The Enchanting Love Story of Timothy Olyphant and Alexis Knief: A Journey of Romance and Lasting Commitment

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Timothy Olyphant doesn’t just play the perfect partner on screen — he’s been one to wife Alexis Knief for more than three decades.

Olyphant and his future wife crossed paths at the University of Southern California, where they were both students. Olyphant originally joined the school's swim team and they began dating during their college years.

Prior to achieving stardom, Olyphant and Knief got married in 1991. The couple, who have three children named Grace, Henry, and Vivian, have chosen to keep their relationship private throughout the years. Nevertheless, the actor has occasionally expressed his deep affection for his spouse.

Scroll down to explore the relationship timeline of Olyphant and Knief.

1991

The college sweethearts walked down the aisle.

1999

As Olyphant began to establish his acting career, he and Knief welcomed their first child, Grace.

2001

The twosome expanded their family with son Henry.

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2003

Two years later, Olyphant and Knief expanded their family with the birth of their daughter, Vivian. On a 2012 episode of The Ellen Show, Olyphant humorously recounted his initial response when his wife informed him about expecting their third child.

"When she mentioned we were having a third, I jokingly replied, 'I recall discussing it, but I wasn't aware we had reached a final decision.' However, they are wonderful children, and I believe I have grown accustomed to having them around. I suppose it's safe to say we are definitely keeping them."

2004

The father of three went on to land a breakout role in HBO’s Deadwood which propelled the actor’s career.

2010

After starring in Deadwood, Olyphant went on to secure the main role in Justified. In 2011, he received an Emmy nomination for his performance on the show, although he ultimately lost to Kyle Chandler from Friday Night Lights. Following his defeat at the Emmy Awards, Olyphant disclosed that Knief had assisted him in crafting his acceptance speech in the event that he emerged victorious.

“My wife actually came up with this brilliant idea, and I couldn't resist. So, imagine this, I was about to lay my eyes on the magnificent trophy, and then I would turn to my dear wife, whom I've shared 20 incredible years with, and with a mischievous smile say, 'Well, Honey, this is the moment. I am finally leaving you,'" he playfully shared during his appearance on Conan in 2012.

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2017

Olyphant brought Knief as his plus-one to the Vanity Fair Oscars Party and Golden Globes that year.

2023

Justified: City Primeval brings Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens back to our screens, nearly two decades after the original series ended. Olyphant returned to his iconic role, while his youngest daughter Vivian joined the cast, playing his on-screen daughter in the continuation show.