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Who is Avi Rothman? All About Kristen Wiig’s Husband
Kristen Wiig may be known for her razor-sharp wit and standout performances in comedy classics like Bridesmaids and Saturday Night Live, but behind the scenes, one of her strongest collaborators and most meaningful connections is with her husband, Avi Rothman. The pair have quietly built a relationship rooted in shared creativity, mutual respect, and the joys of parenthood—opting for privacy while still achieving meaningful milestones both personally and professionally.
While Rothman may not be a household name to the same degree as Wiig, his multifaceted career in acting, screenwriting, producing, and even photography makes him every bit as dynamic. Here’s everything to know about Avi Rothman, his career, and his life with Kristen Wiig.
How Did Avi Rothman and Kristen Wiig Meet?
Avi Rothman and Kristen Wiig spotted in Hawaii.
Source: FameFlynet/AKM-GSI
The couple were first spotted together in May 2016 when they were photographed vacationing in Kauai, Hawaii. The photos revealed a relaxed pair enjoying the island’s serenity, and sparked curiosity about Wiig’s new partner.
Though the details of how they met remain private, both Rothman and Wiig share a common foundation in comedy. They each trained at the Groundlings theatre in Los Angeles, a breeding ground for comedic talent and the starting point for countless careers in sketch and improv. That shared training, passion for storytelling, and mutual understanding of the entertainment industry likely played a role in their early connection.
When Did Avi Rothman and Kristen Wiig Get Married?
The couple became engaged in 2019, after dating for several years. In January 2020, they quietly welcomed fraternal twins via surrogate, but their marital status remained uncertain for months.
It wasn’t until February 2021 that Wiig publicly referred to Rothman as her “husband” during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show. Speaking about life at home with their babies, she said, “I’m very lucky about having these two babies and my husband. It’s changed my life.” That understated revelation confirmed they had tied the knot sometime between their engagement and early 2021—privately and on their terms.
What Does Avi Rothman Do?
Avi Rothman at the Screen Actors Guild & SAGIndie Breakthrough Filmmakers Party during AFI FEST 2010 presented by Audi held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on November 9, 2010 in Hollywood, California.
Source: Getty Images
Avi Rothman wears many creative hats. He is an actor, writer, and producer who has steadily built a career in both independent film and digital comedy. Early in his career, Rothman gained attention for creating and starring in comedic short films and web series. One of his most memorable early roles was “Ogden the Inappropriate Yoga Guy,” a viral video character based on Rothman’s personal experiences in yoga classes. He later reprised the character in multiple online sketches, blending his love of observational humour with his real-life interests.
Over the years, Rothman has acted in a range of independent films, including Love, Sex and Missed Connections, The Blackout, and Silver Lake. While these may not be blockbusters, they reflect his dedication to creative, often offbeat storytelling.
Beyond acting, Rothman has also established a reputation as a screenwriter and producer. His writing credits include the short films Bunion and Boundaries, and the TV movies Codependents and Partners. At the 2015 premiere of Bunion, he spoke about his aspirations to direct a feature-length film, signalling a desire to continue pushing his creative boundaries.
Collaborations with Kristen Wiig
Rothman and Wiig have shared the screen on multiple occasions. Their most notable film collaborations include Wonder Woman 1984, where Rothman had a small role as an aide to the “Black Gold” company, while Wiig portrayed Barbara Minerva/Cheetah.
They reunited again in Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar, co-written by Wiig, where Rothman appeared as Activities Guy Jeff. The film’s quirky humour and eccentric tone provided the perfect space for the couple’s shared comedic sensibilities to shine.
More recently, Rothman made an appearance in Wiig’s Apple TV+ comedy Palm Royale, playing astronaut Herkimer in the episode titled “Maxine Makes a Splash.” These cameo roles reflect not only a collaborative spirit but also a personal joy in working together—without drawing attention to their relationship.
Becoming Parents Through Surrogacy
In January 2020, Wiig and Rothman became parents to twins—a boy and a girl—via surrogate. Although the couple initially kept the birth private, Wiig began subtly referencing motherhood, including during her Saturday Night Live Mother’s Day monologue.
In August 2020, Wiig opened up to InStyle about her emotional and medical journey through in vitro fertilisation (IVF), calling it one of the most challenging experiences of her life. “We’ve been together for about five years, and three of them were spent in an IVF haze,” she explained. “It was emotionally, spiritually, and medically… the most difficult time in my life.”
Ultimately, the couple chose surrogacy and, according to Wiig, found “the most amazing surrogate.” In later interviews, including one with The Hollywood Reporter in 2024, Wiig acknowledged that the experience became a defining part of her personal story. “It’s part of how I got my amazing family,” she said.
Though they have not officially confirmed their children’s names, Wiig appeared to reference them in the dedication of Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar, thanking “Avi, Luna & Shiloh.”
A Passion for Photography and Community
Outside of film and comedy, Avi Rothman has a creative eye for photography. In 2015, he launched a website called More Than Stores, which aimed to highlight small, community-driven businesses through photography and storytelling.
On the site, Rothman described his inspiration: “These are the stores where people in the neighbourhood go to get a coffee, or pop their head in to say hi… They are the last vestiges of uniqueness in a city filled with big box stores.”
The project combined Rothman’s love for aesthetics, narrative, and community engagement—reflecting a thoughtful side that complements his creative and comedic work. Whether photographing novelty shops in Los Angeles or artisan spaces in Portland, his goal was to shine a spotlight on the places that give neighbourhoods their soul.
Avi Rothman’s Interests Behind the Screen
Avi Rothman is also a film buff. In interviews, he’s listed his favourite films that range from indie gems to iconic classics, including Annie Hall, Raging Bull, The Big Lebowski, Little Miss Sunshine, and Casablanca. His admiration for strong, character-driven stories reflects the kind of work he often gravitates toward as a creator.
Despite his deep industry ties and relationship with one of comedy’s most recognisable figures, Rothman has kept a low profile. His personal life remains largely private, and he rarely makes public appearances or posts on social media.
FAQs
Who is Avi Rothman? Avi Rothman is a writer, actor, producer, and photographer best known as the husband of Kristen Wiig. He has worked on various independent films and viral web series.
When did Avi Rothman and Kristen Wiig get married? The couple became engaged in 2019 and were married sometime before early 2021, though they kept the wedding private.
Do Avi Rothman and Kristen Wiig have children? Yes, the couple welcomed twins via surrogate in January 2020. Their names are believed to be Luna and Shiloh.
Has Avi Rothman acted with Kristen Wiig? Yes. Rothman has appeared in Wonder Woman 1984, Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar, and Palm Royale alongside Wiig.
What other work has Avi Rothman done? He’s written and produced several short films and TV movies, and he created the viral character “Ogden the Inappropriate Yoga Guy.”
Is Avi Rothman active on social media? Rothman maintains a low public profile and is not active on major social platforms.
What are Avi Rothman’s hobbies? In addition to acting and writing, Rothman is passionate about photography and community-focused storytelling through his project More Than Stores.
