Unveiling the Real-Life Romances: 14 TV Couples Who Found Love Off-Screen

Summary

TV shows often feature relationships between characters, and some actors end up together in real life, like Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys from The Americans.

However, the experiences of actors portraying TV couples can vary greatly behind the scenes, as seen with Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher from That '70s Show. Interestingly, while some onscreen couples have fleeting relationships, there are instances where these connections blossom into real-life romances that endure over the years, as exemplified by Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood from Supergirl.

TV shows often feature relationships between characters, and it is not uncommon for some actors to actually end up together in real life. Relationships are a popular aspect of TV shows, with breakups, affairs, and the will-they-won't-they dynamic adding to the intrigue. The tension and chemistry between characters can lead to captivating storylines, including heart-wrenching betrayals. Additionally, audiences often enjoy rooting for their favorite onscreen couples. However, it's important to note that the dynamics between characters on a show may differ greatly from the relationships between the actors off set.

Behind the scenes, actors who play TV couples can have completely different experiences with each other. It's not uncommon for actors who couldn't stand each other in real life to portray iconic onscreen couples convincingly. On the other hand, showmances, or romantic relationships that develop between actors who play onscreen couples, are also quite common. While some of these relationships are short-lived, many couples continue their real-life romances for years to come.

14 Matthew Rhys & Keri Russell (The Americans)

Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys formed a connection while working together on The Americans. The duo portrayed Philip and Elizabeth, KGB spies who were in an arranged marriage but developed a strong bond of friendship and trust. Despite lacking romantic elements like their characters, Russell and Rhys appear to be happily in love in real life. In 2016, Russell gave birth to their first child. Although The Americans concluded in 2017, the couple, as of the time of writing (via PEOPLE), continues to enjoy a joyful family life.

13 Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis (That ‘70s Show)

In 1995, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher first appeared on That '70s Show as Jackie Burkhart and Michael Kelso. Although the characters had an adorable on-again, off-again relationship, it wasn't until 17 years later that Kunis and Kutcher began a casual romance. Their relationship quickly progressed when they decided to move in together in 2012. After two years, they got engaged and soon welcomed their first child. The couple tied the knot in 2015 and welcomed their second child a year and a half later. In June 2023, Kutcher expressed that he considers himself the luckiest man alive.

12 Natalia Dyer & Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things)

Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton, who portray the characters Nancy and Jonathan on the popular TV series Stranger Things, are not only romantically involved on-screen but also off-screen. Despite the love triangle with Steve that their characters go through in the show's fourth season, it seems that Nancy has ultimately chosen Jonathan. In real life, Dyer and Heaton have been in a happy relationship for several years, although they tend to keep their love life out of the public eye. However, Dyer recently provided a glimpse into how their shared work has had a positive impact on their relationship, stating, "It's an understanding that would be hard to replicate. It's an indescribable thing."

11 Melissa Benoist & Chris Wood (Supergirl)

In the TV series Supergirl, Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood portrayed the characters Kara and Mon-El, a former couple whose relationship was torn apart by time. While Mon-El traveled through a wormhole to the 31st century, Kara remained in the 21st century. Despite the tragic love story depicted in the show, Benoist and Wood appear to be happily in love in real life. In 2017, their relationship became public, followed by their marriage in 2019, and the joyous arrival of their child in late-2020. Although they occasionally share glimpses of their happiness, such as vacations and anniversaries, on their social media platforms, they generally keep their personal lives private.

10 Hyun Bin & Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing On You)

In Crash Landing On You, Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin portrayed Ri Jeong-hyeok and Yoon Se-ri respectively, two star-crossed lovers hailing from North and South Korea. It was during the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in 2014 that the paths of Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin first crossed. Their friendship flourished as they collaborated on the film The Negotiation. Confirming their dating status in 2021, the couple revealed that their relationship had blossomed during their time working on Crash Landing On You in 2020. Much to their joy, they tied the knot in March 2022 and happily welcomed their baby boy into the world in November 2022 (via Lifestyle Asia).

9 Anna Paquin & Stephen Moyer (True Blood)

The romance between Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer blossomed on the set of True Blood, where they portrayed the characters Sookie Stackhouse and Bill Compton. Their on-screen chemistry was a perfect match for their off-screen relationship. Despite starting to date shortly after filming began, the couple chose to keep their romance under wraps to maintain a harmonious work environment. It wasn't until February 2009 that Paquin and Moyer publicly acknowledged their relationship, eventually tying the knot in 2010. Their family expanded with the arrival of twins, enriching their already blended family. In a 2019 interview with Us magazine, Anna Paquin revealed that their strong friendship is the cornerstone of their blissful marriage.

8 Emily VanCamp and Josh Bowman (Revenge)

7 Mark Consuelos & Kelly Rippa (All My Children)

Emily VanCamp and Josh Bowman, known for their roles as Emily Thorne and Daniel Grayson in Revenge, portrayed a couple with a tumultuous relationship. The characters went through multiple engagements, a marriage, and eventually turned into enemies after their divorce. However, their on-screen difficulties were in stark contrast to their off-screen romance. VanCamp and Bowman started dating in 2011 and after seven years, they tied the knot in the stunning backdrop of the Bahamas. Adding to their joy, the couple welcomed their baby into the world in August 2021.

