Karen Gillan, known globally for her roles in "Doctor Who" and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has largely kept her romantic life private, yet her journey through love has seen significant chapters unfold in the public eye. From a long-term relationship in her early career to a recent marriage and the welcoming of her first child, Gillan's romantic history reflects a preference for discretion while embracing major life milestones.
One of Gillan's earliest publicly known relationships was with Patrick Green, a freelance photographer. The couple reportedly began dating in 2006 and maintained a relationship for approximately six years. They were known for keeping their romance out of the spotlight, rarely making public appearances together.
The end of Gillan's relationship with Patrick Green came to light in January 2012. While promoting her TV film "We'll Take Manhattan," where she portrayed Jean Shrimpton, Gillan subtly hinted at the split by speaking of Green in the past tense. Reports suggested that the separation occurred after her return from filming in New York, though the specific reasons for their breakup were not widely disclosed, aligning with their private nature.
Following her long-term relationship, Gillan's romantic status remained largely unconfirmed for several years. There were brief rumors of encounters or flings, including with her "Doctor Who" co-star Matt Smith and actor Andrew Brooke around 2012, but these were largely speculative and never publicly confirmed as significant relationships by Gillan herself. She focused on her burgeoning career in Hollywood, maintaining a quiet personal life.
Years later, Gillan found love with American comedian and writer Nick Kocher. Their unique connection began through social media, with Gillan initially attempting to contact Kocher via Instagram DMs. When that didn't yield a response, she famously "slid into his DMs" on Twitter, initiating a conversation by complimenting his tweets.
The couple kept their relationship very low-key for some time, with their first public appearances together noted around 2019, such as at the premiere of Hulu's "Catch-22." Despite their private nature, their bond steadily grew, leading to a significant step in their relationship.
Karen Gillan and Nick Kocher secretly tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Scotland in May 2022. The wedding took place at the picturesque Castle Toward near Dunoon, with reports suggesting a star-studded guest list that included Hollywood figures like Julia Roberts and Robert Downey Jr. Kocher reportedly arrived by speedboat, while guests were transported by yacht, adding to the fairytale setting.
The marriage remained a private affair for several months until Gillan publicly announced it in February 2023 via an Instagram post. She shared stunning photos from their wedding day, showcasing her elegant Oscar de la Renta gown and Kocher in a traditional Scottish kilt, finally confirming their marital status to the world.
Most recently, Karen Gillan and Nick Kocher embarked on a new chapter, welcoming their first child, a baby girl named Clementine, in December 2024. Gillan shared the joyous news on social media in early January 2025, posting heartwarming photos of their newborn daughter and expressing her happiness about becoming a mother. This significant milestone further solidifies their family life, marking a beautiful progression in Gillan's romantic and personal journey.