Officers of Love! ‘The Rookie’ Stars & Their Real-Life Romances
It’s almost time to ring in the new year. And you know what that means… The Rookie returns for Season 8 on January 6.
Obviously, we’ll be locked in for Chenford’s next chapter and everything else that’s ahead for our favorite Rookie characters and their relationships. Will Lucy (Melissa O’Neil) and Tim (Eric Winter) finally move in together? What’s on the horizon for Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and Bailey (Jenna Dewan)?
As we debate the futures of these beloved ABC characters, what about the actors? Who are their significant others IRL? Well, some have even appeared on the ABC procedural! Many of the stars have sweet love stories that span years and years, while other cast members keep their romantic lives out of the public eye.
As we gear up for The Rookie’s return in 2026, it’s time for a catch-up on the cast members’ love lives.
The Rookie, Season 8 Premiere, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 10/9c, ABC
Eric Winter
Eric Winter and Roselyn Sánchez have been together for over 20 years now. The two met in 2005 through mutual friends and got engaged in Sánchez’s native Puerto Rico in 2007. A year later, they tied the knot there with a grand celebration of their love.
Never wavering in their support toward each other, the couple has even embarked on several opportunities together — most prominently their children’s book, Sebi and the Land of Cha Cha Cha, inspired by their daughter Sebella Rose. They are also parents to son Dylan Gabriel. Sánchez has also popped up on The Rookie!
Jenna Dewan
The relationship between Bailey and Jason was bad news, but the same can’t be said for their real-life alter egos, Jenna Dewan and Steve Kazee. They first met in 2012, but they didn’t start dating until 2018.
Since then, the two became parents to Callum and Rhiannon. Dewan also shares a daughter, Everly, with ex-Channing Tatum. Dewan and Kazee got engaged in 2020.
Despite feeling like they’re married, these two haven’t tied the knot just yet. “It can be a spiritual moment and an intentional moment, and we’re planning that,” she told E! News. “I do think that will be exciting for all of our friends and family.
Alyssa Diaz
Alyssa Diaz‘ personal life seeped into the writing of The Rookie. Her character, Angela Lopez, became pregnant in Season 3 because the actor was expecting a child in real life. In Season 5, Lopez was pregnant again, which made many assume that Diaz was as well. Diaz and longtime love Gustavo Galindo are parents to their two children. Even though Diaz often shares snapshots of loved-up adventures with her fiancé, the two keep their relationship pretty private.
Shawn Ashmore
Making things official in 2012, Shawn Ashmore and Dana Wasdin have already celebrated well over a decade of marriage together. After meeting on the set of the thriller movie, Frozen, the actor and assistant director were immediately smitten. They have one kid together, Oliver. Wasdin often shares photos of the three together on her Instagram page.
Mekia Cox
Just like Alyssa Diaz, Mekia Cox‘s real-life pregnancy was written into The Rookie. Sharing two kids with her husband, Britt Leach, Cox’s second pregnancy was incorporated into the procedural. Prior to having kids, the two married in a perfect Miami wedding that highlighted their Caribbean ancestry. The actor and basketball commentator appreciate their privacy yet still occasionally show their love for each other on social media.
For Father’s Day, Cox praised her husband by writing, “Heart, soul, passion, tenacity, intelligence, bravery and kindness. All qualities needed for fatherhood. To @bleach37 my husband, thank you for embodying each of these characteristics so beautifully. I love you with all my heart.”
Richard T. Jones
Fans of Richard T. Jones were surprised when he and wife of 24 years, Nancy Jones, split in 2021 after she filed for a divorce. Jones has since moved on with new wife Kristy Jones. The two wed on September 9, 2022. He shares three kids with his first wife. He has two daughters, Aubrey and Sydney, and a son, Elijah.
Nathan Fillion
In the words of Nathan Fillion’s exes, the actor is “unlucky in love.” The Rookie star has been engaged multiple times in the past. The first time was to General Hospital alum Vanessa Marcil in 1995. He was last linked to model Krista Allen, but that relationship didn’t last. He appears to be single. However, there’s no bad blood between him and his exes as he opened up to Women’s Health about still being in contact with about “90 percent” of them.
Melissa O'Neil
Melissa O’Neil is currently single, or at least that’s what is currently known to the public. The last time O’Neil was candid about her personal life was during her stint on Canadian Idol, which she won.
Lisseth Chavez
Sharing much of her life on her Instagram, it seems that Lisseth Chavez is currently single. Chavez has documented her travels, becoming a homeowner, and many of her accomplishments. However, she prefers to keep her romantic life off social media.
Deric Augustine
Deric Augustine is newer to The Rookie scene, having joined the show as Officer Miles Penn in Season 7. The actor will be a series regular in Season 8. As for his love life, Augustine keeps his private life off social media.