Mark Consuelos and Kelly Rippa first crossed paths on the popular soap opera All My Children in 1995. Their onscreen characters, Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan, embarked on a tumultuous journey of love which culminated in a memorable wedding scene in a hospital room. Just a year after their initial meeting, Consuelos and Rippa decided to elope in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. The couple, now parents of three grown children, recently celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary in 2023. Following Ryan Seacrest's departure as co-host, Consuelos joined Rippa on the show Live With Kelly and Mark (via ET).

6 Ji Sung and Lee Bo-young (Save The Last Dance For Me)

5 Jared Padalecki & Genevieve Padalecki (Supernatural)

Ji Sung and Lee Bo-young first crossed paths on the set of their drama Save The Last Dance For Me. Ji Sung portrayed the character Hyun-woo, who was engaged to Lee Bo-young's character, Soo-jin. However, their fictional love story took a tragic turn when an accident caused Hyun-woo to lose his memory. Interestingly, in reality, the couple made their relationship official in 2007. Their beautiful wedding took place in 2013 at the Aston House in Seoul. Since then, Ji Sung and Lee Bo-young have been blessed with two adorable children. Ji Sung often expresses his deep affection for his wife and kids through heartfelt posts on his Instagram account.

Jared and Genevieve Padalecki crossed paths while portraying Sam and Ruby on the popular television series Supernatural. Their characters, a demon hunter and a demon, embarked on an electrifying and unconventional romantic involvement. Despite their fictional personas' lack of camaraderie, the actors built a harmonious professional rapport and eventually commenced a romantic relationship in the autumn of 2008. In February 2010, the couple exchanged vows and acquired a spacious 10,600 square feet residence in Austin. The property became a sanctuary for numerous animals until the arrival of their three children. In a delightful turn of events, the Padaleckis reunited on screen as a couple in the television show Walker in 2021. Since then, their top priority has been dedicating quality time to their cherished family (via PEOPLE).

4 Ginnifer Goodwin & Josh Dallas (Once Upon A Time)

In the enchanting world of Once Upon A Time, Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas perfectly embodied the timeless fairytale characters Snow White and Prince Charming. Their on-screen chemistry translated into a real-life bond, as they started off as friends and gradually fell in love, as reported by E! News. Taking their relationship to the next level, the couple decided to move in together in 2013 and proudly made their first public appearance as a couple on the red carpet. Solidifying their love, they exchanged vows and tied the knot in the same year, and their journey has blessed them with the joys of parenthood, as they are now proud parents of two children. Even at the time of writing, this beautiful duo remains blissfully committed to each other, overcoming distance with the help of regular FaceTime sessions when their work keeps them apart.

3 Kit Harington & Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones)

Kit Harington and Rose Leslie portrayed the beloved characters Jon Snow and Ygritte in the renowned TV show Game of Thrones. Their on-screen romance translated into genuine affection during the series' second season. Concealing their romantic involvement, they managed to keep their relationship confidential until their joint appearance at the Olivier Awards in 2016. Celebrating their commitment, the couple exchanged vows in 2018 at a quaint church near Wardwill Castle in Aberdeenshire, as reported by Harper's Bazaar. Since then, Leslie has gracefully ushered their two beautiful children into the world. The family embraces a remarkably private existence.

2 Lee Hyeri & Ryu Jun-yeol (Reply 1988)

1 Amber Stevens West & Andrew J. West (Greek)

In the popular drama Reply 1988, Lee Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol portrayed the characters Sung Deok-sun and Kim Jung-hwan, who were thought to be a perfect match but sadly did not end up together. However, their on-screen chemistry translated off-screen as well, leading to a close bond between the two actors. This bond eventually turned into a real-life romance, which they publicly confirmed in August 2017. While they have maintained a high level of privacy regarding their relationship, there have been indications that they are still together. For instance, the couple celebrated Ryu's birthday together in 2022. As of the time of writing (via Kpopstarz), it seems that their love story is still ongoing.

After portraying Ashleigh and Fisher in Greek, Amber Stevens West and Andrew J. West crossed paths. Despite their characters separating due to Fisher's infidelity, the actors found love in each other's arms in 2009. Stevens West confided in Page Six, revealing that once Fisher's character arc concluded, she requested his Facebook details. It wasn't long before the duo blossomed into a couple. Their journey led them to the altar in December 2014, and together they've welcomed two precious baby girls into their lives. Moments filled with love and joy are frequently shared by Stevens West on Instagram, showcasing her beautiful family.

People, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Melissa Benoist's Instagram account, Lifestyle Asia, Us magazine, MamaMia, Metro.Style, Justin Jisung's Instagram account, E! News, Harper's Bazaar, Kpopstarz, Page Six, Amber Stevens West's Instagram account.