If you still picture Jon Cryer as the neurotic, thrift-store-suit-wearing Duckie from Pretty in Pink or the perpetually stressed-out Alan Harper, you might be surprised by his real life. It’s a lot less chaotic than a Chuck Lorre sitcom. People often wonder, who is Jon Cryer married to, mostly because he’s managed to keep his private life relatively sturdy in an industry that loves a messy divorce.
The answer is Lisa Joyner. They’ve been together for nearly two decades, which is basically a century in Hollywood years.
Honestly, Joyner isn't just "the wife" of a famous actor. She’s a powerhouse in her own right. If you’ve ever found yourself weeping at 2:00 AM watching Long Lost Family on TLC, you’ve seen her work. She’s an Emmy-winning entertainment reporter and a television host who has carved out a massive niche for herself by helping people find their biological families.
The Meet-Cute That Actually Happened
Most celebrity couples meet on a movie set or at some high-end gala. Jon and Lisa? Their story is way more "suburban dad" than that. Legend has it they met while he was literally just out for a walk.
He walked past her house. She was watering her lawn.
He stopped to chat. It sounds like something out of a 90s rom-com, but it was real life. This happened around 2006. By June 2007, they were getting married in Mexico at the One&Only Palmilla resort in San Jose del Cabo. It wasn't some massive, bloated media circus; it was a private ceremony with about 40 guests.
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Cryer has been pretty open about how his relationship with Lisa changed his perspective. Before her, he was married to British actress Sarah Trigger from 1999 to 2004. That marriage was... well, it was a lot. There were public custody battles and some pretty wild headlines that would make anyone wary of trying again.
But with Lisa, it seems he found a rhythm. He told People that second marriages are great because you finally know what your flaws are. You stop trying to be the guy you think you’re supposed to be and just show up as yourself.
Who Exactly Is Lisa Joyner?
Born in Baltimore and adopted as an infant, Lisa Joyner has a personal history that deeply informs her professional career. She spent years as a reporter for KTTV and KCBS-TV in Los Angeles, covering the glitz of the Oscars and the Grammys.
But her real calling came later.
Because she was an adoptee herself, she eventually went on a journey to find her own birth parents in her 30s. That experience turned into a career path. She began hosting shows like Find My Family on ABC and eventually Long Lost Family. She doesn't just read a teleprompter; she actually understands the trauma and the hope involved in those reunions.
A Quick Snapshot of Her Career:
- Entertainment Reporter: Years spent on the red carpet for major LA news outlets.
- Host of InFANity: The TV Guide Network show that went behind the scenes of popular series.
- Adoption Advocate: Using her platform to support organizations like Raise A Child and Alliance of Moms.
Building a Family Through Adoption
In 2009, Jon and Lisa decided to expand their family. They adopted a baby girl named Daisy. This was a massive moment for them, especially since both had unique perspectives on the adoption process—Lisa as an adoptee and Jon as a father who already had a son, Charlie, from his first marriage.
Daisy was born in August 2009, and the couple has been fiercely protective of her privacy. You won't see them pimping her out for "nepo baby" fame on Instagram. They seem to prefer the quiet life in Los Angeles, occasionally popping up on a red carpet looking genuinely happy to be there.
The Wedding Ring Saga
If you want to know the vibe of their marriage, you have to hear the story about the lost wedding ring. Back in 2020, Jon was walking along the coast in Vancouver—where he was filming Supergirl—and his wedding band slipped off.
He was devastated.
He actually tweeted for help, and a professional "ring finder" with a metal detector eventually tracked it down in the sand. Lisa’s reaction wasn't to get mad or roll her eyes. She told reporters she loved him even more because of how much he cared about finding it. She joked that the guy with the metal detector "saved a marriage," but it was clear the ring was just a symbol of the work they’d put in.
Why Their Marriage Actually Works
Jon Cryer recently starred in the sitcom Extended Family, which ironically deals with the complexities of divorce and co-parenting. In real life, he seems to have mastered the art of the "peaceful life."
The dynamic between Jon and Lisa works because they are both professionals who understand the grind. They aren't competing for the spotlight. When Jon was going through the chaotic years of Two and a Half Men—you know, the Charlie Sheen "winning" era—Lisa was his anchor.
He’s mentioned in interviews that humor is the "100 percent key" to their longevity. If you can't laugh at the absurdity of Hollywood or the stress of parenting, you’re doomed.
What to Take Away From Jon Cryer’s Personal Life
When looking for the answer to who is Jon Cryer married to, you find a story that's actually quite grounding. It’s a reminder that even after a messy first marriage, a "second act" is possible.
If you're following their journey or interested in the work they do, here are a few things to keep an eye on:
- Watch Lisa Joyner’s work: If you're interested in the human side of adoption, her show Long Lost Family is genuinely high-quality television that avoids the usual reality TV trashiness.
- Follow their advocacy: Both Jon and Lisa are big supporters of foster care and adoption services. Looking into the organizations they support, like FosterMore, is a great way to see where their hearts are.
- Check out Jon’s latest projects: He’s still very active in the industry, and his perspective on family life often bleeds into his newer, more mature roles.
They aren't the loudest couple in Hollywood, and that's probably why they're still together. No scandals, no "leaked" arguments, just two people watering their lawn and finding lost rings.