Actors often discuss the awkwardness of on-screen romances, as the choreographed scenes rarely allow for genuine passion to unfold. However, there are instances when actors are paired with co-stars whose sweet kisses evoke butterflies and genuine emotions. On-set couplings provide busy celebrities with an ideal opportunity to find love, outside of popular dating apps like Raya.
Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton’s love story began on the set of the 1999 film “Pushing Tin.” Their connection was unique and intense, resulting in a quick marriage and even the unconventional act of carrying vials of each other’s blood. For someone like Angelina Jolie, who had achieved celebrity status, it may have been challenging to find a partner who could understand and embrace her unusual way of expressing love. Some celebrities have a history of dating their on-screen partners, while others are ready to take the plunge into marriage after just one audition. Here is a list of famous co-stars whose on-screen kisses led to significant romances.
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher
Mila Kunis rose to fame through her role as Jackie Burkhart on the popular Fox sitcom “That ’70s Show.” Playing alongside Ashton Kutcher, who portrayed Michael Kelso, the dimwitted boyfriend of Kunis’ character, audiences enjoyed their on-screen dynamic for eight seasons. Interestingly, Kunis’ on-screen kisses with Kutcher were also her first real-life kisses. In an interview with People magazine in 2001, Kunis shared her initial thoughts upon realizing she would have to kiss Kutcher: “I was like, ‘Oh, he’s so cute, it’s the Calvin Klein model!'” However, the prospect of kissing him left her a bit apprehensive.
During that time, Kutcher had no knowledge that he was Kunis’ first kiss. Nevertheless, their on-screen chemistry left a lasting impression that would extend over the years. In 2011, Kunis ended her relationship with actor Macaulay Culkin, while Kutcher separated from actress Demi Moore, which had received significant media attention due to their 16-year age gap. Following their respective breakups, Kunis and Kutcher began spending more time together and eventually became romantically involved. This parallel mirrored the plotlines of their movies “No Strings Attached” and “Friends with Benefits,” where they portrayed characters who were casual but ultimately developed a deeper connection.
Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin
In 2010, rapper Snoop Dogg released the song “Oh Sookie,” a lighthearted tribute to the character Sookie Stackhouse from the popular HBO series “True Blood.” The music video featured clips of Sookie, portrayed by Anna Paquin, as well as several Sookie lookalikes. “True Blood” garnered a massive following and attracted millions of viewers. Sookie’s alluring charm captivated fans, and it appeared to have a similar effect on her co-star Stephen Moyer.
Moyer, an English actor, was instantly drawn to Paquin from the moment they met for their chemistry read. In the series, Moyer played the role of Bill Compton, a sensitive vampire torn between his love for Sookie and his dark life in the supernatural world. However, in real life, Moyer and Paquin’s connection blossomed into a romantic relationship. They tied the knot in 2010 and later became parents to twins named Poppy and Charlie in 2012.
Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender
Handsome German-Irish actor Michael Fassbender has a reputation for getting involved with his co-stars romantically. Following his portrayal of a struggling sex addict in the independent film “Shame” in 2011, Fassbender briefly dated his co-star Nicole Beharie. He also had a relationship with Zoë Kravitz after they appeared together in the comic book movie “X-Men: First Class.” However, everything changed when Fassbender worked alongside Swedish beauty Alicia Vikander in the poignant 2016 film “The Light Between Oceans” — he was so smitten that his pattern of dating co-stars came to a halt.
Alicia Vikander, who was once a classically trained ballet dancer, gained recognition for her acting skills with her role as Ava in the unconventional science fiction film “Ex Machina.” In 2016, she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “The Danish Girl.” During that same year, Fassbender received a nomination for his leading role in “Steve Jobs.” Although this talented acting duo prefers to keep their romance low-key, a few pictures from their secret wedding in Ibiza in 2017 did surface on the internet.
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan
In the 1980s, NBC gained popularity for its family-oriented shows such as “The Cosby Show,” “Gimme a Break!,” and “Silver Spoons.” One of the network’s standout series was “Family Ties,” featuring breakout star Michael J. Fox. Fox, a Canadian actor, portrayed the charismatic overachiever Alex P. Keaton, the unconventional offspring of his ex-hippie parents, Steven and Elyse Keaton. Alex’s conservative values often clashed with his liberal New England family and the numerous women he dated in college. Tracy Pollan had a significant role as one of Alex’s love interests for several seasons, and their on-screen encounter proved to be life-changing.
