Joe Manganiello isn't just dating anymore. Honestly, the "new girlfriend" tag is technically outdated because, as of late 2025, he’s officially off the market. He’s engaged. The woman who changed everything for him is Caitlin O’Connor, and if you haven’t been keeping track of the timeline, you’ve missed a lot of the drama—and the sweetness—that led here.
It wasn't that long ago that the internet was mourning the end of his marriage to Sofía Vergara. People were shocked. They were the "it" couple. But while the world was busy dissecting the "why" of that split, Joe was quietly starting a new chapter in a very unexpected place: a hot tub.
Joe Manganiello and Caitlin O’Connor: The Real Story
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. Caitlin O’Connor isn't just some random influencer Joe met on an app. She’s a 36-year-old actress, host, and producer who has been grinding in Hollywood for a minute. You might recognize her from HBO’s Winning Time where she played Dyan Cannon, or maybe you saw her in Two and a Half Men or Key & Peele.
The two met at an afterparty in late 2023. Specifically, it was a small gathering where they reportedly ended up talking for hours in a hot tub. It sounds like a scene out of a cheesy rom-com, but it worked.
They went "official" at the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) Gala in New York City in December 2023. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind. They didn't just stay in the Hollywood bubble either. They went on what fans called a "world tour," hitting up Italy, Finland (for a Metallica concert, because Joe is still the ultimate metalhead), and Paris.
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Why the Italy Proposal Mattered
On June 24, 2025, Joe took Caitlin to Sicily. This wasn't just a vacation. He proposed under Mount Etna—an active volcano. Talk about high stakes.
He didn't announce it right away, though. The couple kept it quiet for months. It wasn't until October 2025, during his acceptance speech for the Career Spotlight award at the San Diego Film Festival, that he casually referred to her as his "fiancée." The crowd went wild.
A few things about this engagement really stand out:
- The Ring(s): Joe actually gave her two. The first was for the proposal itself. The second, which she debuted in early 2026, is a massive 7-carat round diamond with a pavé band that Joe custom-designed himself.
- The Move: They recently packed up their lives in Los Angeles and moved to Pittsburgh. It’s a homecoming for Joe, but also a huge step for a couple that seems to be prioritizing a quieter life over the paparazzi-heavy hills of West Hollywood.
- Big Dad Energy: Caitlin has been very open about the fact that they’ve discussed having kids. She even joked to People magazine that Joe has "big dad energy." This is significant because the rumor mill insisted for a year that his split from Sofía Vergara was purely about him wanting children and her not wanting to be an "old mom."
The Sofía Vergara Factor
You can't talk about Joe Manganiello new girlfriend—well, fiancée—without acknowledging the elephant in the room. The divorce from Sofía Vergara was finalized in early 2024, and it seemed relatively amicable on paper.
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However, Joe did push back on the narrative that they split only because of kids. He told Men's Journal and other outlets that while they had different views on expanding their family, the issues were more nuanced. Still, seeing him move so quickly into a serious commitment with Caitlin—who is about 13 years younger than Sofía—has definitely kept the tabloids busy.
Interestingly, Sofía has moved on too. She’s been linked to orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman, and more recently, there have even been rumors about her and Orlando Bloom partying in Vegas. It seems both parties found what they were looking for elsewhere.
What to Know About Caitlin O’Connor
If you're wondering who Caitlin actually is beyond the headlines, she’s a UCLA grad with an English degree. She’s a former Disney princess (she played Sleeping Beauty at Disneyland, which is kind of a flex).
She’s also a massive sports fan. She’s worked as a ring girl for the UFC and Top Rank Boxing. This probably explains why she and Joe are often spotted at Pittsburgh Steelers games. They aren't just a "red carpet" couple; they’re the "sitting in the stands with a beer and a terrible towel" kind of couple.
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The Timeline Most People Miss
- September 2023: First spotted leaving a gym together in Gold’s Gym, Venice.
- December 2023: Red carpet debut in NYC.
- February 2024: They move in together.
- June 2024: Huge 35th birthday bash for Caitlin at Toca Madera.
- June 2025: The secret proposal in Sicily.
- October 2025: The public announcement in San Diego.
- January 2026: The 7-carat "upgrade" ring makes its debut.
Moving Forward
It’s easy to look at celebrity relationships and think it’s all for show. But the move to Pittsburgh is the real "tell" here. Moving across the country away from the industry hub usually means a couple is looking for something permanent and private.
If you're following this story, the next thing to watch for isn't just the wedding date—which hasn't been set yet—but their involvement in the Pittsburgh community. Joe has always been big on charity, especially with the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow the Puppy: If you want the most "real" updates, keep an eye on Bubbles. Joe’s famous chihuahua (who he kept in the divorce) is almost always in the photos with Caitlin. If Bubbles is happy, the relationship is solid.
- Check the Credits: Caitlin is moving more into producing. Look for her name on upcoming projects alongside Joe’s production company, 3:59 Inc.
- Watch the Sidelines: Expect to see them at more NHL and NFL games in Pennsylvania rather than high-profile LA parties.
Joe seems to have found a partner who matches his intensity for fitness, geek culture (she’s cool with his Dungeons & Dragons obsession), and his desire for a family. It’s a complete 180 from his previous life, and honestly, he looks happier than he has in years.