James Garner was one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading men, but his longest love story happened far away from the cameras.

In 1956, Garner met Lois Clarke at a party. The connection was almost immediate. After dating for only about two weeks, they married — despite friends and family reportedly questioning whether two people from such different backgrounds could make it work.

They did, but their marriage wasn’t the perfect Hollywood fairy tale fans might imagine.

James and Lois went through difficult periods and separated twice, including a lengthy separation beginning in 1979. Garner later rejected rumors that another woman was responsible, instead pointing to the enormous stress and pressures surrounding his career.

Eventually, they reconciled and remained together.

When Garner died in July 2014 at age 86, the couple were just weeks away from celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary.

Their relationship survived fame, pressure, separation and reconciliation.

Perhaps that’s what made their story so remarkable: it wasn’t perfect — but after everything, they still found their way back to each other.