Actresses Who Have Been Engaged But Never Married
The concept of marriage in Hollywood has evolved significantly over the decades as many stars choose to prioritize their careers and personal autonomy over legal unions. While engagement is often seen as a traditional step toward the altar some of the most successful women in the industry have opted to call off their plans or maintain long term partnerships without a marriage certificate. These actresses have navigated the complexities of high profile romances under the constant scrutiny of the public eye. Their stories highlight a variety of reasons for remaining unmarried from personal beliefs about the institution to the challenges of balancing fame with domestic life.
Abbie Cornish

Abbie Cornish is an Australian actress recognized for her work in ‘Bright Star’ and ‘Limitless’. She was engaged to mixed martial artist Adel Altamimi in 2019 after dating for a significant period. The couple later ended their engagement and Cornish has since kept her private life out of the spotlight. She has never been married and maintains a successful career in both independent and mainstream cinema. Cornish is also known for her talents as a musician and a poet.
Allison Janney

Allison Janney is a highly decorated actress known for her work in ‘The West Wing’ and ‘Mom’. She was engaged to computer programmer Richard Jenik for several years in the early two thousands. Janney has stated in interviews that she never felt a strong pull toward the institution of marriage. She has enjoyed a prolific career in Hollywood that includes winning an Academy Award for ‘I, Tonya’. The actress remains unmarried and continues to take on challenging roles in film and television.
Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood is a celebrated singer and actress who starred in the popular sitcom ‘Moesha’. She was engaged to basketball player Quentin Richardson in 2004 but the relationship ended shortly after. Brandy also previously claimed to be married to producer Robert Smith but later revealed that the union was never legal. She has a daughter from that relationship and has never officially entered into a marriage contract. The star continues to perform and act in various projects including the film ‘Cinderella’.
Brenda Song

Brenda Song became a Disney Channel star through her role in ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’. She was engaged to musician Trace Cyrus in 2011 after a high profile romance. Song is currently in a long term relationship with actor Macaulay Culkin and the couple has two children together. While they are reportedly engaged they have not yet held a wedding ceremony. Song has successfully transitioned into adult roles with projects like ‘The Social Network’ and ‘Dollface’.
Brie Larson

Brie Larson is an Academy Award winning actress recognized for her performance in ‘Room’. She was engaged to musician Alex Greenwald for several years during her rise to major stardom. The couple announced they were taking a break from their engagement in 2019 and ultimately went their separate ways. Larson has since become a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Captain Marvel. She has never been married and remains one of the most prominent young actresses in the industry.
Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron is an Academy Award winning actress known for her transformative role in ‘Monster’. She was in a long term relationship with actor Stuart Townsend for nearly a decade and he often referred to her as his wife. Although they exchanged rings and commitment they were never legally married. Theron later had a high profile relationship with Sean Penn that was rumored to involve an engagement. She has since focused on raising her two children as a single mother and has never been married.
Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson became a major star following her leading role in the ‘Fifty Shades’ film trilogy. She has been in a long term relationship with musician Chris Martin since 2017. While there have been numerous reports and rumors regarding a secret engagement the couple has never officially married. Johnson comes from a famous acting family and has established herself as a versatile talent in projects like ‘The Lost Daughter’. She remains unmarried and continues to take on high profile roles in the industry.
Danielle Campbell

Danielle Campbell gained widespread recognition for her role as Davina Claire in the television series ‘The Originals’. She began dating her former costar Colin Woodell and the couple announced their engagement in 2023. While they have shared their excitement with fans they have not yet set a date for a wedding. Campbell has been active in the industry since her debut in ‘Prison Break’ as a child actress. She remains unmarried while continuing to build her portfolio in dramatic television and film.
Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato started her career as a child actress on ‘Barney and Friends’ before finding massive success with Disney. She was engaged to actor Max Ehrich in 2020 after a whirlwind romance that captured significant media attention. The engagement was called off just two months later following a public series of events. Lovato has spoken candidly about her personal life and her journey toward self discovery. She has never been married and continues to release new music while taking on occasional acting roles.
Eiza González

Eiza González is a Mexican actress who transitioned to Hollywood with roles in ‘Baby Driver’ and ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’. She has been the subject of numerous engagement rumors throughout her career including a high profile relationship with Paul Rabil. Despite several public romances with famous figures she has never officially married. González continues to be a sought after talent in action films and dramatic series. She maintains a private personal life while her professional career continues to reach new heights.
Emma Roberts

Emma Roberts has built a diverse career with roles in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Scream Queens’. She was involved in a long term and often tumultuous relationship with actor Evan Peters. The pair became engaged in 2013 but ended their commitment after several years of being on and off. Roberts has since had other high profile relationships and became a mother in 2020. She has never been legally married and continues to focus on her thriving acting career.
FKA Twigs

