Ali Wong, the celebrated comedian and actress, has recently shared insights into her dating life, revealing a touching story about how she found love again with actor and comedian Bill Hader. Their relationship has sparked interest and speculation among fans, and in her latest Netflix special Ali Wong: Single Lady, she reflects on her journey through divorce and back into the world of romance. Let’s dive into the details of this surprising and romantic story.
A New Chapter After Divorce
Ali Wong, 42, first became widely known for her bold and hilarious approach to stand-up comedy, frequently discussing her life, marriage, and motherhood. However, her personal life took a different turn in 2022 when she and her ex-husband, Justin Hakuta, announced their divorce. Wong candidly admitted in her special that the news of her split spread far more than she anticipated, bringing unexpected attention to her personal life.
“I didn’t expect the news of my divorce to be so widespread,” Wong remarked. “I was embarrassed, but little did I know it would serve as a signal for interested men everywhere that I was available.”
Though the experience of divorce was challenging, it also opened a new door in her life—one that eventually led to her reconnecting with someone special.
The Unexpected Romance with Bill Hader
Among the men who reached out to Wong after her divorce was Bill Hader, an actor and comedian known for his work on Saturday Night Live and the critically acclaimed HBO series Barry. Wong revealed in her special that she and Hader had crossed paths a few times at dinner parties, but it wasn’t until a mutual friend passed along her number that Hader made his move.
In a memorable moment, Hader reached out to Wong directly, confessing that he had long harbored a crush on her. “I’ve had a crush on you forever,” Hader reportedly said. “I know this sounds crazy, but I want you to be my girlfriend.”
Wong, who was in the early stages of re-entering the dating scene, was taken aback by Hader’s boldness. Although she initially brushed off the romantic gesture, the spark had been lit. Hader’s persistence, including sending her flowers as she traveled across Europe, eventually won her heart.
Wooed Across Europe
As Wong embarked on a European trip following Hader’s heartfelt confession, she found herself the recipient of continuous romantic gestures from him. Each new city—whether it was London, Amsterdam, or Copenhagen—brought a fresh bouquet of flowers from Hader. This thoughtful act stood out to Wong and her friends, though the reactions from her male and female friends couldn’t have been more different.
“My girlfriends were jealous and thought it was so sweet,” Wong said with a laugh. “But my male friends? They thought he was a psycho!”
This contrast in reactions provided a funny yet telling insight into modern dating dynamics. For Wong, the persistence and romantic gestures from Hader were a refreshing change of pace in a dating landscape that had often felt transactional and impersonal.
Keeping the Relationship Private—For a While
Though Wong and Hader first connected in 2022, their relationship initially remained under wraps. They briefly dated before taking a break, only to rekindle their romance later. By April 2023, they confirmed their relationship publicly, much to the delight of their fans.
Wong, known for her comedic candor, joked about her return to the dating scene, noting that finding a man who checked all her boxes—someone talented, funny, and emotionally connected—had seemed nearly impossible. Despite this, she found herself drawn to Hader, who she felt was not only her equal in humor but someone she admired and respected.
While she has shared snippets of their relationship in interviews and her comedy, Wong emphasized that she and Hader have made a conscious effort to keep much of their romance private. “We’re both in our 40s, and we’re both parents,” Wong said. “There’s a maturity to it that I really appreciate, and we’ve been very selective about what we share with the public.”
Staying Friends with Her Ex
One of the unique aspects of Wong’s life post-divorce is the close relationship she has maintained with her ex-husband, Justin Hakuta. While divorce can often be fraught with tension, Wong has spoken fondly of Hakuta, calling him one of her best friends.
“Divorce gets a bad reputation, but it doesn’t have to be acrimonious,” Wong explained. “Justin and I are still very close, and I need him in my life. I need to respect him, too.”
Wong’s ability to navigate her new relationship with Hader while maintaining a healthy friendship with her ex highlights the modern complexities of dating after divorce. She has shown that love, even in its second act, can thrive when built on mutual respect and understanding.
Conclusion: Finding Love Again
Ali Wong’s relationship with Bill Hader serves as a testament to the idea that love can come when you least expect it. After navigating the challenges of divorce and re-entering the dating world, Wong found herself in a surprising and romantic connection with someone who had admired her from afar for years.
The story of Wong and Hader is not just a tale of celebrity romance; it’s a reminder that love can be found in unexpected places, and sometimes, the boldest gestures are the ones that matter most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Ali Wong currently dating?
Ali Wong is currently dating actor and comedian Bill Hader. The couple confirmed their relationship in April 2023 after briefly dating in 2022.
2. How did Ali Wong and Bill Hader meet?
Ali Wong and Bill Hader first met through mutual friends at dinner parties. After Wong’s divorce, a mutual friend passed her number to Hader, who then reached out and expressed his long-standing interest in her.
3. What was Bill Hader’s romantic gesture that won Ali Wong over?
Bill Hader sent Ali Wong bouquets of flowers across several European cities while she was traveling. His thoughtful gestures, combined with his persistence, helped win her heart.
4. Is Ali Wong still friends with her ex-husband, Justin Hakuta?
Yes, Ali Wong has maintained a close friendship with her ex-husband, Justin Hakuta, after their divorce. She has publicly expressed that they remain best friends and co-parents.
5. When did Ali Wong and Bill Hader confirm their relationship?
Ali Wong and Bill Hader confirmed their relationship in April 2023. They had briefly dated in 2022 before reconnecting and becoming a couple again.