7 Surprising Facts About Liza Powel O'Brien: The Playwright Who Stole Conan O'Brien's Heart In A Commercial Shoot

The enduring marriage of comedian Conan O'Brien and his wife, Liza Powel O'Brien, has been a quiet anchor in the often-turbulent world of late-night television for over two decades. As of December 2025, the couple remains one of Hollywood's most private and stable pairs, a partnership that began with a unique, on-camera 'meet-cute' and has since blossomed into a family with two children. With Conan O'Brien recently hosting the 2025 Academy Awards and being honored with the prestigious Mark Twain Prize, public interest in the woman behind the iconic host—Liza Powel O'Brien—is at an all-time high. Liza Powel O'Brien, who shuns the spotlight her husband embraces, is a highly accomplished professional in her own right, transitioning from a successful advertising career to becoming a recognized playwright and fiction writer. Their story is a testament to finding love in the most unexpected places and maintaining a deep connection despite the demands of a high-profile career.

Liza Powel O'Brien: A Snapshot Biography

Liza Powel O'Brien, born Elizabeth Ann Powel, is an American writer, playwright, and former advertising executive. She is primarily known as the wife of television host, comedian, and producer Conan O'Brien, but her professional achievements are significant.

• Full Name: Elizabeth Ann "Liza" Powel O'Brien
• Date of Birth: 1970 (Approximate)
• Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington, U.S.
• Education: Vassar College (Bachelor's Degree); Columbia University's School of the Arts (MFA in Fiction Writing)
• Primary Career: Playwright, Fiction Writer, Podcast Host (formerly Copywriter/Advertising Executive)
• Spouse: Conan O'Brien (Married 2002)
• Children: Neve O'Brien (Daughter, b. 2003) and Beckett O'Brien (Son, b. 2005)
• Notable Work: Her plays have been featured at venues like The Geffen Playhouse and the Echo Theater.

The Unexpected 'Meet-Cute' That Was Caught on Camera

The origin story of Conan and Liza's relationship is one of the most charming in celebrity history, a true Hollywood rom-com moment that happened while Conan was still the host of *Late Night with Conan O'Brien*.

It All Started With a Remote Segment

In 1999, Conan O'Brien visited the advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding in Chicago to film a remote segment for his late-night show. Liza Powel was working there as a copywriter at the time, and she was included in the sketch.

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Love at First Sight on the Job

Conan has openly described the moment he saw Liza as love at first sight. He reportedly fell for her instantly, noting he was "smitten" and describing her as the "perfect person for me." The entire interaction, including the initial spark, was inadvertently captured on the show's footage, making their first meeting a piece of television history.

A Swift Courtship and Private Wedding

After their unusual on-set meeting, the couple began dating. Their relationship progressed relatively privately, away from the intense public scrutiny Conan faced daily. They became engaged after about a year of dating and married in 2002 in a quiet, traditional ceremony in Liza's hometown of Seattle, Washington.

Liza Powel's Life Beyond the Late-Night Stage

While often referred to simply as "Conan O'Brien's wife," Liza Powel O'Brien has cultivated a serious and successful career in the literary arts, demonstrating a dedication to writing that rivals her husband's commitment to comedy.

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From Madison Avenue to the Stage

Liza's initial career was in the high-pressure world of advertising, where she worked as an executive and copywriter. However, her true passion lay in fiction and drama. She pursued an MFA in Fiction Writing from Columbia University's School of the Arts, a prestigious program that solidified her transition into a professional writer.

A Respected Playwright and Fiction Writer

Today, Liza Powel O'Brien is a working playwright whose dramatic works have been produced at respected venues, including The Geffen Playhouse and the Echo Theater. Her focus is on tackling the complexities of interpersonal relationships through her fiction and plays, a stark contrast to the broad comedy her husband is known for.

The Couple's Public Support in 2025

Despite her preference for privacy, Liza has recently been by Conan's side during major public milestones, most notably when he accepted the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2025. Her presence at such events underscores the strong, supportive nature of their long-term marriage, which has now spanned over 23 years. Furthermore, with Conan O'Brien hosting the 2025 Oscars, Liza continues to be his private pillar of strength during his most high-profile professional moments.

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Raising Children and Maintaining Privacy

The couple shares two children, a daughter named Neve, born in 2003, and a son named Beckett, born in 2005. Conan and Liza have been fiercely protective of their children's privacy, allowing them to grow up away from the constant glare of the media. This commitment to a normal family life is a cornerstone of their relationship.

A Focus on Family

Conan has often spoken about how his relationship with Liza and their children provides a grounding influence on his life. He has credited Liza with being a stable, calming force that balances his naturally energetic and sometimes chaotic comedic persona. Their life together, away from the Hollywood gossip cycle, is centered on their home and family, allowing Liza to focus on her writing career while Conan manages his media empire.

The Next Chapter: Podcast Host

In a recent professional move, Liza has also ventured into the world of podcasting, embracing a new medium that allows her to explore storytelling and relationships, further diversifying her creative output. This new role aligns perfectly with her background as a writer and her academic focus on fiction, proving she is a creative force who continues to evolve her career on her own terms.