When actor and comedian Rob Schneider married former model and actress London King in September 1988, their whirlwind romance captured public attention for its sheer speed. The pair tied the knot in Las Vegas just three days after meeting each other. This unconventional union unfolded right as Schneider was starting to gain traction in the comedy and television world, long before his breakout run on Saturday Night Live or major cinematic roles in comedies like Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo.
Though the marriage was short-lived—ending in divorce by 1990—it left a lasting mark on both individuals and yielded a prominent offspring: singer-songwriter Elle King. Examining this early relationship reveals a snapshot of 1980s celebrity culture, the pressures of early career ascension, and how two very different paths diverged after a hasty Vegas wedding.
The Whirlwind Romance and Las Vegas Wedding
In the late summer of 1988, London King and Rob Schneider crossed paths. Schneider was a twenty-five-year-old rising stand-up comic, while King was an eighteen-year-old model and aspiring actress. By many accounts from entertainment historians, the chemistry was immediate. Rather than enduring a lengthy courtship typical of Hollywood norms, the couple accelerated their relationship at breakneck speed.
They eloped to Las Vegas, Nevada, in September 1988, marrying in a quick ceremony. Such impulsive nuptials were common currency in the entertainment industry during that era, fueled by youthful spontaneity and the chaotic lifestyle of touring comedians. However, marrying three days after a first meeting creates an intense foundation that few relationships survive once the initial adrenaline fades.
Family Life and the Arrival of Elle King
During their brief marriage, the couple welcomed their daughter, Tanner Elle Schneider—professionally known as Elle King —born on July 3, 1989.
- Early Parenthood: Raising a newborn while both parents navigated volatile or demanding early-stage careers put immense strain on the household.
- The Split: By 1990, just two years after their spontaneous trip to Nevada, the marriage dissolved into a divorce.
- Relocation: Following the separation, London King moved away from the epicenter of Los Angeles culture, taking her young daughter to Ohio where she raised her primarily as a single mother.
Growing up outside the glaring spotlight of Hollywood allowed Elle King to develop her artistic identity independently, eventually blending blues, rock, and country music into a successful Grammy-nominated career. Meanwhile, Rob Schneider continued pouring his energy into his burgeoning television and film trajectory.
Life After Divorce: Diverging Paths
Following the termination of their marriage, both London King and Rob Schneider charted entirely distinct courses through life and career.
London King shifted her professional focus away from commercial modeling and minor acting parts in independent films like A Better Way to Die. She eventually moved to New York and found a deeply fulfilling vocation as a professional birth doula and childbirth educator, dedicating her time to maternal health and supporting families through pregnancy. She also remarried, wedding musician Justin Tesa in 2000, and built a stable, quiet family life.
Rob Schneider maintained a high-profile presence in Hollywood, starring in studio comedies, writing screenplays, and later transitioning into political commentary and independent film production. He married twice more after his divorce from King—first to Helena Schneider and later to television producer Patricia Azarcoya Schneider, with whom he shares additional children.
Common Misconceptions About the Marriage
Because celebrity biographies often blur over decades, several myths persist regarding this specific chapter of Schneider's personal history.
- Misconception 1: It was a long-term engagement. Many fans assume 1980s celebrity marriages involve months of public planning. In reality, the three-day turnaround from strangers to spouses left virtually no time for traditional relationship vetting.
- Misconception 2: London King stayed in Hollywood. Unlike many ex-spouses of famous actors who leverage settlements to remain in the entertainment bubble, King actively stepped away from the spotlight to raise her children in the Midwest and pursue healthcare advocacy.
- Misconception 3: A permanent estrangement from the industry. While King left acting behind, her daughter Elle King's massive success in the music industry keeps the family name tightly interwoven with entertainment headlines today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Rob Schneider and London King get married?
They married in September 1988 during a quick trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, just three days after meeting each other.
How long did their marriage last?
The marriage lasted for approximately two years, ending in an official divorce in 1990.
Who is their famous daughter?
They share one daughter, Tanner Elle Schneider, who is widely known by her stage name, Elle King, a successful American singer and songwriter.
What is London King's profession today?
After stepping away from modeling and minor acting roles, London King trained to become a professional birth doula and childbirth educator based in New York.
Did Rob Schneider remarry after his divorce from King?
Yes, Schneider later married Helena Schneider from 2002 to 2005, and subsequently married producer Patricia Azarcoya.
