Unexpected Celebrity Duos Throughout History
Discover the most unexpected celebrity couples throughout the years, from Tom Cruise and Cher to Taylor Kinney and Lady Gaga Prepare to be surprised by these unlikely pairings!
Despite the 21-year age difference between them, Florence Pugh and Zach Braff, who were first rumored to be together in April 2019, have captured the attention of the public with their unconventional romance. Pugh recently called out hateful comments on social media after posting a birthday message for Braff.
"I'm 24 years old and I've been working since I was 17. I've been earning money since I was 17. I became an adult at 18 and started paying taxes then," she said in a lengthy Instagram video in April 2020. "I don't need you to tell me who I should or should not love, and I would never tell someone else who they can or cannot love. It's not your place, and it really has nothing to do with you. The abuse you throw at him is also directed at me."
Megan Fox has also faced unkind comments about her relationship with Machine Gun Kelly.
Deal of the Day
Serious Skincare’s Wildly Popular Glycolic Acid Cleanser Is on Sale Today
View Deal
In July 2020, she expressed to InStyle magazine, "There is so much judgment. You want to discuss patriarchy? People make it seem like I'm dating a much younger man just because he's four years younger than me. He's 31 and I'm 35. Sure, he's lived like he's 19 his whole life, but he is not 19. If it were George Clooney dating someone four years younger, no one would even pay attention." Check out more unconventional couples who captivated us with their romances over the years below.
Credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images; Alberto E. Rodriguez©Berliner Studio/BEImages; Sipa Press; Dave M. Benett/Getty Images
Unlikely Celebrity Couples Over the Years
Some celebrity romances don't always make sense to the untrained eye, but they have kept people interested in their relationship.
Florence Pugh and Zach Braff, who were first linked in April 2019, drew attention due to their 21-year age gap. After facing a barrage of criticism over a birthday post for Braff, Pugh took to social media to address the rude comments.
In a lengthy Instagram video in April 2020, Pugh said, "I'm 24 years old. I have been working and earning money since I was 17. I became an adult at 18 and started paying taxes then. I don't need you to dictate who I can or cannot love, and I would never do the same to anyone else. It's not your place. The abuse you throw at him is abuse you throw at me, and it's really none of your business."
Megan Fox has been the target of negative comments regarding her relationship with Machine Gun Kelly. In July 2020, she expressed her frustration, stating, "There's so much judgment. You want to talk about patriarchy? The fact that he's four years younger than me, and people want to act like I'm dating a younger man. He's 31, and I'm 35. Granted, he's lived like he's 19 his whole life, but he isn't 19. No one would blink twice if George Clooney was dating someone four years younger."
Scroll down for more unlikely couples whose romances fascinated us over the years:
Credit: Cindy Ord/BET/Getty Images; Gary Gershoff/Getty Images
Andrew Shue and Marilee Fiebig
In November 2022, Shue and Fiebig's personal lives became the subject of public scrutiny when photos emerged of Shue's then-wife, Amy Robach, and Fiebig's then-husband, T.J. Holmes, getting close outside of the office. Robach and Holmes later filed for divorce due to the scandal.
Robach and Holmes finally spoke out about their relationship in November 2023, and during the same month, multiple sources reported that Shue and Fiebig had started dating following their own divorces.
Credit: Shutterstock (2)
Zach Braff and Florence Pugh
The couple began their relationship in April 2019, despite their 21-year age gap. When an Instagram user commented on the age difference in December, Pugh responded with a confident "And yet he got it." The two quarantined together in Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic. After much speculation, Pugh confirmed in August 2022 that she and Braff had decided to go their separate ways.
Credit: Rob Latour/Shutterstock; Janet Gough/AFF-USA.COM/MEGA
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly
Megan Fox, known for her role in Transformers, crossed paths with the "Bad Things" rapper in 2020 while working on the crime thriller Midnight in the Switchgrass. According to a source in May 2020, the pair are officially dating, following Fox's separation from her husband, Brian Austin Green. The insider mentioned that they are enjoying spending more and more time together and have a strong connection.
Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock
Russell Brand and Katy Perry
The comedian crossed paths with the "Teenage Dream" singer back in 2009 during her cameo appearance in his film Get Him to the Greek. Sparks flew, and the two started dating in September of that year after reuniting at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Just three months later, Brand popped the question while they were on vacation in India. They officially tied the knot in the same country in October 2010. Unfortunately, the marriage came to an end when Brand filed for divorce in December 2011, just 14 months after saying "I do."
