While millions of viewers recognize Alexandra Breckenridge as the comforting heart of Netflix's hit drama Virgin River or AMC's The Walking Dead, her life away from the cameras looks refreshingly grounded. Married since 2015, she shares her life with professional musician Casey Hooper. Though he spends his professional life on massive global concert stages, Hooper maintains a remarkably low profile compared to traditional Hollywood spouses.
Understanding who Casey Hooper is requires looking past standard celebrity-spouse gossip. He built a legitimate career as a touring rock guitarist long before and long after tying the knot with a television star. From his Midwest upbringing to playing major televised stadium events, his trajectory offers a unique look at balancing the entertainment industry with a quiet family setup in rural Georgia.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Born on July 16, 1986, in Des Moines, Iowa, Casey Neil Hooper grew up surrounded by musical encouragement. His family background featured strong musical influences: his grandmother Norma Jean studied classical piano, while his aunt Janey performed as a pianist and singer in local jazz and blues circuits.
Growing up in the Midwest, Hooper picked up the guitar during his youth and treated it as his primary focus. In local interviews from his hometown, he often described the instrument as the defining piece of his identity during his teenage years. Unlike many performers who transition through traditional college routes, Hooper made a definitive choice right after graduating from high school. In 2005, he packed his bags and moved straight to Los Angeles to break into the professional music industry.
The Road to Touring with Katy Perry
Moving to Los Angeles without established industry connections proved challenging. During his early years in California, Hooper spent time taking odd jobs, working as an extra in various music videos and television productions, including appearances on the Fox series Glee. He also briefly attended music school before dropping out after six months to pursue practical, hands-on audition opportunities.
His persistence paid off in 2010 when he successfully auditioned to become the lead guitarist for pop superstar Katy Perry. Before landing that role, Hooper tried out for several other prominent pop and rock acts—including Selena Gomez, Adam Lambert, and Avril Lavigne—though those particular auditions didn't pan out.
Joining Perry's band instantly elevated his career. Over the next decade, Hooper toured the globe, performing in massive arenas across multiple continents. Some of his most high-profile appearances with Perry include:
- Playing lead guitar at the Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show in 2015.
- Performing at the Grammy Awards ceremony.
- Taking the stage during major international events, such as the opening festivities for the cricket season in India.
- Appearing in the 2012 documentary feature Katy Perry: Part of Me, which chronicled the behind-the-scenes reality of life on a massive international concert tour.
Relationship and Marriage to Alexandra Breckenridge
Casey Hooper and Alexandra Breckenridge crossed paths in Los Angeles after being introduced through mutual industry circles. They officially met at a Grammy Awards after-party. After dating for approximately two years, Breckenridge announced their engagement in 2014.
The couple chose a rustic, intimate destination for their wedding. On September 13, 2015, they married during an outdoor ceremony held in Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado. Breckenridge wore a strapless Lazaro gown featuring an intricate train and veil, while the celebration included outdoor dining, dancing, and evening fireworks surrounded by close friends and family.
Family Life and Moving to Georgia
Shortly after tying the knot, the couple expanded their family quickly. Their son, Jack Breckenridge Hooper, was born on September 3, 2016, weighing in at over nine pounds. Fifteen months later, they welcomed their daughter, Billie Breckenridge Hooper, in December 2017. Breckenridge often notes in interviews how having children close in age allows the siblings to grow up as built-in playmates.
While Hollywood served as the backdrop for their early relationship, the family made a conscious lifestyle pivot. Seeking an environment away from the relentless pace of Los Angeles, they packed up and relocated to a rural property outside of Atlanta, Georgia.
In profiles featured in publications like Atlanta Magazine, Breckenridge explained that the move was driven by a desire for a genuine community feel. They wanted their children to experience an upbringing where they could ride bikes outside and play in open spaces without feeling confined to a major metropolitan center. Hooper splits his time between managing family life in Georgia and fulfilling ongoing musical commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Casey Hooper's profession?
Casey Hooper is a professional musician and guitarist. He is best known for working as the lead touring guitarist for pop icon Katy Perry, performing at major televised events like the Super Bowl.
When did Casey Hooper and Alexandra Breckenridge get married?
The couple married on September 13, 2015, during an outdoor ceremony in Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado, after dating for about two years.
How many children do Casey Hooper and Alexandra Breckenridge have?
They share two children together: a son named Jack (born in 2016) and a daughter named Billie (born in 2017).
Where do Casey Hooper and his family live?
Though they spent years living in Los Angeles, the family permanently relocated to a quieter rural home outside Atlanta, Georgia, to raise their children away from city congestion.
