Hamlet Co-Stars Emerson and Preston Celebrate 27 Years of Marriage

In October 2025, actors Carrie Preston and Michael Emerson celebrated 27 years of marriage. The couple first met 31 years ago while co-starring in a production of William Shakespeare's Hamlet at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

At the time, Preston, now 58, recalled being immediately attracted to Emerson, 71, but initially thinking he was gay. "The first day of rehearsal, in walks this guy in a three-piece suit. I was like, 'Who the hell's that guy?' I was like, 'Oh, he's gay,'" Preston said. However, her brother, who was also part of the Hamlet cast, set the record straight, informing Preston that Emerson was in fact straight.

After discovering Emerson's true orientation, Preston said she "started getting shy around him." But it seems the feelings were mutual, as Emerson soon began leaving flowers for Preston outside her door and inviting her to a party. Within a month of dating, Preston knew Emerson was the one she wanted to marry, though she didn't tell him that at the time.

Now, over three decades later, the couple's relationship has only grown stronger. Emerson recently had a recurring role on the second season of his wife's hit CBS legal drama, Elsbeth, playing a corrupt judge. The two have found great joy in collaborating professionally, with Preston noting the "ease" they share after being together for so long.