Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker

Matthew Broderick believes talking and being friends makes a successful marriage.

The 52-year-old actor - who has been wed to 'Sex in the City' star Sarah Jessica Parker since 1997 - revealed that their long-lasting marriage is based on "talking a lot".

He said: "We really are friends beyond everything else and we talk a lot.

"Keep talking I guess, I know how cliché that is. Too much silence is definitely not a good idea."

Matthew also praised his wife for her great sense of humour.

Speaking on the 'Meredith Vieira Show', he added: "She's really funny, she makes me laugh.

"That's good. I wish I had a better answer."

Meanwhile, Matthew previously revealed that he doesn't mind his wife reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend Robert Downey Jr.

He said: "Of course, he's more than [okay to connect her] - they're great friends! What would I say? No? Who do you think I am? No, I love Robert Downey and Sarah Jessica Parker so [yes they can meet up]."

The 49-year-old actress added: "[Robert] and I have always been on wonderful terms so ... of course I'm hospitable to that [meeting]!"

The comment came after Robert admitted that he'd like to meet up with his ex-girlfriend - who he dated for seven years in the 1980s.

He said previously: "I'll make a point of trying to see her while I'm here [in New York City]. I'd like to. I'll ask his permission. I just want to check in for a few minutes.

"I love Matthew Broderick. First of all, I respect both of them so much, and now we have to get past this conversation. For any situation like this, I think enough time has to pass. You don't have to make a big deal of it when the time is right."