When Luke Macfarlane stepped onto the screen in the 2022 rom-com Bros, he was playing a guy terrified of commitment. It was a funny, self-deprecating performance that leaned into every "emotionally unavailable" trope in the book. But off-camera? The reality was way different. While fans were busy shipping him with Billy Eichner, Macfarlane was quietly building a life with a former professional athlete named Hig Roberts.
They aren't the kind of couple that does the red carpet circuit every weekend. You won't find them selling their wedding photos to a weekly tabloid or doing a "73 Questions" tour of their living room. In fact, most people didn't even know they were a "thing" until they dropped some life-altering news on Instagram in 2023.
Who exactly is Hig Roberts?
If you aren't a hardcore fan of alpine skiing, the name Hig Roberts might not immediately ring a bell. But in the sports world, he’s a bit of a legend—and not just for his speed on the slopes.
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Roberts is a two-time national champion who spent years competing on the World Cup circuit. He was part of the U.S. Ski Team, a high-pressure environment where "macho" culture often reigns supreme. In 2020, he made history by coming out as gay, becoming the first elite male alpine skier to do so. It was a huge moment for representation in a sport that had been, frankly, pretty quiet on the LGBTQ+ front.
He didn't just come out and vanish, though. Roberts has been incredibly open about the tragedy that shaped his life: the loss of his younger brother, Murphy, in 2016. Murphy died after a diabetic seizure while hiking, and that loss is something Hig and Luke have honored together. They even ran the New York City Marathon in 2023 to raise money for Type 1 diabetes research.
Honestly, seeing a "Hallmark hunk" and a pro athlete team up for a cause like that is kinda refreshing. It’s a lot more substantial than your average celebrity pairing.
The big 2023 reveal
For a long time, Macfarlane was famously tight-lipped. He came out way back in 2008—a gutsy move for a working actor at the time—but he rarely named names when it came to his partners.
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That changed on Father’s Day in 2023.
Luke posted a carousel of photos that basically broke the internet (or at least the Hallmark-loving corner of it). He revealed that he and Hig had welcomed a daughter, Tess Eleanor Macfarlane, on June 4, 2023. The photos showed them leaving the hospital, looking exactly like the exhausted, glowing new parents they were.
"We started life with some hectic days and received world-class care," Macfarlane wrote. He mentioned taking her home on Father's Day, which is just about as poetic as it gets. Since then, we've seen bits and pieces of their life together, but they still keep the high-resolution "lifestyle" content to a minimum.
Working wood and changing diapers
One of the coolest things about this couple is how "normal" their hobbies are. If you follow Luke on social media, you know he’s a massive woodworking nerd. He’s not just "tinkering"; he’s actually good.
In a 2025 interview with Out Magazine, Luke gave a little peek into their home life. He’s been busy building things for Tess, including a crib and a tea table. Hig apparently jokes that Tess will be 19 by the time the table is actually finished.
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It’s these little details—the "tinkering in the woodshed" as Hig calls it—that make them feel like a real couple you’d actually want to grab a beer with. They seem to have found a balance between the gloss of Hollywood and the grit of real life.
Life in 2026: What they're up to now
As of early 2026, the couple is still going strong. Luke has branched out into reality TV with his series Home Is Where the Heart Is on Hallmark+, which focuses on his love for renovation and craftsmanship. Hig, meanwhile, has transitioned from the slopes to the business side of things, working as a sports agent and finishing up an MBA at Wharton.
They’re a power couple, sure, but they’re a quiet one. They’ve managed to stay relevant without being exhausting.
What you can learn from their approach to privacy:
- You don't owe the world your "firsts." Luke and Hig didn't announce they were dating until they were literally bringing a human being home from the hospital. You can control your narrative.
- Bond over shared values, not just vibes. Their commitment to the New York City Marathon and diabetes research shows a relationship built on more than just "looking good together."
- Hobbies matter. Whether it's alpine skiing or building a bookshelf, having passions outside of your "day job" keeps the relationship dynamic.
If you’re looking to follow their journey, keep an eye on Luke’s Instagram (@ten_minutes_younger) for the occasional woodworking update or a rare, sweet shout-out from Hig. Just don't expect a 24/7 livestream of their breakfast. They’ve worked hard for their privacy, and they’re clearly enjoying every second of it.
Actionable Insights:
- Support the cause: If you're moved by their story, consider looking into JDRF or other Type 1 diabetes organizations they support.
- Watch the work: Check out Home Is Where the Heart Is on Hallmark+ to see Luke's actual woodworking skills in action—it's surprisingly therapeutic.
- Respect the boundary: Remember that even though they are public figures, their family life is theirs. Enjoy the updates they choose to share, but appreciate the "quiet" as part of their charm.