Lynn Louisa Woodruff is a former American fashion model who became famous as the wife of well-known actor Sam Waterston. While many people know Sam from his role as Jack McCoy in the TV show “Law & Order,” fewer people know about the amazing woman who has stood by his side for nearly 50 years. Lynn’s story is about love, family, and choosing a quiet life over fame.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Lynn Louisa Woodruff |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | Late 1940s |
| Age | Mid-70s (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Former Profession | Fashion Model |
| Famous For | Wife of actor Sam Waterston |
| Married Since | January 26, 1976 |
| Children | Three (Elisabeth, Katherine, Graham) |
| Stepchildren | One (James Waterston) |
Early Life and Modeling Career
Lynn Louisa Woodruff was born in the United States during the late 1940s. Not much is known about her exact birth date or her childhood because she has always valued her privacy. What we do know is that Lynn grew up to become a successful fashion model during the 1970s.
In the world of fashion, Lynn became well-known for her beauty and style. She was tall, slim, and had a special look that made her stand out. During her modeling days, Lynn appeared on the covers of famous magazines like Vogue, Vogue Italia, and Cosmopolitan. These were some of the most important fashion magazines in the world, so appearing on their covers showed that Lynn was a top model.
The 1970s was a golden time for fashion, and Lynn was right in the middle of it. She was one of the highest-paid models of her time. Her career was going very well, and she could have continued to be a big star in the fashion world. However, everything changed when she met a certain actor.
Meeting Sam Waterston
The story of how Lynn met Sam Waterston is quite romantic. According to reports, they met around 1972. Some people say it was a blind date, while others believe they met when Sam was performing Shakespeare in Central Park in New York City. Either way, their meeting was the start of something special.
At the time they met, Sam was still married to his first wife, Barbara Rutledge Johns. Sam and Barbara had married in 1964 and had one son together named James. Sadly, that marriage ended in divorce in 1975. After the divorce, Sam and Lynn began dating seriously.
The connection between Lynn and Sam was strong from the beginning. They shared similar values and truly enjoyed each other’s company. It was clear to everyone around them that this was not just another Hollywood romance. They were building something real and lasting.
Marriage and Family Life
On January 26, 1976, Lynn and Sam got married. They chose to have a private, quiet wedding ceremony. This decision showed something important about Lynn’s character – she was never interested in big, showy events or constant attention from the media.
Together, Lynn and Sam have three children. Their first daughter, Elisabeth, was born on March 30, 1977, in Paris, France. Their second daughter, Katherine Boyer Waterston, was born on March 3, 1980, in Westminster, London. Their son, Graham, was born on April 29, 1983. Lynn also became a stepmother to James, Sam’s son from his first marriage.
What makes their family special is that many of the children followed their father into show business. Elisabeth became an actress, appearing in shows like “Law & Order.” Katherine also became a successful actress and is known for her role in the “Fantastic Beasts” movies. Graham chose to work behind the camera as a film producer and director. Even James became an actor and appeared in several TV shows.
Life Away from the Spotlight
After marrying Sam, Lynn made an important choice. She stepped away from her modeling career to focus on her family. This was not an easy decision because her career was going so well. But Lynn wanted something different from life. She wanted to be a wife and mother more than she wanted to be famous.
This choice shows Lynn’s values clearly. In a world where many people want attention and fame, Lynn chose the opposite. She chose privacy, family time, and a peaceful life. Over the years, she has supported Sam’s acting career without needing the spotlight for herself.
Lynn rarely gives interviews or appears in the media. She does sometimes attend red carpet events with Sam, especially when supporting their children’s projects. For example, she attended the premiere of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” to support Katherine. But these public appearances are rare and always have a purpose.
A Marriage That Lasts
In Hollywood, marriages often end quickly. Many celebrity couples split after just a few years. But Lynn and Sam are different. As of 2025, they have been married for nearly 50 years. This is unusual in any place, but especially in the entertainment world.
What is their secret? According to those who know them, their marriage is built on respect, trust, and real love. Lynn has always supported Sam’s career, and Sam has always valued Lynn’s strength and kindness. They raised their children together and faced life’s challenges as a team.
Sam has mentioned in interviews that Lynn helps keep him grounded. While he works in the sometimes crazy world of television and movies, Lynn provides a calm, stable home life. This balance has been important for their long and happy marriage.
Lynn Today
Today, Lynn is in her mid-70s and continues to live a quiet life away from the public eye. She and Sam are now grandparents and enjoy spending time with their family. They have built a life based on love, respect, and family values.
Lynn’s story reminds us that success can mean different things to different people. For some, success means fame and recognition. For Lynn, success means a loving marriage, wonderful children, and a peaceful life. She chose what made her happy, not what others expected from her.
Her Legacy
While Lynn may not be a household name like her husband, her impact is real. She raised talented children who are making their own marks in the entertainment world. She helped Sam become the successful actor he is today by giving him a stable, loving home. And she showed that it is possible to choose family over fame and still live a meaningful, happy life.
Lynn Louisa Woodruff’s story is about making choices that are right for you. She had a successful modeling career but chose family. She could have stayed in the spotlight but chose privacy. These choices have given her something many people want but few achieve – a long, happy marriage and a close, loving family.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Lynn Louisa Woodruff? Lynn Louisa Woodruff is a former American fashion model best known as the wife of actor Sam Waterston.
2. When did Lynn marry Sam Waterston? Lynn married Sam Waterston on January 26, 1976, and they have been together for nearly 50 years.
3. How many children does Lynn have? Lynn has three children with Sam: Elisabeth, Katherine, and Graham. She is also stepmother to James from Sam’s first marriage.
4. What was Lynn’s job before marriage? Lynn was a successful fashion model in the 1970s and appeared on covers of Vogue, Vogue Italia, and Cosmopolitan.
5. How old is Lynn Louisa Woodruff? Lynn was born in the late 1940s, making her in her mid-70s as of 2025.
6. Are any of Lynn’s children famous? Yes, her daughter Katherine Waterston is a well-known actress who appeared in the “Fantastic Beasts” movies.
7. How did Lynn and Sam meet? They reportedly met around 1972, possibly on a blind date or when Sam was performing in Central Park.
8. Does Lynn still work as a model? No, Lynn stopped modeling after getting married to focus on her family.
9. Why is Lynn not famous like her husband? Lynn chose to live a private life away from the spotlight, focusing on family instead of fame.
10. Is Lynn active on social media? No, Lynn values her privacy and does not have public social media accounts.
Read Next: Two Magazine