FKA Twigs is an innovative musician and actress who appeared in the film ‘Honey Boy’. She was engaged to actor Robert Pattinson after a high profile and often scrutinized relationship. The couple ended their engagement in 2017 after three years of being together. FKA Twigs has since been involved in other notable relationships but has never chosen to marry. She remains a highly creative force in the entertainment industry known for her unique style and artistic vision.
Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere became a household name for her role in the television series ‘Heroes’. She was engaged to professional heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko for nine years. The couple shared a daughter but ultimately decided to end their relationship in 2018 without ever marrying. Panettiere has faced various personal challenges in the public eye but remains a respected actress for her work in ‘Nashville’. She has never walked down the aisle and continues to focus on her personal well being.
Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame on ‘American Idol’ before winning an Oscar for her role in ‘Dreamgirls’. She was engaged to professional wrestler and lawyer David Otunga for nearly a decade. The couple shared a son together but ultimately ended their long term relationship in 2017 without ever marrying. Hudson has since achieved the prestigious status of being an EGOT winner. She has never been married and currently hosts her own successful daytime talk show.
Jennifer Morrison

Jennifer Morrison is best known for her roles in the television series ‘House’ and ‘Once Upon a Time’. She was engaged to her ‘House’ costar Jesse Spencer after a romantic proposal at the Eiffel Tower. The couple called off their engagement in 2007 and Morrison later dated other actors in the industry. She has never been married and has expanded her career to include directing and producing. Morrison remains a popular figure among fans of dramatic television.
Karina Smirnoff

Karina Smirnoff is a professional dancer and actress known for her appearances on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and the film ‘Shall We Dance?’. She has been engaged multiple times including high profile commitments to Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Brad Penny. Smirnoff also announced an engagement to entrepreneur Jason Adelman before calling it off in 2015. Despite these several public engagements she has never officially walked down the aisle. She remains a prominent figure in the world of professional dance and entertainment.
Kat Graham

Kat Graham gained widespread recognition for her role as Bonnie Bennett in ‘The Vampire Diaries’. She was engaged to her long term boyfriend Cottrell Guidry for two years before they decided to end their relationship in 2014. Graham later became engaged to director and producer Darren Genet in 2022. However the couple announced the end of their engagement a year later without getting married. The actress continues to be a prominent figure in the industry as a performer and activist.
Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga transitioned from a global pop icon to an acclaimed actress in ‘A Star Is Born’. She was engaged to actor Taylor Kinney after several years of dating but they ended their relationship in 2016. Gaga later became engaged to talent agent Christian Carino before that commitment also came to an end. She has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing her intense career with her romantic life. The star remains unmarried while continuing to achieve success in both music and film.
Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey is a singer and songwriter who has made several forays into acting and film production. She was engaged to musician Barrie-James O’Neill for several years before their relationship ended in 2014. More recently she was reportedly engaged to music executive Evan Winiker but that commitment also concluded. Del Rey has never been married and often explores themes of love and heartbreak in her cinematic music videos. She remains a highly influential figure in modern pop culture.
Marisa Tomei

Marisa Tomei won an Academy Award for her standout performance in ‘My Cousin Vinny’. She was engaged to actor Logan Marshall-Green for a period of time after they began dating in 2008. Tomei has been very vocal about her lack of interest in the traditional expectations of marriage and motherhood. She has enjoyed a consistent and successful career with notable roles in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. The actress has never been married and continues to be a highly sought after talent in Hollywood.
Mary-Louise Parker

Mary-Louise Parker is an award winning actress known for her lead role in the series ‘Weeds’. She was in a long term relationship with actor Billy Crudup and the two were widely reported to be engaged. The relationship ended while Parker was seven months pregnant with their son. She later became engaged to her ‘Weeds’ costar Jeffrey Dean Morgan but they called off the wedding in 2008. Parker has never been married and remains a respected figure in film and theater.
Maya Jama

Maya Jama is a prominent television presenter and actress who has appeared in ‘Katherine Ryan: Glitter Room’. She was in a long term relationship with musician Stormzy and the couple was frequently the subject of engagement rumors. More recently she was engaged to professional basketball player Ben Simmons but they called off the engagement in 2022. Jama has since reunited with Stormzy and continues to be one of the most recognizable faces on British television. She has never been married and remains focused on her flourishing career.
Minnie Driver

