Bridgit Mendler, known for her captivating presence as a Disney Channel star and her subsequent impressive pivot to academia and entrepreneurship, has also navigated a public romantic journey that has evolved alongside her career. From early on-screen romances to a deeply private and fulfilling marriage, her relationships have garnered public interest while she has maintained a dignified approach to her personal life. Her romantic history showcases a progression from young love in the spotlight to a mature partnership built on shared ambitions and family.
One of Bridgit Mendler's most widely recognized early relationships was with her Good Luck Charlie co-star, Shane Harper. The two met on the set of the popular Disney Channel series, where they played on-screen love interests Teddy Duncan and Spencer Walsh. Their chemistry extended beyond the screen, blossoming into a real-life romance that delighted fans who had rooted for their characters.
The couple began dating in May 2011, making their relationship public and often appearing together at events. Their relationship was a significant part of their young adult lives, lasting for approximately four years. Fans closely followed their journey, seeing them as a quintessential Disney couple who had successfully transitioned their on-screen connection into a genuine partnership.
However, the relationship between Bridgit Mendler and Shane Harper eventually came to an end. Mendler confirmed their split in November 2015, stating in an interview that she was single. The breakup was largely kept private, with both parties refraining from extensive public commentary on the reasons for their separation, respecting the personal nature of their four-year relationship.
Following their split, both Mendler and Harper reportedly channeled their emotions into their music. Mendler's 2016 EP, Nemesis, is widely believed to contain songs, such as "Atlantis" and "Do You Miss Me At All," that reflect on the end of their relationship. Similarly, Harper's songs "Like I Did" and "See You Around" are speculated to be about their time together, showcasing how their personal experiences influenced their artistic endeavors.
After the conclusion of her relationship with Harper and a period of focusing on her burgeoning academic pursuits, Bridgit Mendler's path led her to Griffin Cleverly. Their connection began in 2017, reportedly through mutual friends, marking a new chapter in her romantic life that was initially kept more private than her previous high-profile relationship.
Their relationship steadily progressed, culminating in an engagement announcement in April 2019. Mendler shared the joyful news on social media, posting a picture with Cleverly and expressing her excitement for their future. She affectionately described him as "a deep thinker, a steadfast companion, a cheerleader and a challenger, and the biggest goof I know," highlighting the depth of their bond.
Just a few months later, in October 2019, Bridgit Mendler and Griffin Cleverly exchanged vows in an intimate beach wedding ceremony. The private affair was attended by close friends and family, reflecting their desire for a personal celebration. Mendler later shared glimpses of their special day on social media, expressing her continued happiness and gratitude for the love they received.
Griffin Cleverly is an aerospace engineer, and his professional background aligned with Mendler's growing interest in technology and innovation. Their shared intellectual curiosity and ambition eventually led them to become not only life partners but also business partners, co-founding Northwood Space, a satellite data startup aimed at enhancing connectivity between Earth and space.
The couple's commitment to building a family together reached a significant milestone when Mendler announced in February 2024 that they had become parents. She revealed that she and Cleverly had adopted a four-year-old boy in 2022, after fostering him since 2021. This news, shared on social media, highlighted a deeply personal and joyful aspect of their shared life.
Mendler expressed profound joy about motherhood, stating, “I’m a mama to a sweet 4yo boy. Started fostering in 2021 adopted near Christmas of 2022. I’m so lucky — being a parent is the biggest gift and most defining experience there is.” This public announcement offered a rare glimpse into the private family life she and Cleverly have built together, emphasizing their dedication to their son.
Their relationship with Griffin Cleverly signifies a mature and grounded phase in Bridgit Mendler's life, characterized by shared personal values, professional collaboration, and the expansion of their family. Their journey together, from meeting in 2017 to becoming parents and business partners, showcases a partnership built on mutual support and shared aspirations beyond the entertainment industry.
Bridgit Mendler's romantic history, while relatively private, reflects a journey from youthful, public romance to a deeply committed and multifaceted partnership. Her relationships with Shane Harper and subsequently Griffin Cleverly illustrate different phases of her life, each contributing to her personal growth and public narrative. She has consistently approached her relationships with dignity, maintaining a focus on privacy while sharing significant milestones with her devoted fanbase.