In today’s world, many people meet their partners through dating apps—but not long ago, finding love often meant stepping into the real world. Even celebrities had to do the hard work of meeting and pursuing someone special.

Maureen McCormick, 67, best known for playing Marcia on The Brady Bunch from 1969 to 1974, experienced this firsthand. After the show ended, she faced personal struggles, including periods of addiction, eating disorders, and challenges adjusting to life outside the spotlight.

“I’ve been through a lot of hard times, but I take all those experiences and learn and grow from them,” McCormick told People in 2016. “I received treatment in a psych ward, entered and exited rehab, and prayed to God for guidance.”

During this challenging period, McCormick met a man at a concert who would change her life. In her autobiography Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice, she recalled:

“I turned around and saw this guy behind me. I’d never seen him before. He had dark hair, a great build, and chiseled features. I looked straight into his eyes and thought, ‘This is the man I’m going to marry.’”

Determined to get to know him, she began attending the same Bible studies and even sat near him at church. Her persistence paid off—they went on a first date, and the relationship blossomed.

Michael Cummings, her husband, shared in a 2015 interview:

“She was very honest with me from day one. She has always been an open book. Whatever comes up, we deal with it together.”

While their love was strong, it wasn’t without challenges. McCormick continued to work through her past struggles, at times pushing Cummings away. But he remained committed.

“Michael said that he’d made a life-long commitment and decided he was going to work at it until it’s unworkable,” McCormick wrote. “He thought child stardom had arrested my development, and in many ways he was right.”

Despite the ups and downs, the couple, who welcomed a child in 1989, will celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary on March 16. McCormick attributes their lasting love to their shared faith:

“The two of us had faith that our love, despite all of our problems, was real, strong, durable, and worth sticking around for. Our faith made us believe our love was real.”

It’s inspiring to see a celebrity couple overcome struggles and remain by each other’s side, proving that love, commitment, and shared values can endure even the toughest times.