Actor Eric Winter and actress-singer Roselyn Sánchez form one of Hollywood's most enduring and recognizable partnerships. Best known for his starring role as Sergeant Tim Bradford on ABC's The Rookie, Winter shares his life with Sánchez, a multi-hyphenate star recognized for her work on Fantasy Island and Devious Maids. While internet rumors often sensationalize celebrity marriages with clickbait headlines, the reality of their relationship is rooted in a solid two-decade connection, professional collaboration, and a shared family life in Los Angeles.
Understanding the trajectory of Eric Winter's life requires looking closely at his partnership with Sánchez. They aren't just a high-profile couple walking red carpets; they are parents, co-authors, and frequent creative collaborators who have built a stable household despite demanding schedules in the entertainment industry.
How Eric Winter and Roselyn Sánchez Met
The story began in 2005 at a crowded party in Los Angeles. Sánchez has often recounted that Winter wasn't initially her type, but a simple handshake shifted her perspective instantly. Despite the immediate spark, Winter didn't ask her out right away. It took him three months to make a move, inviting her out for sushi on their first date.
Things escalated quickly after that initial sushi dinner. On their second date, they took an impromptu weekend trip, cementing a compatibility that outpaced typical Hollywood courtships. By 2007, Winter was ready to propose. He planned a romantic trip to Sánchez's native Puerto Rico, proposing during a kayaking excursion in a bioluminescent bay.
The Wedding in Old San Juan
On November 29, 2008, the couple married in a dramatic historic setting. They hosted their wedding at the historic San Cristóbal fort in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, honoring Sánchez's roots surrounded by close family and friends.
The wedding marked the beginning of Winter's deep appreciation for Puerto Rican culture, food, and community. Over the years, the couple has frequently returned to the island both for family visits and philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting local children's hospitals and disaster relief initiatives.
Family Life and Children
The couple shares two children: a daughter, Sebella Rose Winter, born in January 2012, and a son, Dylan Gabriel Winter, born in November 2017.
Expanding their family came with distinct challenges. Both children were conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and Sánchez has been remarkably transparent about the emotional and physical hurdles of fertility treatments later in life. Welcoming Sebella when she was 38 and Dylan at 44, Sánchez used her platform to normalize conversations around older motherhood and reproductive struggles. The five-year gap between their children, while unexpected, ultimately created a dynamic where their older daughter could actively help care for her younger brother.
Professional Collaborations and Projects
Unlike many celebrity couples who strictly separate their professional domains, Winter and Sánchez frequently cross paths in their work.
- Acting Together: They starred alongside each other in the 2019 Hallmark romance film A Taste of Summer. Working together brought out their contrasting professional styles; Winter has noted that he prefers to keep things light and humorous on set, while Sánchez approaches her roles with intense seriousness.
- Podcasting: From 2019 until late 2025, they co-hosted the iHeartRadio podcast He Said, Ella Dijo, where they offered unfiltered commentary on marriage, parenting, and entertainment industry life.
- Children's Literature: In 2017, they co-authored a children's book titled Sebi and the Land of Cha Cha Cha, illustrated by Nivea Ortiz and inspired by their daughter.
Career Backgrounds Outside the Marriage
Before focusing heavily on his role in The Rookie, Winter built an extensive television résumé. He appeared in popular series such as Days of Our Lives, Mental, GCB, Witches of East End, and Secrets and Lies. Before acting, he worked as a high-fashion model for brands like Tommy Hilfiger, establishing an early footing in the public eye.
Sánchez boasts an equally impressive career trajectory. Discovered early as a dancer and model in Puerto Rico, she transitioned into acting with breakthrough roles in Rush Hour 2, Without a Trace, and Devious Maids. Her multilingual talent and sharp comedic and dramatic timing made her a fixture on network television, culminating in her starring role as Elena Roarke in Fox's reboot of Fantasy Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Eric Winter and Roselyn Sánchez been married?
They married on November 29, 2008. They have been married for over 15 years, following a three-year relationship that began when they met in 2005.
Do Eric Winter and Roselyn Sánchez have children?
Yes, they have two children together: a daughter named Sebella Rose and a son named Dylan Gabriel. Both children were born via IVF.
Was Eric Winter married before meeting Roselyn Sánchez?
Yes. Winter was previously married to actress Allison Ford from 2001 until their divorce in 2005. Sánchez was also previously married to British actor and boxer Gary Stretch from 1998 to 2001.
What projects are Eric Winter and Roselyn Sánchez best known for?
Winter is best known for playing Sergeant Tim Bradford in The Rookie and playing Colton Graham in Witches of East End. Sánchez is widely recognized for her roles in Devious Maids, Without a Trace, and Fantasy Island.
