If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) lately, you’ve probably seen his face. Austin Stowell is having a massive moment. Between his jaw-dropping performance as a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS: Origins and that unmistakable, old-school Hollywood charm, the internet is officially obsessed. And when the internet gets obsessed with a leading man, one question always follows: "Is Austin Stowell gay?"
It’s the classic curiosity cycle.
People want to know who is going home to that 6-foot-1 frame and those piercing "Mark Harmon blue" eyes. Honestly, it's kinda funny how quickly the rumors start flying the second an actor becomes the "number one" on a major network call sheet. But if you’re looking for a simple "yes" or "no" based on public record, the answer is actually pretty straightforward, even if the gossip mill tries to make it complicated.
Is Austin Stowell Gay? The Truth Behind the Rumors
Let's cut to the chase. There is no evidence to suggest that Austin Stowell is gay. He has never come out as LGBTQ+, and his entire public dating history—though he keeps things pretty private—has been exclusively with women.
Why do the rumors persist, then?
Part of it is just the nature of fame in 2026. Fans look for any sign. Maybe it’s a specific role he played, like his nuanced turn in Battle of the Sexes, or perhaps it's just the fact that he’s a handsome, well-dressed man who hasn't been married yet. Some people think if a guy hits 40 and doesn't have a wedding ring, there must be a "secret." But in Hollywood, that's just called having a career.
Stowell is currently single—at least officially. He’s been very vocal about where his energy is going lately. During the press tour for NCIS: Origins, he basically told People magazine that he’s "in a relationship with a TV show."
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He joked that the 300 people on his crew are his "boyfriends and girlfriends" because he spends every waking hour with them. It’s a classic "I'm too busy to date" line, but when you’re carrying a franchise on your shoulders, it’s probably the truth.
The Nina Dobrev Chapter
If you want proof of his past, you have to look back to 2015. This was probably his most high-profile relationship. He dated The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev for about seven months. They weren't exactly hiding it; they made their red carpet debut at the Bridge of Spies premiere and posted plenty of cute, domestic photos on social media.
They eventually split in early 2016. Sources at the time said it was just a "schedules" thing—she was filming in one place, he was in another. You’ve heard that story a thousand times. Since then, he’s been much more low-key. He learned the hard way that when you date a mega-star, your private life isn't yours anymore.
The Mariel Molino Speculation
Fast forward to late 2025 and early 2026. Now that he’s starring alongside Mariel Molino (who plays Lala Dominguez), fans are doing what fans do: shipping them.
They’ve been spotted at outdoor movies in L.A. and looked incredibly cozy at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. They look great together. Like, really great. But both have stayed quiet on whether they are actually "a thing" or just two co-stars who actually like each other's company during a grueling filming schedule.
Why We Care So Much About Celebrity Sexuality
It’s sorta wild how much weight we put on these labels. For an actor like Stowell, who is playing an iconic, hyper-masculine character like Gibbs, there’s often this weird societal pressure for the actor to "match" the character’s traditional heterosexuality.
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But here’s the thing: Austin Stowell seems like an "analog" guy.
He’s said it himself. He prefers conversations to Alexa or Siri. He grew up in Connecticut, the son of a steelworker and a schoolteacher. He’s got that grounded, East Coast vibe. He’s not someone who lives for the headlines or feels the need to address every TikTok theory about his personal life.
What He Actually Looks For in a Partner
While he hasn't commented on the gay rumors directly (probably because they aren't worth the breath), he has talked about what he wants in a partner.
- Kindness: He says the way someone treats a stranger on the street tells him everything.
- Empathy: He’s a "brain and heart" kind of guy.
- Independence: He needs someone who understands the "Monday through Friday" grind of a hit show.
He’s looking for a human connection, not a PR stunt. Whether that person eventually ends up being a co-star or someone totally out of the industry remains to be seen.
The Verdict on the Rumors
Social media is a vacuum. If there isn't a "girlfriend" photo posted every six months, people start filling in the blanks with their own theories.
But if we look at the facts:
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- Dating History: Publicly heterosexual (Nina Dobrev).
- Current Status: Single, but "working" on a relationship with his career.
- Public Statements: None that suggest he is part of the LGBTQ+ community.
He’s just a 41-year-old guy at the peak of his career who happens to be private. It's not a conspiracy; it's just a choice.
What’s Next for Austin Stowell?
Instead of worrying about his dating life, fans should probably keep an eye on NCIS: Origins. The show has been a massive hit, and the chemistry between him and the rest of the cast is what’s actually driving the ratings.
If you're following his journey, the best thing to do is respect the boundary he’s set. He’s given us Gibbs; he doesn’t necessarily owe us his Saturday nights.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow the Work: If you want the latest on Austin, his Instagram is mostly behind-the-scenes looks at his projects rather than his personal life.
- Check Reliable Sources: Don't trust "blind items" or unsourced TikTok "tea." Look for interviews with outlets like The Hollywood Reporter or Deadline.
- Respect Privacy: In 2026, the trend is moving toward actors keeping their home lives off-camera. Austin is just ahead of the curve.
Stowell is clearly focused on the legacy of the character Mark Harmon built. For now, that seems to be more than enough to keep him busy.
Next Steps for Readers:
Check out the latest schedule for NCIS: Origins on CBS to see Stowell in action, or dive into his earlier work like The Hating Game to see the range that made him a star in the first place.