André Murillo carved out a professional basketball career across Europe and college courts before becoming widely known as the husband of Grammy-winning singer Tori Kelly. Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall, the German-American power forward built a life out of the athletic spotlight while remaining a constant source of public support for his wife.
Early Life and Background
Born on May 18, 1990, in Bremerhaven, Germany, André Christian Murillo is the son of a German mother and an American serviceman father. He spent his early childhood in Germany before his family relocated to Southern California when he was twelve years old.
Growing up athletic, he didn't just focus on hoops. He played football, baseball, and soccer during his youth before narrowing his athletic ambitions down to basketball. He attended El Toro High School in Lake Forest, California, where he starred on the varsity basketball team and built a foundation for his collegiate career.
College Basketball Journey
Murillo's path to collegiate hoops took a few detours. He initially enrolled at Concordia University Irvine in 2008, playing there for two seasons before transferring. For another angle on this event, refer to the recent update from Reuters.
He eventually found his stride at Biola University, a private Christian university in California. As a power forward, his grit in the paint transformed him into a focal point of the team's offense. During his standout graduating season at Biola, he posted career-high numbers, averaging 15.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per contest. His physical style of play and rebounding prowess made him a fan favorite and caught the attention of international scouts looking for tough, versatile forwards.
Professional Basketball Career
After wrapping up his college eligibility in 2014, Murillo took his talents back to his birthplace country to play professionally.
- Hamburg Towers (2014–2015): He signed his first professional contract with the Hamburg Towers, playing in Germany's second tier professional league.
- Rostock Seawolves (2015–2017): He moved on to the Rostock Seawolves, where he anchored the frontcourt as a reliable physical presence.
- Career Curtailment: During the 2016–2017 campaign, he was averaging 15.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game before a severe ankle injury forced him to prematurely end his season in February 2017. That injury ultimately paved the way for his retirement from competitive basketball, shifting his focus toward his personal life and career transition.
Relationship and Marriage to Tori Kelly
Murillo and Tori Kelly crossed paths through mutual friends in 2016, navigating a long-distance relationship early on while he finished his basketball commitments in Europe.
The connection grew quickly. In September 2017, Murillo proposed to the "Should've Been Us" singer, sharing the milestone with a heartfelt social media post calling her his best friend. The couple wed in a private California ceremony in May 2018. Kelly frequently credits her husband's grounding presence for helping her navigate the intense pressures of the music industry, often referring to him publicly as her biggest fan. In November 2025, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Zayden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is André Murillo?
He stands 6 feet 7 inches tall (approx. 200 cm), a physical attribute that served him well during his years as a professional power forward.
Where was André Murillo born?
He was born in Bremerhaven, Germany, to a German mother and an American military father, holding dual cultural ties before moving to California as a preteen.
When did André Murillo and Tori Kelly get married?
The couple tied the knot on May 19, 2018, after roughly two years of dating, following an engagement in September 2017.
Why did André Murillo stop playing basketball?
While he enjoyed a solid professional run in Germany's ProA and ProB leagues, persistent physical injuries—most notably a major ankle injury in early 2017—led to the conclusion of his professional playing days.
