Jared Padalecki, the beloved actor known for his roles in Gilmore Girls and Supernatural, has navigated his romantic life under the public eye, experiencing connections that began on set and eventually finding enduring love. His journey has seen him linked to co-stars and ultimately marry his long-time partner, establishing a family life away from the Hollywood spotlight in Austin, Texas.
Padalecki's first publicly acknowledged relationship in the entertainment world was with his Gilmore Girls co-star, Alexis Bledel. The two met on the set of the popular series in 2000, where they played on-screen love interests, Rory Gilmore and Dean Forester. Their real-life romance was brief, occurring during the first season of the show. While long speculated by fans, Padalecki himself confirmed the relationship years later, describing it as a "silly" and not "super juicy" teenage romance that unfolded as they were both young and new to the industry.
Following his early Gilmore Girls days, Padalecki entered into a significant relationship with actress Sandra McCoy. Their romance began in May 2003, after they met on the set of the horror film Cry Wolf in 2005. The couple dated for approximately four years, and their relationship became quite serious, culminating in an engagement in 2008. However, despite their engagement, the couple ultimately decided to part ways later that same year, ending their long-term commitment.
The most pivotal chapter in Jared Padalecki's romantic history began in 2008 when he met actress Genevieve Cortese on the set of Supernatural. Genevieve joined the cast in its fourth season, portraying the demon Ruby, a recurring role that brought her into close contact with Padalecki, who starred as Sam Winchester. Their connection was immediate, though they took their time, getting to know each other for about four months before embarking on their first official date.
Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to an engagement in October 2009. Padalecki proposed to Cortese at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a romantic gesture that marked a significant step in their journey. The couple publicly announced their engagement in January 2010, much to the delight of their fans and the media.
Jared Padalecki and Genevieve Cortese exchanged vows on February 27, 2010, in a beautiful ceremony held in Sun Valley, Idaho. Their wedding was a celebrated event, uniting two stars from the popular CW series. Following their marriage, Genevieve adopted Jared's surname, becoming Genevieve Padalecki, and has since been credited under that name.
The couple quickly began building their family. They welcomed their first child, son Thomas "Tom" Colton Padalecki, on March 19, 2012. Two years later, their family grew again with the arrival of their second son, Shepherd "Shep" Padalecki, in December 2013. In March 2017, they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Odette Elliott Padalecki, completing their family of five.
Over the years, Jared and Genevieve have frequently spoken about the importance of their family and maintaining their connection amidst busy careers. Genevieve, in a 2019 blog post, shared insights into their marriage, stating, > "Jared and I have been together for 11 years and married for nine. Throw three kids in the mix and a career that takes him to Canada most the year, and keeping the romance alive can be hard." She emphasized the importance of scheduled date nights to reconnect.
Their relationship has been a consistent source of stability and happiness for Padalecki. They often share glimpses of their family life on social media, showcasing their strong bond and their commitment to raising their children in Austin, Texas. Genevieve even made guest appearances on Padalecki's later series, Walker, playing his on-screen wife, further intertwining their professional and personal lives.
As of today, Jared and Genevieve Padalecki remain happily married, celebrating over a decade of partnership. Their journey from co-stars to a loving married couple with three children stands as a testament to their enduring commitment and shared life, establishing a strong foundation for their family away from the constant glare of Hollywood.