5 Shocking Details About Tanner Buchanan And Mary Mouser's Secret Romance And Recent Engagement

The biggest plot twist in the Cobra Kai universe wasn't a dojo rivalry or a shocking return from a classic character—it was a real-life romance that fans had speculated about for years. As of December 17, 2025, the Hollywood world is still reeling from the news that co-stars Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser are officially engaged. This stunning announcement came as the duo stepped out onto the red carpet for the series finale premiere of the hit Netflix show, confirming a secret relationship that had been brewing behind the scenes since the series began.

The actors, who play the on-again, off-again love interests Robby Keene and Samantha LaRusso, chose the monumental occasion of the show's final chapter to reveal their own new beginning. Their engagement marks a beautiful, full-circle moment for a couple who met on the set of the show that defined their careers, turning intense on-screen chemistry into a lifelong commitment.

Complete Biography and Profile: Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser

Before diving into the details of their relationship, it's essential to understand the journey of the two stars who brought the next generation of The Karate Kid to life. Both actors have extensive careers that predate their iconic roles in Cobra Kai, establishing themselves as versatile talents in the industry.

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Tanner Buchanan Profile (Robby Keene)

• Full Name: Tanner Emmanuel Buchanan
• Date of Birth: December 8, 1998
• Place of Birth: Lima, Ohio, USA
• Early Career: Tanner began pursuing an acting career at the age of nine, which led his family to relocate to Los Angeles.
• Notable Roles: He is best known for playing Robby Keene in Cobra Kai, but also gained prominence as Leo Kirkman in the political drama Designated Survivor. Other credits include Game Shakers and the film He's All That.
• Career Focus: Actor, dancer, singer, and model.

Mary Mouser Profile (Samantha LaRusso)

• Full Name: Mary Matilyn Mouser
• Date of Birth: May 9, 1996
• Place of Birth: Pine Bluff, Arkansas, USA
• Early Career: Mary started acting at a very young age, making her debut in the police procedural drama Without a Trace.
• Notable Roles: She is most famous for her portrayal of Samantha "Sam" LaRusso, the daughter of Daniel LaRusso, in Cobra Kai. She has also appeared in Body of Proof, Criminal Minds, and as a voice actress in various projects.
• Advocacy: Mary is a vocal advocate for diabetes awareness, having been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

The Secret Timeline: From Co-Stars to Engaged Couple

The journey of Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser is a classic Hollywood love story, albeit one that was kept meticulously private for years. While their characters, Robby and Sam, were entangled in the famous love triangle with Miguel Diaz, the actors were quietly building a foundational relationship of their own.

1. Meeting on the Mat: 2017

The couple first met in 2017 during the filming of the inaugural season of Cobra Kai. Their initial connection was rooted in a strong friendship, which is not uncommon among cast members who spend long hours together on set, especially in an intense, physical production environment like the Karate Kid spin-off series.

2. The Secret Romance Begins: Circa 2018

What started as a close friendship soon blossomed into a romantic relationship. While the exact date remains private, it is speculated that they began dating around 2018, shortly after the show premiered. They managed to keep their relationship completely under wraps, a remarkable feat in the age of social media, leading to their romance being dubbed a "secret relationship" by the media.

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3. Fan Speculation and On-Screen Dynamics

Fans of the Netflix series often "shipped" the two actors due to their undeniable on-screen chemistry, especially during the early seasons when Robby was a Miyagi-Do student and Sam's boyfriend. The intense, sometimes volatile, nature of the Robby-Sam-Miguel dynamic meant that any hint of a real-life romance could have overshadowed the show's narrative, likely contributing to their decision to maintain strict privacy.

Why They Kept Their Relationship Private for So Long

The decision by Tanner and Mary to keep their relationship a secret for nearly the entire run of the series is a testament to their commitment to their work and their personal lives. This choice is highly unusual for a major Hollywood couple, but several factors likely played a role in their discretion.

• Protecting the Narrative: Cobra Kai thrives on the dramatic love triangle between Sam LaRusso, Robby Keene, and Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña). Revealing that two of the main players were a real-life couple could have complicated the audience's perception of the story and the intense dojo rivalry.
• Focus on Career: Both actors joined the show at a pivotal time in their careers. Maintaining a professional focus and letting their performances, rather than their personal lives, drive the conversation was clearly a priority.
• Maintaining Personal Space: In a world where celebrity couples are constantly scrutinized, keeping their romance private allowed them to build a strong, foundational relationship away from the pressures and commentary of the public eye. They maintained a healthy boundary between their on-screen personas and their real-life romance.

The Engagement: A 'Cobra Kai' Fairy Tale Ending

The engagement announcement, which sources confirm took place around the time of the Season 6 premiere in 2025, has become one of the most celebrated moments in the history of the Karate Kid franchise. Stepping onto the red carpet, the couple "hard launched" their romance, showing off their rings in a joint Instagram post that immediately went viral.

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The news provides a beautiful, real-life "happily ever after" for a series that is wrapping up its run. While the final fate of Robby Keene and Samantha LaRusso on screen is yet to be fully revealed, the actors who embody them have found their own definitive ending—a commitment to marriage. This announcement has solidified their status as a beloved Hollywood couple, proving that sometimes, the best chemistry is the one that's real.

Fans are now eagerly awaiting details about the wedding, celebrating the fact that the actors who once represented two sides of a dojo war—Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai—have united in a bond that transcends their fictional rivalry. Their love story is a powerful reminder that even in the most intense Hollywood productions, real-life romance can quietly flourish and eventually take center stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tanner and Mary

Are Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser dating in real life?

Yes, they are not only dating but are officially engaged as of the recent Cobra Kai series finale premiere. They kept their relationship private for years, only confirming it and announcing their engagement at the show's final event.

Did Robby Keene and Samantha LaRusso date in Cobra Kai?

Yes, their characters, Robby Keene and Samantha LaRusso, had a romantic relationship during the early seasons of Cobra Kai, particularly when Robby was training in Miyagi-Do Karate. Their relationship was a key part of the show's central love triangle and dojo rivalries.

How long have Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser been together?

They met in 2017 while filming Cobra Kai. While their relationship was kept secret for a long time, their romance is believed to have started around 2018, meaning they have been together for several years before announcing their engagement in 2025.