The After film franchise has become synonymous with intense, slow-burn romance, heartbreak, and emotional growth — all of which are brilliantly portrayed by its talented and photogenic cast. On-screen, Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Josephine Langford bring the characters of Hardin Scott and Tessa Young to life with such palpable chemistry that fans around the world have often wondered: Is any of that romance real? And what about the rest of the cast? Who are they dating in real life, and how do their views on love compare to their characters’ dramatic journeys?
Hero Fiennes Tiffin may play the brooding, emotionally complicated Hardin on-screen, but off-screen, he’s known for being quiet, grounded, and extremely private. Over the years, fans have speculated about his dating life, especially given his electric chemistry with co-star Josephine Langford. However, Hero has repeatedly stated that he’s single — and always has been. In a 2019 interview, Hero revealed, “I’ve never had, like, a proper relationship. I haven’t had a girl I would call my girlfriend.” That admission stunned fans, especially considering his intense performance in a romance-driven franchise. Hero has made it clear that he values privacy and doesn’t feel the need to share details of his personal life unless it’s necessary. For now, it seems the After heartthrob is focused on his career — and possibly waiting for a love story that rivals his character’s, minus the chaos.
Just like her on-screen counterpart, Josephine Langford keeps things close to the vest when it comes to her personal life. Despite relentless rumors linking her to Hero Fiennes Tiffin, the Australian actress has never confirmed any romantic relationship with her co-star — or anyone else for that matter. She’s spoken in interviews about valuing her privacy and preferring to keep the focus on her work rather than her off-screen romances. In many ways, Josephine mirrors Tessa’s more reserved and introspective qualities, which is part of why fans have such a hard time separating fiction from reality. While the internet loves the idea of a real-life “Hessa,” both actors have maintained that their relationship is strictly professional and friendly.
Louise Lombard, who plays Hardin’s mother Trish, brings a grounded presence to the series. In real life, she is a mother of two and was previously in a long-term relationship with Alessandro Sol, the father of her children. Lombard has kept her romantic life largely out of the media in recent years, choosing instead to speak publicly about motherhood, career longevity, and balancing work with personal life. She’s rarely linked to romantic rumors, and it’s clear that family remains her top priority. Her portrayal of Trish — a mother trying to protect her son from his own demons — reflects a wisdom and maturity that appears to parallel her real-life persona.
Arielle Kebbel, who joined the After universe in the later films, has had a few public relationships over the years. Known for her roles in Gilmore Girls, The Vampire Diaries, and John Tucker Must Die, Arielle has been linked in the past to actor Kevin Connolly (Entourage) and Brahman Turner. Though she hasn’t confirmed any recent relationships, Arielle has spoken candidly about love in various interviews, noting that she values honesty, communication, and shared passion. While she’s focused on her career, she’s also expressed that finding a lasting relationship is still important to her — but it’s not something she’ll rush into for the sake of it.
Carter Jenkins appears in After We Fell and After Ever Happy as Robert, a character who briefly serves as a love interest for Tessa. Off-screen, Jenkins has been in a relationship with actress Sierra Swartz, and the two have shared sweet glimpses of their life together on social media. Their relationship is relatively low-key but filled with mutual support and creativity. Jenkins and Swartz often collaborate on short films and projects, reflecting a partnership that blends personal and professional life in a healthy way.
Stephen Moyer, who plays Hardin’s biological father Christian Vance, is best known for his starring role in True Blood alongside Anna Paquin — who also happens to be his real-life wife. The two met on set and married in 2010. They have two children together and frequently speak about their strong bond and the joy of working together. Moyer’s long-standing relationship with Paquin is a rare Hollywood love story that defies the odds. In interviews, he’s credited communication and mutual respect as the foundation of their marriage — a stark contrast to the fractured relationships he sometimes portrays on screen.
The After franchise may be centered around fiery, complicated love, but its stars are often far more reserved in their personal lives. Whether fiercely private like Hero and Josephine, or openly romantic like Stephen Moyer and Carter Jenkins, the cast members each bring their own experiences, philosophies, and boundaries to the subject of love. While fans may never get the real-life “Hessa” they’ve dreamed of, there’s something refreshing about a cast that knows how to separate their work from their personal lives. What they give us on screen is intense, messy, and deeply human — and in real life, they remind us that love comes in many forms, often quietly and away from the cameras.
