LL Cool J of NCIS: LA Has Been Married for 24 Years - Meet His Wife Simone Smith

The "NCIS: LA" star LL Cool J is best known to fans as Sam Hanna who catches criminals on the hit CBS show. Besides his wonderful career, one of his greatest achievements is his enduring relationship with his wife of over two decades, Simone Smith.

When LL Cool J is not busy catching notorious criminals on TV, he invests his time pursuing his other passions including music.

The actor is a pretty successful musician, too, with two Grammy Awards and many other accolades to show for it.

Amid the hustle and bustle of his busy life, LL has also been able to be there for his wife Simone I. Smith, who he has been together with for decades.

The duo has known each other since they were teenagers. Their love has endured the test of time ever since they tied the knot in 1995.

THROUGH THICK AND THIN

LL and Simone were in a relationship for eight years before getting married. The couple has been through it all, and LL was at his wife's side even when she was fighting for her life.

Back in 2004, Simone discovered a knot on her shin. After visiting a doctor to get it checked, she was diagnosed with stage 3 chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.

After going through a 15-hour surgery, she was able to make a full recovery. However, it took her two and a half years to recover.

LL was with her through it all. In an interview with Oprah, he opened up about his dedication to his wife.

“You don’t abandon someone in that fox hole. You gotta be there in that fox hole with them.”

Today, the couple works together to raise awareness about the deadly disease through the "Beat Cancer Like a Boss" campaign.

A LOVING FAMILY

LL and Simone are proud parents to their son Najee and their three daughters Italia, Samaria, and Nina.

Like any other married couple, their marriage is also riddled with compromises but they never disrespect one another.

According to LL, being supportive of his wife has been the easiest way to show true love.