Who Is Sam Waterston’s Wife? Meet Barbara Rutledge Johns & Lynn Louisa Woodruff

Sam Waterston is a legendary actor who has been gracing the screen and stage for over five decades. He is best known for his roles as Jack McCoy on Law & Order, Charlie Skinner on The Newsroom, and Sol Bergstein on Grace and Frankie.
But who is the woman behind this talented and versatile star? In fact, Waterston has been married twice in his life, and both of his wives have interesting stories of their own. Let’s meet them and learn more about their relationships with Waterston.
First Marriage to Barbara Rutledge Johns
Sam Waterston was married to Barbara Rutledge Johns from 1964 to 1969. They met when they were both students at Yale University, where Sam studied drama and Barbara studied art history. They got married shortly after graduation and moved to New York City, where Sam pursued his acting career and Barbara worked as an editor for Harper’s Bazaar magazine.
However, their marriage did not last long and they divorced after five years. The reason for their split is not clear, but some sources suggest that they grew apart due to their busy and different careers. They did not have any children together.
Quick Info

Name | Sam Waterston |
---|---|
Birth Name | Samuel Atkinson Waterston |
Birth Date | November 15, 1940 |
Birth Place | Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Occupation | Actor, producer, director |
Ethnicity | English, Scottish |
Nationality | American |
Religion | Episcopalian |
Spouses | Barbara Rutledge Johns (1964-1975), Lynn Louisa Woodruff (1976-present) |
Children | James Waterston, Elisabeth Waterston, Katherine Waterston, Graham Waterston |
Awards | Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and others |
Notable Roles | Jack McCoy on Law & Order, Charlie Skinner on The Newsroom, Sol Bergstein on Grace and Frankie, Sydney Schanberg in The Killing Fields, Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby, and others |
Profile | IMDB- @nm0001832 Wikipedia- @Sam_Waterston Homepage- Newsunzip |
Second Marriage to Lynn Louisa Woodruff
Sam Waterston found love again in 1976 when he married Lynn Louisa Woodruff, a former fashion model. Lynn was born in Detroit, Michigan, and started modeling at the age of 15. She became one of the most successful models of the 1970s, appearing on the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and other magazines. She also modeled for designers such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Halston.
He and Lynn met through a mutual friend, actress Jill Clayburgh, who was Sam’s co-star in the film Rancho Deluxe. They hit it off right away and got married in a small ceremony in New York. They have been together for over 50 years and have three children: James, Katherine, and Elisabeth.
Children and Their Careers
Sam Waterston and Lynn Louisa Woodruff have three children who are all involved in the entertainment industry in some way.
- James Waterston is the oldest son of Sam and Lynn. He was born in 1969 and followed his father’s footsteps into acting. He has appeared in films such as Dead Poets Society, The Good Shepherd, and Anesthesia, as well as TV shows such as The Blacklist, Elementary, and The Good Fight. He is also a musician and plays the piano and guitar.
- Katherine Waterston is the middle child and the only daughter of Sam and Lynn. She was born in 1980 and also became an actress. She is best known for her roles in films such as Inherent Vice, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Alien: Covenant, and The World to Come. She has also appeared in TV shows such as Boardwalk Empire, The Third Day, and The Comey Rule.
- Elisabeth Waterston is the youngest child of he and Lynn. She was born in 1982 and is also an actress, but she mainly focuses on theater. She has performed in several Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, such as The Tempest, The Cherry Orchard, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Hamlet. She has also appeared in films such as The Prince and Me and Michael Clayton, and TV shows such as Law & Order and The Good Wife.
Sam Waterston and Lynn Louisa Woodruff’s Relationship Today

Sam Waterston and Lynn Louisa Woodruff are still happily married and living in Connecticut. They are both active in various causes and charities, such as Oceana, Refugees International, and the United Nations Children’s Fund. They are also proud grandparents of four grandchildren.
He and Lynn Louisa Woodruff are a perfect example of a lasting Hollywood couple. They have supported each other through their careers and raised a talented family. They have also maintained a low-key and private lifestyle, avoiding scandals and controversies. They are truly an inspiration for many fans and admirers.