Christina Applegate, a beloved actress known for her iconic roles from Married... with Children to Dead to Me, has navigated a public and often scrutinized romantic life throughout her decades-long career. From early Hollywood flings to two significant marriages, her journey through love has been marked by both high-profile relationships and enduring partnerships, ultimately finding stability and deep connection.
One of Applegate's earliest public relationships was with actor Richard Grieco, with whom she dated in 1988-1989. This early romance was part of her nascent years in the entertainment industry, as she was just beginning to gain widespread recognition for her role as Kelly Bundy.
Following her time with Grieco, Applegate had a brief but memorable connection with future Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt. They dated in 1989-1990, and their short-lived romance made headlines when Applegate famously left Pitt mid-date at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards for another man. While the identity of the person she left him for has never been officially confirmed by Applegate, it remains a notable anecdote in her early dating history.
In the early 1990s, Applegate was linked to Nuno Bettencourt, the guitarist for the band Extreme. Their relationship spanned from approximately 1990 to 1992. Bettencourt later alluded to their relationship, with some speculating that songs like "Song for Love" and "Karmalaa" were inspired by her.
Reports also indicate a brief fling with actor Christian Slater in 1996. While not a long-term relationship, it added to the list of high-profile individuals Applegate was connected with during her rise to leading lady status in Hollywood.
Applegate's first marriage was to actor Johnathon Schaech. The couple met in 1997, with Applegate recalling that "when we shook hands, my heart skipped a beat." They dated for about four years before tying the knot on October 20, 2001. Their marriage was a significant period in her life, often intertwined with her burgeoning film career. Schaech later described Applegate as "the love of my life" even after their separation.
Despite their apparent connection, Applegate and Schaech separated in 2005, and their divorce was finalized on August 10, 2007. A representative stated at the time that the decision was mutual. Despite the end of their marriage, they have maintained a remarkably cordial relationship, with Schaech publicly expressing his continued admiration and support for Applegate, particularly after her MS diagnosis, tweeting, "She's the toughest human being I've ever met! F–k MS! So proud of her! Go Christina!"
During and after her separation from Schaech, Applegate was in an on-again, off-again relationship with photographer and skateboarder Lee Grivas. Their relationship lasted for approximately three years, from 2005 until his death in 2008. Applegate reportedly disapproved of his struggles with drug addiction, which contributed to the tumultuous nature of their romance. Grivas tragically passed away from an apparent drug overdose in 2008, a difficult period for Applegate, though they were not together at the time of his death.
Applegate found her enduring partner in Dutch musician Martyn LeNoble, bassist for the alternative rock band Porno for Pyros. Their connection was unique, as they had been friends for an extensive period, with Applegate revealing in 2009 that LeNoble had been in her life as a friend for 13 years before their relationship turned romantic. Their romance officially began in July 2008.
LeNoble became a crucial source of support for Applegate, particularly during her breast cancer diagnosis in 2008. She openly credited him with helping her through the challenging period, stating, "Without him, I don't know if I could've gone through any of it." Their bond deepened significantly during this time, transforming their friendship into a profound love.
LeNoble proposed to Applegate on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2010. The couple welcomed their daughter, Sadie Grace LeNoble, on February 1, 2011, before officially tying the knot. Their wedding took place in a private ceremony at their Los Angeles home on February 23, 2013.
Their marriage has been a cornerstone of stability in Applegate's life. She frequently speaks about the strength of their relationship, particularly as she navigates her journey with multiple sclerosis, which she publicly revealed in 2021. LeNoble has remained a steadfast and supportive partner, often accompanying her to public events and being a constant presence in her life. Applegate has often said that their relationship "gets stronger and stronger" with time, highlighting the deep mutual respect and love that defines their enduring partnership. Their private nature allows them to focus on their family life, with Sadie often seen alongside her mother at recent awards ceremonies, showcasing the loving family unit they have built. Christina Applegate's romantic history, while varied and public, ultimately led her to a fulfilling and supportive partnership with Martyn LeNoble, a testament to finding lasting love and companionship.