Updated: November 30, 2025
Hey there, if you’re a fan of Amanda Kloots—like I am—you know her as the powerhouse fitness guru, former The Talk co-host, and that incredibly resilient mom who’s turned heartbreak into hope. From her viral jump-rope workouts to her heartfelt tributes to late husband Nick Cordero, Amanda’s journey has inspired millions. But before Nick, before the spotlight on COVID battles and Dancing with the Stars, there was another chapter: her first marriage to David Larsen. It’s a story of young love on Broadway stages, tough goodbyes, and personal reinvention. In this post, we’ll dive into who David was, how they met, and what that relationship taught Amanda about life. If you’ve ever wondered about Amanda Kloots first husband, stick around—this is the inside scoop.
Table of Contents
Meeting on the Great White Way: A Broadway Spark
Picture this: It’s the early 2000s, and the lights of Broadway are buzzing with energy. Amanda Kloots, fresh-faced at just 19, lands her big break in the quirky musical Good Vibrations. She’s a dancer with stars in her eyes, having traded her Ohio roots for the thrill of New York City. And right there in the cast? David Larsen, a fellow actor with that classic Broadway charm—tall, talented, and totally captivating.
They didn’t just share a stage; they shared late-night rehearsals, inside jokes, and that electric vibe only theater folks get. Sparks flew fast. By her early twenties, Amanda and David were head over heels, tying the knot in a sweet, low-key ceremony that screamed young love. It was the kind of romance that felt straight out of a show tune—passionate, full of promise, and set against the backdrop of sold-out crowds and standing ovations.
- Fun fact: Good Vibrations was a Beach Boys-inspired flop that closed after just three months, but for Amanda and David, it was the start of something magical.
- Their shared world of spotlights and scripts made them a power couple in the making, bonding over the highs of opening nights and the grind of understudy calls.
This wasn’t just a fling; it was the foundation of Amanda’s early adult life, blending her Rockette precision with David’s acting flair.
The Early Years: Building Dreams Together
For six to seven blissful years (sources vary a bit, but the magic lasted from around 2006 to 2013), Amanda and David were inseparable. They navigated the ups and downs of showbiz life—auditions that went nowhere, gigs that lit up Times Square, and quiet nights dreaming big in their NYC apartment. David, born in 1980 in Portland, Oregon, was the steady guy with a warm smile and a knack for roles in shorts like Grind. Amanda, meanwhile, was hustling as a dancer in hits like Follies and Young Frankenstein.
Life felt full. They traveled for tours, celebrated career wins, and built a home rooted in creativity. Amanda has called it a “happily married” phase in her memoir Live Your Life, where she reflects on the comfort of having a partner who got the chaos of their world. But like any marriage, it wasn’t all encores—there were the long separations when David toured, testing their connection from afar.
Here’s a quick snapshot of their journey in a handy table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting Place | Broadway’s Good Vibrations (2001-2002) |
| Marriage Years | Approximately 2006-2013 (6-7 years) |
| Shared Profession | Theater performers; Amanda as dancer, David as actor |
| Key Challenges | Tour separations, career uncertainties |
| Post-Divorce Paths | Amanda pivoted to fitness; David became a real estate agent in NY/NJ |
This era shaped Amanda’s grit, teaching her that love in the arts is as unpredictable as a last-minute cast change.
The Heartbreak: Divorce and a Fresh Start
Then, like a plot twist no one saw coming, it ended. Around 2013, while David was out on tour, the distance caught up. Amanda has been raw about it—describing panic attacks, nights on the floor sobbing, and that gut-wrenching rebuild. In a 2018 Time essay, she wrote, “I found myself in my thirties without a job, without a husband, and without a plan.” Oof, right? It hit hard, especially as her Broadway dreams hit a lull.
The divorce wasn’t messy public drama; it was private pain that forced Amanda to pivot. She channeled the hurt into jump ropes and sweat, launching her AK! Fitness empire. David? He moved on gracefully, eloping with Emilee Dupré in December 2020 and welcoming daughter Eleanor Rose soon after. Today, he’s a licensed realtor in New York and New Jersey, trading scripts for open houses and family hikes (his Instagram is all golden-hour walks with his pup).
- Silver lining: The split opened doors—Amanda met Nick Cordero on Bullets Over Broadway amid the proceedings, sparking a secret romance that led to her second marriage in 2017.
- Lessons learned: Amanda’s shared on The Talk how grief from divorce prepped her for bigger losses, like Nick’s in 2020.
It’s a reminder that endings, though brutal, can launch you toward your next act.
From Then to Now: Amanda’s Evolving Love Story
Fast-forward to 2025, and Amanda’s story is one of phoenix-rising triumph. After Nick’s heartbreaking COVID battle and passing, she raised son Elvis (now 6) with unshakeable positivity—think daily Elvis updates, a Netflix gig on Live from the Other Side, and founding Proper Nutrition this year. Oh, and she’s back on the dating scene, going red-carpet official with retired tennis star Justin Gimelstob in April 2025 at a cancer research gala. They bonded as friends first, blending families naturally—he’s a “wonderful man” and dad, per Amanda.
As of now, she’s thriving in LA, dropping poolside bikini pics that nod to her model days and preaching movement as a “privilege” in interviews. Her first marriage to David? It’s a cherished footnote, proof of her heart’s capacity to love deeply, lose big, and love again.
Conclusion: Lessons in Love and Letting Go
Amanda Kloots’ first husband, David Larsen, wasn’t just a chapter—he was the opening act that set the stage for her resilience. Their Broadway-born romance showed us the joy of shared dreams, but the divorce? It highlighted the courage it takes to rewrite your script. Today, with Elvis by her side and new love blooming, Amanda embodies “live your life” in every workout, laugh, and leap.
If her story resonates, grab her book or join a Rope class—it’s all about turning pain into power. What’s your take on second chances? Drop a comment below. Thanks for reading, and remember: the show must go on.