Rose Byrne, the talented Australian actress known for her standout roles in films like Bridesmaids, Spy, and more recently her Golden Globe-winning performance in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, has always kept her personal life relatively private. Fans often search for details about her romantic past, especially questions like “Who is Rose Byrne’s ex-husband?” The short answer? Rose Byrne has never had an ex-husband — she’s never been legally married. However, her long-term partner, Bobby Cannavale, is frequently referred to by her as her “husband,” and her most notable past relationship was a six-year romance with actor Brendan Cowell. Let’s dive into the details of her love life, based on the latest updates as of January 2026.
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AI Overview: Key Facts About Rose Byrne’s Relationships
Here are some quick, bite-sized insights for those curious about her romantic journey:
- No legal marriage — Despite calling Bobby Cannavale her husband in interviews and speeches (including her recent 2026 Golden Globes acceptance), the couple hasn’t tied the knot officially. As Byrne said in late 2025, “We’re married… we just haven’t gone to the courthouse yet.”
- Longest past relationship — Brendan Cowell (2003–2010), an Australian actor and playwright — often mistakenly thought of as an “ex-husband” due to their serious commitment.
- Current bliss — With Bobby Cannavale since 2012, they’ve built a family with two sons and continue to support each other’s careers.
- Early romance — A brief relationship with director Gregor Jordan from around 1999–2002.
- Family priorities — Even at big events like the 2026 Golden Globes (where Byrne won big), family comes first — Cannavale skipped the ceremony to attend a reptile expo for their kids’ new bearded dragon!
Who Is Brendan Cowell? Rose Byrne’s Notable Ex
Brendan Cowell was Rose Byrne’s partner for over six years, from 2003 until their split in January 2010. The two met in their native Australia, where both were building acting careers. Cowell, an accomplished actor, writer, and director, even relocated to New York City to support Byrne during her breakout role in the TV series Damages.
Their relationship was long-distance at times due to work commitments, but they seemed solid — until they amicably parted ways. Interestingly, the two have stayed on friendly terms; they were spotted chatting casually at Bondi Beach years later. While some fans refer to Cowell as an “ex-husband” online, the couple was never married. This six-year chapter remains Byrne’s most significant pre-Cannavale romance.
Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale: A Modern Love Story
Since 2012, Rose Byrne has been in a loving, committed relationship with American actor Bobby Cannavale (known for roles in Boardwalk Empire, The Irishman, and Ant-Man). They met through mutual friends (with some reports pointing to a theater connection), and sparks flew almost immediately.
The couple has two sons together:
- Rocco Robin Cannavale (born February 2016)
- Rafael “Rafa” Cannavale (born November 2017)
They’ve collaborated on projects like the play Medea and films, showing their strong personal and professional bond. Despite no official wedding, Byrne consistently calls Cannavale her “husband” — a sweet nod to their deep commitment. In fact, during her January 11, 2026, Golden Globes speech, she thanked her “husband” Bobby… who was busy at a New Jersey reptile expo picking out a bearded dragon for the family (talk about priorities!).
Rose Byrne’s Relationship Timeline Table
| Period | Partner | Status/Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2002 | Gregor Jordan | Brief relationship | Met during Two Hands film; amicable end |
| 2003–2010 | Brendan Cowell | Long-term (6+ years) | Australian actor; split in January 2010 |
| 2012–Present | Bobby Cannavale | Long-term partner (referred to as husband) | Two sons; strong family unit; no legal marriage yet |
Conclusion
Rose Byrne’s love life proves that meaningful relationships don’t always need a marriage certificate to thrive. While she doesn’t have an “ex-husband” in the traditional sense, her past with Brendan Cowell and her enduring partnership with Bobby Cannavale highlight a woman who values genuine connection, family, and mutual support. As of January 12, 2026, she’s happily building a life with Cannavale, fresh off her Golden Globe win and even welcoming a new scaly family member. In Hollywood, where relationships often make headlines for drama, Byrne’s story stands out for its quiet strength and authenticity — and that’s something worth celebrating.