Last Updated: October 13, 2026
Tom Ellis, the charismatic Welsh actor best known as Lucifer Morningstar and now starring as CIA officer Colin Glass in the new CBS series, has long drawn fans into his on-screen charm. Off-screen, his real-life partner has quietly built an impressive career of her own. Meet Meaghan Oppenheimer, the talented American screenwriter and showrunner who has been by his side since the mid-2010s.
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Who Exactly Is Meaghan Oppenheimer?
Born on March 28, 1986, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Meaghan Oppenheimer grew up performing in regional theater before shifting behind the camera. She graduated from Holland Hall and later from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2009. After moving to Los Angeles, she quickly established herself as a sharp writer.
Her early credits include the short film Hot Mess (which she also starred in), an episode of Fear the Walking Dead, and the feature We Are Your Friends starring Zac Efron. She created the Facebook Watch series Queen America and, most notably, adapted Carola Lovering’s novel into the Hulu hit Tell Me Lies. As creator, showrunner, and executive producer, she steered the show through three seasons, wrapping it with a strong finale in early 2026.
Oppenheimer brings a clear, emotionally honest voice to her work. Colleagues and her husband have praised her ability to guide actors while keeping the creative process grounded.
How Tom Ellis and Meaghan Oppenheimer Fell in Love
The couple’s story began around 2014–2015, shortly after Ellis’s divorce from actress Tamzin Outhwaite. They started dating quietly, got engaged in 2017 (Meaghan playfully announced it on Instagram with the caption “does this ring make me look fat??”), and married on June 1 or 2, 2019, at the Grassini Family Vineyards in Santa Ynez, California. Several of Ellis’s Lucifer co-stars attended.
They have spoken openly about how well they work together. When Ellis joined Tell Me Lies in season two as Oliver, both described the experience as surprisingly natural. “We really weirdly work very, very well together,” Oppenheimer has said. Ellis called it a “no-brainer.” Their professional collaboration only strengthened an already solid personal partnership.
Their Family Life Together
Ellis and Oppenheimer welcomed their daughter, Dolly Ellis-Oppenheimer, via surrogate on November 8, 2023. The timing was memorable—Ellis noted that Dolly “single-handedly ended the SAG strike” within hours of her birth. Dolly is Ellis’s fourth child. He has three older daughters from previous relationships: Nora (born 2005), Florence (born 2008), and Marnie (born 2012). Oppenheimer has embraced her role as stepmother with warmth.
The family has primarily lived in Los Angeles, though Ellis’s work on CIA has involved some East Coast time. They keep a relatively private home life while still appearing together at events and supporting each other’s projects.
Quick Facts About Tom Ellis’ Wife
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Meaghan Reed Oppenheimer |
| Date of Birth | March 28, 1986 |
| Age (2026) | 40 |
| Birthplace | Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA |
| Profession | Screenwriter, Producer, Showrunner |
| Best Known For | Tell Me Lies (Hulu) |
| Marriage Date | June 2019 |
| Children with Ellis | Daughter Dolly (born Nov 2023) |
| Education | NYU Tisch School of the Arts |
Key highlights of their relationship and her career include:
- Engaged in 2017 after dating since around 2015
- Married in a scenic California vineyard ceremony
- Successfully collaborated on Tell Me Lies without major friction
- Welcomed their daughter via surrogacy and publicly shared the joyful news
- Continue to balance high-profile careers while prioritizing family
Conclusion
Meaghan Oppenheimer is far more than “Tom Ellis’ wife.” She is a skilled storyteller who has shaped one of streaming’s most talked-about relationship dramas and built a steady Hollywood career on her own terms. Their marriage, now in its seventh year, stands out as a genuine Hollywood success story—rooted in mutual respect, creative synergy, and a shared commitment to family.
In a world that often glamorizes drama, Ellis and Oppenheimer offer a refreshing example of partnership that works. As both continue advancing in their fields—CIA for him and new writing projects for her—fans can expect their story to keep evolving with the same quiet strength that has defined it so far.
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