Malin Akerman and Jack Donnelly: What Really Happened with the Billions Star’s Second Act

You know that feeling when you meet someone and everything just... clicks? Like, no drama, no forced small talk, just an immediate "oh, there you are" moment. That’s basically the vibe between Malin Akerman and Jack Donnelly.

Honestly, in a town like Hollywood where marriages often have the shelf life of an open avocado, these two have managed to build something that feels remarkably grounded. It’s not just the red carpet photos or the high-profile careers. It’s the fact that they’ve been doing this for years now—since 2018, actually—and they still look like they’re on their first date.

How Malin Akerman and Jack Donnelly Actually Met

It wasn't some high-stakes movie set meet-cute. Not even close.

Malin’s younger sister is actually the unsung hero of this story. Jack was friends with the sister’s boyfriend from drama school back in England. Malin had known him casually for about four years, but he was just another face in the crowd. Then, suddenly, he came back from London and something had shifted. Malin famously joked in an interview that she looked at him and went, "Wow, have you always been this cute?"

Sometimes timing is everything.

At the time, Malin was a few years out from her divorce with Roberto Zincone. She was a single mom to her son, Sebastian. She wasn't necessarily hunting for a husband, but Jack fit into their lives so seamlessly it was hard to ignore.

That Boho Tulum Wedding Everyone Still Talks About

When they finally decided to tie the knot in December 2018, they didn't do the traditional "big white wedding" thing.

Instead, they headed to the Papaya Playa Project in Tulum, Mexico. It was peak boho. Malin wore a blush-colored Cushnie slip dress—decidedly not white—because, as she put it, she wasn't a virgin and didn't feel like pretending for the sake of a tradition that didn't fit her life. They went barefoot. They did tequila shots before the ceremony.

The guest list was a weirdly cool mix of people, from Carla Gugino and Michelle Monaghan to Rob Thomas from Matchbox Twenty, who apparently led a jam session the night before.

The Dynamics of a Multi-National Marriage

Jack is British. Malin is Swedish-Canadian and now a US citizen. That’s a lot of passports.

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But beyond the travel logistics, Jack stepped into a ready-made family. Being a stepparent is tricky terrain, but by all accounts, Jack and Sebastian (Malin’s son) are tight. Malin has often said that seeing how Jack interacted with her son was the clincher. It wasn't just about her; it was about the team.

They’ve even worked together.

While some couples find working together a nightmare, these two have shared the screen in projects like Friendsgiving and Slayers. In Friendsgiving, they actually played a couple, which Malin joked felt "just like being at home," even during the more risqué scenes.

What is Jack Donnelly Known For?

If you aren't a hardcore BBC fan, you might wonder where you recognize Jack from.

He’s best known for playing Jason in the BBC series Atlantis. He’s also popped up in Misfits and United We Fall. He’s not just an actor, though. He’s been branching out into writing lately. Malin recently mentioned a dark comedy pilot he wrote that deals with some pretty heavy themes—proof that they aren't just another "pretty faces" couple, but actual creative collaborators.

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The Secret to Making it Work

Why do they seem to last while other celebrity couples crumble?

It might be their lack of social media thirst. Jack doesn’t even have public accounts. Malin shares the occasional birthday tribute or anniversary post, but they aren't constantly performing their relationship for "likes."

They also seem to share a specific philosophy on marriage. During their vows, they reportedly didn't make grand, impossible promises of "forever" in a way that felt fake. Instead, they promised to do their best every day and to never hold each other back from new experiences. That feels way more honest, doesn't it?

The 2026 Perspective

Looking at them now, nearly eight years after they first sparked rumors in Puerto Rico, they’ve become one of those "quietly successful" couples. Malin is still crushing it with projects like Spymasters and hosting massive events like Eurovision, while Jack continues to build his portfolio behind the camera and in front of it.

They’ve navigated the transition from "hot new couple" to "established Hollywood pair" without the usual tabloid scandals.

What You Can Learn From Their Approach

If you're looking at Malin and Jack and thinking "relationship goals," there are a few practical takeaways that actually apply to the real world:

• Prioritize the friendship first. They were friends for years before things turned romantic. That foundation is hard to break.
• Don't be afraid to break tradition. If a white dress or a church wedding doesn't feel like "you," don't do it. Authenticity matters more than aesthetics.
• Integrate the family early. For parents, seeing how a partner interacts with your kids isn't just a "plus"—it’s the whole game.
• Keep some things private. You don't have to post every meal or every fight. Holding a little bit back for yourselves keeps the relationship sacred.

If you want to keep up with what they're doing next, your best bet is following Malin's Instagram for the occasional update, or keeping an eye on the credits of her upcoming 2026 film slate.

Check out Malin Akerman's latest film credits on IMDb or follow her verified social media for the most accurate updates on her upcoming projects.