Minnie Driver earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘Good Will Hunting’. She was briefly engaged to her costar Josh Brolin in 2001 before they decided to part ways. Driver has been involved in several other high profile relationships but has never officially married. She has often spoken about her independence and her focus on raising her son as a single mother. The actress continues to appear in various television and film projects including ‘Speechless’.
Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Scherzinger is a singer and actress known for her work with The Pussycat Dolls and her role in ‘Moana’. She was in a long term and high profile relationship with Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton that involved several engagement rumors. Scherzinger is currently engaged to former rugby player Thom Evans after several years of dating. While she has been close to the altar on multiple occasions she has never officially married. The star remains a popular television personality and performer across the globe.
Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is widely considered one of the most powerful women in the entertainment industry. She accepted a marriage proposal from her longtime partner Stedman Graham in 1992. The couple eventually decided to maintain a spiritual union rather than a legal marriage. Winfrey has frequently discussed how her career and personal freedom influenced her decision to remain unmarried. She has appeared in notable films such as ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Selma’.
Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson rose to prominence as Summer Roberts on the hit teen drama ‘The O.C.’. She began a long term relationship with actor Hayden Christensen after meeting on the set of ‘Jumper’. The couple was engaged for several years and had a daughter together before their eventual split. Bilson has since been linked to other figures in the industry but has never walked down the aisle. She remains active in the entertainment world and hosts a popular rewatch podcast.
Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones gained fame for her roles in ‘The Office’ and ‘Parks and Recreation’. She was engaged to music producer Mark Ronson in 2003 but the couple split about a year later. Jones has since been in a long term relationship with musician Ezra Koenig and they share a son together. Despite their lasting commitment the pair has never officially married. Jones continues to be a successful actress writer and producer in Hollywood.
Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson gained international fame for her comedic performance as Fat Amy in ‘Pitch Perfect’. She announced her engagement to jewelry designer Ramona Agruma in early 2023. The couple welcomed a daughter via surrogate and continues to share glimpses of their life together on social media. While they are currently engaged they have not yet officially married. Wilson has undergone a significant personal transformation and remains a prominent figure in both film and television.
Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan gained significant attention for her role in the television series ‘Charmed’. She was engaged to musician Marilyn Manson for two years before ending the relationship in 2001. McGowan was later engaged to director Robert Rodriguez while working on the film ‘Planet Terror’. Despite these multiple engagements she has never chosen to enter a legal marriage. She is now recognized as a prominent activist and author in addition to her acting work.
Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley is known for her leading roles in ‘The Divergent Series’ and ‘Big Little Lies’. She was engaged to professional football player Aaron Rodgers after a private and fast moving romance. The couple confirmed their engagement in 2021 but ultimately ended their relationship the following year. Woodley has often expressed her unique perspectives on lifestyle and relationships in various interviews. She has never been married and continues to take on diverse and challenging acting projects.
Shakira

Shakira is a global superstar who has appeared in numerous films and television specials including ‘Zootopia’. She was engaged to Antonio de la Rúa for eleven years before the couple announced their separation. Shakira later entered a long term relationship with soccer player Gerard Piqué and the two share two sons. Despite their eleven years together they never legally married and eventually split in 2022. She remains one of the best selling music artists in the world.
Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow is a multi talented performer who has appeared in projects like ‘Cars’ and ‘Cougar Town’. She was engaged to professional cyclist Lance Armstrong after a high profile romance in the mid two thousands. The engagement was called off shortly before their planned wedding date. Crow has also been linked to actors like Owen Wilson but she has never legally married. She remains focused on her music career and her two adopted sons.
Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller has been engaged several times throughout her career in the spotlight. She was first engaged to her ‘Alfie’ costar Jude Law before the relationship ended due to a public scandal. Miller later became engaged to actor Tom Sturridge and more recently to Lucas Zwirner. Despite these high profile commitments she has never officially married any of her partners. The actress is known for her roles in ‘The Girl’ and ‘American Sniper’.
Tara Reid

Tara Reid became a staple of late nineties cinema with her appearance in ‘American Pie’. She was engaged to television host Carson Daly in 2000 but the couple split the following year. Reid later announced engagements to internet entrepreneur Michael Axtmann and Bulgarian businessman Zachary Kehayov. None of these plans resulted in a legal marriage ceremony for the actress. She continues to work in the industry and is frequently associated with the ‘Sharknado’ film franchise.
Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder became a household name following her breakout performance in ‘Beetlejuice’. She was famously engaged to her ‘Edward Scissorhands’ costar Johnny Depp during the early nineties. The high profile couple ultimately called off their wedding plans after three years together. Ryder has remained one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood without ever walking down the aisle. She currently stars in the hit television series ‘Stranger Things’.
Share your thoughts on these talented stars and their unique paths in the comments.


