Jonathan Plummer At 51: Inside The Life Of Terry McMillan's Ex-Husband And The Real 'Stella' Story

Jonathan Plummer, a name forever etched in literary and pop culture history, continues to fascinate the public over two decades after his whirlwind marriage and subsequent scandalous divorce from best-selling author Terry McMillan. As of December 2025, Plummer is 51 years old, a milestone that prompts a renewed look at the life of the man who famously inspired the novel and film *How Stella Got Her Groove Back*.

The curiosity surrounding Plummer’s age and current activities remains high, largely due to the dramatic nature of his public profile. His journey from a young man in Jamaica to the subject of a global literary phenomenon, and then his own emergence as an author, is a complex narrative of fame, love, and self-discovery that continues to unfold today.

The Biography of Jonathan Plummer: Age, Career, and Public Profile

Jonathan Plummer's life has been defined by two distinct phases: his high-profile relationship with a literary icon and his own attempts to forge an independent career in the public eye. His biography is a compelling study of how personal life can become a global spectacle.

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• Full Name: Jonathan Plummer
• Date of Birth: June 29, 1974
• Current Age (as of December 2025): 51 years old
• Place of Birth: Jamaica
• Known For: Ex-husband of author Terry McMillan; The inspiration for the character Winston Shakespeare in the novel/film *How Stella Got Her Groove Back*.
• Spouse: Terry McMillan (m. 1998; div. 2005)
• Profession: Former Hairstylist; Author; Pet Groomer; Public Speaker/Media Personality.
• Notable Work: *Balancing Act* (Novel, 2007)
• Public Appearances: *The Oprah Winfrey Show* (Discussing his divorce and sexuality)

Plummer's initial claim to fame stemmed entirely from his "May-December romance" with Terry McMillan. Their relationship began in 1995 when McMillan, then 43, met Plummer, then 20, on a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica. This significant age difference became the central theme of her 1996 best-selling novel, *How Stella Got Her Groove Back*.

From Montego Bay to the Oprah Stage: The Stella Story and Its Aftermath

The fairy-tale romance that captivated millions of readers and moviegoers took a tumultuous turn in the mid-2000s, resulting in a sensational and highly public divorce. The true story of "Stella" and "Winston" proved to be far more complex than the fictionalized version.

The Whirlwind Romance and Marriage

After their initial meeting, Plummer moved to the United States and married McMillan in 1998. For a decade, their life seemed to mirror the happy ending of the novel, with Plummer taking on the role of a supportive partner and father figure to McMillan's son. He initially worked as a hairstylist, a background that later became a minor detail in the media circus.

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The Scandalous Divorce and Coming Out

The marriage collapsed in 2005 when Plummer revealed to McMillan that he was gay. The revelation led to a bitter, messy public divorce, with McMillan suing Plummer for $40 million, alleging "fraud" and claiming he married her solely to obtain a green card and financial security. She sought an annulment, arguing the marriage was based on a lie about his sexual orientation.

Plummer publicly denied the claims of fraud, stating he did not know he was gay until later in the marriage. This dramatic confrontation played out on the national stage, most notably during a highly-watched 2006 appearance on *The Oprah Winfrey Show*, where the estranged couple discussed the painful details of their separation and Plummer’s truth.

The Latest Chapter: Jonathan Plummer’s Current Endeavors and Legacy

Following the intense media scrutiny of his divorce, Jonathan Plummer shifted his focus toward his own career and personal growth. He sought to tell his side of the story, not just through interviews but also through literature.

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Authoring His Own Narrative: *Balancing Act*

In 2007, Plummer published his first novel, *Balancing Act*, a fictionalized account of a May-December romance that was widely seen as a response to McMillan's work. The book, which was co-written with Karen Hunter, allowed Plummer to reclaim his narrative and address the public's perception of him following the divorce. Although the book did not achieve the same commercial success as *How Stella Got Her Groove Back*, it cemented Plummer's status as a writer and independent public figure.

A Shift in Career Focus: From Hair to Hounds

In the years following his literary debut, Plummer pursued a career path that reflected his personal passion. He opened a pet grooming business in the Danville, California area, a venture that was mentioned during the tumultuous divorce proceedings. This move demonstrated a desire for a quieter, more grounded professional life away from the spotlight of Hollywood and publishing.

While public records of a modern-day, high-profile career are sparse, some reports suggest a career shift into the corporate world, with a few individuals named Jonathan Plummer holding positions such as Director of Business Intelligence at companies like ReachLocal. However, the most consistent and confirmed post-scandal career path for the ex-husband of Terry McMillan remains his work as an entrepreneur in the pet care industry.

Plummer’s Enduring Legacy

Jonathan Plummer’s legacy is inextricably linked to the *How Stella Got Her Groove Back* phenomenon. His story is a classic case of a private individual being thrust into the public eye and having to navigate the complexities of fame, media narratives, and self-identity. He has become a symbol of the "down low" movement and the challenges faced by individuals struggling with their sexual orientation within a seemingly straight marriage.

At 51, Plummer has successfully moved past the defining scandal of his 30s. By authoring his own novel, pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, and living his life authentically, he has demonstrated a resilience that goes beyond the fictional character he inspired.