If you’ve spent any time watching big-screen dramas or Marvel blockbusters, you've probably noticed a certain ethereal quality to Jennifer Connelly. She’s been a staple of cinema since she was a kid in Labyrinth, but her personal life? That's usually kept under a pretty tight lid. If you're wondering who is Jennifer Connelly married to, the answer is British actor Paul Bettany.
They’ve been married for over two decades. In Hollywood years, that’s basically a lifetime.
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Honestly, their origin story sounds like something pulled straight from a screenplay. It wasn't just a "met at a party" kind of thing. It involved a childhood crush, a tragic global event, and a proposal that happened before they even technically went on a first date.
The A Beautiful Mind Connection
The couple famously met on the set of the 2001 film A Beautiful Mind. She played Alicia Nash, a role that eventually won her an Oscar. He played Charles Herman, the imaginary best friend of Russell Crowe’s character.
You’d think they fell in love between takes. Not quite.
At the time, both were actually seeing other people. There was a definite spark, sure, but they kept it professional. Paul later admitted he was intimidated by her. He’d actually had a massive crush on her since he was fifteen years old, ever since he saw her in Labyrinth. Seeing her in the flesh was a lot for him to handle.
Then came September 11, 2001.
A Proposal Born Out of Chaos
Paul Bettany was in Tuscany when the Twin Towers fell. Like the rest of the world, he was in a state of total shock. But in that moment of crisis, his mind went straight to Jennifer. He realized he didn't know where she was or if she was safe.
He spent two days frantically trying to call her.
When he finally got through, the realization hit him like a ton of bricks. He was in love. He basically told her, "I'm coming over, let's get married."
It sounds impulsive. Maybe even a little bit crazy. But Jennifer said yes.
They didn't even date in the traditional sense before getting engaged. They just knew. They officially tied the knot on New Year’s Day in 2003, during a private, low-key ceremony in Scotland. They’ve been together ever since, moving from Tribeca to a beautiful home in Brooklyn Heights where they raised their family.
Life as a Marvel Power Couple
It’s kind of a fun trivia fact that both Jennifer and Paul are part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), though they rarely share the screen.
- Paul Bettany: Most fans know him as the voice of J.A.R.V.I.S. and later the physical manifestation of Vision.
- Jennifer Connelly: She played Karen (the "Suit Lady") in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
So, technically, they’ve both played A.I. assistants to superheroes. Paul often jokes that he’s never going to live down the fact that Jennifer’s movie Top Gun: Maverick eventually out-earned some of his Marvel appearances at the domestic box office. The banter between them in interviews is always top-tier; they seem to genuinely like each other, which is surprisingly rare in their industry.
Raising a Family in the Spotlight
When you ask who is Jennifer Connelly married to, you’re also looking at a family unit that includes three children.
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They have two biological children together: a son named Stellan (named after their friend, actor Stellan Skarsgård) and a daughter named Agnes Lark. Jennifer also has an older son, Kai, from her previous relationship with photographer David Dugan. Paul has been a hands-on stepfather to Kai since the beginning.
They’ve managed to keep their kids mostly out of the paparazzi's lens. You might see them at a marathon—Jennifer recently finished the New York City City Marathon with Paul cheering her on—but they aren't the type to sell "at home" features to tabloids.
Why They Actually Last
So, why do they work when so many other celebrity marriages crumble?
It seems to come down to a mutual respect for their craft and a shared desire for a "normal" life. They’ve worked together on multiple projects, like the film Creation where they played Charles and Emma Darwin, and Shelter, which Paul directed.
Working with a spouse can be a nightmare for some. For them, it seems to be a way to stay connected.
Jennifer has mentioned in interviews that she admires the way Paul "is in the world." He’s known for being incredibly witty and sharp, while she tends to be more introspective. It’s that classic balance.
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If you’re a fan of their work, check out the 2014 film Shelter. It’s a gritty, difficult watch about homelessness in New York, but seeing Jennifer’s performance under Paul’s direction gives you a real sense of their creative synergy. Also, keep an eye out for Paul's return to the MCU in the upcoming Vision series—he often drops little anecdotes about family life during his press tours.