By Jessica Wedemeyer
7:30am PDT, Oct 11, 2022
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Wonderwall.com is taking a look back at the stars who found love, suffered heartbreak or experienced some other major event in their love lives in late September and early October 2022, starting with this duo… On Sept. 30, Rosario Dawson and her new boyfriend, Nnamdi Okafor, made their red carpet debut as a couple at The GEANCO Foundation's annual gala in Hollywood. A few days later, she told People magazine that she met her beau — who works as a philanthropic strategist for California State University — at a bar in Los Angeles. "He's in that same space of wanting to be of service. And I think that's one of the things we get along on, though he did introduce himself first as a poet," she said of their connection.
Keep reading for more of the week's biggest celeb love life updates…
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On Oct. 3, Vanity Fair excerpted a portion of the new oral history of "The Big Bang Theory" — "The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story" — in which former co-stars Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki, who dated from 2008 to 2010, open up about their off-screen romance. "I had a very big crush on Johnny early on. I was so not even hiding it. He has such swagger. We were both dating people at the time, but I only had eyes for Johnny. Then, when I found out he had eyes for me too, I was like, 'Uh‑oh, this is going to be trouble,'" said Kaley, adding that "there was chemistry" between them and "it was obvious there was always something there." (Johnny, meanwhile, noted that he had "zero idea" Kaley had a crush on him off the bat.) The pair shared their first on-screen smooch before they took their real-life relationship to the next level late in the first season. Things took a turn, they said, when they shot a PDA-packed scene in an elevator shaft. "I think we fell a little in love in that elevator shaft," recalled Kaley before describing the scene as particularly torturous to shoot. Explained Johnny, "[We] knew that something mutual was felt, and that it was going to be more of a distraction from the work to try and continue to ignore it than to actually recognize it and surrender to it." Once Kaley was back on the market, she and Johnny started spending more time together off set: A few hours after she broke up with her boyfriend at the time, she joined Johnny and their co-stars for a cast getaway at a ranch in Montecito, California, where she made a move on Johnny by asking him to kill a bug in her luxury cabin. He declined because she was "literally jilted from a relationship four hours earlier," he explained. ("I couldn't believe he turned me down. I still think he turned me down because he knew what I was doing," she said.) Not long after that, Johnny invited Kaley to join him at a bar for a glass of wine. She was there within 20 minutes even though she was 45 minutes way when he texted — "She just hauled a** [to get] there," Johnny joked. "That's really pathetic that I just didn't even make him wait for like ten minutes," said Kaley. They ended up making out and then going back to her place, where she showered and sat on his lap "wearing nothing but a towel," recalled Johnny. "I was like, 'Okay, I guess we're dating!'" But they worked hard to keep their real-life romance under wraps, which is part of the reason why it ultimately fizzled…
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In Vanity Fair's excerpt of "The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story," Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki revealed that they were in disagreement over whether or not to go public with their romance. "Johnny can get really in his head and want to hide, whereas I'm the direct opposite. I would have told everybody the next day at the table read. I would have announced it and said, 'We're together!' But he was like, 'We can't tell anyone!' So we kept it quiet," Kaley recalled, noting that "it was easier to keep it hidden" because social media wasn't as prevalent at the time. "When we were dating, Johnny was very worried about ruining the fans' outlook on [our characters] Leonard and Penny, because they weren't even dating yet at that point in the series. He was so cerebral, and I'm like, 'What?! Who f****** cares?!' … I was just so crazy about him, I wasn't thinking that way." Ultimately, their differences drove them apart. "I think one of the things that created a chasm between us was my strict policies of privacy, and Kaley being very, very open about her life. I was very uncomfortable with being public about it, and I think that hurt Kaley's feelings a little bit, and I can understand that. It certainly wasn't because I was embarrassed of her or our relationship, but I wanted to be protective of the audience's acceptance of Penny and Leonard, and without distraction from the tabloids. … At a certain point it felt like we were living this lie because we were going to award shows and functions and pretending like we're not a couple, when in fact we were a very loving couple," Johnny said, adding that they also "had very different interests" and wanted to experience life differently. In September 2010, Kaley came clean about the relationship during an interview with CBS's Watch magazine. She and Johnny were working on their friendship at the point — even as they struggled to shoot their on-screen alter egos' breakup and eventual reconciliation. "I adore the friends that we are. I think I might value my relationship with her more than any other previous relationship or relationship afterwards. … We just have such a bond that I appreciate so much. And I think that's part of our great friendship," Johnny said. Added Kaley, "We really adored each other, and we were lucky because as our breakup was happening, there was no foul play, there was nothing bad about our relationship… it just ended. Yes, there was some hurt there for a bit, but it didn't take us that long to go back to what we were before we were dating and be friends. He was front row at both of my weddings, and we've been so supportive of each other ever since. We adore each other."
