Nathan Lane is a legend. You know him from The Birdcage, or maybe as the voice of Timon in The Lion King, or perhaps for his record-breaking run in The Producers. But for all his public hilarity and that unmistakable voice that can fill a theater without a microphone, the man behind the curtain has spent nearly three decades building a life with one person: Devlin Elliott.
Honestly, in a town like Hollywood or on the high-pressure streets of Broadway, relationships usually have the shelf life of a carton of milk. Yet, Lane and Elliott have managed to navigate the spotlight for over 25 years. They aren't just partners; they’re collaborators, co-authors, and—as of 2015—husbands.
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People often assume celebrity marriages are all red carpets and champagne. But with these two, it’s always felt more grounded. It’s about the quiet work of theater production, the chaotic energy of a French bulldog named Mabel, and a partnership that survived long before marriage equality was even the law of the land.
The Long Road to "I Do"
Most people don't realize how long Nathan Lane and Devlin Elliott were actually together before they made it official. They didn't just meet and run to a chapel. They put in 18 years of work first.
They finally tied the knot in November 2015. It wasn't some massive, bloated celebrity gala. It was a small, quiet ceremony at City Hall in New York City. Just a few friends, some paperwork, and a lot of history. Lane’s representative told PEOPLE at the time that "everyone is extremely happy," which, given the length of their courtship, felt like a massive understatement.
Why the wait?
Well, timing is everything. Lane has often joked about his "ups and downs" in the relationship. During an appearance on The View in February 2023, he cracked that he and Devlin "had a year off for good behavior" somewhere in the middle of those 25 years.
That kind of honesty is rare. It makes them feel real. They aren't pretending to be a perfect Pinterest couple. They’ve survived the grind of show business and the personal evolution that happens when you've been with someone since the late '90s.
Who Exactly is Devlin Elliott?
If Nathan Lane is the face of the operation, Devlin Elliott is the engine. He isn't just "the husband." He's a powerhouse in his own right, specifically in the world of theater production.
Elliott is the co-owner of Maberry Theatricals. If you follow Broadway, you’ve likely seen his name on the credits for some heavy hitters. He’s a Tony-nominated producer who has worked on:
- Master Class (starring Tyne Daly)
- Ragtime (the 2009 revival)
- Deuce (starring the legendary Angela Lansbury)
- White Rabbit Red Rabbit (an innovative Off-Broadway hit)
He’s also a playwright. He was a writer-in-residence at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, working on a play called Broken. Basically, he understands the "biz." That’s probably why they work so well. When Lane is doing eight shows a week—a schedule he describes as "giving up your life"—he’s coming home to someone who knows exactly why that sacrifice matters.
The Naughty Mabel Phenomenon
One of the coolest things about Nathan Lane and Devlin Elliott is how they turned their real-life domestic chaos into art. Specifically, children's books.
They have a French bulldog. Her name is Mabel. Apparently, she’s a handful.
The couple co-authored a series of picture books starting with Naughty Mabel in 2015, followed by Naughty Mabel Sees It All. The books are hilarious because they treat Mabel like a pampered, over-privileged socialite in the Hamptons. Lane has described Mabel as having a "penchant for getting her perfectly pedicured paws into trouble."
Writing together can be a relationship killer. (Just ask anyone who’s tried to build IKEA furniture with their spouse.) But for Lane and Elliott, it was a way to bond. Elliott wrote the first draft, Lane realized he was serious, and they dove in together. It’s a glimpse into their private world—one filled with humor, animals, and a shared creative language.
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Why Their Relationship Matters in 2026
We live in an era where "celebrity" is often synonymous with "temporary." But Nathan Lane and Devlin Elliott represent a different kind of Hollywood story.
- Advocacy through existence: They’ve been outspoken advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, but their most powerful statement is simply their longevity. They were together through the Defense of Marriage Act and the eventual Supreme Court ruling that changed everything.
- Professional respect: You rarely hear them gushing in a way that feels performative. Instead, Lane calls Elliott "the greatest person in the world" and says he "couldn't get through life without him." It’s simple. It’s heavy.
- Privacy as a priority: Despite Lane's fame, they’ve kept the intimate details of their life relatively guarded. You won't find them in a reality show or selling their wedding photos to the highest bidder.
Practical Lessons from a 25-Year Run
If you’re looking at their relationship and wondering how they do it, there are a few "takeaways" that aren't just fluff.
- Separate and Together: They have their own careers, but they find specific projects (like the Mabel books) to do as a team.
- Humor is a Shield: Lane’s constant joking about their "ups and downs" shows they don't take the friction too seriously.
- The "Every Day" Rule: As Lane told the co-hosts of The View, they don't do much for Valentine's Day. They prefer the "every day" appreciation. It’s less pressure and more sustainable.
What’s Next for the Duo?
Nathan Lane isn't slowing down. Whether he's on Broadway in Pictures From Home or appearing in shows like Only Murders in the Building, his schedule is packed. Devlin continues to develop new theatrical projects and writing ventures.
They remain a fixture of the New York theater scene—the kind of couple you might see walking a naughty Frenchie through the park or grabbing a quiet dinner after a curtain call. In a world that constantly changes, their partnership feels like one of the few things we can actually count on.
If you want to support their work or learn more about their creative partnership:
- Check out the Naughty Mabel book series for a look at their shared sense of humor.
- Look for Devlin Elliott's name on upcoming Broadway production credits; he’s often the force bringing new plays to life.
- Watch Nathan Lane's interviews from the last few years (especially his 2023-2025 appearances)—his mentions of Devlin are always some of the most genuinely touching moments of the show.