Cynthia Daniel: 7 Surprising Facts About Cole Hauser's Wife And Her Sweet Valley High Past

As of December 10, 2025, the woman standing firmly beside *Yellowstone* star Cole Hauser—the rugged, beloved Rip Wheeler—is the equally fascinating Cynthia Daniel. Their enduring partnership, which spans over two decades, is one of Hollywood's most solid, yet surprisingly private, relationships. While Cole Hauser dominates the screen as a formidable cowboy, Cynthia has carved out a successful life away from the spotlight, first as a 90s teen idol and now as a respected professional photographer and dedicated mother.

For many fans, the identity of Cole Hauser's wife, Cynthia Daniel Hauser, remains a mystery, overshadowed by her husband's on-screen persona. However, her own story, including her rise to fame alongside her twin sister and her quiet transition into a new creative career, is just as compelling and adds a unique layer to the Hauser family's dynamic.

Cynthia Daniel: Biography and Profile

Cynthia Daniel is a former actress, model, and current professional photographer who has been married to actor Cole Hauser since 2006. Her life story is a fascinating blend of 90s pop culture fame and a modern, grounded family life.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• Full Name: Cynthia Lynn Daniel
• Date of Birth: March 17, 1976
• Place of Birth: Gainesville, Florida, USA
• Spouse: Cole Hauser (married December 22, 2006)
• Children: Three—sons Ryland and Colt, and daughter Steely Rose
• Twin Sister: Brittany Daniel (Actress)
• Notable Acting Role: Elizabeth Wakefield in the TV series *Sweet Valley High* (1994–1997)
• Current Profession: Professional Photographer
• Modeling Career: Began modeling at age 11 alongside her sister, signing with the Ford Modeling Agency.

From Teen Idol to Professional Photographer: Cynthia's Career Evolution

Cynthia Daniel’s early career was inextricably linked to her identical twin sister, Brittany Daniel. The sisters began their professional lives as child models, signing with the Ford Modeling Agency at just 11 years old.

The Sweet Valley High Phenomenon

The twins achieved global fame in the mid-1990s when they landed the lead roles in the syndicated teen drama, *Sweet Valley High*. Cynthia played the sensible, responsible twin, Elizabeth Wakefield, while Brittany played her free-spirited sister, Jessica Wakefield.

The show, which ran from 1994 to 1997, cemented their status as pop culture icons of the era. Despite the success, Cynthia chose to step away from acting after the series concluded, seeking a life outside of the constant public eye. Her sister, Brittany, continued her career in film and television, but Cynthia's decision marked a clear pivot toward a more private, grounded existence.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

A New Creative Path: The Art of Photography

After leaving acting, Cynthia found her true creative calling behind the lens as a professional photographer. This career path allows her to maintain a level of privacy while still engaging in artistic expression. Her work often focuses on family, lifestyle, and nature, themes that align with the grounded life she shares with Cole Hauser.

Her photography business has been a quiet success, proving she has an eye for composition and storytelling that rivals her on-screen presence. This transition highlights her desire for a stable, non-Hollywood-centric career, a choice that has likely contributed to the longevity of her marriage to the *Yellowstone* star.

The Enduring Love Story: Cole Hauser and Cynthia Daniel's 25-Year Partnership

The relationship between Cole Hauser and Cynthia Daniel is a testament to longevity in a notoriously fleeting industry. The couple began dating in the 1990s, well before Cole Hauser took on the mantle of Rip Wheeler.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

They welcomed their first child, a son named Ryland, in 2004, and officially tied the knot two years later on December 22, 2006. Their marriage is often described by sources as deeply rooted and a true partnership, built on a quarter-century of shared life experiences.

Prioritizing Family: Ryland, Colt, and Steely Rose

Cole and Cynthia are parents to three children: sons Ryland and Colt, and their youngest, daughter Steely Rose.

Despite Cole's demanding filming schedule for *Yellowstone*, the couple makes family a central priority. They frequently share glimpses of their family life on social media, often featuring outdoor activities, travel, and quality time together. The family has recently been in the news as their eldest son, Ryland, has started his college journey, a milestone that both parents have proudly documented.

The couple's dedication to their children is evident in their choice to keep their family life relatively private, offering only curated peeks into their world. This balance allows Cole to maintain his rugged, on-screen persona while ensuring his family enjoys a sense of normalcy and stability.

A Supportive Partnership Through Personal Milestones

The strength of their bond was highlighted in early 2024 when Cole Hauser mourned the loss of his mother, Cass Warner. Cynthia was a visible and steadfast source of support during this difficult time, demonstrating the depth of their commitment to each other through life's biggest challenges.

In late 2024, following the conclusion of the main *Yellowstone* series, Cole shared a rare family update with Cynthia and Steely Rose, signifying a new chapter for the family as Cole's intense filming schedule potentially shifts.

The Connection to Rip Wheeler: A Different Kind of Hollywood Wife

While Cole Hauser’s character, Rip Wheeler, is known for his intense, all-consuming devotion to Beth Dutton, Cole’s real-life marriage to Cynthia Daniel offers a much healthier, yet equally powerful, example of a strong relationship.

Cynthia is not merely an accessory to her famous husband; she is a successful professional photographer with her own history of fame and a clear sense of self. This independence is a key factor in their successful marriage. She understands the demands of the entertainment industry, having been a part of it, but she has consciously chosen a life that prioritizes family and creative work over the Hollywood spotlight. This grounding influence is what truly defines her role as Cole Hauser’s wife and the matriarch of their family.