Actresses Who Married Outside The Industry

The phenomenon of famous actresses marrying outside the entertainment industry often captures the public imagination because it bridges two very different worlds. While many stars find love on movie sets or at industry events others seek partners who offer a sense of normalcy and privacy away from the spotlight. These relationships frequently involve professionals from fields like business or law and medicine. Fans enjoy seeing how these couples balance the demands of Hollywood with a more grounded domestic life. This list explores several notable actresses who chose to share their lives with individuals from outside the world of acting and film production.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot is known for her role in the movie ‘Wonder Woman’ and its sequel. She met her husband Yaron Varsano at a yoga retreat in the Israeli desert many years ago. Varsano is a successful real estate developer and businessman who managed a luxury hotel in Tel Aviv. The couple married in 2008 and they have since welcomed several children into their family. Their relationship provides a stable foundation for Gadot as she navigates her high profile career in the film industry.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence gained international fame for her work in ‘The Hunger Games’ series. She married Cooke Maroney who works as a director at an art gallery in New York City. The couple was introduced through a mutual friend and they eventually wed in a private ceremony in Rhode Island. Maroney maintains a low profile and does not frequently appear at Hollywood red carpet events. They welcomed their first child together after a few years of marriage.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway is an award winning actress who starred in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Les Miserables’. She married Adam Shulman who is a jewelry designer and businessman. Shulman also cofounded a jewelry company called James Banks Design. The couple has been married since 2012 and they share two sons. Their relationship is often praised for its longevity and their commitment to a private family life.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain is a celebrated actress known for her performances in ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ and ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’. She married Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo who is an executive for a major fashion brand. He belongs to an Italian noble family and has a background in the luxury fashion industry. The couple married in Italy in 2017 and they have two children together. Chastain often speaks about how her husband provides a sense of calm and perspective outside of her busy acting schedule.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is widely considered one of the greatest actresses of all time with films like ‘Sophie’s Choice’ and ‘The Iron Lady’. She was married to Don Gummer for several decades before their eventual separation. Gummer is a renowned sculptor whose work has been exhibited in galleries across the world. The couple raised four children together while Streep continued her record breaking career in Hollywood. Their long marriage was often cited as one of the most stable relationships in the industry.

Julianna Margulies

Julianna Margulies is famous for her leading roles in ‘ER’ and ‘The Good Wife’. she married Keith Lieberthal who is a successful attorney with a background in international law. The couple met at a dinner party and married in 2007. Lieberthal does not work in show business and maintains a career far removed from the cameras. They share one son and are frequently seen attending events together in New York City.

Marcia Cross

Marcia Cross is best known for her role as Bree Van de Kamp on the hit series ‘Desperate Housewives’. She married Tom Mahoney who is a stockbroker by profession. The couple wed in 2006 and later welcomed twin daughters. Mahoney has remained largely out of the public eye throughout their marriage. Their relationship has stood the test of time despite the intense media scrutiny of the television industry.

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr is a former Victoria’s Secret model who has appeared in television projects and commercials. She married Evan Spiegel who is the cofounder and CEO of the technology company Snap Inc. Spiegel is a prominent figure in the Silicon Valley tech scene and does not work in entertainment. The couple married in a private ceremony at their home in California. They have since expanded their family and often collaborate on philanthropic efforts.

Lisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow is globally recognized for her portrayal of Phoebe Buffay on the sitcom ‘Friends’. She married Michel Stern who is a French advertising executive. The couple has been married since 1995 and they have one son together. Stern has maintained a private life throughout the massive success of Kudrow’s television career. Their enduring marriage is often highlighted as a rare example of long term stability in Hollywood.

Laura Linney

Laura Linney is a highly respected actress known for ‘The Truman Show’ and the series ‘Ozark’. She married Marc Schauer who is a real estate agent based in Colorado. The couple met during a film festival and they married in 2009. Schauer does not have a background in the film industry and focuses on his career in property. They welcomed a son together and continue to maintain a very private domestic life.

Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit is a legendary figure in Indian cinema known for her roles in ‘Devdas’ and ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’. At the height of her fame she married Shriram Nene who is a cardiovascular surgeon based in the United States. Dixit moved to America after her marriage and lived away from the film industry for several years. The couple eventually returned to India where she resumed her acting career. Dr Nene has since become a popular figure on social media through his health and lifestyle content.

Preity Zinta

Preity Zinta is an Indian actress known for her work in ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ and ‘Veer Zaara’. She married Gene Goodenough who is a financial analyst and executive based in Los Angeles. The couple held a private wedding ceremony in the United States in 2016. Goodenough works in the renewable energy sector and is not involved in the movie business. They welcomed twins via surrogacy and currently live a life that spans between California and Mumbai.

Shriya Saran

Shriya Saran is an actress known for her work in ‘Sivaji’ and ‘Drishyam’. She married Andrei Koscheev who is a Russian businessman and a former tennis player. Koscheev also has interests in the food industry and organic farming. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony and lived in Barcelona for some time. They eventually moved to India and frequently share glimpses of their life together on social media.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer is a comedian and actress known for ‘Trainwreck’ and her various stand up specials. She married Chris Fischer who is a professional chef and a cookbook author. Fischer comes from a farming background and runs a family farm in Massachusetts. The couple was married in 2018 and they have one son together. Fischer’s expertise in cooking was featured in their documentary style cooking show ‘Amy Schumer Learns to Cook’.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was one of the most famous stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood appearing in ‘Cleopatra’ and ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’. While she had many famous husbands she married Larry Fortensky who was a construction worker. The pair met while they were both receiving treatment at a rehabilitation center. Their wedding was a massive media event held at the Neverland Ranch in 1991. They remained married for five years before eventually divorcing.

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly was a major movie star known for ‘Rear Window’ and ‘To Catch a Thief’. She famously left her acting career at the peak of her fame to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco. This marriage made her the Princess of Monaco and shifted her life toward royal duties and philanthropy. The royal wedding was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. She remained in Monaco until her passing and never returned to professional acting.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson is one of the highest paid actresses in the world known for ‘Lost in Translation’ and ‘Black Widow’. Before her current marriage she was wed to Romain Dauriac who is a French journalist and art curator. The couple married in a private ceremony and they share a daughter together. Dauriac does not work in the film industry and focuses on the world of contemporary art. They eventually divorced but continue to co parent their child.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has been in the spotlight since childhood with roles in ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels’. She was previously married to Will Kopelman who is an art consultant and the son of a former fashion executive. The couple married in 2012 and they have two daughters together. Kopelman’s career is centered around the art world rather than the entertainment industry. Although they are now divorced they have remained on good terms to raise their children.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana is a star of major franchises including ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. She married Marco Perego who is an Italian artist and former professional soccer player. Perego is known for his work in painting and sculpture and he famously took Saldana’s last name upon their marriage. The couple has three sons and they are known for their modern approach to family and gender roles. Perego occasionally accompanies her to industry events but remains focused on his art career.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a legendary singer and actress known for ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Steel Magnolias’. She has been married to Carl Dean since 1966 and their relationship is one of the longest in show business. Dean famously avoids the spotlight and has rarely been seen at public events or red carpets. He ran an asphalt paving business in Nashville for many years before retiring. Parton often speaks about how his preference for privacy helps balance her public life.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for playing Miranda Hobbes on the series ‘Sex and the City’. She married Christine Marinoni who is an education activist and a community organizer. Marinoni has spent much of her career working on public school reform and social justice issues. The couple began their relationship in 2004 and married in New York in 2012. They have one son together and are both heavily involved in political activism.

Mary-Kate Olsen

Mary Kate Olsen gained fame as a child star on ‘Full House’ and later became a successful fashion designer. She was married to Olivier Sarkozy who is a French banker and the half brother of a former French president. Sarkozy works in the financial sector and has no professional ties to the entertainment world. The couple had a very private wedding in New York City in 2015. They were married for several years before reaching a divorce settlement in 2021.

