Zendaya and Tom Holland's Romance Inspires a Look at Hollywood's Top 10 On-Screen Partners Who Turned into Real-Life Couples
Zendaya and Tom Holland have always kept their love story low-key, but that has not stopped fans from obsessing over every detail. In a recent PEOPLE's exclusive piece, Zendaya’s former K.C. Undercover co-star Tammy Townsend revealed that they kept their romance “under wraps” when they first started dating during Spider-Man: Homecoming days. Fast forwarding to now, where the internet is in complete awe over the beloved duo's official engagement.
From co-stars who fell for each other on set to relationships that stood the test of time, they have given fans plenty to gush over. In light of Zendaya and Holland’s exciting engagement news, here are some of the most iconic on-screen pairs who took their love off-screen.
Chad Michael Murray and Sophia Bush
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Chad Michael Murray and Sophia Bush's on-screen chemistry as Lucas and Brooke in One Tree Hill became quite the real-life romance, even leading to their marriage in 2005. However, their union was short-lived, ending just months later in 2006, reportedly due to infidelity rumors.
After the split, both moved on- Murray married actress Sarah Roemer in 2015, while Bush, after a few relationships, married entrepreneur Grant Hughes and later came out as queer, dating former soccer player Ashlyn Harris.
Kat Dennings and Nick Zano
In 2011, Kat Dennings and Nick Zano's on-screen chemistry as Max and Johnny in 2 Broke Girls actually blossomed into real love. Their relationship, which lasted until 2014, was reportedly full of shared humor and mutual respect. After their split, Dennings moved on to date singer Josh Groban, and as of now, she is happily married to musician Andrew W.K.
Nick Zano, on the other hand, found love with actress Leah Renee. The couple has two children, a son born in July 2016 and a daughter born in 2018.
Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson
Fans of The O.C. adored Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson as Seth and Summer, and their real-life romance only added to the love and magic. Though they eventually split, their chemistry remained undeniable. After parting ways, Brody briefly dated Kirsten Dunst before marrying Leighton Meester in 2014. Bilson moved on with Hayden Christensen, with whom she shares a daughter, though they separated in 2017.
Today, both continue thriving in their careers and personal lives, with Brody enjoying family life with Leighton Meester, while Bilson co-parents Briar Rose with Hayden Christensen. Despite their breakup, the memories of Seth and Summer continue to live on in the hearts of fans to date.
Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder
Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder's real-life romance mirrored their on-screen chemistry in The Vampire Diaries, which is a beloved series to watch even till date, had fans awing and swooning when reports of their real relationship surfaced. Although they eventually called it quits, they did leave a deep mark on everyone's minds.
After separating, Dobrev moved on with Shaun White, and Somerhalder married actress Nikki Reed in 2015, and they are parents now. Both of them are still doing pretty well in their careers. While Dobrev focused on acting and activism, Somerhalder was busy promoting environmental causes.
Maggie Q and Dylan McDermott
Maggie Q and Dylan McDermott’s love story began on the set of Stalker, where their on-screen chemistry blossomed into a real-life romance. After getting engaged in early 2015, they became one of Hollywood's hottest couples. However, despite their strong chemistry, they reportedly ended their engagement with little public explanation.
Following their break-up both went on to continue their successful careers with Maggie starring in Designated Survivor, and Dylan moving on to roles in TV shows.
Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas
Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas's love story is quite the fairy tale itself! They met each other on Once Upon a Time as Snow White and Prince Charming and quickly their on-screen chemistry turned into real-life romance. In 2014, they tied the knot at a private ceremony and soon welcomed their first son, Oliver. Their family grew with the birth of their second son, Hugo, in 2016.
During this journey, they have always supported each other's careers while building a life off-screen. From co-stars to parents, Goodwin and Dallas are living proof of fairy-tale love in Hollywood, making their relationship as magical as the characters they played.
Jennifer Morrison and Jesse Spencer
Jennifer Morrison and Jesse Spencer’s on-screen romance as Dr. Cameron and Dr. Chase on House M.D. sparked real-life chemistry, even leading to an engagement in 2006. The couple seemed to be headed for a fairytale wedding, especially after the very romantic proposal of Spencer at the Eiffel Tower.
However, by 2007, the pair called off their engagement, leaving the internet shook! While the exact reasons for the split remain private, Morrison and Spencer have continued to thrive in their careers, with Morrison starring in Once Upon a Time and Spencer in Chicago Fire.
Keri Russell and Scott Speedman
Keri Russell and Scott Speedman were the on-screen lovebirds of Felicity as the beloved couple, Felicity and Ben. While their relationship details remain somewhat private, it is known they dated during the show's airing. Their connection off-screen mirrored their intense on-screen dynamic, and though their relationship eventually ended, the two have remained good friends over the years. Despite the ups and downs, Russell has fondly spoken of their relationship, acknowledging the depth of their connection beyond their brief romance.
Emily VanCamp and Josh Bowman
Emily VanCamp and Josh Bowman first crossed paths on the set of the TV drama Revenge in 2011, where their characters' relationship was entangled in all sorts of twists and turns. Off-screen, however, their love story was far more straightforward and heartwarming and here is a peek into their journey. The pair began dating in late 2011, keeping their relationship relatively private.
After several years together, Bowman proposed to VanCamp in May 2017 and they tied the knot in the following year in an intimate ceremony in the Bahamas. In 2021, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Iris. From on-screen to off-screen, this couple has had the internet in a chokehold with their beautiful romance and sweetness.
Blake Lively and Penn Badgley
By 2007, as Gossip Girl was winning hearts, the main couple on the show, Serena and Dan, played by Blake Lively and Penn Badgley, also found their on-screen chemistry spilling into real life. Initially, they kept their budding romance under wraps, even denying dating rumors in early interviews. However, their secret was out when the paparazzi captured the two kissing each other while on vacation in Mexico. Their relationship blossomed alongside the show's success, but by 2010, the couple amicably parted ways.
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Love stories that start on-screen and bloom into real life are always close to fans' hearts. Whether it is secret romances or fairytale weddings, they remind you that magic on the silver screen can indeed spill into reality. From decades-long partnerships to unexpected pairings, Hollywood has brought out these truly unforgettable love stories that had everyone talking!
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Who is your favorite real-life couple from the on-screen duos? Let us know in the comments below!
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Edited By: Itti Mahajan
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