The Unconventional Love Story: 5 Surprising Facts About Jenny Slate And Husband Ben Shattuck’s Artistic Life In Coastal Massachusetts

Jenny Slate and her husband, Ben Shattuck, represent one of Hollywood’s most delightfully unconventional and creatively intertwined couples. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the actress, comedian, and writer continues to share her life with the accomplished author, painter, and art curator, a partnership that thrives away from the Los Angeles spotlight in the quiet, artistic haven of coastal Massachusetts. Their journey from a chance meeting to a pandemic-era wedding and raising their daughter, Ida Lupine, is a testament to finding deep, authentic connection. The couple has maintained a relatively private life, but recent appearances, such as their joint attendance at the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival, confirm their status as a formidable artistic power couple. Their relationship is built on a shared love for art, literature, and a quirky, grounded sense of humor, providing a refreshing contrast to the typical celebrity romance narrative.

Jenny Slate and Ben Shattuck: A Complete Biographical Profile

The foundation of their strong bond lies in their similar New England roots and their shared passion for the arts, though their career paths have taken them across different creative mediums—from stand-up comedy and film to literature and painting.

Jenny Slate (Wife)

• Full Name: Jennifer Sarah Slate
• Born: March 25, 1982
• Age (as of late 2024): 42
• Birthplace: Milton, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Comedian, Writer, Author, Voice Artist
• Education: Milton Academy, Columbia University (Literature)
• Notable Works (Entities): Saturday Night Live (former cast member), Parks and Recreation (Mona-Lisa Saperstein), Obvious Child, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (co-creator/voice of Marcel), *The Great North* (voice of Judy Tobin), Netflix special *Stage Fright*, memoir *Little Weirds*.
• Previous Marriage: Dean Fleischer-Camp (2012–2016)

Ben Shattuck (Husband)

• Full Name: Benjamin Shattuck
• Born: 1984
• Age (as of late 2024): 40
• Birthplace: Coastal Massachusetts (New Bedford/Wareham area), U.S.
• Occupation: Author, Writer, Painter, Art Curator
• Education: Cornell University, Iowa Writers' Workshop (MFA)
• Notable Works (Entities): Memoir *Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau*, winner of the PEN America Best Debut Short Story Author award, published works in *The New York Times*, *The Paris Review*, and *The Harvard Review*. He is also associated with the Shattuck Gallery, a family-run art space.

The Charming, Unconventional Timeline of Their Relationship

Jenny Slate and Ben Shattuck’s path to marriage was marked by sweet gestures, a stunning proposal, and a series of memorable, albeit frustrating, pandemic-related setbacks that ultimately led to a perfectly intimate wedding.

1. How They Met: An Immediate Artistic Connection

The couple was first romantically linked in January 2019, following Jenny Slate's highly publicized on-again, off-again relationship with actor Chris Evans. Their connection was reportedly immediate and profound, rooted in their shared artistic sensibilities. Shattuck, a writer and painter, and Slate, a comedian and author, found common ground in their creative lives and their deep appreciation for their New England roots. They quickly became inseparable, often spending time together in coastal Massachusetts, a setting that clearly inspires both of them.

2. The Fairytale Engagement in France (September 2019)

Ben Shattuck proposed to Jenny Slate in September 2019 during a romantic trip to France. The proposal was described by Slate as a truly magical moment. Shattuck took her to an abandoned castle in the South of France, where he had prepared a special picnic. He told her a beautiful story about a little girl who collected pieces of glass, leading up to the moment he presented her with the antique engagement ring. Slate described the experience as feeling "like a dream," with the idyllic French landscape and the deeply personal nature of the proposal making it a standout moment in their courtship.

3. The Three-Time Canceled Wedding and Intimate New Year’s Eve Ceremony

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered their wedding plans, a common experience for many couples in 2020 and 2021. The couple set three different wedding dates, including one originally planned for June 2020, but each had to be cancelled due to health and safety concerns. Tired of waiting and wanting to officially start their married life, they ultimately decided to scrap the large event. Instead, Jenny Slate and Ben Shattuck married on New Year’s Eve 2021 in a wonderfully small and intimate ceremony held in the living room of their home in coastal Massachusetts. The wedding was a true reflection of their grounded personalities, attended by only their closest family members. This unconventional, spontaneous decision perfectly encapsulated their laid-back, authentic approach to life, prioritizing their commitment over grand spectacle.

Family Life and Artistic Synergy: Ida Lupine and Shared Creativity

The core of their life together revolves around their family and their mutual creative support, which has only deepened since the birth of their daughter.

Their Daughter, Ida Lupine Shattuck

In February 2021, just weeks after their intimate wedding, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Ida Lupine Shattuck. The name Ida is a nod to Slate's Jewish heritage, while Lupine is a flower native to New England, beautifully combining their personal and regional roots. Slate has often spoken about the joys and challenges of motherhood, using her experiences to inform her comedy and writing, including her work on the animated series *The Great North*. The arrival of Ida Lupine has further solidified the couple’s focus on their quiet family life in Massachusetts.

The Artistic Power Couple Dynamic

Though they work in different fields—Slate in film and comedy, Shattuck in literature and visual art—their careers constantly intersect through mutual support. Shattuck’s writing, particularly his memoir *Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau*, has a contemplative, nature-focused quality that mirrors the introspective, emotional depth often found in Slate’s work, such as her book *Little Weirds*. * Mutual Support: Slate frequently promotes Shattuck’s books and readings, and he is her constant companion at red carpet events, including the high-profile 2025 Cannes Film Festival appearance where they were seen together. * Creative Influence: They often engage in public conversations about their respective artistic processes, with Slate interviewing Shattuck about his debut memoir, demonstrating their deep intellectual and creative synergy. This cross-pollination of ideas acts as a significant LSI keyword for their relationship. * A Shared Home Base: Their decision to live in coastal Massachusetts, a region rich in American literary and artistic history, speaks volumes about their shared values. They prioritize a grounded, nature-connected life over the constant hustle of Hollywood, allowing them the space to nurture their individual creative endeavors.

What's Next for the Shattuck-Slate Family?

The most recent public sightings of Jenny Slate and Ben Shattuck, such as their appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, indicate that both of their careers are in a thriving phase. Slate continues to lend her unique voice to projects and pursue her acting career, while Shattuck is actively involved in the literary and art worlds. Their relationship remains a compelling example of a celebrity couple who successfully blend high-profile careers with a fiercely protected, authentic family life. They are a true artistic power couple who have found their center in the quiet beauty of New England, proving that the most romantic stories are often the most genuine and unconventional. Their journey, from a simple first meeting to a charmingly cancelled-and-re-booked wedding, continues to captivate fans who appreciate their sincerity and dedication to a life filled with laughter, art, and love.