Lisa Rinna Reveals the Realities of Long-Term Marriage and the Essential Role of Therapy

TV star Lisa Rinna opens up about the "work" required for a long-term Hollywood marriage, citing mutual respect and therapy as keys to her union with Harry Hamlin.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 26, 2026, 3:28 AM EST

Source: BANG Premier

Pulling Back the Curtain on a Hollywood Union

During an appearance on the Dinner's on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson podcast, Lisa Rinna offered a rare, unvarnished look at her marriage to Harry Hamlin, which began in 1997. Rinna, widely known for her tenure on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, addressed the misconception that long-term celebrity marriages are effortless. She noted that raising a family in the high-pressure environment of Hollywood adds layers of difficulty that many "behind the curtain" struggles go unseen by the public. For Rinna, showing "humanity" means acknowledging that staying together for 29 years is a deliberate and often difficult choice.

The Critical Role of Mutual Respect and Therapy

Rinna identified mutual respect as the foundational element of her relationship with Hamlin. She warned that the moment partners begin to devalue one another, the integrity of the marriage is at risk. To combat the build-up of long-term resentment—which she noted can stem from issues buried twenty years in the past—she strongly advocates for professional intervention. "If you need to go to therapy, you go to therapy," Rinna stated, asserting that ignoring issues is not an option if a couple intends to grow together rather than apart. She described the process as "not cute all the time," but necessary for survival.

Transformative Analysis: De-Stigmatizing the "Work" of Marriage

Rinna’s commentary contributes to a growing trend among veteran celebrities who are actively de-stigmatizing the use of marital counseling. By framing marriage as "work" rather than a fairy tale, she challenges the "perfect" imagery often curated on social media and reality television. This approach humanizes the celebrity experience and provides a realistic blueprint for her audience. Her emphasis on "catching" resentment before it calcifies suggests a proactive mental health strategy that prioritizes emotional intelligence over the traditional Hollywood trope of dramatic public breakups.