Stars Who Found Love Away from the Spotlight: Surprising Couples Revealed!

The 2025 Oscars nominations marked a golden day for Zoe Saldaña.

In the category of Best Actress in a Supporting Role, the actress was acknowledged with a nomination for her role in “Emilia Pérez,” a film that garnered a total of 13 nominations, including consideration for Best Picture (view the complete list here).

Zoe joyously celebrated with her closest family members. She posted a series of happy memories she’s made with her loved ones, such as her husband Marco Perego-Saldaña, 10-year-old twins Cy and Bowie, and 7-year-old son Zen, on Instagram on January 23rd. The actress from Avatar wrote, “How today feels :-)” alongside the pictures.

In collaboration, Zoe and Marco have worked on several films, such as his first directorial project, “The Absence of Eden” (2023), and the short film “Dovecote” (2024). However, their relationship originated not in the limelight but rather high above it – approximately 3,000 feet up.

On an episode of “The Drew Barrymore Show” in April, the actress Scarlett Johansson reminisced about her encounter with the artist. She was on a Virgin America flight from Los Angeles to New York following Thanksgiving. They had a conversation and discovered that they had serendipitously crossed paths three years prior, each time with mutual apprehension. Marco, presumably, was thinking along the lines of “Here’s a stunning actress; I should try to win her over or sell her one of my paintings if I don’t.” Johansson, however, wasn’t particularly welcoming at the time.

He mentioned he had given his email to her friends for contact, “and in the evening, they emailed asking if I wanted to go out,” he continued. “I replied, ‘No, I’m not in the mood,’ to which she responded, ‘Womp womp.’ Not understanding its meaning, I simply replied, ‘OK.'” He went on to explain, “A month later, she texted me asking if she could visit my studio.” I gladly agreed, saying, “Yes, I would love that,” and she indeed came to the studio. From that day forward, we’ve never been apart.

Indeed, not every couple meets within the confines of Hollywood. A case in point is when Lana Del Rey, a renowned singer, wed a wildlife tour guide hailing from Louisiana, Jeremy Dufrene. Similarly, supermodel Bella Hadid found romance with her boyfriend from Texas, a cowboy named Adan Banuelos.

He shared with W Magazine in September 2024 that without horses, he would never have crossed paths with the person who became his heart’s delight. They first met at a horse exhibition.

To see more stars who formed a romance with a partner outside of the limelight, keep reading.

Adan Banuelos found the love of his life at a horse show, and his affection for Bella Hadid is as vast as the state of Texas where they first met. As he shared with W Magazine in September 2024, “If not for our shared love of horses, I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet the woman who stole my heart. At the time, I didn’t realize it was her – she’s stunning, and if I’d known, I might have stumbled over my words trying to talk to her. But fate brought us together, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate.

Matt Damon, the Academy Award winner, encountered his wife Luciana Barroso while filming the 2003 movie “Stuck on You” in Miami. At that time, she was working as a bartender. As he put it on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2011, “I spotted her from across a bustling room.” Today, they are proud parents of four daughters: Alexia, Isabella, Gia, and Stella.

Jennifer Lawrence, famously known for her role in The Hunger Games, has had the fortune of being married to art gallery director Cooke Maroney since 2019. Following the birth of their son Cy in 2022, they are now eagerly anticipating the arrival of their second child.

Keanu Reeves, famously known for his role in Matrix, first crossed paths with visual artist Alexandra Grant at a gathering in 2009. However, it wasn’t until the chilly month of November 2019 that they walked their first red carpet together as a couple.

Tech entrepreneur Michael Polansky proposed to music sensation Lady Gaga in April 2024, marking a romantic union that was foreseen even before they met.

Cynthia Germanotta, Gaga’s mother, had a premonition about the pair. She told her daughter, “I think I just met your future husband,” to which Gaga replied, “I’m not ready to meet my husband!” in September 2024, sharing this anecdote with Vogue.

The couple’s first encounter took place at a birthday party for Napster cofounder Sean Parker, whom Polansky has collaborated with on multiple projects, in December 2019. Intrigued and hopeful that Polansky would attend, Gaga went to the party. After several attempts to locate him, they eventually connected and engaged in a three-hour conversation that left an indelible impression.

Their subsequent conversations on the phone led to their first date and eventually living together during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She remarked to Vogue, “It was quite extraordinary,” she said. “For most of my life, I’ve been consumed by my career since I was a teenager. But the fortunate thing about this time was that it allowed me to fully immerse myself in my relationship. I encountered an incredibly supportive and loving individual who desired to understand me – beyond Lady Gaga.

In 2019, Lana Del Rey crossed paths with Louisiana wildlife tour guide Jeremy Dufrene. He shared on Instagram back then, “I never know who I might encounter during my tours, but it’s always a delight to meet @lanadelrey.”

Fast forward to August 2024, the “Summertime Sadness” singer and alligator expert, who had parted ways earlier, rekindled their connection, fueling romance speculations. In September of the same year, they decided to get married.

Del Rey expressed on an Instagram post by a fan account on Oct. 2 that “Jeremy is unique in every sense, simply outstanding, and we’re thrilled about it.

Brad Pitt stumbled upon a precious find in jewelry expert Ines de Ramon. The actor started dating Anita Ko’s vice president, who was previously married to “The Vampire Diaries” star Paul Wesley, in 2022 and they first appeared together on the red carpet at the 2024 Venice Film Festival.

