Christine Baranski has spent decades commanding stage and screen with razor-sharp wit and immense poise, but away from the Hollywood spotlight, her most defining personal chapter was anchored by a remarkably grounded partnership. For thirty years, the Emmy-winning star was married to fellow actor and playwright Matthew Cowles. While Baranski became a powerhouse icon in television hits like The Good Wife and The Gilded Age, Cowles provided a steady, eccentric, and fiercely devoted presence that shaped her life both professionally and personally.
Understanding their relationship reveals a love story built on mutual respect for the craft of acting, a shared life away from flashy industry scenes, and a quiet resilience that sustained them until Cowles' passing in 2014.
How Christine Baranski and Matthew Cowles Met
The romance began in 1982 during a theater production in Garden City, New York. Baranski was established in the theater community and building her craft, while Cowles was already carving out a distinct reputation as a gritty character actor and playwright.
Their initial encounter had an unmistakable edge. As Baranski recounted in interviews, Cowles offered her a ride home on his motorcycle after rehearsal. With his shaggy blond hair, affinity for unfiltered Mexican cigarettes, and unconventional charm, he cut an exotic figure that immediately captivated her. They married the following year in 1983, embarking on a three-decade partnership that preceded Baranski's mainstream television explosion.
Who Was Matthew Cowles? Career and Background
To reduce Matthew Cowles to merely being an actress's spouse misses a rich, multifaceted artistic career. Born into a theatrical family—his father was actor and producer Chandler Cowles—Cowles was immersed in the arts from youth.
- Broadway Origins: He made his Broadway debut in 1966 playing the title role in Edward Albee’s adaptation of Malcolm. He also appeared alongside Al Pacino in off-Broadway productions like The Indian Wants the Bronx.
- Daytime Television Icon: Cowles left an indelible mark on daytime television by creating, writing, and playing the infamous villain Billy Clyde Tuggle on ABC's All My Children. The role earned him two Daytime Emmy Award nominations, cementing his status as a beloved soap opera antagonist.
- Character Actor on Film: Film audiences caught him in notable supporting turns across diverse projects, ranging from Slap Shot to Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island.
- Playwriting and Faith: Beyond acting, Cowles wrote provocative plays such as Mexican Standoff at Fat Squaw Springs. He was also a devout Catholic who taught religious education in his local Connecticut community, reflecting a deep spiritual grounding that balanced his theatrical life.
Building a Family Out of the Spotlight
While Hollywood couples often court tabloid visibility, Baranski and Cowles deliberately chose a different path. Shortly after marrying, they moved into an 18th-century farmhouse in Bethlehem, Connecticut, which had belonged to Cowles' family.
The couple raised two daughters together:
- Isabel Cowles: Born in 1984, she pursued education and law, though she briefly dipped into acting in her youth. Isabel later wrote candidly about growing up with hardworking parents, noting that her mother's success was built on a relentless theatrical grind rather than effortless magic.
- Lily Cowles: Born in 1987, Lily fully embraced the family trade, establishing herself as a professional actress with prominent roles in television series like Roswell, New Mexico.
Balancing bicoastal filming schedules—such as Baranski's work on Cybill and later The Good Wife—required immense logistical coordination. Yet, the Connecticut farmhouse remained their anchor, providing a normal, grounded upbringing for their children away from Los Angeles flashpoints.
Navigating Loss and Legacy
Matthew Cowles passed away unexpectedly on May 22, 2014, at the age of 69, from congestive heart failure. His passing marked the end of a 30-year marriage that had defined Baranski's adult life.
In subsequent interviews, Baranski spoke openly about the profound void left by his absence, describing the strange reality of sitting across an empty coffee table after decades of shared routines. She credited her return to the stage and active television sets—surrounded by supportive cast members and crew who felt like family—as a vital lifeline during the grieving process.
Today, Christine Baranski continues to anchor major prestige dramas while preserving the quiet strength and artistic integrity she and her late husband built together. Their partnership remains a rare example of two intense creative forces finding permanent harbor in each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Christine Baranski marry Matthew Cowles?
The couple tied the knot in October 1983, shortly after meeting during a theater production in New York. They remained married for thirty years until Cowles' death in 2014.
What was Matthew Cowles famous for?
Cowles was best known for originating the iconic daytime television villain Billy Clyde Tuggle on All My Children, a role he both wrote elements of and played across multiple decades. He was also an accomplished Broadway actor and playwright.
How many children do Christine Baranski and Matthew Cowles share?
They share two daughters, Isabel and Lily. Isabel pursued a career in law, while Lily followed her parents into professional acting.
Where did Christine Baranski and Matthew Cowles live?
While maintaining working ties to New York City and production hubs, the family primarily resided in an historic 18th-century farmhouse in Litchfield County, Connecticut, where Cowles grew up.
