Sandra Oh, the acclaimed Korean-Canadian actress celebrated for her roles in Grey's Anatomy and Killing Eve, has navigated her romantic life with a notable degree of privacy, a stark contrast to her highly public professional persona. While the specifics of her dating history are often kept close to the vest, her journey includes a significant marriage to a renowned filmmaker and a long-term, steadfast partnership that has largely remained out of the public eye, reflecting her consistent desire to separate her personal world from her illustrious career.
Oh's first widely publicized relationship was with filmmaker Alexander Payne. The couple reportedly met in 1999, beginning a relationship that would soon capture the attention of Hollywood. Payne, known for directing critically acclaimed films, and Oh, an emerging talent, formed a powerful creative and personal bond. Their relationship blossomed away from the intense glare of the paparazzi for several years, allowing them to build a foundation before their union became a subject of public interest.
The couple formalized their commitment, tying the knot in a private ceremony in January 2003. Their marriage coincided with a pivotal moment in Oh's career, as she was cast in Payne's film Sideways, which went on to receive widespread critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations. Oh's performance in the film earned her significant recognition, further elevating her profile in the industry. The public often saw them together at red carpet events, presenting a united front as a burgeoning Hollywood power couple.
Despite their shared professional success and public appearances, the marriage between Sandra Oh and Alexander Payne was relatively short-lived. Reports indicated that the couple separated in 2005, just two years after their wedding. The news of their split came as a surprise to many, given their seemingly strong connection. The divorce was finalized in late 2007, marking the end of Oh's only publicly known marriage. Both Oh and Payne have largely remained discreet about the reasons behind their separation, maintaining a respectful silence on the matter.
Following her divorce from Alexander Payne, Sandra Oh entered a new chapter in her romantic life, characterized by an even greater commitment to privacy. She began a long-term relationship with Lev Rubenstein, a Russian artist. While Oh rarely speaks about this relationship publicly, Rubenstein has been seen accompanying her to various high-profile events, including the Golden Globes in 2019, where Oh made history as a host and a winner. Their appearances together are infrequent, underscoring Oh's deliberate choice to keep this aspect of her life away from the media spotlight.
Sources close to the actress and various reports suggest that Oh and Rubenstein have been together for well over a decade, with their relationship reportedly beginning around 2007 or 2008. This extended period of partnership highlights a different approach to romance for Oh, one that prioritizes stability and discretion over public display. The exact details of how they met or the specific timeline of their relationship are not widely known, a testament to Oh's successful efforts in maintaining her personal boundaries.
Sandra Oh has consistently emphasized the importance of her private life, often stating her desire to keep her relationships out of the public conversation. This preference for privacy has allowed her to focus on her demanding career while nurturing a stable personal life away from the intense scrutiny often faced by Hollywood celebrities. Her enduring partnership with Lev Rubenstein, though largely unpublicized, appears to be a cornerstone of her life, providing a private sanctuary amidst her global fame.
Today, Sandra Oh continues to be one of the most respected and sought-after actresses in the industry. Her current relationship with Lev Rubenstein remains private, with the couple rarely making public statements or appearances together. This consistent pattern of discretion reflects Oh's deeply held belief in separating her professional identity from her personal happiness, allowing her to thrive both on screen and in her quiet, enduring partnership.