Pollan played the character Ellen Reed, who initially had reservations about Alex. However, in one iconic scene, the actors shared a kiss while dancing to Billy Vera’s poignant song “At This Moment.” The song became a chart-topping hit, leaving audiences curious about the future of the evident chemistry between Pollan and Fox. At the time, Pollan was in a relationship with Kevin Bacon, while Fox was romantically linked to “Facts of Life” star Nancy McKeon. Fox’s career was also skyrocketing with the success of movies like “Back to the Future” and “Teen Wolf.” The actors later reunited in the gritty drama “Bright Lights, Big City” and tied the knot in 1988. They welcomed their first child in 1989, and a few years later, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Throughout his struggles with the illness, Pollan has been a constant source of support for Fox, and the couple has since welcomed three more children.
Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana
After her notable roles in impactful films like “Avatar” and “Colombiana,” Zoe Saldana was seeking more action-packed projects. However, she found herself taking on the role of Dora Jansen in the 2012 mystery film “The Words,” which was quite the opposite of what she had in mind. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2012, Saldana admitted that she initially wanted to be shooting guns but eventually connected with the character, thanks to her co-star Bradley Cooper.
In the movie, Cooper portrayed a charismatic writer named Rory Jansen, who steals another person’s work to achieve fame. Saldana played his supportive yet no-nonsense wife. The on-screen chemistry between Saldana and Cooper was palpable and left a strong impression on viewers.
Bradley Cooper’s handsome appearance and star power have often led to him being linked with several A-list actresses, including Jennifer Lopez, Renée Zellweger, and a brief marriage to Jennifer Esposito. After Saldana ended her engagement with Keith Britton, she and Cooper were romantically involved for about a year. However, their relationship didn’t last long, and Saldana moved on relatively quickly. The breakup added some tension to their professional lives as they had to promote “The Words” together on the red carpet, showcasing their acting talent despite any personal awkwardness.
Saldana eventually married Italian artist Marco Perego in 2013, and they have three sons named Zen, Cy, and Bowie. Cooper, on the other hand, had a series of short-lived romances before entering a serious relationship with model Irina Shayk. They welcomed their daughter, Lea De Seine, in 2017, but the couple separated in 2019.
Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams are Canadian actors who had a destined meeting in their careers. Both born in London, Ontario, they took different paths to success. Gosling began his acting career as a child on the revival of the Disney Channel’s “The Mickey Mouse Club,” where he shared the stage with future stars like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera, showcasing his singing and dancing abilities. On the other hand, McAdams studied theater at York University and made her Hollywood debut in the 2002 comedy “The Hot Chick.”
Their paths crossed when they were paired together for the 2004 film “The Notebook,” an adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel. The movie became an instant hit, largely due to the explosive chemistry between Gosling and McAdams. Playing the conflicted lovers Noah and Allie, the pair struggled to find their romantic rhythm on set. Interestingly, director Nick Cassavetes revealed in a 2014 interview with VH1 that Gosling initially wanted to work with a different actress. However, their passionate on-screen love transcended into real life, and Gosling and McAdams went public with their romance. They even reenacted one of their famous kissing scenes from the film at the 2005 MTV Movie Awards.
Unfortunately, their demanding schedules eventually led to the end of their relationship in 2007. Gosling has been in a relationship with actress Eva Mendes since 2011, and they have two daughters together. McAdams has been involved with screenwriter Jamie Linden for several years, and they have a son.
Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe
Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe are not only considered one of Hollywood’s sexiest couples by many fans, but they are also admired for their dedicated and lasting relationship. Despite the challenges of fame, they have successfully balanced their family life, thriving careers, and a strong partnership. The couple first met on the set of Showtime’s TV series “Soul Food,” which aired in the early 2000s and was based on the 1997 film of the same name. Throughout the show’s five seasons, they portrayed the on-again, off-again couple Teri Joseph and Damon Carter. While their characters faced uncertainties about their relationship, Parker and Kodjoe’s off-screen romance remained solid.
Their connection deepened when Kodjoe suggested they live together, and Parker realized that he was the one for her. They got married in 2005 and soon welcomed a son and daughter into their family. In 2015, the couple briefly co-hosted a daytime talk show where they interviewed various celebrities, including Zendaya and Regina Hall. Like many high-profile couples, they faced rumors of marital troubles in 2020 after Parker made comments about missing the single life. However, these remarks were simply an honest moment shared with fans, and the couple’s relationship remains strong and intact.
Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas
Ginnifer Goodwin has often portrayed characters in films and shows who faced challenges in finding love. From “Mona Lisa Smile” to “He’s Just Not That Into You,” she played women who put their hearts on the line for uncertain prospects. In the film “Something Borrowed” (2011), her character fell for her best friend’s fiancé, and in the HBO series “Big Love,” she shared a husband with two other women. However, it was on the ABC series “Once Upon a Time” that Goodwin finally found her Prince Charming, both on and off-screen.
