the couple pictured here in 2017

After a decade together, Sting and Trudie Styler got married in London in 1992

Sting, now 74, and Trudie Styler, 72, were married in a civil ceremony in London in 1992, after ten years together. 

They have both aged ‘incredibly well’, said Dr Hamadani, ‘but in slightly different ways’. 

‘Trudie’s skin appears particularly well-maintained in terms of texture and luminosity, which often comes from a combination of in-clinic treatments and a strong at-home routine. 

‘Sting has a more lived-in look, which many men lean into, whereas women are more likely to explore options that preserve smoothness and definition.’ 

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, together for 43 years 

Kurt and Goldie together in 1987
...And the couple pictured here in 2017

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn have been together since the Eighties 

Kurt Russell, 75, and Goldie Hawn, 80, have been in a relationship since 1983 and share a blended family.

Their children include Boston Russell, Oliver, Kate Hudson and Wyatt.

Wyatt and Meredith have two children, and the actors are also grandparents to six other grandchildren.

‘Both Kurt and Goldie have aged recognisably and authentically, which is why people still find them so appealing,’ Dr Hamadani said. 

He added that the actress appears to have maintained brighter, smoother skin and more facial structure, which may be down to long-term skincare, healthy lifestyle habits and subtle aesthetic support over the years. 

‘Kurt has a more rugged, lived-in look, which suits him, but men often carry more sun damage and textural ageing because they historically have not been as diligent with SPF or skincare,’ the aesthetics expert noted. 

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, together for 40 years  

The TV presenters pictured here in 1991
...And the couple seen here in 2017

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan got married in 1986

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan may be ‘semi-detached’ professionally, but the presenters, who got married in 1986, are still just as enamoured with each other as the day they met. 

Dr Hamadani said: ‘Richard appears to have aged a little more gradually in the visible sense, while Judy often looks softer and fresher, which is something we commonly see when someone has prioritised skin quality over dramatic change. 

‘Judy’s smoother skin and more rested appearance may reflect a combination of good skincare, light anti-wrinkle treatments, skin boosters or collagen-supporting treatments that maintain hydration and texture without changing facial character.

‘Richard, on the other hand, still looks good but more naturally weathered, which often comes down to lifestyle, sun exposure and men being less proactive with preventative treatments.’

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