Credit: Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock
Flavor Flav and Brigitte Nielsen
The ex-Public Enemy member sparked an unlikely love affair with the actress in 2004 following their encounter on the VH1 reality show The Surreal Life. They later appeared together in their own VH1 show, Strange Love, but ended their relationship just a year later.
Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for InStyle; JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP/Getty Images
Kate Beckinsale and Pete Davidson
The actress from Underworld was seen getting flirty with the comedian from Saturday Night Live despite their 20-year age gap in January. "Kate and Pete were seen flirting at the InStyle party, with her following him around and waiting for him,” an eyewitness told We at the time. “People approached her, but she didn’t want to talk to anyone else.” They were later seen holding hands in L.A., and an insider revealed to Us in February, “She likes the fact that he’s younger than her.”
Credit: Getty Images
Channing Tatum and Jessie J
In October 2018, we exclusively unveiled that the actor is involved in a romantic relationship with the British singer after separating from Jenna Dewan. A source explained, "It’s a new, casual relationship and they are enjoying their time together." Tatum and Dewan, who have a daughter named Everly together, announced their separation six months earlier after being married for nine years.
Credit: Courtesy of Round Pond Estate
Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger
The actor from Guardians of the Galaxy and the blogger were first seen together in June 2018, almost a year after he split from his wife Anna Faris. “They’re in a relationship. It’s new,” a source told Us exclusively. “Her mom [Maria Shriver] introduced them because they’re both active in the church. Her family really likes him. They’re really into each other.” Pratt and Schwarzenegger (whose dad is Arnold Schwarzenegger) continued to be seen together in the months that followed, including a visit to the Round Pond Estate winery in Napa, California, that September.
Credit: Theo Wargo/NBC/Getty Images for "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"; Janet Gough/AFF-USA.com / MEGA TheMegaAgency.com
Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson
The pop star, known for her hit song "No Tears Left to Cry," began a relationship with the comedian in May 2018, shortly after her breakup with Mac Miller. Davidson, who had also recently ended his relationship with ex Cazzie David, wasted no time in publicly expressing their love for each other on social media. In June 2018, we exclusively revealed that the two were engaged, with multiple sources confirming their joyous news to Us. "They constantly make each other laugh," a source shared at the time.
Credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images
Kat Dennings and Josh Groban
The new couple's appearance on the red carpet in October 2014 took many by surprise due to their unexpected pairing. Groban, who had previously been in a relationship with Mad Men actress January Jones, referred to the 2 Broke Girls star as his girlfriend, telling Entertainment Tonight, "I do have such a lovely date tonight."
Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez©Berliner Studio/BEImages
Julie Bowen and David Spade
Julie Bowen and David Spade dated for approximately a year back in 2002, surprising fans with their unexpected relationship. Fast forward to today, and Julie is now happily married with three children, both in her on-screen role and in real life.
Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Sandra Bullock and Jesse James
After being linked romantically with actors Tate Donovan, Matthew McConaughey, and Ryan Gosling, Sandra Bullock made a surprising choice when she tied the knot with renowned motorcycle builder Jesse James in 2005. The couple made public appearances together for several years, even attending the 2010 Oscars where Bullock won the Best Actress award for her performance in The Blind Side. However, news of James’ unfaithfulness surfaced shortly after, leading to their divorce and leaving Bullock to raise her adopted son Louis as a single parent.
Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Christina Hendricks and Geoffrey Arend
Christina Hendricks has been revered for her voluptuous figure and hailed as a sex symbol ever since her portrayal of Joan Harris on Mad Men. Her husband, actor Geoffrey Arend, finds it amusing. She admitted to Cosmopolitan UK in 2012, "It's incredibly flattering and surprising, and I didn't think for a second when I started Mad Men that people would talk about me as being sexy or a pinup." "My husband has a good laugh about it, of course."
Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Amber Tamblyn and David Cross
Wow, what a significant age difference! In 2012, Amber Tamblyn, known for her role in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, married comedian David Cross, who is 19 years her senior. She walked down the aisle in a stunning marigold yellow dress, and expressed to We magazine that she doesn't really follow traditional norms.
Credit:
Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney
Mother Monster has found her match! Despite her reputation for extravagant outfits and wild stage performances, Lady Gaga has paired up with the relatively down-to-earth hunky Chicago Fire star Taylor Kinney. Despite her powerful persona, Gaga has admitted to being submissive in her relationship. "He's totally in charge. I mean, when I am home, I am like, shoes are off, I'm making him dinner. He has a job, too, and he is really busy!" she revealed during an interview on SiriusXM’s The Morning Mash Up in March 2014.
