Ali Wong, the sharp-witted comedian known for her stand-up specials and breakout role in Beef, has been in the spotlight for many reasons, but her romantic life has garnered significant attention in recent years. After a brief dating stint in late 2022, Ali Wong rekindled her romance with Saturday Night Live alumnus Bill Hader in April 2023.
Their relationship has been full of notable moments, from PDA-filled outings to sharing affectionate kisses at award shows. But what exactly is the timeline of their relationship, and how did these two comedy stars come together? Let’s explore.
A Brief History: Bill Hader and Ali Wong’s First Meeting
Before they started dating, Bill Hader and Ali Wong had known each other professionally for years. They both voiced characters in the animated film The Angry Birds Movie in 2016, alongside other comedic powerhouses like Maya Rudolph and Kate McKinnon. At the time, their interactions were limited to the professional sphere, as both were involved in long-term relationships.
Bill Hader was married to director Maggie Carey from 2006 to 2017, and the couple shares three children. After their split, Hader was linked to actress Anna Kendrick, whom he dated for nearly two years before they broke up in 2022. Meanwhile, Ali Wong was married to entrepreneur Justin Hakuta for eight years before they announced their separation in April 2022. Wong and Hakuta share two daughters, Mari and Nikki.
Ali Wong’s Divorce and First Encounter with Bill Hader
In late 2022, news broke that Ali Wong and Bill Hader had briefly dated following Wong’s separation from Hakuta. However, their romance was short-lived. According to sources, the pair ended things amicably, citing busy schedules as the reason. At the time, both were dealing with packed work lives, but they remained friends. Despite their brief romantic history, it wasn’t until 2023 that they decided to give their relationship another shot.
April 2023: A Rekindled Romance
In April 2023, Bill Hader and Ali Wong made headlines when they rekindled their relationship. Hader hinted at the romance during the season 4 premiere of his HBO series Barry. Although he didn’t mention Wong by name, he told PEOPLE that his girlfriend encouraged him to take his first vacation in 10 years. Shortly after this interview, PEOPLE confirmed that Wong and Hader had indeed reconnected.
Just days later, the couple publicly confirmed their relationship when they were spotted sharing a kiss during a stroll in Los Angeles. The duo coordinated their outfits and seemed relaxed and happy, signaling that their romance was in full swing again.
Major Public Appearances: Award Shows and PDA Moments
As their relationship blossomed, Bill Hader and Ali Wong began making public appearances together at high-profile events. In January 2024, they shared a memorable moment at the Golden Globes, where Wong won the award for best actress in a limited series for her role in Beef. The couple was seen kissing in the audience, and their public display of affection quickly became a talking point.
Despite her win, Wong made sure to thank her ex-husband Justin Hakuta during her acceptance speech, referring to him as her best friend. Hader’s reaction to not being mentioned in the speech was playful and unbothered, further showcasing the couple’s light-hearted dynamic. Following the Golden Globes, Hader and Wong attended Netflix’s afterparty, where they were spotted cuddling up for photos.
Maintaining Privacy Amid Public Interest
Although their relationship has been highly publicized, both Bill Hader and Ali Wong have chosen to maintain a level of privacy. While they’ve attended award shows and gone on public outings, they’ve been selective about sharing details of their romance. When asked about the public’s surprised reaction to their Golden Globes kiss, Wong responded with humor, noting that they had been together for some time before going public.
Their approach seems to balance public appearances with a desire to keep some aspects of their relationship private. This is evident in their limited interviews and select moments of openness about their relationship timeline.
How Bill Hader and Ali Wong Got Together: Wong’s Netflix Special
In October 2024, Ali Wong gave fans more insight into how she and Bill Hader came to be. During her Netflix special Single Lady, Wong revealed that Hader had pursued her after learning about her divorce from Justin Hakuta. Wong mentioned that she had only met Hader a couple of times before he reached out, but he didn’t hesitate to express his feelings.
According to Wong, Hader told her, “I have had a crush on you forever.” He even sent her flowers while she was on a trip to Europe. Though Wong initially dated other people, she eventually ended up with Hader, and their connection grew stronger over time.
Conclusion
Ali Wong and Bill Hader’s relationship has been a journey of timing and connection. From their brief romance in 2022 to their rekindled love in 2023, the couple has navigated the complexities of their personal and professional lives while keeping their
relationship light and fun. Despite being two of the busiest people in comedy, they’ve managed to make time for each other and publicly share their affection in heartwarming ways. For now, fans continue to follow their story, eager to see where this dynamic couple will go next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Ali Wong’s boyfriend?
Ali Wong’s current boyfriend is comedian and actor Bill Hader. They briefly dated in late 2022 but rekindled their romance in April 2023.
2. When did Bill Hader and Ali Wong start dating?
Bill Hader and Ali Wong first dated briefly in late 2022 after Wong’s separation from her ex-husband Justin Hakuta. They reconnected in April 2023.
3. Has Ali Wong been married before?
Yes, Ali Wong was married to Justin Hakuta for eight years before announcing their separation in April 2022. The couple shares two daughters.
4. How did Bill Hader and Ali Wong meet?
Bill Hader and Ali Wong first worked together in 2016 on The Angry Birds Movie, where they both voiced characters. However, they didn’t start dating until years later.
5. Are Bill Hader and Ali Wong public about their relationship?
While Bill Hader and Ali Wong have attended public events and been seen together, they are relatively private about their relationship, sharing only select details.