Josh Dallas played the role of Prince Charming on the show, and in real life, he swept Goodwin off her feet. Their connection was solidified during an early date at Disneyland, which made Goodwin realize she wanted to marry him, even before their relationship became serious. The chemistry between them was evident, and they publicly revealed their relationship at the 2012 White House Correspondents Dinner. The couple tied the knot in 2014 and soon welcomed their sons, Oliver and Hugo. While Dallas stars on the NBC fantasy drama “Manifest,” Goodwin recently appeared on the CBS show “Why Women Kill.” When Dallas is away filming, he makes an effort to send Goodwin flowers and FaceTime with her as much as possible.
Emily VanCamp and Josh Bowman
The ABC drama “Revenge” was filled with twists and turns, and Emily VanCamp took on the role of Emily Thorne, a woman seeking revenge for her father’s death by infiltrating a wealthy family’s lives in the Hamptons. She used her romantic involvement with their son, Daniel Grayson (played by Josh Bowman), to uncover their secrets. This role was a departure for VanCamp, who is also recognized for her portrayal of Sharon Carter/Agent 13 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Captain America: Civil War.”
While VanCamp’s character on “Revenge” had fake intentions, her off-screen romance with Bowman was far from fake. Although they initially tried to keep their relationship private, they were frequently spotted engaging in public displays of affection throughout Los Angeles. VanCamp eventually announced their engagement through an adorable Instagram post, and they tied the knot in the Bahamas in 2018.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez was a movie star, pop sensation, and married woman when she met Ben Affleck on the 2003 movie “Gigli.” The movie was notoriously panned by the critics, with Affleck’s lack of on-screen chemistry with Lopez at the center of much of the criticism. But the pair didn’t let the negativity stop them from working together again. They played husband and wife in the film “Jersey Girl,” and went public as a couple once Lopez separated from her choreographer husband Chris Judd.Â
Affleck appeared in Lopez’ video for the song “Jenny from the Block,” where they acted out much of the tabloid fodder and lack of privacy they were experiencing in real life. Lopez wrote a love song called “Dear Ben” for her album This Is Me…Then. The couple became such a sensation they were labeled with the merged name “Bennifer.” In 2002 Lopez showed off the blingy pink diamond engagement ring Affleck gave her. The 6.1 carat Harry Winston jewel cost a whopping $2.5 million. But all that glitters isn’t gold, and a year later the couple called off their wedding. The flashing bulbs and constant attention were too much for the lovers to handle. Lopez married singer Marc Anthony in 2004, and had twins Max and Emme. They divorced in 2011. Affleck married actress Jennifer Garner in 2005. They have three children together, but divorced in 2018. Lopez has been in a long, happy engagement with baseball great Alex Rodriguez since 2019.
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman’s first encounter with Tom Cruise occurred during her audition for a supporting role in the 1990 film “Days of Thunder,” as described in a 2016 Vanity Fair article. Kidman vividly remembered the moment when Cruise stood up, shook her hand, and an electric connection passed between them. In the movie, Kidman portrayed a doctor assigned to evaluate Cruise’s character, a turbulent race car driver. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and shortly after the film’s completion, the couple tied the knot.
At the time of their marriage, Cruise was already a renowned superstar, while Kidman was still establishing herself in the industry. However, Kidman wholeheartedly embraced motherhood after their marriage, adopting Isabella in 1992 and Connor in 1994. When they appeared together in Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 film “Eyes Wide Shut,” speculation arose about whether their characters’ marital issues mirrored their own relationship. Cruise and their children became more involved in Scientology, but Kidman never joined them. After 11 years of marriage, the couple parted ways in 2001. Cruise subsequently had a brief marriage to actress Katie Holmes, with whom he has a daughter named Suri. They divorced in 2012. On the other hand, Kidman flourished as an A-list actress, earning an Academy Award. In 2012, she married country singer Keith Urban, who hails from Australia like Kidman, and they have two children together.
Kit Harington and Rose Leslie
Kit Harington and Rose Leslie both achieved career breakthroughs when they were cast in the popular HBO series “Game of Thrones.” Harington portrayed the character Jon Snow, the leader of the Night’s Watch and the illegitimate heir of House Stark, while Leslie played Ygritte, a member of the Free Folk residing beyond The Wall. Amidst the backdrop of war, darkness, and frigid conditions, the two characters found love on the show, and their on-screen romance included passionate and intimate moments.
Off-screen, Harington and Leslie developed a relationship that extended beyond their professional lives. They confirmed their real-life romance when they made a red carpet appearance together at an awards ceremony in England in 2016, four years after their characters’ initial on-screen connection. In 2017, Harington proposed to Leslie, and the couple tied the knot the following year.
