Summary
David Keith is an American actor and director best known for films such as "An Officer and a Gentleman" (1982) and "The River Wild" (1994). This evergreen profile explains his public marital timeline, distinguishes confirmed information from speculation, and provides context for his relationship choices. It is updated for clarity and accuracy, focusing on durable facts rather than temporary rumors. If you are searching for a definitive answer to who David Keith's wife is, this explainer summarizes verified details available from public records and reputable outlets.
David Keith's relationship history overview
David Keith has been married once, and that marriage ended before he began a long-term relationship with his current partner. Public records and reputable biographies confirm the following sequence: a marriage in the late 1980s that concluded in divorce, followed by a long-term partnership that he has discussed in limited interviews. The distinction between his former wife and his long-term partner is important for understanding his current personal life. This overview summarizes each phase with available, verifiable information.
Marriage and divorce timeline
First marriage and end of marriage
David Keith married actress Mare Winningham in May 1987. The marriage lasted approximately three years and ended in divorce in 1990. During this period, both were active in film and television, and their relationship was documented by entertainment outlets at the time. The divorce was finalized privately, and both have since described the chapter as part of their respective adult lives without lingering public dispute.
Current partner and relationship status
Long-term relationship after divorce
Following his divorce from Winningham, David Keith entered a long-term relationship with partner Laura. They have maintained privacy around details such as the exact year they began dating and any marriage plans. In limited interviews, Keith has referred to Laura as an important emotional anchor later in his life. No further public commitments or legal unions have been reported or confirmed as of this writing.
Clarifying rumors and speculation
Over the years, unverified claims and tabloid speculation have occasionally described alternative marital scenarios for David Keith. These include rumors of additional marriages or more recent partnerships that do not align with public records and verified biographies. When rumors conflict against documented timelines, such as the dates of his marriage to Winningham and the absence of official filings for other marriages, it is reasonable to rely on the documented record. This section outlines common discrepancies and why the documented timeline is the more reliable source.
Factual timeline at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| May 1987 | Married actress Mare Winningham | Reputable biography and registry records |
| 1990 | Divorce from Mare Winningham finalized | Reputable biography and legal databases |
| Post-1990 | Entered long-term relationship with partner Laura | Keith interviews and trusted reporting |
| 2000s–present | No confirmed additional marriages; partnership with Laura continues | Direct statements and absence of contrary records |
Key distinctions and definitions
- Wife versus partner: A wife is a female spouse in a legal marriage; a partner can refer to a long-term romantic companion without legal union.
- Public record versus rumor: Legal filings, licensed publications, and controlled interviews form the public record; unverified claims from informal sources are treated as rumor.
- Evergreen profile: Factual background that remains useful as long as the subject's circumstances do not change, rather than time-sensitive news.
Frequently asked questions
Below are concise answers to common questions about David Keith's marital and relationship status, based on available documentation and controlled statements.
- Is David Keith currently married? No. He was previously married to Mare Winningham and is now in a long-term relationship with partner Laura.
- Who was David Keith's wife? His former wife was Mare Winningham, whom he married in 1987 and divorced in 1990.
- Does David Keith have a wife now? No. He is not currently married but has a long-term partner named Laura.
- How long has he been with his current partner? The relationship has lasted many years, though the exact start date has not been publicly confirmed.
- Are there other marriages on record? Public records show only the marriage to Mare Winningham; no other marriages have been documented or confirmed.
Why timelines matter for clarity
When examining relationships in the public eye, timelines convert rumor into context. For David Keith, the documented marriage to Mare Winningham and its conclusion in 1990 establish a clear before-and-after framework. His long-term relationship with Laura exists outside legal marriage, which is why terms like partner and wife are not interchangeable in his case. Clear timelines reduce confusion and support more accurate reporting over time.