Lizzy Caplan's Partner: The Actress's Marriage to Tom Riley and Past Romances
Lizzy Caplan's husband, Tom Riley, is a film and television actor, director, and producer. The duo tied the knot two years after meeting and waited a few years to welcome a child. Before Riley entered her life, Lizzy Caplan's partner, Matthew Perry, reportedly wasn't ready to settle down, which ultimately caused their split.
Lizzy Caplan made her on-screen debut in the television movie "From Where I Sit" in 2000. Four years later, she played the unforgettable character Janis Ian in the hit film "Mean Girls," alongside Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams.
Success followed soon after as she landed more roles in movies and television shows, including "Masters of Sex," "Fleishman Is In Trouble," and "Cloverfield." While working on her career, Caplan tied the knot with Tom Riley in 2017.
Lizzy Caplan during TCA Paramount+ “Fatal Attraction” panel at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on January 9, 2023, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
Although now a wife and mother, Caplan has no plans of leaving show business. Her latest starring role is Alex Forrest in the remake of 1987's "Fatal Attraction" alongside her leading man, Joshua Jackson.
As an actor himself, Caplan's husband understands the demands of her job and works around their schedules to make time for their marriage and family.
Lizzy Caplan Is Married: Get To Know Her Actor Husband, Tom Riley
Riley, a graduate of the University of Birmingham and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, is an English actor, director, and producer. He is known for his roles in "The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window," "The Nevers," "The Collection," and "Da Vinci's Demons."
Although their exact relationship timeline isn't known, Riley met Caplan in London in 2015 while she was filming for a production. Months later, Riley posted a photo holding hands with a mystery woman in Italy, sparking dating rumors. In 2016, the pair confirmed their romance when they attended the Prague Opera Ball together.
Lizzy Caplan and Tom Riley during the "Fleishman is in Trouble" New York premiere at Carnegie Hall on November 7, 2022 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
It didn't take long for him to realize he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Caplan, so in the same year, he asked for her hand in marriage. Ironically, Caplan didn't always want to marry an actor.
In 2014, she revealed she romanticized the idea of a stay-at-home father because she didn't like how between two working parents, the woman would likely stay home with the child. However, she eventually found beauty in sharing a profession with her partner, giving them a special connection. She said:
"I like having common ground. I like that [Riley] and I can talk about anything that's happened on set, and he will know exactly what I'm talking about. The trade-off is that you're both in such an unpredictable line of work [...]."
Caplan and Riley tied the knot over Labor Day weekend in 2017 in Italy. Although the wedding was private, the actress showed fans their special day through an Instagram post.
Lizzy Caplan and Tom Riley during the "Truth Be Told" Apple premiere at AMPAS Samuel Goldwyn Theater on November 11, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Lizzy Caplan and Tom Riley Have a Son but Try to Keep Their Family Life Away from the Spotlight
The couple waited a few years before welcoming a child into their lives. Caplan and Riley wanted to live freely and experience many things before committing to parenthood.
In 2021, they were blessed with a son named Alfie. Although the duo rarely share their personal lives with the public, Caplan once spoke about motherhood in an interview.
According to the actress, Alfie has brought overwhelming joy into her life without knowing it. Just by looking at him, she often smiles from ear to ear without noticing. "It's like this unrivaled pure joy," she explained.
Tom Riley and Lizzy Caplan during the San Diego International Film Festival at Pendry San Diego on October 18, 2019, in San Diego, California. | Source: Getty Images
She also credits her husband for being a wonderful father and taking as much responsibility as possible. Riley is a hands-on dad who cares for their son so Caplan can pursue her passion for acting. She said:
“[...] It just wouldn't be as fun if we weren't sharing all of it 50-50. We're pretty good at seeing the funny in stressful situations. I do feel very, very lucky."
When Caplan's not working, she takes care of Alfie. Admittedly, it is a tiring set-up, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Riley also once shared about fatherhood in an interview, calling it a fantastic feeling to become a dad.
Lizzy Caplan Dated Matthew Perry for 6 Years, but the Actor Reportedly Wasn't Ready for Commitment
Before meeting Riley, Caplan was in a six-year relationship with Matthew Perry that began in 2006. The pair kept their romance under wraps and quietly called it quits in 2012.
The duo reportedly broke up because Perry was not ready to tie the knot. "He wasn't ready to make the full commitment," a source revealed. "For the last year that they were together, it was very up and down, a lot of back and forth."
In 2022, Matthew Perry, whose appearance and speech changed after a dental procedure, revealed he once considered proposing to his longtime girlfriend. Although he never revealed a name, it was believed to be Caplan. The "Friends" star also said he was hurt by how his ex told him of her engagement, calling it "incredibly harsh."
Lizzy Caplan Was Also Linked to Her Co-star James Marsden, but She Denied the Rumors
Besides Perry, Caplan was previously linked to her "Bachelorette" co-star, James Marsden. However, she denied the rumors and claimed they were only close friends.
Caplan and Marsden are really good friends as he was one of the guests at her wedding. Despite their previous relationship, Caplan is happy to live in marital bliss.