Brooke Burns’ Husband: A Closer Look at Her Life with Gavin O’Connor
If you’ve ever watched Brooke Burns on screen—whether diving into the surf on Baywatch or asking the tough questions as a game show host—you may have found yourself wondering about her personal life. More specifically, who is Brooke Burns’ husband? As it turns out, she’s been happily married to film director Gavin O’Connor for over a decade. Their story isn’t a tabloid frenzy—it’s the quiet, steady kind of love that’s built on mutual respect, creativity, and a strong family bond.
Let’s take a look at how Brooke and Gavin met, how their relationship has grown over the years, and why their marriage works so well behind the scenes.
Brooke Burns: From TV Icon to Game Show Host
Brooke Burns has worn many hats throughout her career. Born in 1978 in Dallas, Texas, she started out as a fashion model before landing her breakout role on Baywatch in the late ’90s. She later moved into film, with appearances in movies like Shallow Hal, but it was in television hosting where she found her stride.
She became a familiar face on shows like Dog Eat Dog and The Chase, the latter of which earned her an Emmy nomination. Currently, she continues to charm viewers on Master Minds, proving that her talents extend far beyond the beach scenes that first made her famous.
Her First Marriage and Early Relationships
Before marrying Gavin O’Connor, Brooke was briefly married to Australian actor Julian McMahon. The two tied the knot in 1999 and welcomed a daughter, Madison, in 2000. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last long—they divorced in 2001. While details were kept mostly private, the split was reportedly linked to infidelity.
Brooke also had a high-profile engagement to actor Bruce Willis in the early 2000s. Though they never made it down the aisle, they remained on good terms after going their separate ways.
Meeting Gavin O’Connor: A Director with Heart
Brooke met Gavin O’Connor in 2011, and sparks flew quickly. Gavin isn’t a flashy Hollywood type—he’s a writer and director known for thoughtful, emotionally driven films like Miracle, Warrior, and The Accountant. His work is all about storytelling that connects with people, which might explain why he and Brooke clicked so well.
The couple got engaged later that year and were married on June 22, 2013. Their wedding wasn’t a media circus—it was intimate and full of meaning, the way they seem to approach most things in life.
Building a Blended Family
Brooke and Gavin didn’t start from scratch—they blended families and made it work. Brooke brought her daughter Madison into the marriage, and Gavin had a daughter named Bronwen from a previous relationship. Then in 2017, they welcomed a daughter together, Declan Welles O’Connor.
The family doesn’t often post on social media or invite cameras into their home, but when they do share glimpses, they show a lot of love and laughter. Whether it’s celebrating birthdays, cheering each other on, or just enjoying time at home, it’s clear that family is at the heart of everything they do.
Why Their Relationship Works
It’s not just about being in the same industry—though that probably helps. Brooke and Gavin seem to understand the importance of giving each other space while showing up fully when it matters. Brooke has spoken about how much she values having a supportive partner, especially one who knows the demands of show business. Gavin, on the other hand, has been described as deeply grounded and devoted to his family.
One moment that really showed the strength of their bond came when Brooke was in a serious diving accident years before their relationship. While Gavin wasn’t part of that chapter of her life, it’s clear that she values emotional strength and loyalty—qualities that Gavin seems to bring in spades.
Keeping It Private But Genuine
Unlike many celebrity couples, Brooke and Gavin have managed to stay out of the gossip magazines. That’s partly by design—they’re both private people who focus more on their work and their home life than on courting attention. But it’s also a testament to how grounded they are. They don’t need headlines to validate their relationship.
Still, they show up for each other in quiet but powerful ways. Gavin has been seen supporting Brooke at industry events, and Brooke is known to speak warmly about Gavin in interviews, even if she doesn’t overshare.
Life Today
Now, more than ten years into their marriage, Brooke and Gavin continue to juggle their careers and family life. Brooke’s game show hosting keeps her in front of the camera, while Gavin’s work as a filmmaker often takes him behind it. Somehow, they manage to find time for the things that matter—raising kids, supporting each other, and staying grounded in the often-chaotic world of entertainment.
Their youngest daughter, Declan, is growing up in a home that values both creativity and stability. With two older siblings and two loving parents, she’s surrounded by family who clearly enjoy just being together.
Featured Image Source: digitalspy.com
