What Most People Get Wrong About Misty Copeland’s Husband
People usually assume that the husband of a global icon like Misty Copeland must be some flashy Hollywood type or a high-profile dancer. Honestly, it’s the opposite. Olu Evans is a corporate attorney based in New York who mostly stays out of the limelight. He’s been by her side since way before she was a household name. Basically, he was there during the grind—before the Under Armour ads and before she became the first Black female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT).
They’ve been together for roughly two decades. That’s a lifetime in "celebrity years."
Who is Olu Evans, really?
Olu isn't just "the husband." He’s a specialized attorney who graduated from the Emory University School of Law. He’s also an entrepreneur with a focus on branding and digital marketing. While his wife is performing under the bright lights of Lincoln Center, Olu is navigating the legalities of the business world.
Interestingly, he has a pretty famous cousin: actor Taye Diggs. In fact, Taye is the one who played matchmaker. Back in 2004, they were at a club in Chelsea, New York. Taye encouraged Olu to go talk to Misty. She was 21 at the time. He became her first-ever boyfriend.
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Kinda crazy to think that a chance encounter at a nightclub led to a twenty-year partnership, right?
The Wedding Nobody Talks About (Because It Was So Private)
Misty and Olu didn’t do the massive, televised celebrity wedding thing. They kept it low-key. On July 31, 2016, they tied the knot at the Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach, California.
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It was an intimate affair with only about 100 guests. Imagine overlooking the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by pink hydrangeas and white roses. Misty wore a gown by Inbal Dror and shoes by Christian Louboutin. She’s mentioned in interviews that she wanted to feel "more beautiful than I do every day" but without the "poofy" costumes she wears on stage.
Why Their Relationship Actually Works
You’ve probably seen Misty talk about her struggles with body image and the intense pressure of the ballet world. She credits Olu with being her "rock." He wasn't scared by her "damaged" parts when she was younger. He taught her how to communicate.
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- He helped her see her body as an instrument, not just something to be criticized.
- He encouraged her to face problems head-on rather than avoiding them.
- He stays off social media (he’s not even on Instagram), which helps keep their private life actually private.
They live on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. It’s a grounded life despite the fame.
Moving Into Parenthood
In April 2022, they welcomed their son, Jackson. Misty took a brief maternity break, and they’ve been very protective of his privacy ever since. She’s been open about how waiting until later in her career to have a child was a conscious choice—ballet is notoriously difficult on parents.
Olu has been the primary support system during this transition. He’s often spotted at games (like the US Open or Knicks games) with Misty, but you won't find him seeking out the cameras.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to follow their journey, don't go searching for Olu’s public profile—it doesn't exist. Instead:
- Follow Misty’s official channels for rare glimpses of their family life.
- Read her memoir, Life in Motion, where she goes into more detail about how they met.
- Keep an eye on her latest projects with Greatness Wins, where she often applies the business and branding advice she’s refined alongside Olu.
The biggest takeaway from their story? Even in the high-pressure world of professional ballet, having a partner who is completely removed from that industry can be the secret to staying sane. Olu provides the "normalcy" that allows Misty to be extraordinary.