11 Celebrity Couples That Try to Keep Their Relationships Away from the Spotlight
In the era of social media, a new phenomenon has emerged within celebrity circles known as “performative coupledom.” This term refers to the practice of indulging in exaggerated public displays of affection online. It is no surprise that these ostentatious demonstrations of love captivate the curiosity of onlookers, as humans possess an innate fascination for uncovering the secrets of others. Nevertheless, certain celebrities have made a deliberate choice to shield their relationships from public scrutiny, going to extraordinary measures to safeguard this aspect of their lives, far from prying eyes.
1. Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling
Since 2011, Mendes and Gosling have maintained a remarkably low-profile relationship, carefully guarding their privacy. Despite being parents to two daughters, Mendes has chosen not to reveal their faces on social media, expressing her intention to wait until they can provide consent. Respecting their desire for confidentiality, the couple’s occasional public gestures of affectionate acknowledgment stand out.
For instance, during his acceptance speech for the Golden Globe award for La La Land, Gosling expressed gratitude to his unnamed “lady” for being an exceptional mother. Similarly, Mendes couldn’t help but admire Gosling’s photo while appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show, exclaiming, “Look at him, though,” showcasing their deep affection for one another.
2. Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse
Despite their prominent roles as an acclaimed actor and a renowned supermodel, the inner workings of their remarkable connection remain largely shrouded in mystery. Rarely do they grace the red carpet as a couple and occasional paparazzi snapshots of their shared strolls serve as the only visual evidence of their bond. In a revealing interview, the Twilight star disclosed his rationale for maintaining certain barriers.
He expressed concerns that allowing public intrusion could potentially undermine the profound love they share. “I struggle to comprehend how a simple act of holding hands while walking down the street can transform into a spectacle with countless cameras capturing every moment. The boundary between performing and existing in one’s personal life becomes increasingly blurred, and the consequences can be maddening,” he explained, emphasizing the challenges posed by their public personas.
3. Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer
Kristen and screenwriter Dylan Meyer met for the first time in 2013 on the set of a movie, but faith brought them back together at a mutual friend’s birthday party in 2019. The 2 clicked at that time, and months after that, they were seen kissing on a street curb in New York City. The actress shared, “The first time I told her I loved her, it was really late, and we were in some bar, and her friends were there, and they walked out, and I was just like, ‘Oh, man, I’m so in love with you.’ Done.” She added that it happened only 2 weeks after they started dating.
Even though Kristen was the one talking about a marriage proposal back in 2019, Dylan was the one who ended up popping the question. They didn’t talk about how the proposal went, but it must’ve been as magical as their love story. Kristen said, “So I was like, ’Wait, well, I’m not the one for sure.’ And so I was kind of joking for a bit, like, ’No, I want to be the one to propose, like, I want to be proposed to,’ and then she just grabbed that bowl and made it happen. It was so cute.”
4. Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley
Robbie and Ackerley’s paths intertwined while working on a film set in 2013. Initially, they shared a living space with five friends, functioning as housemates. However, their connection took an unexpected turn as love quietly blossomed between them, and they embarked on a secret romantic journey. In 2016, they sealed their commitment through an intimate wedding ceremony, carefully guarded from public view.
Reflecting on her marital status, Robbie enthusiastically declares that marriage has brought her immense joy. She finds it to be an exhilarating experience, remarking that assuming the role of someone’s wife instills a sense of responsibility, inspiring her to strive for personal growth and improvement.
5. Leighton Meester and Adam Brody
In 2014, the esteemed actors from Gossip Girl and The O.C. exchanged vows, solidifying their union. As proud parents of two children, they have masterfully maintained a veil of secrecy around their family life. In an article, Brody disclosed that Meester possesses a greater inclination toward privacy, providing an ideal complement to his more open nature, which tends to be inclined toward sharing.
Conversely, Meester finds amusement in the pervasive inquisitiveness surrounding her personal life, observing that within this realm, the insatiable desire to know every detail about individuals prevails, a notion she finds rather comical.
6. Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney
Maintaining a remarkably private bond, the esteemed actress from The Hunger Games and her husband, an art gallerist, have deliberately kept their relationship away from prying eyes. Recently, they joyfully welcomed their first child into the world. However, Lawrence has been unequivocal about her stance on sharing details about her pregnancy or her child with the public.
Expressing her deep commitment to safeguarding her child’s privacy, Lawrence has stated her unwavering desire to shield them from the spotlight throughout their lives to the best of her ability. She firmly believes in creating an environment where their existence remains undisturbed, without outsiders’ intrusion. To achieve this, she has consciously decided not to include them in the public aspect of her work, prioritizing their well-being and personal space above all else.
7. Emma Stone and Dave McCary
With the exception of a handful of date night snapshots, captured diligently by the ever-watchful paparazzi, and their initial red carpet debut, the La La Land actress and Saturday Night Live writer diligently safeguarded the privacy of their relationship. However, in 2019, they delighted their followers by sharing an adorable photograph featuring Stone proudly displaying her engagement ring. Their journey continued with the arrival of a baby girl in 2021, and insiders affirm that their marriage thrives on strength and mutual respect, particularly as they embrace the role of devoted parents.
8. Cameron Diaz and Benjamin Madden
Diaz met her husband, Benji Madden, in 2014 and got married the next year. This was not only a surprise for us, but for the actress too, as her decision also shocked her. “I didn’t think it was something I’d do, and I don’t know if I’d have done it if I hadn’t met my husband. It was a surprise.”
Diaz said she didn’t want to be a mother because she feared she wouldn’t find “the one” since she didn’t have much luck. “I was just scared. I was afraid I wouldn’t find a partner.” She also gives a lot of credit to Gwyneth Paltrow for pushing her to start a family and says that she wouldn’t have dared to become a mother if it wasn’t for her.
9. Tom Holland and Zendaya
The undeniable chemistry exhibited by the Spider-Man co-stars ignited fervent fan support for their off-screen relationship. Although no public announcement was made, a trusted source confirmed that the two began dating while working on the film. Mindful of privacy, they took great care to shield their romance from the public’s prying eyes, indulging in secretive getaways and cherishing every available moment together.
However, the couple’s desire for privacy was abruptly disrupted when a photograph capturing a tender kiss went viral, sending social media into a frenzy. Holland, feeling a sense of intrusion, expressed his disappointment, stating, “We felt like our privacy was infringed upon,” highlighting the shared belief that intimate moments should be preserved between two individuals deeply in love rather than being exposed to the entire world. As a public figure already sharing a significant portion of himself, Holland strongly emphasized his determination to keep his personal life away from the scrutinizing spotlight.
10. Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson
Martin and Johnson embarked on their romantic journey in 2017, a few years following the conscious uncoupling of the Coldplay frontman from his former wife, Gwyneth Paltrow. Despite maintaining a low-key approach, their relationship appears to be flourishing. The couple frequently indulges in intimate outings and enjoys family vacations alongside Martin and Paltrow’s children. Notably, Johnson’s father has reportedly expressed his approval and support for their bond.
Their connection was further evident as they attended their friend Barbra Streisand’s birthday celebration together. On select occasions, they provide glimpses into their affectionate union, such as when Martin publicly dedicated a song to his girlfriend, eloquently expressing, “This song encapsulates my universe, and with her presence, it becomes complete.” These heartfelt moments give us insight into their love’s depth and their profound connection.
11. Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk
When Falchuk asked Paltrow to appear in an episode of Glee, a program he co-created, they met and became friends. However, sparks between them didn’t begin to fly until after their divorces from their former spouses, as they were both still married to them at the time.
After divorcing their respective partners, the couple began secretly dating in 2014, and they made their relationship public at Robert Downey Jr.’s fiftieth birthday celebration. Paltrow expressed her joy about meeting Falchuk at that point in her life by declaring, “We feel incredibly lucky to have come together at this juncture in our lives.”
There are so many couples in Hollywood that we’ve met over time that we’ve just forgotten about some of them. But there are others that have managed to stay together for ages, no matter if there is an age gap between them.