Bill Maher, the outspoken comedian, political commentator, and host of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, has maintained a highly public career while largely keeping his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships, under a somewhat private, yet often scrutinized, veil. Known for his strong opinions and long-standing bachelor status, Maher's dating history has featured a string of notable women, often from the entertainment or media industries, reflecting his public persona and lifestyle. His relationships, though not always extensively detailed, have consistently garnered media attention, offering glimpses into the romantic life of one of television's most enduring figures.
One of Maher's earlier publicly known relationships was with comedian and actress Kathy Griffin. Their relationship reportedly occurred in the late 1990s, though specific dates are not widely publicized. Griffin, a fellow comedian known for her controversial humor, shared a similar professional circle with Maher, making their connection a natural fit within the comedy scene. While their romance was brief, it was a notable pairing of two prominent comedic voices.
Following his relationship with Griffin, Maher was linked to Karrine Steffans, a model and author. Their relationship was reported around 2003-2004, though details remain sparse. Steffans later wrote about their time together in her memoirs, providing some insight into their dynamic, which she described as intense but ultimately short-lived. This period highlighted Maher's preference for dating women who were often in the public eye.
In the mid-2000s, Maher began a significant relationship with Coco Johnsen, a former Playboy model. They dated from 2003 to 2004, and their relationship became particularly public when Johnsen filed a palimony lawsuit against Maher in 2005. She sought $9 million, claiming Maher had promised to marry and support her. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, with the judge ruling that the alleged agreement was unenforceable. This highly publicized legal battle offered a rare, albeit contentious, look into Maher's private life and his views on commitment.
After the legal entanglement, Maher entered a long-term relationship with Danielle Burgio, an actress, stuntwoman, and former model. Their relationship reportedly lasted from 2005 to 2009, making it one of his more enduring public romances. Burgio often accompanied Maher to public events, and their pairing seemed to be a stable presence in his life for several years. Their split was not widely publicized, maintaining Maher's typical discretion regarding the end of his relationships.
Maher's most significant and widely recognized relationship in recent years was with Cara Santa Maria, a science communicator, journalist, and television host. They began dating in 2009 and were together until 2015, marking his longest publicly known relationship. Santa Maria frequently appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher as a panelist, and their intellectual compatibility was often evident. Their relationship was celebrated by fans who appreciated their shared passion for science and critical thinking, and their breakup was met with disappointment by many who saw them as a strong couple.
Following his split from Santa Maria, Maher's dating life continued to attract attention, with various reports linking him to different women. In 2015, he was rumored to be dating Alexandra Datig, a former adult film actress and political activist. While their connection was reported, it did not appear to develop into a long-term public relationship, aligning with Maher's pattern of maintaining a degree of privacy around his newer romantic interests.
More recently, Maher has been linked to Anjulie Persaud, a Canadian singer-songwriter. Their relationship reportedly began around 2022, and they have been photographed together at various events. Persaud has also appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher as a musical guest, indicating a continued trend of Maher dating women within the entertainment industry or those who share his intellectual interests. As of recent reports, they appear to be in an ongoing relationship, though Maher continues to be very private about the specifics. Maher has consistently expressed his skepticism about marriage, often stating his belief that it is not for him, a stance he has maintained throughout his extensive public dating history.
Throughout his career, Bill Maher's romantic life has been characterized by relationships with intelligent, accomplished women, often from the public sphere. While he has never married, his dating history reflects a pattern of seeking companionship with individuals who can engage with his sharp wit and intellectual curiosity. His relationships, though sometimes brief or subject to public scrutiny, have remained largely private in their intimate details, allowing Maher to maintain his persona as a fiercely independent and opinionated public figure. His current relationship status with Anjulie Persaud suggests a continued preference for long-term partnerships, even if they don't lead to traditional marital commitments. His romantic journey remains a testament to his unique approach to life and love in the public eye.