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On Sept. 29, the Bravo Housewives Instagram account shared unfounded rumors that Heather Dubrow has been "skipping out" on shooting season 17 of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" because "cheating allegations" centered around her husband of more than two decades, Dr. Terry Dubrow, have been "circulating" online. According to the rumor, which originated on Deux Moi, an unnamed star of "RHOC" hasn't been seen shooting with her co-stars "for weeks," and "word on the street" is that "her husband's affairs surfaced" and she's concerned the other women will "air it all out" on camera. Heather caught wind of the allegations and commented on Bravo Housewives' post, "This is not true, on any level." A few days later, Heather and Terry were snapped packing on the PDA at Disneyland, indicating all is well in their marriage. (See photos here.)
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On Oct. 3, People magazine shed some light on how Brad Pitt connected with his rumored new love interest, Emily Ratajkowski: "He was introduced to Emily by a friend in the art world. There is an attraction, but nothing serious going on. She is obviously gorgeous and very into art as well. They have a lot to talk about and always have a great time when they hang out. They stay in touch when they don't see each other," said a source. A second People source noted that the model is "bright [and] articulate" and "has the vibes that Brad likes," while a third insider said that the A-list actor is helping the brunette beauty move on from her "unexpected and devastating" split from Sebastian Bear-McClard — which has been "very rough for her." Said the third source, "She is very relieved to be on the other side of it all now. She is doing well. She thinks Brad is amazing. They have been on a few dates and she is pretty smitten. She is very cute when she talks about Brad. She thinks he is a gentleman. It's really been the perfect timing for her. … Her friends joke that they don't feel bad for her anymore about the divorce — there is nothing like Brad Pitt cheering you up. She definitely wants to get to know him better. They text and keep in touch." A fourth People source, meanwhile, said that Brad isn't looking for "a long-term committed relationship" at the moment.
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On Oct. 4, Page Six broke the news that, according to multiple sources, Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady have hired divorce lawyers amid ongoing issues in their marriage related to the star quarterback's decision to un-retire from the NFL. "I never actually thought this argument would be the end of them, but it looks like it is. I don't think there will be any coming back now. They both have lawyers and are looking at what a split will entail, who gets what and what the finances will be," said one source, clarifying that Tom and Gisele's issues are not about "just one thing." A People magazine source, meanwhile, said that while the supermodel has hired a divorce lawyer, her estranged husband is "trying to figure out what to do" while looking for representation himself. A second People source alleged that "this is not something that just happened today." Explained the second insider, "Gisele has been talking to a divorce lawyer for awhile but to my knowledge has not filed anything and is still talking to Tom about their issues." The source also pointed out that it's not a guarantee Gisele will ever officially file for divorce.
