Paul Rudd's wife is Julie Yaeger, a screenwriter, producer, and former publicist who has been married to the Ant-Man star for over two decades. While Hollywood marriages often struggle under the weight of constant public scrutiny, this pair has maintained a quiet, steady life together since tying the knot in 2003. Unlike many high-profile couples who thrive on tabloid attention, they've built a stable family and business partnership out of the typical Los Angeles spotlight.
How Paul Rudd Met Julie Yaeger
The story of how the couple met reads like a classic romantic comedy script, fitting for an actor best known for his charm. Shortly after wrapping the film Clueless in the mid-1990s, Paul arrived in New York City and rushed straight to his publicist's office.
Julie was working at that very office as a publicist. Paul had arrived with bags in tow and needed to drop them off somewhere before an audition. Julie offered to keep his luggage for him. A few days later, he returned to ask her out on a date, and their relationship took root from there.
Paul has often recalled that first impression in interviews, noting that Julie possessed a maturity that stood out immediately. They connected over shared life experiences, including navigating personal loss at young ages. They dated for several years before marrying in a quiet ceremony in February 2003.
Career Background and Creative Collaborations
While Julie started behind the scenes in publicist offices—working on films like Mr. Jealousy and Niagara, Niagara—she eventually transitioned into writing and production.
Her most notable creative project to date is the 2017 comedy film Fun Mom Dinner, for which she wrote the screenplay. The project truly became a family affair: Paul served as an executive producer and even made a brief cameo appearance in the movie. Beyond writing, Julie manages various business ventures alongside her husband.
Samuel's Sweet Shop and Community Life
Away from film sets, the couple invests heavily in local community life. They reside primarily in Rhinebeck, a historic town in upstate New York.
In 2014, when the previous owner of Samuel's Sweet Shop—a beloved local candy store—suddenly passed away, Paul and Julie stepped in. To keep the shop from closing down permanently, they partnered with fellow actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan and his wife, Hilarie Burton, to purchase the business. Today, Paul and Julie can occasionally be spotted behind the counter scooping ice cream or bagging candy for local residents and visiting fans.
Family Life and Children
Paul and Julie share two children: a son named Jack Sullivan, born in 2006, and a daughter named Darby, born in 2010.
Despite Paul's massive blockbuster success in franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and classic comedies, the couple has intentionally kept their children away from heavy media exposure. In various interviews, Paul has shared that his kids didn't fully grasp his celebrity status for years, viewing him simply as "Dad" rather than a superhero. The family enjoys a low-key lifestyle, prioritizing quiet nights at home over Hollywood parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Paul Rudd and Julie Yaeger been married?
They got married in February 2003, making their marriage more than twenty years old. They dated for several years prior to tying the knot.
What is Julie Yaeger's profession?
She is a screenwriter and producer. Before writing scripts like Fun Mom Dinner, she worked as a publicist in New York City.
Do Paul Rudd and Julie Yaeger own a business together?
Yes. They co-own Samuel's Sweet Shop, a popular confectionery store located in Rhinebeck, New York, alongside actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton.
How many children do they have?
They share two children: a son, Jack, and a daughter, Darby.
