Lauren Morelli and Samira Wiley’s love story is the stuff of Hollywood dreams. They first crossed paths while working on the set of the hit show “Orange Is the New Black.” Their connection was instant, and over time, their friendship evolved into a romantic relationship. The couple tied the knot in 2016 and welcomed their first child in 2018. Let’s take a closer look at how their love story unfolded.
It all began in December 2012 when Lauren Morelli, a writer on the show, was still married to her then-husband, Steve Basilone. She had been struggling with her sexuality for some time, but it wasn’t until she started working on “Orange Is the New Black” that she began to explore her feelings more deeply. As she wrote in an essay for Mic, “I realized I was gay in fall 2012, one of my first days on the set.”
Lauren’s newfound self-awareness was both liberating and confusing. She had always identified as straight and had never been attracted to women before. But as she spent more time with the cast and crew of “Orange Is the New Black,” she found herself drawn to Samira Wiley, who played the fan-favorite character Poussey Washington.
Samira and Lauren quickly became friends, bonding over their shared love of books and music. Lauren was still married at the time, so she didn’t act on her feelings for Samira. But as she continued to explore her sexuality, she began to realize that her marriage was no longer fulfilling.
In 2014, Lauren and Steve announced that they were getting a divorce. It was a difficult time for Lauren, but it also marked a turning point in her life. She began dating women and eventually found herself falling for Samira.
The couple made their relationship public in 2014, and fans were thrilled to see two beloved “Orange Is the New Black” stars together. They quickly became one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, with their adorable Instagram posts and red carpet appearances.
In 2016, Lauren and Samira tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Palm Springs, California. The wedding was attended by many of their “Orange Is the New Black” co-stars, including Danielle Brooks, Uzo Aduba, and Natasha Lyonne.
Since then, Lauren and Samira have continued to thrive as a couple. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named George Elizabeth, in April 2018. They’ve also been busy with their respective careers, with Lauren working on shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “We’re Here,” and Samira starring in “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television.”
Throughout it all, Lauren and Samira have remained committed to each other and to their family. They’ve been open about the challenges they’ve faced as a same-sex couple in Hollywood, but they’ve also been vocal about the importance of representation and visibility.
As Lauren wrote in her Mic essay, “I went through it all on set: I fell in love with a woman, and I watched my life play out on screen… I am grateful for how being on that show has opened me up to a new community and given me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams. But the most amazing thing about this entire experience is that my life partner, Samira Wiley, came into it.”
Lauren and Samira’s love story is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life come when we least expect them. Their friendship-turned-romance is a testament to the power of connection and the importance of being true to ourselves. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this amazing couple.
