Leah Remini and Angelo Pagán, who have been a couple both on and off screen for over two decades, announced their separation in a joint Instagram post on August 29. The couple, married since 2003, expressed that the decision to part ways followed much contemplation and care. They shared a positive outlook on the divorce, stating it was ultimately what was best for both of them, accompanied by a couple of images showcasing their journey together.
Their relationship began when they met in 1996 at the El Floridita Cuban club in Los Angeles, where Pagán was performing. Remini described their initial connection as “love at first sight.” After becoming a couple, Pagán frequently made guest appearances in Remini’s sitcoms, such as “The King of Queens,” “Kevin Can Wait,” and “Fired Up.” Additionally, they starred together in the TLC reality show “Leah Remini: It’s All Relative” from 2014 to 2015.
Pagán, a multi-talented performer, continues to engage in various entertainment ventures. His Instagram identifies him as an actor, singer, producer, entrepreneur, and a dedicated father. No stranger to the small screen, Pagán has had roles in series like “Bosch: Legacy,” “Shameless,” and “The Last Ship,” along with appearances in films such as “Garlic & Gunpowder” and “7th and Union.”
In the restaurant business, Pagán co-owns Vivian’s Millennium Café in Studio City, California, alongside Remini’s family. The café has made an appearance on their reality show, and Pagán often mentions his passion for music and culinary experiences.
Throughout his appearances on “The King of Queens,” Pagán played multiple characters across six episodes, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Pagán has a daughter, Sofia Bella, born in 2004, with Remini, and he also has three older sons from a previous relationship. He shared an emotional moment on Instagram when Sofia attended her prom, highlighting his pride as she transitions to the next chapter of her life.
Reflecting on their relationship, Remini shared in her memoir “Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology” that their early years were marked by challenges, including Pagán’s past infidelity. Despite these hurdles and a rocky beginning, she described their bond as “instant magic.”
Remini also recounted the period when she urged Pagán to reconcile with his then-wife, as recommended by the Church of Scientology, from which she later distanced herself. After working through their issues and two years of counseling, Pagán and Remini moved forward together, ultimately tying the knot six years after they began dating.