Lizzy Caplan's Husband — Inside the Actress's Love Story with Tom Riley

Lizzy Caplan's husband entered her life in an unforgettable way, setting the stage for a relationship defined by humor, resilience, and a touch of unpredictability.

In an industry where breakups and divorces are common, Lizzy Caplan's husband stands as a steady presence in her life. The actress, known for roles in "Mean Girls" and "Masters of Sex," has built a lasting bond with British actor and director Tom Riley, though their love story began with an unexpected twist.

Early in their relationship, Riley tried to make a good impression during a visit to Caplan’s Los Angeles home. In an effort to freshen up, he gargled Listerine and spit it out onto the roadside—only to be struck in the eye by a cactus needle.

The bizarre incident, as recounted on "This Morning," could have derailed the evening. Instead, it brought the two closer together. Today, the couple is happily married and shares a son. Their relationship, forged through humor and resilience, continues to grow. Here is everything we know about Lizzy Caplan's husband.

Inside the Creative World of Lizzy Caplan's Husband, Tom Riley

Lizzy Caplan’s husband brings more than just charm to their relationship — he also boasts a dynamic career in acting, directing, and producing. Born and raised in Maidstone, a town in Kent, England, Riley discovered his love for performance early.

By age four, he was already acting, and throughout his school years, he continued to write and direct plays. His academic path led him to Birmingham University, where he studied English literature and drama.

There, he also launched a theater company named Article 19 and hosted his own radio show. After graduating in 2002, Riley honed his craft further with a three-year acting program at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Riley's professional career spans multiple genres. He gained wide recognition for portraying Leonardo da Vinci in the Starz series "Da Vinci's Demons." Other notable roles "Ill Behaviour," "Dark Heart," and "The Collection," among others.

Beyond acting, Riley has worked extensively behind the camera, directing and producing various film and television projects. According to his website, he seeks roles and projects that he would be proud to share with friends, admire as a viewer, and that align with the tastes of his creative heroes.

The Unforgettable First Date That Brought Caplan and Riley Closer

Caplan and Riley first crossed paths in 2015 while she was in London filming the World War II drama "Allied." Their bond quickly deepened, and by February 2016, they made their public debut as a couple at the Prague Opera Ball.

Just three months later, they were engaged. Caplan later showcased her engagement ring at the "Now You See Me 2" premiere in June 2016. But the early days of their romance came with a dramatic twist — one that could have ended very differently. In a 2018 interview on "This Morning," Riley recalled a date that took an unexpected turn.

While trying to impress Caplan with fresh breath, he gargled Listerine in his car and spit it out near her home in Los Angeles. Unbeknownst to him, a cactus was in his line of fire.

"As I spat, a needle went straight through my eyeball," Riley explained. Despite trying to keep his composure, Caplan quickly realized something was wrong. His pupil had started leaking, and doctors later told him he was just 2.5 millimeters from permanent blindness.

Still, the ordeal only brought the couple closer. Riley joked that nothing cements a new relationship quite like having your partner put an eye patch on you every night. The incident became an unusual but memorable part of their shared history, reflecting the humor and resilience that continue to define their bond.

Life After I Do — Parenthood and Pure Joy

Caplan and Riley tied the knot in 2017, marking the start of a new chapter in their relationship. Four years later, in 2021, the couple welcomed their son, Alfie, adding a new dimension to their life together.

In a 2022 interview with Grazia USA, Caplan opened up about the emotional depth of motherhood. She described the experience as filled with moments of unexpected joy, simple acts by her son that brought an overwhelming sense of happiness.

"There are moments where you're just watching this little person do a thing and you're just beaming at him," she said, adding that sometimes she only realized how much she was smiling when she saw photos of herself. It was, as she put it, a feeling of "unrivaled pure joy."

For Caplan and Riley, parenthood has become another shared journey—one that, much like their early romance, is grounded in connection, resilience, and joy.