Hollywood isn't exactly famous for "forever." Most people expect celebrity marriages to last about as long as a limited series on Netflix. But then you look at Tim DeKay.
The man who played Peter Burke on White Collar—the guy who was basically the poster child for a stable, loving TV marriage—actually lives that life off-camera. It’s kinda rare. Honestly, it’s impressive. While his character was busy chasing down Neal Caffrey, DeKay was heading home to his wife, Elisa Taylor, just like he has for over three decades.
Who is Tim DeKay’s Wife, Elisa Taylor?
First thing you gotta know: she’s not the Australian actress from The 100. People get that confused constantly because they share the same name. It’s an easy mistake. But Tim DeKay’s wife is an accomplished actress and performer in her own right, long before the other Elisa Taylor hit the scene.
They met in the most "actor" way possible.
Back in the late 1980s, Tim was at Rutgers University working on his Master of Fine Arts. He wasn't even supposed to be an actor initially. He’d graduated from Le Moyne College with a degree in business and philosophy. He even worked for a casket company—the Marcellus Casket Co.—for a bit. Imagine that career pivot.
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On the very first day of grad school at Rutgers, Tim was assigned a scene partner. That partner was Elisa Taylor. They weren't just classmates; they were literally forced to work together from hour one. It clearly worked out. They graduated in 1990, and by May 11, 1991, they were married.
A Relationship Built on Scene Work
You’ve probably seen Elisa on screen even if you didn't realize it. She’s popped up in projects like The Namesake (2006) and has been a steady presence in the industry. But mostly, she and Tim have built a life in Los Angeles that feels remarkably normal for two people in the "biz."
They have two kids: a son named Jamis and a daughter named Danna.
What’s interesting about their dynamic is how they handle the spotlight. They aren't the type to be in the tabloids. You won't find them causing a scene at a club or having a public Twitter meltdown. Instead, they show up to premieres, look genuinely happy, and go back to their lives.
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- Marriage Date: May 11, 1991
- Meeting Spot: Rutgers University MFA Program
- Children: Jamis and Danna
- Current Base: Los Angeles, California
The Secret to 30+ Years Together
Staying married for 34 years in any industry is a feat. In Hollywood? It’s basically a miracle. Tim has often credited their longevity to a shared foundation. They speak the same language. Because they both trained as actors and met during that intense MFA grind, they understand the weird hours, the rejection, and the emotional toll of the job.
It’s not just about "supporting" each other. It’s about knowing why your spouse is stressed when a pilot doesn't get picked up or why they’re exhausted after a 16-hour day on set.
Also, they’ve stayed connected to their roots. Tim still stays involved with Le Moyne College—he even got an honorary doctorate there. They seem to prioritize family over the "fame" aspect of the career. You can tell by how he talks about his kids in interviews; they're grown now, but he still sounds like a proud dad first and a TV star second.
Why Tim DeKay and Wife Elisa Taylor are GOAT Couple Goals
Basically, they’ve navigated the transition from struggling grad students to "established actor" status without losing their minds. When White Collar became a massive hit, Tim was already nearly 20 years into his marriage. He didn't let the sudden surge in popularity change his home life.
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That stability actually made his performance as Peter Burke better. Fans always commented on how "real" Peter and Elizabeth's marriage felt on the show. A lot of that was Tiffani Thiessen’s talent, sure, but a huge chunk of it was Tim bringing his real-life experience as a devoted husband to the table. He knew what a healthy partnership looked like because he had one waiting at home.
If you’re looking for drama, you won't find it here. No cheating scandals. No "conscious uncouplings." Just two people who met in acting class and decided to stick it out through the caskets, the classes, and the red carpets.
Actionable Takeaways from Their Story
- Shared Interests Matter: Meeting in a professional training environment gave them a common ground that lasted decades.
- Privacy is Power: Notice how they don't overshare? Keeping your private life actually private seems to be a recurring theme among long-lasting celebrity couples.
- Stability Breeds Success: Having a solid home life allowed Tim to take risks in his career, eventually leading to his breakout role in his 40s.
Keep an eye out for Tim’s upcoming projects—he’s still incredibly active in the industry, recently appearing in Oppenheimer and the White Collar reboot talks. Through it all, Elisa is almost certainly right there by his side.