Robin Wright

Robin Wright is a versatile actress known for ‘The Princess Bride’ and her starring role in ‘House of Cards’. She was married to Clement Giraudet who is a fashion executive for a high end luxury brand. Giraudet is primarily involved in the business side of the international fashion industry. The couple married in a secret ceremony in France in 2018. They remained together for several years before filing for divorce.

Swara Bhasker

Swara Bhasker is an Indian actress known for her roles in ‘Nil Battey Sannata’ and ‘Veere Di Wedding’. She married Fahad Ahmad who is a politician and a social activist. Ahmad is a member of a political party in India and has led various student and community movements. The couple had a court marriage followed by traditional celebrations in 2023. Bhasker has often been vocal about her own political views which align with her husband’s work.

Sagarika Ghatge

Sagarika Ghatge is an actress who became famous for her role in the sports film ‘Chak De! India’. She married Zaheer Khan who is a celebrated former cricketer and a key member of the Indian national team. Khan is regarded as one of the best fast bombers in the history of Indian cricket. The couple tied the knot in 2017 in a ceremony attended by many sports and film personalities. Ghatge has continued to work in selective projects while supporting her husband’s post retirement ventures.

Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma is a leading Bollywood actress and producer known for ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ and ‘PK’. She married Virat Kohli who is a global cricket icon and the former captain of the Indian national team. Kohli is one of the most famous athletes in the world with a massive following on social media. The couple married in a private ceremony in Italy in 2017. They have two children and are frequently cited as one of the most influential power couples in India.

Hazel Keech

Hazel Keech is an actress who appeared in the film ‘Bodyguard’ and several commercials. She married Yuvraj Singh who is a legendary Indian cricketer known for his match winning performances. Singh is a national hero in India particularly for his role in the 2011 World Cup victory. The couple married in 2016 with multiple ceremonies held across different cities. They welcomed two children and continue to be active in charitable work through Singh’s foundation.

Geeta Basra

Geeta Basra is an actress who appeared in films like ‘The Train’ before her marriage. She married Harbhajan Singh who is a prominent former cricketer and a member of the Indian parliament. Singh had a long and successful career as a spin bowler for the Indian national team. The couple married in 2015 and they have a daughter and a son. Basra has largely stepped away from the film industry to focus on her family life.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is a critically acclaimed actress known for ‘Scandal’ and ‘Little Fires Everywhere’. She married Nnamdi Asomugha who was a professional NFL player for the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles. Asomugha retired from football and has since transitioned into producing and acting in theatre and film. The couple married in a very private ceremony in 2013 and they have two children. They are known for keeping their personal life and family out of the tabloid media.

Esha Deol

Esha Deol is an Indian actress and the daughter of film legends Dharmendra and Hema Malini. She married Bharat Takhtani who is a businessman based in Mumbai. Takhtani comes from a family with interests in the diamond and jewelry business. The couple married in 2012 and they share two daughters. After several years of marriage they announced their decision to separate amicably.

Celina Jaitly

Celina Jaitly is a former Miss India and actress known for films like ‘No Entry’. She married Peter Haag who is an Austrian hotelier and a businessman. Haag works in the luxury hospitality industry and has no professional connection to the movie business. The couple lives in Austria with their children and Jaitly frequently shares updates about their life abroad. She has occasionally returned to the industry for specific projects and brand endorsements.

