When Ice T first met his future wife, Coco Austin, he knew he needed to deliver the line of the year to capture her attention. And fortunately for him, it worked like a charm. Their story, rich in humor and charm, began in late 2001 during a music video shoot, a moment that would set the stage for a lasting partnership.
During a 2017 interview with Access Hollywood‘s Mario Lopez, Ice T opened up about that fateful encounter with Coco. He reminisced about the first thing he noticed about her — her captivating smile (Ice T humorously noted that it was “her teeth”). Armed with that first impression and a burning desire to impress, he crafted the perfect line to break the ice.
What Ice T said next would change both their lives. In recalling their first exchange, he revealed the distinct words he used to pique her curiosity: “Would you ever consider dating a gangster rapper?” This bold opener certainly caught Coco off guard, prompting a playful response where she confessed, “I didn’t know what a gangster rapper was.” Her follow-up was just as charming: “Well, if he’s nice.” Ice T capitalized on this opening with a clever twist: “Well, baby, if you take the ‘N’ off ‘Nice,’ you get ‘Ice.'” This charming line not only broke the ice but also set the tone for their playful banter.
Watch Ice T tell the story of how he met Coco Austin here.
Fast forward to 2025, and Ice T and Coco celebrate an enduring love story, marked by over two decades of marriage. As they look forward to their 24th anniversary in January 2026, the couple’s life has blossomed with the addition of their daughter, Chanel, who at just 10 years old is already making waves on social media, boasting an impressive following of over 450,000 Instagram fans.
Ice T’s Insightful Take on Marriage
In a memorable 2023 interview with E! News, Ice T shared his wisdom on the secret to marital success. He offered a brilliant metaphor by comparing marriage to casting for a movie: “Getting married is like casting for a movie — you gotta pick somebody who’s ready for all the scenes.” He elaborated, emphasizing that life’s journey would include a mix of “fun scenes,” “sad scenes,” and even “fight scenes.” This perspective sheds light on the importance of choosing a partner who is prepared to navigate the rollercoaster of life together.
Ice T’s analogy stresses that commitment goes beyond just enjoying the highlights. Many people may only sign up for the “good part” of a relationship, but true partnerships require a willingness to embrace the entire film — the ups and downs and everything in between. This insightful approach to love and marriage showcases why Ice T and Coco have not only survived but thrived over the years.
Ultimately, Ice T and Coco Austin’s story illustrates the power of genuine connection, humor, and a shared journey through the many scenes of life. From a chance meeting on a music video set to a lasting partnership characterized by laughter and mutual support, their love story continues to inspire fans across the globe.