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On Sept. 28, Dua Lipa and Trevor Noah stepped out in New York City for an intimate dinner date during which the comedian was snapped pecking the Grammy winner on the cheek. "It was clear they were into each other and sat close together throughout the meal. They left together and walked, stopping for long embraces and on the second kiss with hugs," a spy told DailyMail.com, which published exclusive photos of the duo's headline-making night out on the town. A source later told HollywoodLife of the rumored new couple, "Things are very new for Dua and Trevor, but she's enjoying spending time with him. Dua has told friends that she had an amazing time hanging out with him and she thinks Trevor is very sweet. She definitely sees potential and thinks they have great chemistry with each other. … They are not in a committed relationship and things are not serious between them at this point. She appreciates how open and honest he's been with her just about things going on in his life, and what he's looking for in a relationship. … They haven't made specific plans to hang out again yet, but Dua would absolutely be open to that. She hopes to spend more time together and is open to seeing where things go." A People magazine source, however, insisted "they're just friends." In late August, there were rumors that the "Daily Show" host had reconnected romantically with his off-and-on love of two years, Minka Kelly. Dua, meanwhile, hasn't dated anyone publicly since she and Anwar Hadid called it quits in late 2021.
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According to Us Weekly, former "Sister, Sister" star Tia Mowry filed to divorce Cory Hardrict in Los Angeles on Oct. 4 following 14 years of marriage. She reportedly cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, indicated that neither she nor the "American Sniper" actor should pay spousal support to the other and asked for joint legal and physical custody of their two children. Tia later confirmed the breakup news on Instagram, captioning a photo of herself and Cory, "I have always been honest with my fans, and today is no different. I wanted to share that Cory and I have decided to go our separate ways. These decisions are never easy, and not without sadness. We will maintain a friendship as we co-parent our beautiful children. I am grateful for all the happy times we had together and want to thank my friends, family and fans for your love and support as we start this new chapter moving forward in our lives." Cory did not release a statement addressing the breakup, though he spoke up when a fan suggested on an unrelated Instagram post that he strayed from the marriage. According to E! News, he replied in the comments section, "Lies!" The duo reportedly signed a prenup before they tied the knot in 2008.
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Marvel and DC writer-director James Gunn — who's helmed the "Guardians of the Galaxy" movies and "The Suicide Squad," plus the "Peacemaker" TV series — and actress Jennifer Holland took to Instagram on Sept. 30 to announce that they recently tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony officiated by the groom's brother, "GOTG" actor Sean Gunn, at Kevin Costner's Dunbar Ranch in Aspen, Colorado. "After over 7 years together, I finally married the love of my life, @jenniferlholland. What an incredible, beautiful, stunning day surrounded by the most wonderful family and friends in the world," James captioned a slideshow of wedding photos. The bride, meanwhile, captioned her own slideshow of wedding photos, "James! Thank you for sharing your love, life and family with me. Thank you for choosing me, for elevating me, and for always making me belly laugh. Here's to many more years to follow the first extraordinary 7." The happy couple also shared a joint post featuring photos of some of their A-list wedding guests including stars of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise (Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan and Pom Klementieff), Jennifer's "Peacemaker" co-stars (John Cena, Robert Patrick, Freddie Stroma, Chukwudi Iwuji, Steve Agee and Nhut Le, plus John's wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, and Freddie's missus, "Quantico" actress Johanna Braddy) and her "The Suicide Squad" co-stars (Joel Kinnaman, Nathan Fillion, David Dastmalchian, Flula Borg and Daniela Melchior). James was previously married to "The Office" star Jenna Fischer.
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According to multiple media outlets, Nazanin Mandi filed to divorce Miguel in Los Angeles on Oct. 4 — nearly eight months after she confirmed they were giving it another go following a brief separation. She reportedly cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split and indicated that she and the singer signed a prenup — which will determine their division of assets — before they tied the knot in 2018.
