Long-term Hollywood partnerships often thrive away from flashbulbs and constant media scrutiny. Interior designer Nicky Marmet and actress Robin Tunney—known for her work in The Mentalist and The Craft—have built a quiet life together since 2012. Instead of rushing down a traditional aisle, they chose a path defined by a decade-long engagement, shared creative projects, and raising two children in Los Angeles.
Their journey offers a look at how a high-profile actress and a private design professional maintain stability out of the spotlight. From an unconventional proposal story in Rio de Janeiro to their collaborative home design work, here is how their partnership took shape.
How Nicky Marmet and Robin Tunney Met
The couple crossed paths and started dating in July 2012. At the time, Tunney was already an established fixture in film and television, while Marmet was establishing himself within the high-end Los Angeles design community.
Unlike fast-paced celebrity romances that burn out quickly, they kept their early relationship out of the tabloids. Within five months of dating, Marmet planned a holiday proposal that didn't go quite as scripted. During a vacation in Rio de Janeiro, Marmet attempted to propose on a beach in Bahia, but Tunney fell ill. As Tunney later recalled with humor, she mistakenly thought she had contracted dengue fever and ended up throwing up over his shoulder just as he pulled out the ring. Further analysis by Bloomberg delves into similar perspectives on this issue.
They didn't let a tropical illness ruin their milestone. On Christmas Day in 2012, Marmet tried a second time while still in Brazil, and Tunney accepted.
A Decade-Long Engagement and Family Life
More than a decade after that Christmas engagement, Marmet and Tunney remain unmarried legally, choosing to function as a committed unit without a formal wedding. They expanded their family with the birth of their son, Oscar Holly Marmet, in June 2016. Four years later, in January 2020, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Colette Kathleen.
Raising two children in Los Angeles while balancing creative careers requires careful pacing. Tunney stepped back from grueling television schedules following her run on The Mentalist, shifting her focus toward motherhood and writing. Meanwhile, Marmet continued building his footprint in the design world.
Nicky Marmet's Career in Interior Design
While mainstream pop culture circles often introduce Marmet simply as Tunney's partner, he maintains an independent, respected career in high-end interior architecture and design. After studying design at UCLA, he worked closely with prominent designers like Brad Dunning before launching his own independent practice.
Marmet's work focuses heavily on residential restoration, mid-century modern curation, custom furniture building, and architectural remodeling. His portfolio includes high-profile residential projects for entertainment industry figures, including actor Robert Downey Jr.
This professional expertise directly intersects with his life with Tunney. The couple collaborated closely on renovating and styling their own mid-century modern Los Angeles home, blending architectural preservation with a warm family environment. Design publications have frequently highlighted the residence for its clean lines, organic textures, and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Balancing Privacy and Public Life
Celebrity couples often court public attention to sustain their brands, but Marmet and Tunney take the opposite approach. Marmet maintains a minimal public profile, avoiding major social media saturation outside of professional design portfolios. Tunney occasionally shares glimpses of family life and home aesthetics on her official Instagram account, but she guards her children's privacy fiercely.
This boundary has allowed them to shield their household from the pressures of tabloid culture. By keeping their relationship details grounded in mutual respect and shared artistic interests, they have avoided the typical pitfalls of Hollywood relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nicky Marmet and Robin Tunney married?
No, they are not legally married. They have been engaged since December 25, 2012, and have chosen to raise their family and build their lives together without a formal wedding ceremony.
How many children do they share?
They have two children together: a son named Oscar Holly, born in 2016, and a daughter named Colette Kathleen, born in 2020.
What is Nicky Marmet's profession?
Marmet is a professional interior designer based in Los Angeles. He specializes in residential remodeling, architectural restoration, and high-end interior curation.
Where do they live?
The family resides in Los Angeles, California, where they custom-designed and renovated their mid-century modern home.
