The Unexpected First Wife: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Jason Sudeikis' Only Marriage

For fans of the Emmy-winning star Jason Sudeikis, the narrative of his personal life often begins and ends with his high-profile, nine-year relationship with actress and director Olivia Wilde. However, a deep dive into the actor's history, especially in late 2025, reveals that the *Ted Lasso* creator has only been married once, and not to Wilde. His first and only wife is a powerhouse in her own right, a highly successful screenwriter, producer, and director who helped shape some of the biggest comedy hits of the last two decades: the brilliant Kay Cannon.

The marriage to Kay Cannon is a crucial, yet often overlooked, chapter in the biography of the beloved comedian. They were a comedy power couple of the early 2000s, meeting and rising through the ranks of Chicago's improv scene together before Sudeikis became a household name on *Saturday Night Live* (*SNL*). Their partnership laid the groundwork for his later success, a bond that ultimately dissolved due to the pressures of fame and distance, but remains amicable to this day.

Jason Sudeikis and Kay Cannon: A Complete Biography Profile

The story of Jason Sudeikis's life and career is deeply intertwined with his time in comedy, which is exactly where he met his future wife, Kay Cannon. Their relationship began in the late 1990s, a time when both were honing their craft in the Chicago improv world.

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• Full Name: Daniel Jason Sudeikis
• Born: September 18, 1975 (Age 50 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Fairfax, Virginia, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer
• Known For: *Saturday Night Live* (2003–2013), *Ted Lasso* (2020–2023), *We're the Millers*, *Horrible Bosses*
• First Wife: Kay Cannon (Screenwriter, Director, Producer)
• Marriage Date: June 2004
• Separation/Divorce: Separated 2008, Divorced 2010
• Long-Term Partner (Never Married): Olivia Wilde (2011–2020)
• Children: Otis Sudeikis and Daisy Sudeikis (with Olivia Wilde)
• Notable Relatives: George Wendt (Uncle)

Kay Cannon: The Comedy Powerhouse Who Was Jason's First Love

The woman who became Jason Sudeikis's wife is far from just a footnote in his history; Kay Cannon is a major creative force in modern Hollywood comedy. Born on August 21, 1974, in Illinois, she is an American screenwriter, producer, director, and actress.

Cannon began her career, much like Sudeikis, at the legendary The Second City comedy club in Chicago. This shared background in improv and sketch comedy is what initially bonded the couple.

Her professional accolades rival Sudeikis's own. She is perhaps best known for writing the entire *Pitch Perfect* film series, which became a massive box-office success and cultural phenomenon. Additionally, she was a writer and producer for the critically acclaimed series *30 Rock* and *New Girl*.

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In 2018, Cannon made her directorial debut with the critically praised comedy film *Blockers*, starring Leslie Mann and John Cena. Her career trajectory is a testament to her talent, demonstrating that she was a successful creative partner to Sudeikis long before his *Ted Lasso* fame.

The Timeline of Jason Sudeikis's Only Marriage (2004–2010)

Their relationship was a classic Hollywood story of two comedians falling in love while struggling to make it. They dated for several years, starting in the late 1990s, before tying the knot in June 2004.

The marriage coincided with Sudeikis's rise to prominence on *Saturday Night Live*. He joined the cast in 2003, and his star power began to grow exponentially during the mid-to-late 2000s.

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This period of professional success, unfortunately, led to personal strain. The couple separated in 2008, after four years of marriage, and their divorce was finalized in 2010.

The primary reason cited for the separation was the classic Hollywood hurdle: distance and the strain of two demanding, high-profile careers. As Sudeikis's star grew and his schedule became non-stop, the pressure on the marriage became too much to bear, leading to their amicable split.

Despite the divorce, they have maintained a supportive relationship. Cannon publicly congratulated Sudeikis on his Golden Globes win for *Ted Lasso* over a decade after their split, proving their mutual respect and continued good terms.

The Post-Marriage Chapter: From Kay Cannon to Olivia Wilde

The end of Sudeikis's marriage to Kay Cannon marked a significant transition in his personal life, leading to his next high-profile relationship, which, contrary to popular belief, never resulted in a second marriage.

The Olivia Wilde Engagement (2011–2020)

Shortly after his divorce from Cannon was finalized, Sudeikis began dating actress and director Olivia Wilde in 2011. The couple quickly became one of Hollywood's most recognizable pairs.

They became engaged in 2013, solidifying their commitment, but they never officially married. Their engagement lasted seven years, during which time they welcomed two children: a son, Otis Sudeikis, born in 2014, and a daughter, Daisy Sudeikis, born in 2016.

The couple announced their split in November 2020, though sources indicated the separation had occurred months earlier. The breakup and subsequent custody battle over their children became a major media spectacle, drawing intense public scrutiny, particularly regarding Sudeikis's emotional reaction and the public serving of custody papers.

Kay Cannon's Second Marriage

Kay Cannon also moved on after her divorce from Sudeikis. She went on to marry comedy writer Eben Russell in 2012. The couple has a daughter together and continues to pursue their successful careers in film and television.

The difference in the public perception of Sudeikis's two major relationships is stark. While his long-term partnership and subsequent custody battle with Olivia Wilde dominated headlines, his actual marriage to Kay Cannon remains a quiet, foundational part of his history. It was a relationship built in the trenches of comedy, a partnership between two talented individuals who ultimately grew in different directions but managed to maintain a respectful friendship. This often-forgotten first marriage offers a deeper, more nuanced look into the life of the man behind the beloved *Ted Lasso* character.