Credit: Dave Spencer/Splash News
Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden
The actress and Good Charlotte rocker were officially confirmed to be dating in May 2014, and within several weeks they were spotted holding hands in NYC. Their mutual connection? Nicole Richie. According to a source, "She's happy to have someone to do boyfriend/girlfriend stuff with," the source said. "They're both diving straight in."
Credit: Fame Pictures
Chelsea Handler and 50 Cent
"He's an absolute sweetheart and incredibly charming," Handler shared with Oprah Winfrey about her former rapper boyfriend, with whom she initially hesitated to become involved. "It wasn't a deeply serious relationship. He appeared on my show back in 2010 and even sent me flowers. But I was adamant about not dating someone with a numerical name."
Credit: Sipa Press
Tom Cruise and Cher
Cher has described her early '80s ex as "pretty hot and heavy for a little minute. He's a great guy," and ranked him as one of her top five lovers. "The person that I knew was a great and lovable guy," added the "Woman's World" singer.
Credit: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images
Justin Timberlake and Fergie
Before settling down with Jessica Biel and starting a family with Josh Duhamel, Justin Timberlake and Fergie were once an item. Their relationship blossomed while Fergie's girl group Wild Orchid was on tour with 'N Sync. "He was 16 and I was 23," Fergie revealed to Australia's Courier Mail. "This was before his high-profile romance with Britney Spears."
Credit: Yvonne Hemsey/Liaison/Getty Images
Brooke Shields and Michael Jackson
The late singer's date to the Grammy Awards in 1984 was the actress. Their romantic involvement was written about in his 1988 autobiography, but Shields insisted that they were just friends. "We grew up together," she told the AP. "He trusts me."
Credit: James Devaney/WireImage
Mary-Kate Olsen and Olivier Sarkozy
Despite the 17-year age gap, the former Full House actress agreed to marry the previously married millionaire Sarkozy in February 2014. According to an insider, "He proposed about a year ago, and she wasn't ready. She didn't need to be wooed. She just wanted to ensure that he would treat her well."
Credit: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage; Lester Cohen/WireImage
LeAnn Rimes and Tiger Woods
Formerly involved with skier Lindsey Vonn, Woods previously dated the blonde country star. "They had a fling and all," a source revealed to Us about the golfer and Rimes, who is now married to Eddie Cibrian. "Tiger was really interested in her. He has a thing for blondes!" Rimes' father reportedly objected to their relationship because Woods was seven years older than her.
Credit: Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic
Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris
After two years and a failed engagement, Playboy founder Hefner and his girlfriend, who is 60 years younger, officially tied the knot in a New Year's Eve wedding ceremony at the Playboy mansion in 2012. Reflecting on their previous attempt, Harris said, "When the wedding didn't work out the first time, it was because of me. I needed to explore and take some time away from Hef and the Mansion." She added, "The time away really helped me realize that where I'm meant to be is here with Hef."
Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Hannes Magerstaedt/Getty Images
Brandi Glanville and Gerard Butler
"It was a brief encounter, but it was enjoyable," Butler revealed to Howard Stern about his short romance with the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, whose name the actor confessed to forgetting. "She's quite adventurous." Glanville's opinion of Butler as a partner? She gave him a rating of 11 out of 10.
Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis
Wilde told Marie Claire that she initially doubted whether her now-fiance would be interested in her, thinking "I'm not a contender." They began dating after meeting at the 2011 SNL finale. She described him as cool and funny, admitting to being a fan of his speed and intelligence. Although she considered herself not beautiful enough or his type, the couple welcomed their son Otis in April 2014.
Credit: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
AnnaLynne McCord and Dominic Purcell
"The thing I admire about an older man is their ability to be the stable support," the actress shares with Us about her enduring connection with husband Purcell. "Whenever I hit my turbulent moments, thinking 'This is hopeless!' he's always there. "I need a man who is self-assured and confident, especially since we spend so much time apart."
Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Chad Kroeger and Avril Lavigne
Kroeger was extremely confident in his relationship with the "Complicated" singer that he proposed to her with a 14-carat diamond — without even introducing her to his parents. "My mom is a huge fan of Avril's, so putting her on the speaker phone and telling her the news was hilarious and equally embarrassing." The couple got married in July 2013 during a weekend of celebration in the south of France. Sadly, We broke the news that the couple was heading for a split one year later.
Credit: Robin Marchant/Getty Images; Samir Hussein/Getty Images
Carole Radziwill and George Clooney
During a 2012 episode of The Real Housewives of New York City, Sonja Morgan revealed Radziwill's fling with Clooney. As Radziwill flaunted her stunning figure in a bikini on the beach, Morgan commented: "Check out Carole's amazing physique... No wonder Clooney was with her for a year."
