Jack Donnelly and Malin Åkerman: A relationship built on collaboration, family, and shared ambitions
Jack Donnelly, the British actor and writer best known for his lead role in BBC’s Atlantis, has built a quiet but powerful partnership with Malin Åkerman, star of The Hunting Wives. The couple lives in Los Angeles with Åkerman’s son, Sebastian, and has combined their professional lives with a strong family focus.
How they met and why their bond endured
Åkerman met Donnelly—who she described as someone she’d known through her sister’s boyfriend—through a chance reconnection after years apart. Their bond grew, leading to a thoughtful, personal proposal in Brooklyn. They tied the knot on December 1, 2018, at the Papaya Playa Project in Tulum, Mexico, choosing a wedding that emphasized authenticity and their own sense of style rather than conventional expectations.
Working together across projects
Donnelly and Åkerman have collaborated on several projects, including Friendsgiving, A Week in Paradise, and Slayers. In Friendsgiving, they played a couple whose on-screen intimacy highlighted the ease of working together as a married pair. Donnelly has said that sharing certain scenes with his wife—though challenging—was made smoother by their deep familiarity. Their on-screen chemistry extends beyond romance; in Slayers, a vampire horror-comedy, Donnelly noted it was one of his favorite professional experiences and that their teamwork makes travel and family life easier.
Beyond acting: writing, directing, and staying close to home
In addition to acting, Donnelly writes and directs. He directed and starred in the short series The Players in 2023, underscoring his multifaceted talents. The couple also emphasizes family life, with Donnelly stepping into the role of a loving stepfather to Åkerman’s son, Sebastian, from her previous marriage. Åkerman has spoken warmly about how Sebastian embraced the idea of the couple’s marriage, highlighting the supportive dynamic they’ve built.
Communication, vulnerability, and time together
Åkerman has credited Donnelly with helping her grow in their relationship, praising his communication skills and his ability to foster vulnerability. The couple prioritizes intentional time together, often cherishing date nights and even finding ways to connect over meals when a full date isn’t possible.
Private life online
Donnelly does not maintain public social media accounts, a contrast to Åkerman’s active online presence where she shares snapshots of their life and milestones. She recently marked several personal moments on social media, including their six-year wedding anniversary in December 2024 and a birthday tribute to Donnelly in October 2024, underscoring their affectionate, public acknowledgment of their partnership.
A snapshot of a modern Hollywood union
Together, Donnelly and Åkerman illustrate a balance between professional collaboration and a grounded family life. Their story highlights how couples in the industry can pursue creative projects while maintaining a committed, supportive partnership.
Summary
Jack Donnelly and Malin Åkerman’s relationship blends collaboration on screen with a shared life off it. From their Tulum wedding to their joint projects and emphasis on open communication and family, they present a modern, hopeful example of balancing artistry with personal commitments.
Optional positive note
Their ongoing collaboration and mutual support suggest they’ll continue to inspire fans who value both professional ambition and steadfast partnerships.
Note: This rewrite focuses on the couple’s public story, without added speculation, while preserving the facts presented.