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On Oct. 4, photographer Elaine Siemek took to her Instagram Story to shoot down rumors that she was caught on camera cheating on her boyfriend, "Outer Banks" star Rudy Pankow, in early September. "Y'all stupid as hell for thinking that's me," she wrote, adding that on the day she was allegedly seen kissing another man, she and the actor were actually "flying from Barbados to Italy." Continued the brunette beauty, "Please stop posting bulls*** narratives that you make up because you're bored. It's exhausting and embarrassing." Last year, Rudy was forced to speak up on Instagram after trolls started targeting Elaine, who works as an assistant on the set of the hit Netflix show. "Accusing someone you don't know of being abusive and manipulative is not ok, especially when you don't know the relationship personally," he wrote at the time.
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During an interview with The Guardian that debuted online on Sept. 29, Hayley Williams confirmed recent speculation that she and her Paramore bandmate Taylor York are a couple. It's unclear when exactly they took their relationship to the next level. The singer previously dated another member of the band, Josh Farro, who quit in 2011 after things between them turned sour. (Josh's brother, Zac Farro, drums for Paramore.)
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On Sept. 29, the "Today" show reported that Savannah Sellers and Alex Yaraghi tied the knot at the Villa Corsini in Tuscany, Italy, on Sept. 16 — exactly five years after they met at a bar in New York City in 2017. "We wrote our own vows, and hearing Alex's in that setting, with our friends and family laughing and crying with us, was indescribable," said the NBC News correspondent, who got engaged to the investment analyst in June 2021.
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On Oct. 2, Bachelor Nation's Garrett Yrigoyen — who got engaged to Becca Kufrin on the finale of season 14 of "The Bachelorette" in 2018 — took to Instagram to announce that he and his girlfriend of two years, Alex Farrar, are engaged. "Our engagement was exactly how I imagined it. I love you so much Alexandra. I can't wait to spend forever with you lil Al," he captioned a slideshow of photos depicting the proposal and showing off his fiancée's new engagement ring. "I AM MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND!" Alex gushed in the comments section. She also captioned her own slideshow of proposal pics, "When two become one. I love you Garrett Vincent Yrigoyen. I want all of you forever, every day. HECK YES I WILL MARRY YOU!!!!"
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According to People magazine, which published exclusive wedding photos, Trace Bates and Lydia Romeike tied the knot at the Hill Barn in Jefferson City, Tennessee, on Oct. 1. "Today our lives changed forever! We move from being best friends to being husband and wife — so surreal! There are no words to describe how excited we are! We have waited for this day for so long," they said in a joint statement. The duo got engaged in April.
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It's official: On Oct. 4, E! News reported that Iyanna McNeely filed to divorce "Love is Blind" season 2 co-star Jarrette Jones in Chicago on Sept. 23. She reportedly cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. "As most know by now, Iyanna and I have decided to go our separate ways. In doing so, we're still moving forward with the decision to file for divorce. I'll continue to wish Iyanna nothing but happiness and success with every future endeavor. I'm thankful for the continued support from everyone and hope for understanding during this difficult time," Jarrette said in a statement to People magazine after his estranged wife filed to legally end their marriage. The duo announced in mid-August that they were going their separate ways.
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On Sept. 28, Silvio Scaglia's new girlfriend, socialite Michelle-Marie Heinemann, took to Instagram to announce that she and the La Perla owner are engaged. "Together for all eternity," she captioned a photo of their hands with her new heart-shaped diamond engagement ring on full display. (The duo also wore what appeared to be wedding bands, sparking rumors they may have quietly tied the knot.) It's been less than a year since the billionaire split from "My Unorthodox Life" star Julia Haart. So far, the divorce has been extremely messy.
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According to People magazine, which published exclusive wedding photos, country music singer Dillon Carmichael and Shayla Whitson tied the knot at the Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, on Oct. 1 — nearly five years after they first met at a bar. "We just got along so well from day one. We were best friends first. My being on the road kept us from forming a romantic relationship in the beginning, but then we started dating during a stint of my being off the road. We just kept it going after that!" the groom said of his new missus. They got engaged in February 2021.
