Nobody expected the Watcher and the Witch to actually make it. In a town where marriages usually have the shelf life of an open carton of milk, Alyson Hannigan and Alexis Denisof have somehow pulled off the impossible. They’ve been together for over 25 years. That’s basically several centuries in "Hollywood years."
Honestly, if you grew up watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you probably remember the awkward, stuffy Wesley Wyndam-Pryce. He was the guy we all loved to poke fun at before he became a total badass on Angel. And then there was Willow, the heart of the Scooby Gang. While their characters barely spoke on screen, the vibe behind the scenes was apparently electric from day one. But it wasn't some whirlwind, tabloid-fodder romance. It was actually kind of a slow burn that almost didn't happen because of a self-imposed dating ban.
The Rejection That Started It All
It’s a classic story: girl meets boy, girl likes boy, boy says "I don't date coworkers." When Alexis joined the cast of Buffy in 1997, Alyson was instantly smitten. She’s gone on record saying it was "flirtation at first sight." But Alexis was playing it safe. He didn't want to mess up the professional dynamic on set.
So, he turned her down.
Ouch.
✨ Don't miss: Bea Alonzo and Boyfriend Vincent Co: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
They stayed friends for about a year and a half, which Alyson now says is the secret sauce to their longevity. They built a foundation. They actually talked. By the time they finally started dating in 1999—just as Alexis was moving over to the spin-off Angel—the "coworker" rule was technically less of an issue. They’ve been inseparable ever since.
Why Alyson Hannigan and Alexis Denisof Are Still Together
While most celebrity couples are busy posting staged "candid" shots for clout, these two are living a remarkably normal life in Encino. You don't see them in the gossip rags for cheating scandals or public meltdowns. Instead, you see them in matching plaid pajamas on Christmas or doing elaborate family Halloween costumes with their daughters, Satyana Marie and Keeva Jane.
What's the trick?
- The Three-Week Rule: They try never to spend more than 21 days apart. In an industry that sends actors to different continents for months, this is a massive commitment.
- Total Support: When Alyson was grinding on Dancing with the Stars in 2023, Alexis was the one holding down the fort, bringing her ice, and being the "hands-on dad" she’s praised in dozens of interviews.
- Shared Humor: If you’ve seen Alexis’s recurring role as the sleazy Sandy Rivers on How I Met Your Mother, you know they don't take themselves too seriously. He played a guy who was the polar opposite of a stable husband, and they clearly had a blast doing it.
A Relationship Built on Renewal
In 2013, they did something that usually signals the end of a Hollywood marriage: they renewed their vows. Usually, when a celeb couple does a big vow renewal, the divorce papers follow six months later. Not here. Alexis surprised her with a second proposal and a new ring, and they had a sunrise ceremony in Hawaii. It wasn't for the cameras; it was because they actually, genuinely like each other.
🔗 Read more: What Really Happened With Dane Witherspoon: His Life and Passing Explained
Navigating the Teenage Years and Beyond
As of early 2026, the couple is navigating a whole new world: parenting teenagers. Satyana is 16 and Keeva is 13. Alyson recently shared some holiday photos that had Buffy fans feeling incredibly old, seeing "Willow's kids" nearly as tall as she is.
They’ve also made some major life changes lately. They famously lived in a house so beautiful it was used as a primary set for the final season of This Is Us. They’ve since sold that property, opting for a bit more privacy. It's all part of their vibe—staying grounded while the industry around them stays chaotic.
The Career Crossovers You Might Have Missed
It isn't just Buffy and HIMYM. They’ve popped up in each other's projects more than you’d think.
- Beyond City Limits (2001): A gritty crime drama they did right as they were getting serious.
- Love, Wedding, Marriage (2011): A rom-com where they got to play off each other again.
- Much Ado About Nothing (2012): Directed by Joss Whedon in his backyard. Alexis played Benedick, and while Alyson wasn't the lead, the whole "Buffy family" energy was there.
Basically, they like working together. That’s a rare thing. Most actors need a break from their spouse after a twelve-hour day on set, but these two seem to find it easier when they’re in the same trailer.
💡 You might also like: Why Taylor Swift People Mag Covers Actually Define Her Career Eras
Real Lessons from the Denisof-Hannigan Playbook
If you're looking for relationship goals that actually work in the real world, look at these two. They didn't rush. They respected the "no dating" boundary until it felt right. They prioritize their kids over the red carpet.
Most importantly, they talk about each other with genuine respect. Alyson often calls him her "best friend," and it doesn't sound like a PR script. It sounds like the truth.
Next Steps for Fans: - Check out Alyson’s recent work in the 2024/2025 independent film circuit, where she's been taking on more dramatic roles.
- Follow her Instagram for the most authentic look at their family life; she’s surprisingly active and posts some of the best "behind-the-scenes" content of their holiday traditions.
- Re-watch the "Sandy Rivers" episodes of How I Met Your Mother and How I Met Your Father to see the hilarious comedic chemistry they share when they aren't playing a happy couple.