7 Surprising Facts About Jenny Slate And Her Writer Husband, Ben Shattuck

The whimsical and beloved comedian Jenny Slate has found her perfect artistic match in her husband, Ben Shattuck, an accomplished writer, painter, and curator. Their romance is a true modern-day fairy tale, blending the worlds of Hollywood comedy and fine art. As of December 2025, the couple continues to be one of the most endearing and creative duos in the public eye, often sharing glimpses of their life in coastal Massachusetts with their young daughter, Ida Lupine. Their journey from a romantic proposal at an abandoned French castle to a quiet, intimate wedding is a story of finding genuine connection amidst the chaos of a global pandemic. The pair’s enduring partnership is built on mutual respect for their respective creative pursuits, with Slate often praising Shattuck’s depth and artistry, while he remains her number one supporter on and off the red carpet, including their recent appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Ben Shattuck: Biography and Profile

Jenny Slate's husband, Ben Shattuck, is a multi-talented figure in the art and literary worlds, known for his evocative writing and visual art.

• Full Name: Benjamin Shattuck
• Date of Birth: 1984
• Age (as of 2025): 41
• Birthplace: Coastal Massachusetts, USA
• Nationality: American
• Spouse: Jenny Slate (m. 2021)
• Children: Ida Lupine Shattuck (b. 2021)
• Education: Cornell University (BA), University of Iowa (MFA from the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop)
• Profession: Writer, Painter, Curator
• Notable Works: Author of the book *Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau* (2022)
• Awards/Recognition: Recipient of the PEN America Short Story Prize, Bread Loaf Scholarship.
• Art Career: His work as a painter has been exhibited in multiple galleries, and he comes from a family with a strong artistic background.

The Storybook Engagement at an Abandoned Castle

Their engagement story is perhaps one of the most romantic and unique in recent celebrity history, perfectly capturing the whimsical nature of both Slate and Shattuck. After less than a year of dating, Shattuck orchestrated a surprise proposal that sounds straight out of a novel.

The couple was vacationing in France in September 2019 when Shattuck planned a romantic picnic. The location was an abandoned castle in the South of France, a setting that instantly elevated the moment from a simple outing to a cinematic event.

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Slate recounted the moment with her signature humor and emotion, describing how Shattuck had created a series of beautiful, illustrated poems that he read to her before presenting the ring. The moment was so overwhelming and joyful that Slate immediately "screamed yes."

The proposal was a clear reflection of Shattuck's artistic soul, combining his skills as a writer and painter with his deep love for Slate. This grand, yet deeply personal, gesture set the tone for their unconventional and deeply committed relationship.

A Secret, Intimate New Year's Eve Wedding

Like many couples planning a wedding during the pandemic era, Jenny Slate and Ben Shattuck faced multiple cancellations. Their initial three attempts at a large-scale celebration were thwarted due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns.

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Tired of waiting for the "perfect" moment, the couple decided to take matters into their own hands. They quietly tied the knot on New Year's Eve 2021 in the most intimate of settings: their own living room.

Slate later revealed the details in an interview with *Marie Claire*, expressing a preference for the small, heartfelt ceremony over a massive event. The wedding, which included only themselves and a close friend as the officiant, was a testament to their focus on their bond rather than the fanfare.

This decision to exchange vows privately on New Year's Eve, a time often associated with new beginnings, solidified their commitment and marked the start of their married life as they prepared to welcome their first child.

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The Arrival of Daughter Ida Lupine Shattuck

Before their wedding, Jenny Slate and Ben Shattuck welcomed their daughter, Ida Lupine Shattuck, in early 2021.

Slate publicly announced her pregnancy in December 2020 during a live appearance on *Late Night with Seth Meyers*, a moment that surprised fans and delighted the public.

The name Ida Lupine is as charming and unique as the couple themselves. The first name, Ida, was a mutually agreed-upon favorite, while Lupine is a nod to a beautiful, wild-growing flower. The arrival of Ida Lupine transformed their lives, adding a new dimension to their artistic home life in coastal Massachusetts.

Ben Shattuck's Accomplished Career as a Writer and Artist

While Jenny Slate is a household name for her roles in *Obvious Child*, *Parks and Recreation*, and as the voice of *Marcel the Shell with Shoes On*, Ben Shattuck is a creative force in his own right. His career is marked by significant academic achievement and artistic recognition.

Shattuck is a graduate of the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop, a highly selective program that has launched the careers of numerous literary giants. This foundation in writing led to him being awarded the PEN America Short Story Prize, highlighting his skill in narrative and prose.

His major literary success came with the release of his book, *Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau*, which was published in 2022. The book was critically acclaimed, earning a spot on *The New Yorker*'s list of Best Books of 2022 and receiving praise from *The Wall Street Journal*. Beyond writing, Shattuck is also a talented painter and a respected gallery curator, making their shared home a hub of multidisciplinary artistic endeavors.