5 Shocking Real-Life Details About Erin Krakow’s Married Life With Co-Star Ben Rosenbaum

The long-standing mystery surrounding Erin Krakow's real-life love life has been definitively solved, and the truth is more heartwarming than any Hallmark movie plot. As of December 11, 2025, the beloved actress, best known as Elizabeth Thatcher on the long-running series When Calls the Heart (WCTH), is not only married but is expecting her first child with her husband, who is also a familiar face from Hope Valley. This major life update—a surprise wedding announcement followed by a pregnancy revelation—has thrilled the "Hearties" fanbase, confirming a real-life romance that blossomed right on the set of the popular Hallmark Channel show.

For years, fans speculated about Krakow's relationship status, often linking her to her on-screen love interests like Daniel Lissing (Jack Thornton) or Chris McNally (Lucas Bouchard). The reality, however, is that her heart was called by a different co-star, Ben Rosenbaum, who plays the quirky, endearing character Mike Hickam. Their journey from co-workers to a real-life married couple is the freshest and most exciting news to come out of the WCTH family.

Erin Krakow: A Complete Biography Profile

Erin Krakow is an accomplished American actress and producer whose career has been defined by her work in television, particularly with the Hallmark Channel. She has successfully transitioned from dramatic roles to becoming a staple of the feel-good romance genre.

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• Full Name: Erin Alisa Krakow
• Date of Birth: September 5, 1984
• Age: 41 (as of 2025)
• Birth Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Education: Graduated from the Juilliard School in New York City (BFA in Drama)
• Profession: Actress and Producer
• Notable Roles:
• Elizabeth Thatcher/Thornton/Grant: When Calls the Heart (2014–present)
• Specialist Tanya Gabriel: Army Wives (2010–2012)
• Miranda Chester: *Finding Father Christmas* (2016), *Engaging Father Christmas* (2017), and *Marrying Father Christmas* (2018) on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
• Ella Dashwood: *Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen* (2019)
• Marital Status: Married (to Ben Rosenbaum)
• Children: Expecting first child (announced November 2025)

The Shocking Truth: Erin Krakow’s Real-Life Married Husband is Ben Rosenbaum

The biggest reveal in Erin Krakow's personal life came in June 2025 when she and Ben Rosenbaum simultaneously posted stunning wedding photos on social media, announcing their nuptials. This revelation immediately shut down years of fan speculation and confirmed that the two had been quietly dating for some time before tying the knot.

Ben Rosenbaum, known to Hearties as the beloved, often comedic Michael "Mike" Hickam—who has his own romantic storyline with Fiona Miller (Kayla Wallace) on the show—is a fellow graduate of a prestigious acting program (University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theatre BFA Actor Training Program). While their on-screen characters operate in different social circles within Hope Valley, their off-screen connection blossomed into a beautiful, enduring relationship.

1. The Surprise Wedding Announcement in June 2025

The couple’s wedding announcement was a masterclass in keeping a secret and delivering a surprise. On June 23, 2025, both actors shared joint posts on Instagram featuring gorgeous photos of their wedding day, simply captioned with an infinity emoji (∞), symbolizing their eternal love.

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Krakow looked radiant in a satin wedding dress, while Rosenbaum was sharp in a classic suit. The choice to keep their relationship private until the moment of their marriage announcement reflects their desire for a normal, low-key romance away from the intense spotlight that often follows the lead actress of a hit show like WCTH. Their relationship reportedly began to take shape around 2022, meaning they had been in a committed relationship for several years before getting married.

2. The Unprecedented Pregnancy Announcement in November 2025

Just five months after their wedding announcement, the couple delivered even bigger news. In November 2025, Erin Krakow and Ben Rosenbaum revealed they were expecting their first child together.

This news confirms a major new chapter for the couple and adds another layer of excitement to their real-life Hallmark love story. The timing of the announcement—so close to their wedding revelation—has made their 2025 a landmark year for the pair, solidifying their status as one of the most beloved real-life couples to emerge from the extensive Hallmark Channel family.

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3. Ben Rosenbaum is a WCTH Co-Star, Not an On-Screen Love Interest

One of the most intriguing aspects of their romance is the dynamic of their on-screen roles versus their real-life partnership. For years, fans were invested in Elizabeth's love triangle, first with Mountie Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) and later with Lucas Bouchard (Chris McNally) and Nathan Grant (Kevin McGarry). Ben Rosenbaum's character, Mike Hickam, is a secondary but essential character who runs the general store and is known for his entrepreneurial spirit in Hope Valley.

The fact that Krakow chose a partner outside of her main romantic storylines on the show is a refreshing twist. It highlights that the deep connections forged on a long-running set can happen between any cast members, regardless of their screen time together. This real-life romance with the actor behind Mike Hickam adds a delightful layer of meta-narrative to the show's history.

Erin Krakow’s Love Life: Separating Fact from Hope Valley Fiction

For over a decade, Erin Krakow's personal life has been closely intertwined with her character's journey. Elizabeth Thatcher's romantic life has been the central pillar of When Calls the Heart, leading to constant speculation about the actress's own dating life.

The Jack Thornton and Lucas Bouchard Speculation

Before the Ben Rosenbaum announcement, the most common speculation centered on her on-screen partners. Her chemistry with Daniel Lissing, who played her first husband, Jack Thornton, was so palpable that many Hearties hoped for a real-life romance. Lissing, however, is happily married to his wife, Nadia. Likewise, the "Lucas vs. Nathan" debate led to intense fan theories about her relationship with Chris McNally and Kevin McGarry, both of whom have also found love elsewhere—McGarry is married to fellow WCTH co-star Kayla Wallace.

Krakow’s consistent silence on her personal life was a deliberate choice that ultimately protected her relationship with Rosenbaum. By choosing privacy, she allowed their love to grow naturally without the pressure of the public eye, proving that the best love stories are sometimes the ones kept quiet until the perfect moment. Her focus on her role as an actress and producer, and her commitment to the Hallmark brand, including other popular movies like the *Father Christmas* series, kept the attention on her career, not her private life.

4. Ben Rosenbaum’s Career and Role as Mike Hickam

Ben Rosenbaum, born on March 3, 1987, is an actor who has been a consistent presence on When Calls the Heart since its early seasons.

His character, Mike Hickam, started as a minor figure but has grown into a fan favorite. Hickam is known for his comedic timing and his various entrepreneurial ventures in Hope Valley, including running the general store. The evolution of Mike Hickam mirrors the slow, steady growth of Rosenbaum’s career and his real-life relationship with Krakow. The fact that the lead actress married an actor who has been a long-time, yet secondary, part of the cast highlights the genuine, unforced nature of their connection.

5. The Future: A Real-Life Hallmark Family

The marriage of Erin Krakow and Ben Rosenbaum, followed by their pregnancy news, is the ultimate real-life romantic payoff for fans of the Hallmark Channel. It mirrors the wholesome, family-focused narratives that the network is famous for. Their story is a testament to finding love in unexpected places—even on the set of a period drama—and building a private life that is even more beautiful than the fiction they create on screen.

As they prepare to welcome their first child in 2026, the couple has created a solid foundation for their family. Their journey from co-stars to husband and wife, and now to parents, will undoubtedly be a source of continued joy and fascination for the Hearties community worldwide, proving that sometimes, the heart truly calls for the person right next to you.