Lilian Matsuda Is Nick Gehlfuss' Supportive Wife – Facts about Her
Lilian Matsuda stood by her husband, actor Nick Gehlfuss, while he struggled to break into the industry. This year will mark the seventh wedding anniversary for the married couple, who share a passion for philanthropy, and recently became parents.
Lilian Matsuda walks arm-in-arm with her husband, Nick Gehlfuss, as the pair often attend prestigious events. In March 2022, she graced the red carpet, donning an elegant leopard-print gown with padded shoulders and waist slits.
Pairing the stunning look with a flattering pixie cut, simple jewelry, and a clutch purse, she smiled for a photo alongside Gehlfuss, who sported a black tux with a silver bow tie to match his watch.
Nick Gehlfuss and Lilian Matsuda pose at a premiere party for NBC's 'Chicago Fire', 'Chicago P.D.' and 'Chicago Med' at STK Chicago on November 9, 2015, in Chicago, Illinois | Source: Getty Images
According to her Instagram caption, Matsuda and Gehlfuss had just watched the movie adaptation of Charles M. Blow's "Fire Shut Up In My Bones." She encouraged her followers to "run" to see the film, which starred Terence Blanchard, whose performance she thought was "powerful" and "moving."
Matsuda also celebrates her husband's achievements on her social pages. In March 2020, she posted an old selfie and poked fun at Gehlfuss's "Season 1 hair" as she congratulated him for his 100th episode on "Chicago Med."
Though Matsuda has been an integral part of Gehlfuss's life, little is known about her background, apart from being of Japanese and American descent. Still, she has shared her passion for philanthropy and a few glimpses of her personal life on social media.
Nick Gehlfuss and Lilian Matsuda pose at the Entertainment Weekly & People Upfronts party 2016 at Cedar Lake on May 16, 2016, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Lilian Is Passionate about Philanthropy
Matsuda has dedicated much of her time to uplifting worthy causes and anti-hate campaigns, including "Black Lives Matter" and "Stop Asian Hate." In 2019, she worked as a policy associate for Illinois Action for Children.
Before committing to a career in the non-profit sector, Matsuda worked in the marketing industry. She did campaigns for large well-known companies, including Sveda Vodka and Viceroy Hotel Group.
Lilian Was the One Who Helped Her Husband at the Beginning
Gehlfuss had studied for seven years, attaining a Master's degree in Fine Arts when he moved from his home in Cleveland to New York. His pursuit of an acting career was difficult, as he struggled to make ends meet and even reached a point where he questioned his chosen path.
His manager remained at his side throughout this rough patch, but Matsuda supported him even more. Not only did she believe in his dream, but she helped her love stay afloat financially. She also moved to Los Angeles with the "Shameless" star, and they now reside in Chicago.
Though it's unknown when their romance began, Matsuda and Gehlfuss were engaged in 2015 and married the following year. During the Entertainment Weekly & People Upfronts party in 2016—also attended by Vanessa Hudgens and Mandy Moore—Gehlfuss shared some details about the big day.
He revealed that it had been a large ceremony held in Ohio on Friday the 13th, where friends and family surrounded the happy couple. Actress Yaya DaCosta—mom to Sankara Alafia—expressed her happiness for the lovebirds and said Matsuda was "unbelievably cool."
Gehlfuss and Matsuda's love remains strong, with Gehlfuss even helping his wife with a big chop in May 2020. Alongside a thread of photos depicting the fun process, Gehlfuss subtly expressed pride over how well he did Matsuda's buzz cut, joking that he found his new "calling."
Lilian Shared Pregnancy Photos but Never Announced the Birth
Matsuda first revealed her pregnancy in April 2021 with a mirror selfie that exposed her baby bump. She followed with another in May, posing on a bridge with her husband, wishing her followers a happy weekend.
In July 2021, Matsuda shared a photo where she posed alongside a lady named Emi Nobuko, whom she said would be the "best auntie ever." She never announced when she gave birth, but in December that year, Matsuda penned a moving tribute to her late mom alongside a photo of her baby's hand.