Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater aren't the kind of people you’ll see staged in a "paparazzi walk" getting smoothies in West Hollywood. They don't do the drama. Honestly, if you aren't a theater geek or a devotee of Ryan Murphy’s various cinematic universes, you might not even realize they’ve been one of the most stable, powerhouse couples in the industry for over a decade.
They’re the "actors' favorite actors."
The kind of pair that can transition from a grueling Shakespeare in the Park production to a gritty Amazon thriller without breaking a sweat. Recently, they’ve even started calling the shots from behind the camera. It’s a rare thing in Hollywood—a partnership that survives the ego-bruising nature of the business while raising a small army of children.
How It All Started: Shakespeare and The Merchant of Venice
Most people think they met on some glossy TV set. Nope. They met doing what they love most: high-stakes theater. It was 2010. The production was The Merchant of Venice for the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. Lily was Portia; Hamish was Bassanio.
Talk about art imitating life.
They didn't jump into a relationship immediately—Hamish was going through a divorce from playwright Jessica Goldberg at the time—but the creative spark was undeniable. By 2013, they were officially an "item," though they kept things so low-key it took the public a while to catch on.
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They basically became the king and queen of the New York stage. If you saw a play at Lincoln Center or the Delacorte Theater in the mid-2010s, there was a high probability one (or both) of them was in it. They’ve done Much Ado About Nothing, Cymbeline, and the Broadway hit Seminar together.
The Family Expansion: Three Kids and Counting
Despite being incredibly busy, Lily and Hamish have built a massive, bustling home life. As of early 2026, the couple has three children together.
- Their first daughter arrived in March 2017.
- A second daughter followed in June 2020 (right in the middle of the pandemic, no less).
- They welcomed a son in June 2022.
Hamish also has an older daughter, Lucinda, from his previous marriage. He actually admitted in an interview with Bare Magazine that they named her after Lucinda Williams. Because of course they did—they’re cool like that.
Wait, there's more. In January 2026, the couple confirmed they are expecting their fourth child together. Lily famously debuted her latest baby bump at the Kennedy Center Honors, a move she’s made before. It’s become sort of a tradition for her to announce a pregnancy by simply showing up to a high-profile event looking radiant and very, very pregnant.
Taking a Risk with Downtown Owl
In 2024, the duo decided that acting together wasn't enough of a challenge. They decided to co-direct a film. Downtown Owl, based on the Chuck Klosterman novel, was a huge leap for them.
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Lily starred in it, Hamish wrote the screenplay, and they both sat in the director's chairs. Lily later told Salon that it was "a massive risk for our relationship and our children." People told them they were crazy to work that closely while managing a household of young kids.
But it worked.
The movie, set in a fictional North Dakota town in the 80s, has that specific, quirky, intellectual DNA both actors are known for. It wasn't just a vanity project. It was a statement that they are more than just faces on a screen; they are storytellers with a very specific, shared sensibility.
Why They Work (When Most Hollywood Couples Don't)
There is a lack of "preciousness" about their fame. They moved back to New York from Los Angeles recently because, frankly, they’re New Yorkers at heart. They like the subway. They like the grit.
Hamish is the guy who plays a terrifying, charismatic priest in Midnight Mass or a chaotic dean in Gen V, yet in interviews, he’s self-deprecating and constantly deflecting praise to Lily. Lily is the powerhouse who can play five different characters in American Horror Story, but she speaks about her craft with the groundedness of someone who still worries about her kids' nap schedules.
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They balance each other out. Hamish is often described as the more "chaotic" one in interviews—energetic, funny, talking a mile a minute. Lily is the anchor—contemplative, precise, and thoughtful.
What’s Next for Lily and Hamish in 2026?
The "Rabe-Linklater" brand is only getting stronger. They recently appeared together in the Ibsen revival Ghosts at Lincoln Center, proving they haven't lost their stage roots.
Coming up, they both appear in Kogonada’s A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (alongside Margot Robbie). It’s another example of how they manage to be everywhere without actually being "overexposed."
If you're looking to follow their career path or gain inspiration from their creative partnership, keep an eye on the Tribeca Festival lineup. They are increasingly moving into the "membership event" space, sharing insights on how to maintain a creative life while raising a family.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Creatives:
- Watch their collaborations: If you want to see their chemistry, start with Tell Me Your Secrets on Amazon or their directorial debut Downtown Owl.
- Look for them Off-Broadway: They frequent smaller venues like Playwrights Horizons for benefit readings. This is where they do their most "raw" work.
- Follow the "Creative First" Rule: Both Rabe and Linklater have succeeded by choosing roles based on the script and director (like Ryan Murphy or Mike Flanagan) rather than the paycheck. This "longevity over fame" approach is why they are still relevant fifteen years into their relationship.