Ever wonder what happened to those photos of Dakota Fanning and a tall, mysterious guy at the Knicks games? You know the ones. They looked genuinely happy.
Basically, the internet has a long memory when it comes to Henry Frye and Dakota Fanning. Even though it’s been years since they were a "thing," people still search for his name every time Dakota mentions her dating life in an interview. Honestly, it makes sense. Their relationship was one of the few times the notoriously private actress let the public see a glimpse of her personal world.
Who Exactly is Henry Frye?
Most of the guys Dakota dates aren't exactly household names. She likes it that way. In a 2018 interview with Vogue Australia, she straight-up said that dating famous people looks "intense" and she prefers someone a bit removed from the Hollywood whirlwind.
Henry Frye fit that bill perfectly. He wasn't an actor. He wasn't a singer. He was a New York-based guy who had studied at the University of Vermont. According to reports from the time, he was just a regular dude who happened to be dating one of the most famous former child stars on the planet.
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Their relationship first hit the radar in October 2017. A friend of theirs, Chloe Rosey, posted a photo of the two on Instagram with the caption "lovers." That’s usually how it starts, right? A "soft launch" before the paparazzi take over.
The Public Timeline: From Courtside to Red Carpets
They didn't hide, but they didn't exactly shout it from the rooftops either.
- October 2017: First whispers of a romance after those "lovers" Polaroids surfaced.
- December 2017: Spotted hanging out with Dakota’s family, including her sister Elle. That’s a big step.
- February 2018: The famous Knicks game. They were caught on the Jumbotron sharing a kiss at Madison Square Garden.
- May 2018: This was the "official" moment. They walked the red carpet together for a Prada fashion show in New York.
It felt different from her past relationship with British model Jamie Strachan. With Henry, there was this casual, "cool New York couple" vibe. They were often seen in Soho, grabbing lunch or walking hand-in-hand.
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Why They Broke Up (And What Dakota Says Now)
By late 2018, the sightings stopped. There was no big "we've decided to part ways" statement because, well, why would there be? Henry wasn't a public figure.
Fast forward to recent years, and Dakota has been a lot more open about her desire for the future. In 2024 and 2025, while promoting projects like Ripley and The Perfect Couple, she’s talked about wanting to be a mother. She told The Independent that being a mom is the "pinnacle" for her.
She also recently admitted to trying the celebrity dating app Raya. She called it a bit of a "doozy." Apparently, she’s tired of seeing shirtless mountain photos on dating profiles. Can you blame her?
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The Lasting Impact of Henry Frye and Dakota Fanning
So, why does the name Henry Frye still pop up?
It’s because he represents a specific era for Dakota. It was a transition from her early twenties into the powerhouse actress she is now. People love a "normal guy" narrative. We like to think that maybe, just maybe, an A-lister can find a regular person and make it work.
While they aren't together in 2026, the fascination remains. It’s a reminder that even in Hollywood, some of the most meaningful chapters happen away from the cameras.
If you’re following Dakota’s career today, the best thing to do is keep an eye on her upcoming roles rather than her past boyfriends. She’s currently leaning into complex, darker characters that show just how much she’s grown since those Soho strolls.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking for the latest on Dakota's personal life, her interviews with Vanity Fair or Vogue are your best bet. She rarely posts about her partners on social media, so don't expect a hard launch on Instagram anytime soon.