Alyson Hannigan is a beloved actress who has played roles such as in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, American Pie, How I Met Your MotherTo name just a few, She’s had a special place in our hearts and on our TV screens for over 30 years. But her amazing career isn’t the only thing that’s spanned decades. Hannigan is married to former Buffy The Vampire SlayerAlexis Denisof has been a castmate of mine since 1999. Hollywood rarely sees their costars have real-life relationships with lasting power. But Willow and Wesley are real-life examples of how to make it work. Here’s the inside scoop on Hannigan and Denisof’s love story and how they’re going strong almost 20 years later.
Alexis Denisof and Alyson Hannigan began as just friends
Hannigan met Denisof at the set of the cult TV show. Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The pair had what Hannigan calls “flirtation at first sight.” She made the first move, but Denisof was wary of dating a co-star and was just getting over a breakup. They remained close friends, but Hannigan began a relationship with another woman. the Sun that Denisof “didn’t like that.” She went on to say, “when my new relationship ran its course, the whole thing suddenly changed and Alex and I started to really care about each other. It took us two years to meet up, and that was in 1999. [sic]”
Hannigan had actually received a proposal from another beau before dating Denisof, but she paid careful attention to her mother’s counsel to take her time and not rush into marriage. She knew she was ready by the time Denisof proposed. “I took my mom’s advice and thought really hard about the whole thing—and didn’t marry until I was nearly 30.” The two married in 2003 in Palm Springs. Their wedding was held over three days. During the celebration, they danced to the song that their characters first danced on. Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
For their ten-year anniversary wedding anniversaryDenisof sank down on one knee and began to repeat the process. Hannigan tweeted, “My hubby @AlexisDenisof surprised me with the most romantic day of my life yesterday! Which included another proposal & ring! I said YES!” The two then renewed their vows in Hawaii in 2013.
They have two kids
Satyana Marie, their first child, was born to the couple in March 2009. Their second daughter, Keeva Jane was born in 2012. Hannigan responded that having their daughters brought them closer. YourTango, “Yes. It’s such an incredible roller coaster ride. It’s just amazing, but it’s also, ‘Holy cow, we’re in it!’”
Back in 2013, Hannigan said that she’d take the pair’s children to work with her. Hannigan and Hannigan loved being on set. However, Hannigan found it difficult to balance being a mom and working mom. Luckily, she’s got her partner in her court, who she described as “a wonderful dad.”
What makes their relationship so successful?
Finding love that lasts is hard enough for anyone, but Hollywood seems to make it even more difficult. Hannigan was worried about the effect the public would have on a relationship. “I swore I would never date another actor,” she told Zap2It. “But it’s been so much better to share something that’s so much a part of our lives and understand it completely.” She told the Sun, “Famous people are not more qualified to deal with a marriage break-up than anyone else. It is different with Alex and me because we prefer to keep our work private. I like coming home to an actor husband.”
They’ve clearly figured out the secret formula. So, aside from keeping a low profile, what’s their secret? Hannigan told YourTango that the best love advice she’s ever gotten was, “’Don’t ever spend more than three weeks apart.’ Two and a half weeks, maybe three, was the longest we ever did.”
Actors who are constantly filming in different locations will still need to spend time apart. Even those brief periods can be difficult for actors who are constantly filming in different locations. Hannigan told Use, “We love being together and it just feels like part of my heart is gone when he’s gone.” At the end of the day, this power couple makes love sound simple. “We’re best friends. He’s my partner and I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody else.”