Tay Dome (formerly known as Lautner) has gained a significant following of her own – boasting millions of followers on social media and co-hosting the podcast “The Squeeze” with husband Tay Lautner – yet she wasn’t as well-known when she began dating the former Twilight star in 2018. Taylor Lautner’s sister, Makena Moore, played cupid and brought them together. As Taylor shared on a 2022 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, “She suggested, ‘Host a game night, invite me and some friends over. I’ll bring Tay, she can just be one of the group.’ We got along well, and the rest is history.” At that time, Tay was pursuing a nursing degree, graduating in 2019. Although they married in 2022, Tay confessed in a social media video that she had a childhood crush on Robert Pattinson, one of Taylor’s Twilight costars. “She was Team Edward,” Taylor confirmed to Kelly Clarkson, joking, “She’s made amends for it now. I’m letting her make that mistake; it’s in the past. So she’s good now, but unfortunately, she wasn’t Team Jacob.

Jennifer Garner and her businessman partner John Miller began their romance in 2018.

Oprah Winfrey refers to Stedman Graham, her companion since 1986, as appropriately named due to his unwavering steadiness, much like a mountain. She describes him as calm, reliable, responsible, and patient.

Paul Rudd and his wife, Julie Yaeger, have been married since 2003. They are proud parents to their son Jack and daughter Darby. Their romance blossomed shortly after the Ant-Man star relocated to New York in the ’90s. As he shared on a 2015 episode of The Howard Stern Show, Julie used to work for a PR firm, and Paul joined the same firm following his role in Clueless, which hadn’t been released yet at that time. She was based in the New York office, and it was her supervision that brought them together.

Actress Zoe Saldana, known for her roles in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Star Trek”, tied the knot with Italian artist Marco Perego in 2013. Together they have three boys: Bowie, Cy, and Zen, who are their twin sons and younger son respectively.

2000 saw the union of Julia Roberts, a multiple Academy Award winner, and cameraman Daniel Moder, who crossed paths with her on the set of “The Mexican”. They tied the knot two years later and have since become parents to three adorable kids – twin children Hazel and Phinnaeus, as well as their son Henry.

The sentiment that love benefits the heart is echoed by actor and medical professional Ken Jeong, who has been wedded to his fellow physician Tran Ho since 2004. Together, they are proud parents to twin daughters named Alexa and Zooey.

In January 2000, Christian Bale, known for his role in The Dark Knight, tied the knot with Sibi Blazic, a former model, in Las Vegas. They have since become parents to two beautiful children. Their paths crossed on the set of Little Women in 1994, where Sibi was working as Winona Ryder’s personal assistant.

The lead vocalist of Bon Jovi, Jon Bon Jovi, was once seriously wounded in the heart during his teenage years in New Jersey. He tied the knot with his beloved high school sweetheart, Dorothea Hurley, in 1989. Together they are proud parents to a daughter named Stephanie and sons Jesse, Jake, and Romeo.

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but share this delightful piece of news! The radiant Gal Gadot, who stole our hearts as Wonder Woman, has been walking hand-in-hand with her beloved Israeli husband, Jaron Varsano, since 2008. Together they’ve built a beautiful family, blessed with four wonderful daughters. Initially, Jaron was a real estate developer, but his passion for the silver screen led him to transform into a film producer.

In my line of work as a lifestyle expert, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many remarkable individuals. One such encounter that stands out is when I crossed paths with actor Julius Tennon on the set of the medical drama, City of Angels. It was then that I found myself reflecting on the serendipity of life, as I sensed in him the potential to be an answer to my deepest longings.

Fast forward to 2003, we tied the knot, and our journey together began. In 2011, we welcomed a precious addition to our family, our beautiful daughter Genesis. Julius also has children from his previous relationships, making our family even more diverse and rich.

Kate Winslet, an actress who’s won an Oscar, and her spouse, formerly known as Edward Abel Smith but now goes by Ned Rocknroll, have been wed since 2012. Together they have a son named Bear. In addition to Bear, she also has a daughter Mia and a son Joe from her two prior matrimonies.

Back in the vibrant world of entertainment on the set of the 2010 film “Burlesque,” I found myself crossing paths with Matthew Rutler, who was diligently working as a production assistant at that time. Our paths intertwined, and eventually, we found ourselves embarking on a journey together. Fast forward to February 2014, we officially announced our engagement, ready to create beautiful harmonies both on and off the set.

In the year 2008, comedian and author Wanda Sykes tied the knot with her spouse Alex Niedbalski. Together they are proud parents of twins Olivia and Lucas.

Actress Anne Hathaway, known for her role in The Devil Wears Prada, got married to Adam Shulman, a jewelry designer and actor/producer, in 2012. Interestingly, he crafted the engagement ring she wore himself. Together they have two sons named Jonathan and Jack.

Ever since 2015, I’ve been blessed to call the talented actress Amy Adams my wife and the artist Darren Le Gallo, my partner in life. Together, we’re overjoyed parents to our beautiful daughter Aviana.

In the year 1994, renowned hairstylist Jillian Fink crossed paths with Patrick Dempsey, a man destined to become a star on Grey’s Anatomy, at her hair salon. Three years down the line, they started dating and eventually tied the knot in 1999.

I, a devoted fan, can’t help but share the news that the brilliant Oscar-winning actor, Eddie Redmayne, has been blissfully married to the graceful Hannah Bagshawe since 2014. Together, they are the proud parents of our darling daughter, Iris, and their charming son, Luke.

In the role of love interests on “Family Ties”, Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan eventually developed a romantic relationship off-screen. They have been married since 1988 and share four children: their son Sam, twin daughters Aquinnah and Schuyler, and daughter Esmé.

2025-01-25 13:20

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