Lee Pace and Matthew Foley: What Most People Get Wrong About Their Marriage

If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen the photos. Lee Pace—all six-foot-five of him—looking like a rugged lumberjack who just happened to walk off a high-fashion runway. But for the longest time, the biggest mystery wasn't his skincare routine or how he builds 200-year-old farmhouses by hand. It was the guy standing just out of frame.

Lee Pace and Matthew Foley aren't your typical Hollywood power couple. They don't do the "paparazzi stroll" in West Hollywood. You won't find them selling their wedding photos to People magazine for seven figures. Honestly, it’s kinda refreshing. In an era where every celebrity relationship feels like a PR stunt designed to sell a lifestyle brand, these two are just... living.

The "Endless Sleepover" Dynamic

So, what really happened with Lee Pace and Matthew Foley?

People started whispering back in 2021. Pace showed up to the Met Gala—looking incredible in a Thom Browne short suit, by the way—sporting a very shiny gold band on that finger. When reporters asked about it, he did the classic "Who, me?" act. He even joked with The Cut that his dog, Gus, might know where the ring came from.

He wasn't ready to talk. Not yet.

It wasn't until August 2022, in a GQ Hype interview, that he finally confirmed what everyone suspected. He and Matthew Foley were officially married. Pace described marriage in a way that honestly makes it sound like the best thing ever. He called it an "endless sleepover with your weirdest friend."

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Think about that.

It’s not about the red carpets. It’s about being weird. It’s about finding that one person you don't have to perform for. For a guy who spent years keeping his private life behind a heavy iron curtain, that admission felt huge.

Who Exactly is Matthew Foley?

While Lee is the one fighting intergalactic wars in Foundation or wielding an elven sword in The Hobbit, Matthew Foley is a powerhouse in his own right. He’s not an actor. He’s not chasing fame.

• He is the Vice President of Communications at Thom Browne.
• He’s been with the brand for years, helping shape one of the most distinct aesthetics in modern fashion.
• He’s basically the reason Lee Pace is the unofficial (and then official) face of the brand.

The way they met is surprisingly normal. No "meet-cute" on a movie set. A mutual friend named Nick basically played matchmaker. Pace told his friend he was looking for someone, Nick suggested Matthew, and it actually worked out.

Imagine that.

They’ve been together since at least 2017. That's a lifetime in Hollywood years. While the world was busy speculating about Lee's personal life, they were busy building a life together in a literal sense.

Living Off the Grid (Sorta)

If you follow Lee Pace on Instagram, you know his vibe is less "Beverly Hills" and more "Hudson Valley Carpenter." He owns a 200-year-old farmhouse. He spends his downtime doing intricate woodwork and restoration.

Matthew is right there with him.

During the 2020 lockdowns, we got rare glimpses into their world. Pace would post videos of himself reading aloud in the yard, with Matthew and their cat nearby. It’s a quiet, domestic existence that stands in stark contrast to the high-stakes roles Lee plays on screen.

People often get wrong the idea that they are "secretive." They aren't hiding. They just aren't performing. There’s a big difference. Pace has been very vocal about how his privacy is a form of protection. After being accidentally "outed" by Ian McKellen in 2012—which was a whole mess—Pace took his time to own his narrative.

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He eventually tweeted in 2018 that he is a member of the queer community and "happily owning who I am."

The Future for Pace and Foley

What’s next? They’ve both mentioned the "C" word.

Kids.

In that same GQ interview, Pace didn't hold back. He said he’d love to have kids and thinks there is nothing better than "little kids running around." Given how stable and low-key their marriage seems, they’d probably be great at it.

The couple continues to balance a very public career with a very private foundation. Just last year, in July 2025, Lee shared a rare photo of them together backstage at Late Night with Seth Meyers. It was just a Polaroid. Simple. Suave. Matthew in a tuxedo, Lee with his arm around him.

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No long captions. No "sponsored" tags. Just two people who really like each other.

How to Follow Their Journey

If you’re looking for more updates on Lee Pace and Matthew Foley, don't expect a reality show. Instead, keep an eye on:

1. Thom Browne Runway Shows: This is where you’ll usually see them together in a professional capacity.
2. Lee Pace’s Instagram: Look for the "hidden" details—the second plate of food, the shadow in the background of a hiking photo.
3. Film Premieres: Matthew is often the silent support in the wings, especially during the big Foundation press tours.

The biggest takeaway from their relationship is that you can be a massive star and still have a "normal" marriage. You don't have to trade your peace for a headline. If you want to take a page out of their book, start by valuing your "endless sleepover" more than your public image.

Next Steps for Fans:
To stay authentically connected with Lee’s work and the couple’s low-profile public appearances, follow the official Thom Browne communications channels for high-fashion updates and keep up with Apple TV+ for the latest on Foundation Season 3.