When public interest turns toward acclaimed performers, attention naturally extends beyond the screen into their personal lives. For Juilliard-trained actress Shalita Grant, celebrated for standout roles in series like NCIS: New Orleans, Search Party, and Netflix's You, public curiosity frequently centers on her relationships. While online content farms often publish generic or inaccurate pieces about a "husband," Grant's actual relationship history reflects an authentic journey of self-discovery, growth, and partnership.
Understanding Shalita Grant's personal life requires looking past automated rumors to examine her marriage to commercial director Sabrina Skau and her subsequent relationship with professional mixed martial artist Jessica Aguilar. This profile explores how Grant navigates her public career alongside grounded, intentional personal partnerships.
Tracing the Roots of Shalita Grant's Personal Journey
Shalita Grant's path to personal and professional fulfillment wasn't a straight line. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised amid significant family hardships, she carved out a demanding career in theater before breaking into television. Her early years shaped a fierce independence, but as her career gained momentum, she also began exploring her identity more openly.
In her mid-twenties, Grant came out publicly, embracing her identity as a gay woman after a period of personal evolution. This transparency became a cornerstone of her public persona. She stopped hiding parts of her identity to appease traditional Hollywood expectations, choosing instead to lean into authenticity. That pivot defined not only her artistic choices on screen but also the nature of the romantic partnerships she chose to build.
The Marriage to Sabrina Skau
Before her current relationship, Grant was married to commercial director Sabrina Skau. The couple's relationship gained media attention when Skau proposed during a snowboarding trip in the mountains of Whistler, British Columbia, presenting a cushion-cut canary diamond ring.
In August 2018, Grant and Skau officially married during a ceremony at San Francisco's City Hall. For a time, the couple resided together in Los Angeles, balancing demanding schedules in the entertainment industry. Skau's background in commercial directing aligned with the creative circles Grant navigated daily. However, like many relationships forged under the high-pressure environment of the entertainment industry, the marriage ultimately changed course. The pair divorced in 2020, parting ways amicably while moving forward into new chapters of their respective professional and personal lives.
Finding Grounding With Jessica Aguilar
Following her divorce, Grant crossed paths with professional mixed martial artist Jessica Aguilar during the global uncertainties of 2020. Aguilar, a trailblazing athlete and former WSOF strawweight champion, brought a completely different energy into Grant's life.
The pairing of an acclaimed dramatic actress and a veteran combat sports athlete captured public fascination. Yet, away from the headlines, their day-to-day dynamic is rooted in mutual support and shared domestic projects. Grant has frequently spoken about how Aguilar provides a stabilizing presence, helping her decompress from grueling television production schedules—such as staying up late to support Grant's intense audition preparations.
The couple embraced hands-on projects together, including renovating Aguilar's childhood home into a modern living space. Rather than chasing the traditional Hollywood party scene, Grant has described herself and Aguilar as home-focused partners who prefer building a quiet, balanced life out of the spotlight.
How Personal Balance Fuels Professional Success
Grant’s transition into a more grounded personal life directly coincided with her career-defining performances. Her breakout role as Sherry Conrad in the third season of Netflix's You showcased a comedic and dramatic sharpness that earned widespread critical acclaim.
- Setting Boundaries: Grant has openly rejected toxic social circles and superficial industry networking, choosing instead to invest energy strictly into meaningful relationships.
- Creative Synergy: Having a partner outside the traditional acting bubble—such as an elite athlete turned entrepreneur—provides an essential disconnect from the fictional worlds portrayed on camera.
- Intentional Living: Renovating properties and prioritizing domestic peace have allowed Grant to sustain high-intensity work performance without burning out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Shalita Grant ever married?
Yes. Grant was previously married to commercial director Sabrina Skau. The couple wed in August 2018 at San Francisco's City Hall and later divorced in 2020.
Who is Shalita Grant's current partner?
Since 2020, Grant has been in a relationship with professional mixed martial artist and entrepreneur Jessica Aguilar.
What is Jessica Aguilar's background?
Jessica Aguilar is a pioneering MMA fighter who competed in major promotions like the UFC and became the first female champion for the World Series of Fighting (WSOF). Beyond sports, she operates business ventures and collaborates with Grant on home renovation projects.
Why did Shalita Grant leave NCIS: New Orleans?
Grant voluntarily departed her role as Special Agent Sonja Percy during the fourth season of NCIS: New Orleans in 2018 to pursue new creative challenges in theater and television.
