Ali Wong has always been candid about her personal life, using humor to navigate through life’s ups and downs. From her divorce to her dating experiences, she has never shied away from sharing her stories, both heartbreaking and heartwarming. In her new Netflix special, Ali Wong: Single Lady, the comedian delves deep into her life post-divorce, shedding light on her unexpected love story with
actor Bill Hader. Their blossoming romance is a tale of serendipity, filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and a dash of old-school romance.
Ali Wong’s Divorce and Re-entry into Dating
Ali Wong’s journey back into the dating scene started after her divorce from her ex-husband, Justin Hakuta. The two had been married for eight years before calling it quits. In her comedy special, Wong humorously reflects on the unexpected media attention
surrounding her divorce, saying, “I didn’t expect the news of my divorce to be so widespread and public.” While the situation was difficult, she found a silver lining in the unexpected influx of attention from potential suitors. “I’ve never been pursued this much in my life,” she joked.
This sudden interest in her personal life became a rich source of material for her comedy, and Wong didn’t hesitate to share her dating experiences in her signature lighthearted manner. As she navigated through a mix of awkward dates and rejections, Wong continued to grow both personally and professionally.
The Beginning of a New Chapter with Bill Hader
Wong’s romantic journey took an unexpected turn when she reconnected with actor Bill Hader, whom she had briefly dated in 2022. Their love story unfolded in a way that sounds straight out of a romantic comedy. According to Wong, they had only met a couple of times at dinner parties, but a mutual friend eventually gave Hader her number.
In a moment of bold honesty, Hader called Wong and expressed his feelings. Wong recounted his words: “‘Hey, Ali. I just happened to hear the news of your divorce today, and I gotta tell you…I’m excited. I’ve had a crush on you forever, and you’re my dream girl.’” His confession, while unexpected, opened the door for a deeper connection between the two.
Wong initially hesitated, still processing her divorce and exploring other romantic possibilities. At the time, she had even paid $250 for a dating app and wasn’t quite ready to commit to a new relationship. However, Hader’s persistence and romantic gestures eventually won her over.
Romance Blossoms Across Europe
What really sealed the deal for Wong was Hader’s old-fashioned romantic gestures. Shortly after their phone call, Wong took a trip to Europe. During her travels through London, Amsterdam, Cologne, and Copenhagen, she received bouquets of flowers from Hader at every stop. The grand gestures didn’t go unnoticed by Wong, who shared her excitement with her girlfriends. “They were like, ‘Oh my God, that is so sweet. I am so jealous,’” Wong gushed.
However, her male friends had a completely different reaction, jokingly labeling Hader’s actions as those of a “psychopath.” Wong humorously remarked on how romantic gestures, once considered a norm, are now viewed with skepticism in today’s dating world. Despite the mixed reactions from her friends, Wong continued to see Hader and their relationship began to flourish.
Balancing Romance with a Strong Connection to Her Ex
One of the unique challenges Wong faces in her new relationship is maintaining a close friendship with her ex-husband, Justin Hakuta. While many might assume that a post-divorce friendship would complicate a new romance, Wong and Hader have found a way to make it work. In her comedy special, Wong shares how divorce doesn’t always have to be filled with bitterness and hostility. “I’m best friends with my ex-husband,” she said. “I need him desperately, and I need to respect him.”
Wong’s strong bond with Hakuta, along with her ability to navigate the complexities of co-parenting and a new romantic relationship, is a testament to her maturity and emotional strength. It also highlights her ability to find humor and lightness in even the most complicated situations.
Bill Hader: The Perfect Match
For Wong, finding a partner like Bill Hader was not just about romance. She was looking for someone who could make her laugh, share a deep connection, and fit seamlessly into her life, especially as a mother and successful comedian. Wong humorously admitted that it felt impossible at first to find a boyfriend who ticked all the boxes. But Hader, with his wit, charm, and thoughtful nature, proved to be the perfect match.
“I did fall in love again,” Wong shared. Hader’s persistence, combined with his thoughtful and romantic gestures, helped him win her heart. The two confirmed their relationship in April 2023, a year after Wong’s separation from Hakuta. While they had briefly dated in 2022, it wasn’t until later that they reconnected and solidified their bond.
A Selectively Private Relationship
Despite their fame, Wong and Hader have made a conscious effort to keep their relationship relatively private. In interviews, Wong has discussed how they have similarities that make their relationship work. “It’s just also, like, we’re both, like, in our 40s and parents,” she told Access Hollywood. Their shared life experiences, along with their careers in the entertainment industry, have created a strong foundation for their relationship.
The couple’s ability to balance their personal lives with their demanding careers is a testament to their commitment to one another. Wong’s candidness about her love life, combined with her hilarious commentary on modern dating, makes her story with Hader both relatable and heartwarming.
Conclusion
Ali Wong’s love story with Bill Hader is a testament to the unpredictable nature of life and love. From a challenging divorce to finding herself pursued by a fellow comedian she barely knew, Wong’s journey back into dating has been anything but ordinary. Through it all, she has maintained her trademark sense of humor, using her personal experiences as a source of comedy while navigating the complexities of new love.
Their relationship, built on a strong foundation of mutual respect, shared values, and romantic gestures, is one that continues to captivate fans. As Wong continues to thrive in her personal and professional life, her love story with Hader serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected relationships are the ones that turn out to be the most meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How did Ali Wong and Bill Hader meet?
Ali Wong and Bill Hader met through mutual friends at dinner parties. They reconnected after Wong’s divorce, when Hader expressed his long-time admiration for her.
2. When did Ali Wong and Bill Hader start dating?
Wong and Hader briefly dated in 2022 but reconnected and confirmed their relationship in April 2023, a year after her separation from her ex-husband, Justin Hakuta.
3. What was the romantic gesture that won Ali Wong over?
While Wong was traveling in Europe, Bill Hader sent her flowers at each destination she visited, including London, Amsterdam, Cologne, and Copenhagen. His thoughtful gestures helped him win her heart.
4. Is Ali Wong still friends with her ex-husband?
Yes, Ali Wong has maintained a close friendship with her ex-husband, Justin Hakuta, despite their divorce. She describes their relationship as one filled with respect and mutual dependence.
5. How has Ali Wong shared her dating experiences with fans?
Ali Wong has openly discussed her dating life in her comedy specials, particularly in Ali Wong: Single Lady, where she humorously reflects on her post-divorce dating adventures.