Liza Colón-Zayas is finally getting her flowers. After decades of grinding in the New York theater scene and taking small TV spots, her role as Tina Marrero in The Bear turned her into a household name—and a historic Emmy winner. But while fans are obsessed with Tina's journey from a prickly line cook to a soulful sous chef, they’ve also started asking about the man by her side in real life. Honestly, liza colon zayas husband isn't just some "plus-one" at awards shows. He’s a massive TV star in his own right.
His name is David Zayas. You probably know him. If you watched Dexter, he was the heart and soul of the precinct as Angel Batista. If you’re a fan of gritty HBO dramas, you remember him from Oz. The two have been married since 1998, which is basically an eternity in "Hollywood years." But their story isn't just about red carpets; it’s about two Nuyorican actors who supported each other through years of being "invisible" in an industry that didn't always have a seat for them at the table.
A Match Made in the LAByrinth
They didn't meet on a high-budget movie set. No, they met where most great New York actors do: in the theater. Specifically, the LAByrinth Theater Company.
This was the 90s. Liza was a founding member. David was just getting his start after a very different first career. See, before David Zayas was an actor, he was a New York City police officer. He spent almost 15 years on the force. While he was patrolling the streets, he was also studying acting. It sounds like something out of a movie, right? Cop by day, thespian by night.
The 1998 Wedding and Early Struggles
They got married on November 21, 1998. At that point, neither was famous. They were just two working actors trying to make rent in a city that can be pretty unforgiving.
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For a long time, David was the one with the more recognizable face. His run on Dexter (2006–2013) made him a staple on Sunday night television. Meanwhile, Liza was doing incredible, high-level work off-Broadway. She wrote a one-woman show called Sistah Supreme. She worked with Philip Seymour Hoffman. She was a "writer’s actor"—the kind of person playwrights like Stephen Adly Guirgis would write roles for specifically.
- David Zayas became the go-to guy for detectives and authority figures.
- Liza Colón-Zayas became the backbone of the New York theater community.
- They maintained a private life, raising their family away from the tabloids.
That Viral Moment on The Bear
The coolest part of their relationship for fans of The Bear happened in season three. Remember the episode "Napkins"? It’s the one that explores Tina’s backstory—how she lost her job and ended up at The Beef.
There’s a scene where Tina is at home, crying, and her husband is there to comfort her. That wasn't just some random actor. David Zayas played Tina’s on-screen husband. It was a meta-moment that felt incredibly authentic. You could see the shorthand between them. The way he looked at her wasn't "acting" for the camera; it was the look of a man who has actually spent 25 years watching his wife fight for her dreams. David later called the experience an "extreme gift." He’s famously modest, too. He’s gone on record saying Liza is the "superior" actor in the family. That’s some top-tier husband energy right there.
Why Their Relationship Defies the Odds
Most celebrity marriages crumble under the weight of ego or lopsided success. For two decades, David had the "bigger" career. Then, almost overnight, Liza became an Emmy-winning trailblazer—the first Latina to win Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
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She almost didn't prepare a speech because she didn't think she'd win. David told her to write something down anyway. He knew.
The Secret Sauce: Mutual Respect
There is no jealousy here. When you watch them in interviews, David looks like he’s about to burst with pride. They aren't trying to outshine each other. They’ve both played the "supporting" roles for so long that they know how to support each other in real life.
It’s also worth noting they both have Puerto Rican roots. They share a cultural background that informs their work and their home life. They’ve navigated the "Latino actor" experience together—dealing with typecasting and the limited roles available in the early 2000s.
What You Need to Know About David Zayas
If you're only just discovering him because of Liza, here is the quick rundown on his resume. He’s not just "Tina’s husband."
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- Dexter / Dexter: Resurrection: His role as Angel Batista is iconic. He’s even returning for the new sequel series.
- Oz: He played Enrique Morales, a much darker character than Batista.
- Gotham: He took on the DC Universe as Sal Maroni.
- The Blacklist: He’s had recurring guest spots that remind everyone why he’s one of the best character actors working today.
He’s currently estimated to have a net worth of around $4 million, and together, the couple is sitting on a comfortable $5 million. But honestly, watching them, they still seem like the same theater kids who met at the LAByrinth decades ago.
Moving Forward: The Power Couple of 2026
As we move through 2026, both are busier than ever. Liza is a core pillar of The Bear, which has become a cultural phenomenon. David is reprising his most famous role in Dexter: Resurrection. They are proof that "making it" doesn't have a deadline.
If you want to support this duo beyond just Googling them, the best thing you can do is check out their filmography. Watch David in the original Dexter to see his range, then flip over to Hulu to see Liza’s masterclass in The Bear.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow their projects: Keep an eye out for any future collaborations. They clearly love working together.
- Support local theater: Both are still heavily involved in the NYC theater scene. If you're in the city, check out what the LAByrinth Theater Company is producing.
- Watch the "Napkins" episode again: Now that you know they are married in real life, the emotional weight of those home scenes hits way harder.
Liza Colón-Zayas and David Zayas aren't just a "Hollywood couple." They’re a New York institution. In a world of PR-stunt relationships, their 25-plus years of marriage is the real deal.