Actress Samira Wiley And Wife Lauren Morelli Announce Split After Nine Years

Orange Is the New Black stars Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli have decided to end their nine-year marriage. The couple announced their decision in a joint statement to Out, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to co-parenting their daughter, George Elizabeth, born in April 2021.

A Relationship Forged on Set

Wiley and Morelli first met in 2012 while working on the Netflix hit series Orange Is the New Black. Wiley portrayed Poussey Washington, while Morelli was a writer for the show. Morelli realised she was gay during her first days on set in fall 2012, while still married to another person.

Did You Know? Lauren Morelli penned an essay in 2014 explaining her journey to coming out in Identities.Mic.

Wiley, who was not publicly out at the time, experienced the challenge of having her sexuality revealed by a co-star without her consent. She later reflected that portraying Poussey Washington helped her embrace her own identity, stating, “I think that if I wasn’t portraying these characters, I wonder how my own journey with my own sexual orientation, how I would embrace that, how I would walk the world if I wasn’t able to embrace the characters that I have been.”

From Connection to Commitment

Following Morelli’s split from her previous husband in 2014 – after attempting couples therapy – Wiley became a source of support. Morelli described Wiley as an “outlet” and expressed initial fears that the relationship felt “too good to be true.”

Expert Insight: The announcement of this divorce follows a narrative of personal discovery and evolving relationships, initially unfolding publicly through the lens of a groundbreaking television series. The couple’s willingness to share aspects of their journey reflects a broader cultural shift in visibility and acceptance.

The couple married in Palm Springs, California, in March 2017, with Wiley’s parents officiating the ceremony. Prior to the wedding, they became engaged in Palm Springs in October 2016. In 2019, Wiley spoke to ESSENCE about the sense of security she found in marriage, describing it as finding “my team” and a feeling that “she ain’t going nowhere.”

What Happens Next?

While the couple has committed to co-parenting, the specifics of their separation remain private. It is possible they will navigate the legal processes of divorce in the coming months. The entertainment industry often sees public figures maintain professional relationships despite personal changes, so both Wiley and Morelli may continue their respective careers. Further details regarding their future arrangements are not currently available.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli meet?

Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli met in 2012 while working on Orange Is the New Black.

How long were Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli married?

Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli were married for nine years, having wed in March 2017.

Do Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli have children?

Yes, Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli have one daughter, George Elizabeth, who was born in April 2021.

How do you navigate change and maintain commitment to shared responsibilities during times of personal transition?