In a world filled with power couples, and celebrity “shippings”, more than a few powerful female stars are coming home at the end of a long shift to a husband whose day looks much more like ours.
The term “normie husband”, refers to a partner whose job doesn’t place them in the public eye to the same extent as their famous counterpart.
Read on for the many recognisable women in Hollywood, who have almost unrecognisable husbands.
01
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerly
Margot Robbie met her husband Tom Ackerly in 2013 on the set of Suite Francaise, a World War II film where she played a supporting role and he was an assistant director.
That same year they began their own production company LuckyChap Entertainment, which has gone on to produce several female-focused box office hits such as I, Tonya, Promising Young Woman, and of course – Barbie.
The pair tied the knot in a low-key ceremony here in Australia back in 2016.
At the 2024 Critics Choice Awards red carpet, Margot was asked by E! News what it was like to be married to someone who wasn’t as recognised as her. The actress responded, “I am so lucky. He likes being behind the camera. He’s not fazed by any of this stuff. He’s just the best.”
02
Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery
Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery have the most normal “meet cute” scenario there is. The couple locked eyes at a Los Angeles grocery store in 2003, and the rest was history.
Chris works in the music industry as a producer, however very little is known about him and his career.
Ellen and Chris were married in 2007, and went on to have three children together – Stella Luna, 14, Sienna May, born in 9, and Eli Christopher, 7.
03
Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman
Anne Hathway met her husband, Adam Shulman, in 2008. The actress has admitted she knew instantly that Adam was the “love of her life”.
While Anne is known for her work in front of the camera, her husband works as a film producer behind the scenes. Adam also designs jewellery and began his own company, James Banks Design.
The couple were married in California in 2012, and Adam even designed and created Anne’s engagement ring himself.
In 2016, they had their first child Jonathan Shulman, and welcomed their second son Jack, in 2019.
04
Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney
In 2018 Jennifer Lawrence was spotted with art gallery director Cooke Maroney. It took fans a while to figure out who the mysterious non-A-Lister was, but it was obvious that Jennifer was head over heels.
The pair were swiftly engaged and married just over a year later, and welcomed their son Cy in 2022.
Jennifer commented in an interview with Vanity Fair that on her first date she felt “so embarrassed” about bringing security on their dates. We don’t blame her. Cooke’s social media presence is almost non-existent; with a private Instagram page and very few followers.
We can imagine having a first date with Jen and her security would be…intimidating.
05
Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin
This may sound like the plot of a film, and we’re not so sure it isn’t.
Country singer, Miranda Lambert, met her husband, Brendan McLoughlin on the set of Good Morning America. Brendan, an ex-NYPD officer, was working as security on the show when his future wife was a guest and performing.
Three months after, they were married!
06
Gal Gadot and Jaron Varsano
Gal Gadot met her husband Jaron Varsano at a yoga retreat in Israel in 2006. The pair formed an instant connection, and were married in 2008.
When they met, Jaron was a real estate developer It wasn’t until 2017 that he sold his portfolio and moved to Los Angeles.
The couple now own a production company called Pilot Wave Motion Pictures, and share three daughters together – Alma, Maya, and Daniella.
07
Dolly Parton and Carl Thomas Dean
Dolly Parton is one of the most recognised singers in the world. Her husband Carl, not so much.
The pair met at a Nashville laundromat the day Dolly moved to town. She was just 18, and Carl was 22. He was the epitome of a normie, working in the asphalt and paving business.
Two years after they met and Dolly had signed to a record label, the pair were married in a secret wedding. Only Dolly’s mother, the pastor and his wife were present.
Their relationship continues to be very private to this day, with Carl being very happy to let his wife of 57 years shine while he watches on; her biggest fan.
08
Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern
Lisa Kudrow’s love story was more of slow burn in comparison to some of the other normie marriages.
In the ’80s, Lisa was living with a French roommate who happened to be dating French advertising executive, Michel Stern at the time. Lisa took one look at Michel and knew he was her future husband.
Not wanting to ruffle any feathers, Lisa gave up on the Michel, only to reconnect in the ’90s at the same roommates birthday. The roommate and Michel had only dated for a few months and still to this day, along with Lisa, stay in touch.
Lisa and Michel were married in 1995, and gave birth to their son Julian Stern, in 1998. A pregnancy that was famously written into her character Pheobe’s storyline, in the hit TV sitcom Friends.
