Public life is a weird performance, especially for someone like Luke Macfarlane. You probably know him as the leading man who basically owns the Hallmark Channel every December, or maybe from his breakout turn in Bros. But for a long time, his actual life—the stuff that happens when the cameras stop rolling and the fake snow is swept away—was a total mystery. Then came Hig Roberts.
Honestly, the way these two have navigated their relationship is kinda refreshing. In an era where every "influencer" couple posts their morning coffee and their first argument for engagement, Macfarlane and Roberts have done the opposite. They stayed quiet. They built something real. And then, they let us in on the biggest secret of all: they were starting a family.
The Quiet Power Couple of 2026
If you're looking for a timeline of their first date or a "how we met" vlog, you’re gonna be disappointed. They don't do that. Luke has always been pretty protective of his space. He came out way back in 2008—a move that was honestly pretty brave given the state of the industry then—but he never felt the need to make his romantic life a public spectacle.
Hig Roberts is a different breed of star. He wasn't on red carpets; he was on mountains. As a two-time U.S. National Champion alpine skier, Hig lived in a world of high-velocity giant slaloms and intense, often hyper-masculine competition. When he came out in 2020, he was the first elite male alpine skier to do so. That’s not just a footnote; it's a massive deal in the sports world.
The two of them together? It just works. You have the seasoned actor who understands the grind of Hollywood and the elite athlete who knows what it's like to perform under pressure.
That Surprise Fatherhood Reveal
Everything changed in June 2023. Before then, most people didn't even know they were a "thing." Then, Luke drops a photo on Instagram that stops everyone in their tracks. It wasn't a movie promo. It was a picture of him and Hig leaving the hospital with their daughter, Tess Eleanor Macfarlane.
"Her Dads can’t wait to introduce her to all the remarkable people and the beautiful world we live in."
That caption said everything. They didn't just announce a baby; they announced a partnership. Tess was born on June 4, and they got to bring her home on Father’s Day. It’s the kind of timing that sounds like a script Luke would have read for Hallmark, but it was his actual life.
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Why Hig Roberts Isn't Just "The Partner"
It's easy to look at Hig as just the guy standing next to a famous actor, but that misses the whole point. Hig’s story is heavy. He lost his younger brother, Murphy, in 2016 due to complications from Type 1 diabetes. That loss is a huge part of who he is.
In late 2023, Luke and Hig ran the New York City Marathon together. They weren't just doing it for the cardio or the photo op. They were raising money for Type 1 diabetes research in Murphy’s memory. Luke actually admitted he never got to meet Murphy, but he talked about how loving Hig meant getting to know Murphy through the stories and the legacy the family keeps alive. That’s deep. That’s not "celebrity dating." That’s real-deal commitment.
Balancing the Grind in 2026
Fast forward to now. It’s 2026, and the "new dad" glow hasn't worn off, but the reality of parenting has definitely set in. Luke has been busy with his new Hallmark+ series, Home Is Where the Heart Is. It’s a bit of a pivot for him—focusing on his actual skills as a woodworker and builder—and Hig has been his biggest cheerleader.
Hig isn't skiing professionally anymore, by the way. He’s shifted into the business side of things, working as a sports agent and finishing up an MBA at Wharton. Talk about a pivot.
They seem to have this "division of labor" thing down. While Luke is on set or in his woodshop, Hig is navigating the world of high-stakes sports contracts and data. They’re basically the definition of a modern power couple who doesn't need to shout about it.
What We Can Learn From Them
- Privacy is a choice. You don't owe the internet every detail of your life.
- Shared values matter more than shared industries. An actor and a skier might seem like a random match, but their shared focus on family and philanthropy is what keeps them glued.
- Vulnerability is a strength. Both men came out at different points in their careers when it wasn't "easy," and they both seem happier for it.
Real Talk on the Future
What’s next? Probably more balance. Luke has mentioned in recent interviews (like that big Out Magazine cover) that being a father has made him more sympathetic and grounded. He’s not just chasing the next big role; he’s thinking about what kind of world Tess is growing up in.
And for Hig? He’s showing that there is absolutely a second act after professional sports. Whether he's climbing Mont Blanc with Luke (which they actually did in 2025—scary conditions and all) or pushing for better representation in sports management, he’s moving the needle.
If you’re looking for a roadmap on how to handle fame without losing your soul, these two are a pretty good place to start. They aren't perfect—nobody is—but they're authentic. In 2026, that's worth a lot more than a trending hashtag.
Next Steps for Fans and Supporters:
- Check out JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to support the cause Luke and Hig champion in memory of Murphy Roberts.
- Watch Home Is Where the Heart Is on Hallmark+ to see a different, more personal side of Luke's craftsmanship.
- Follow Hig’s transition into sports management as a blueprint for athletes looking for a career "Act II."