Gul Panag

Gul Panag is an actress and former beauty queen known for her work in ‘Dor’ and ‘The Family Man’. She married Rishi Attari who is a commercial pilot by profession. Attari and Panag were long time friends before they decided to marry in a traditional ceremony. Panag is also a licensed pilot herself and shares a passion for aviation with her husband. The couple has one son and they are known for their adventurous lifestyle.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan is an actress and activist known for her roles in ‘Charmed’ and ‘Scream’. She was previously married to Davey Detail who is a visual artist and a member of an art collective. Detail’s work focuses on contemporary art and multimedia installations. The couple married in 2013 but the marriage ended in divorce a few years later. McGowan has since focused much of her energy on social activism and writing.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is a successful singer and actress who appeared in ‘Soul Surfer’ and ‘The Sound of Music Live’. She married Mike Fisher who is a former professional hockey player in the NHL. Fisher played for the Ottawa Senators and the Nashville Predators during his lengthy athletic career. The couple married in 2010 and they have two sons together. They are active in various religious and charitable organizations in their community.

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson is an actress and singer known for ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ and her successful fashion brand. She married Eric Johnson who is a former professional NFL player. Johnson played as a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints. The couple married in 2014 and they have three children together. Johnson has been a supportive partner as Simpson expanded her business empire into a multi million dollar brand.

Allison Williams

Allison Williams is an actress known for her roles in ‘Girls’ and the horror film ‘Get Out’. She was previously married to Ricky Van Veen who is a tech entrepreneur and a cofounder of the website CollegeHumor. Van Veen later went on to become an executive at a major social media company. The couple married in 2015 in a ceremony officiated by Tom Hanks. They announced their separation after four years of marriage and eventually divorced.

Dia Mirza

Dia Mirza is an actress and environmental activist known for ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’. She married Vaibhav Rekhi who is a businessman based in Mumbai. Rekhi works in the financial and investment sector and maintains a private life. The couple had a simple and eco friendly wedding ceremony in 2021. They welcomed a son together and Mirza often speaks about the importance of sustainable living in their household.

Karisma Kapoor

Karisma Kapoor was one of the biggest stars of the 1990s with hits like ‘Raja Hindustani’ and ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’. She was married to Sanjay Kapur who is a successful industrialist and the chairman of an automotive components company. The marriage brought together a famous film family and a prominent business house. The couple had two children together before their marriage ended in a high profile divorce. Karisma has since focused on her children and selective media appearances.

Amrita Arora

Amrita Arora is an actress who appeared in films like ‘Golmaal Returns’ and ‘Kambakkht Ishq’. She married Shakeel Ladak who is a businessman in the construction industry. Ladak is the director of a real estate company based in Mumbai. The couple married in 2009 with both Christian and Muslim wedding ceremonies. They have two sons and are often seen attending social events with other prominent film personalities.

Sameera Reddy

Sameera Reddy is an actress who worked in several language industries including Hindi and Telugu. She married Akshai Varde who is an entrepreneur and the founder of a custom motorcycle company. Varde’s business focuses on engineering and designing unique bikes for enthusiasts. The couple married in 2014 and they have two children together. Reddy has since become a popular social media influencer focusing on body positivity and parenting.

Lisa Haydon

Lisa Haydon is an actress and model known for her roles in ‘Queen’ and ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’. She married Dino Lalvani who is a British businessman and the chairman of a global telecommunications group. The couple married in 2016 in a beach ceremony after a year of dating. They live abroad and have three children together. Haydon frequently shares pictures of her family life and her travels on her social media platforms.

Lake Bell

Lake Bell is an actress and director known for ‘In a World…’ and ‘It’s Complicated’. She was married to Scott Campbell who is a world renowned tattoo artist and fine artist. Campbell has worked with many high profile clients and his art has been shown in galleries internationally. The couple met on the set of a television show where he was making a guest appearance. They were married for seven years and have two children together.

Ali Wentworth

Ali Wentworth is an actress and author known for ‘Jerry Maguire’ and her appearances on various talk shows. She married George Stephanopoulos who is a high profile journalist and television host. Stephanopoulos previously served as a political advisor in the White House before transitioning to news broadcasting. The couple married in 2001 and they have two daughters together. Their marriage is often discussed in the context of balancing a career in the public eye with family life.

Please share which of these actress marriages surprised you the most in the comments.