Why defiant Demi is a true Hollywood survivor

She and Ashton share an interest in humanitarian issues and their Kabbalah faith.

These convictions and the sense of fun fans noticed in their flirty Twitter exchanges kept the couple together.

Despite the initial scepticism caused by their age difference – he is 15 years her junior – they have been married since 2005.

"I have a great gift of being with somebody who loves me and supports me.

"We share a connection that allows me to dig deeper within myself and look at things I was afraid to look at," she said shortly after their wedding.