If you spent any time in the Supernatural fandom during the CW era, you probably remember the "destiel" wars and the endless shipping of characters who never actually ended up together. But life is weird. Sometimes the best plot twists happen after the cameras stop rolling. While fans were busy arguing about Dean Winchester’s leather jacket, two of the show’s most beloved guest stars—DJ Qualls and Ty Olsson—were quietly building a real-life bond that essentially broke the internet in 2024.
Honestly, it's the kind of story that feels scripted. You have Garth, the lanky, awkward werewolf who just wanted everyone to hug it out, and Benny, the weary vampire from Purgatory who was arguably Dean’s most loyal friend. They never shared a single second of screen time. Not one frame. Yet, here we are in 2026, and they’ve become one of the most celebrated couples in the convention circuit.
How Ty Olsson and DJ Qualls Met (It Wasn't on Set)
Most people assume they met while filming in Vancouver. They didn't. Because their storylines were so separate, they didn't even know each other. The spark actually happened at a fan convention in Birmingham, England, back in 2012.
DJ Qualls shared the "meet-cute" details on his podcast, Locked and Probably Loaded, and it’s kinda hilarious. They barely spoke at the convention—maybe three words total. But after the event, a group of the actors went to London. That’s where things got interesting. DJ was planning a trip to Turkey with a friend, and Ty, in what DJ describes as a "ballsy" move, just straight-up asked if he could come along.
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Imagine that. You barely know a guy, and he’s like, "Hey, mind if I join your international vacation?"
Most people would say no. DJ said yes. He loved the pure, unfiltered confidence of it. That trip to Turkey wasn't the start of a romance, though—at least not yet. It was the start of a ten-year friendship that would eventually evolve into something much deeper.
The Long Road to "Old Men Together"
The timeline of their relationship is something fans have picked apart for a while. For a long time, they were just best friends. Ty was married previously and has two daughters. DJ came out publicly in 2020 after a Jim Jefferies show in San Diego, admitting he was tired of worrying about how his sexuality would affect his career.
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But by May 2024, the "best friend" label officially upgraded.
"Ty and I became inseparable from the very beginning," Qualls said on his podcast. "And over the last 10 years, our relationship evolved to what it is today. Now, we're getting married."
The phrase he used that really stuck with people? "We’re going to be old men together." It’s a far cry from the tragic endings their characters usually faced on Supernatural. It’s a rare win for a fandom that is used to seeing their favorites die in a rain of salt and iron.
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Why This Relationship Matters in 2026
The entertainment industry is full of PR-managed romances and "showmances" designed to sell tickets. This feels different. It’s grounded in a decade of history. They’ve supported each other through career shifts, personal ups and downs, and the intense (sometimes overwhelming) spotlight of the SPN Family.
Ty Olsson, known for his rugged, "tough guy" roles in everything from Battlestar Galactica to War for the Planet of the Apes, has been incredibly vocal about the "unconditional love" he found with DJ. For fans, seeing a vampire and a werewolf/hunter find peace in the real world is the ultimate meta-ending.
The Impact on the Fandom
- Representation: It’s a major moment for LGBTQ+ visibility within the sci-fi and horror community.
- Convention Culture: They are staples at conventions, often appearing together and sharing stories that make the audience collectively "aww."
- Cast Support: Their co-stars, like Misha Collins, have been publicly thrilled. Misha even joked about a vampire and a werewolf walking into a bar.
What’s Next for the Couple?
While they keep much of their day-to-day life private, the engagement news has turned them into a bit of a "power couple" in the indie acting world. They both continue to work—Ty recently appeared in the horror hit Thanksgiving, and DJ is constantly busy with his podcasting and guest roles.
If you’re looking for a takeaway from the Ty Olsson and DJ Qualls saga, it’s probably this: some of the best things in life take a decade to cook. You don't always find "the one" on a first date or a film set. Sometimes, you find them because they were "ballsy" enough to ask to join your vacation to Turkey.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow the Podcast: If you want the most authentic updates, listen to Locked and Probably Loaded. DJ is incredibly candid there.
- Support Their Projects: Both actors are prolific character actors. Check out Ty’s voice work (he was Ord on Dragon Tales—seriously!) and DJ’s cult classics like The New Guy or Z Nation.
- Respect the Privacy: While they are public about their love, they aren't reality stars. Keeping the discourse positive on social media helps maintain the healthy environment the SPN community has worked hard to build.