United Kingdom, May 19 -- Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett's relationship is founded on "mutual respect".

The 65-year-old actor has been married to Angela, 66, since 1997, and he's revealed the secret to their happy marriage.

Speaking to People, Courtney explained: "It's really about when my wife is happy, the land is happy. So I just try to [go], 'Does this work for you, baby?' It doesn't work . we're not doing that. And I think it's the mutual respect."

The loved-up couple always make sure to communicate their feelings about any big decisions.

The actor - who first met Angela at Yale's drama school in the early 80s - said: "You gotta talk about [it] and figure out which way . [you] want to go."

Angela previously claimed that fi...