7 Secrets Behind Janel Parrish And Chris Long’s Enduring Marriage: From Chemical Engineer To Hollywood Star’s Husband

The love story of actress Janel Parrish and her husband, Chris Long, continues to be one of Hollywood’s most stable and endearing romances, celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary as of late 2025. Unlike many celebrity pairings, their relationship thrives on a foundation of contrasting careers and a shared commitment to privacy, with Chris Long maintaining a grounded life as a chemical engineer while Janel’s career, known for her iconic role as Mona Vanderwaal on *Pretty Little Liars*, continues to soar with new projects in 2025. Their journey from a "Hallmark-style meet cute" to navigating major life events, including health challenges and professional milestones, offers a refreshing look at enduring love in the spotlight.

Janel Parrish and Chris Long: A Complete Biographical Profile

The success of their marriage often sparks curiosity, given that Chris Long is a private professional outside the entertainment industry, a stark contrast to Janel Parrish’s high-profile career. Their biographies reveal two individuals from different worlds who found common ground in their values.

Janel Parrish (Actress, Singer, Dancer)

• Full Name: Janel Meilani Parrish Long
• Date of Birth: October 30, 1988
• Age (as of late 2025): 37
• Place of Birth: Kāneʻohe, Hawaii, U.S.
• Notable Roles: Mona Vanderwaal (*Pretty Little Liars*), Margot Covey (*To All the Boys I've Loved Before* film series), numerous Hallmark Channel movies.
• Career Highlights: Started on Broadway as Young Cosette in *Les Misérables*; competed on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 19.

Chris Long (Chemical Engineer)

• Profession: Chemical Engineer
• Date of Birth: (Information is private, estimated early 1980s)
• Age (as of late 2025): (Estimated early 40s)
• Career Focus: Works outside of the entertainment industry, providing a sense of normalcy and stability for the couple.
• Relationship Timeline: Began dating in September 2016; engaged in October 2017; married on September 8, 2018.
• Residency: Resides in California with Janel.

The Latest Updates: Health, Career, and Their Seventh Anniversary (2025)

Current news surrounding the couple highlights both personal resilience and professional ambition, proving that their bond is stronger than ever as they navigate new challenges in 2025.

1. Janel’s Brave Endometriosis Diagnosis

In a deeply personal and recent update, Janel Parrish revealed her diagnosis of Endometriosis, a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. She shared the news on social media, posting a photo holding Chris Long's hand, emphasizing his support during her ongoing health journey and after undergoing a procedure. This public sharing has brought awareness to the condition and showcased the couple’s united front in dealing with personal challenges.

2. Celebrating Seven Years of Marriage

The couple recently celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary in late 2025, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. Their marriage, which began with a beautiful ceremony in Waikane, Hawaii, in 2018, continues to be a source of strength. Janel often credits Chris with providing a grounding presence away from the pressures of Hollywood.

3. Janel’s Major 2025 Feature Film Project

Professionally, Janel Parrish is set to star in a new independent drama film titled *Bound For Glory* opposite Michael Naizu. This feature film project, with production expected to begin in the fall of 2025, signals a shift back to dramatic roles and is one of her most anticipated non-Hallmark projects of the year. This role showcases her versatility beyond the young adult and holiday genres she is often associated with.

4. Their Emotional Wedding and The Tragic Loss

The lead-up to their 2018 wedding was marked by profound tragedy and immense love, a story that defines the depth of their commitment.

The Loss of Chris’s Father

Just two weeks before their wedding day in Hawaii, Chris Long’s father was tragically killed by a drunk driver. This devastating event tested the couple, but Janel stood by Chris, demonstrating unwavering support. She spoke publicly about the loss, emphasizing that her father-in-law was with them in spirit during the ceremony. This shared experience of grief and resilience is a powerful, though heartbreaking, part of their history.

The Dream Hawaiian Wedding

Despite the tragedy, the couple proceeded with their wedding at Kualoa Ranch in Waikane, Hawaii. The setting was particularly meaningful as Janel is a native Hawaiian. The intimate, romantic ceremony was attended by close friends and family, including *Pretty Little Liars* creator I. Marlene King and co-star Brendan Robinson. The event was a beautiful tribute to their future while honoring the memory of Chris's father.

5. The "Hallmark-Style" Meet Cute and Private Life

Their initial encounter is a story that feels straight out of one of Janel's Hallmark movies, a testament to their instant connection.

A Chance Encounter at a Birthday Party

Janel and Chris first met at a birthday party in 2016. Janel has described their meeting as an immediate connection, noting that she "fell in love with him in a second." The fact that Chris is not a celebrity—a chemical engineer—allowed their relationship to develop away from the intense scrutiny of the Hollywood bubble, providing a necessary sense of normalcy. This private foundation is a core secret to their enduring success.

Life Away From the Set

Chris Long’s career as a chemical engineer anchors their life in reality, a deliberate choice by the couple to keep their private world separate from the spotlight. They share their home in California with their two dogs, Cloe and Moose, often sharing glimpses of their relaxed, non-glamorous life on social media. This commitment to a private, grounded existence is a major factor in maintaining their strong relationship.

6. Janel’s Prolific Hallmark Channel Career (2024–2025)

While *Pretty Little Liars* made her a star, the Hallmark Channel has become a major focus of Janel Parrish's career, providing a constant stream of work and topical relevance.

Recent Holiday and Fall Features

In late 2024 and early 2025, Janel continued her successful run with the network, starring in several key projects. She led the cast of the Fall 2024 movie *Haunted Wedding* and the holiday feature *Christmas on Duty*, where she starred opposite Parker Young. She is also associated with the upcoming Hallmark movie *Sugarplummed*. These roles solidify her status as a Hallmark favorite, bringing her acting talents to a dedicated audience and generating continuous buzz.

7. The Future: Family Plans and Artistic Ambition

As they move further into 2025, the couple remains open about their future, which includes a hopeful outlook on starting a family and Janel’s continued artistic evolution. Janel has been open about her desire to have children, a dream that is now being navigated alongside her recent endometriosis diagnosis. The support from Chris is paramount as they approach this next chapter of their life together. Meanwhile, Janel’s artistic ambition, demonstrated by her lead role in the upcoming drama *Bound For Glory*, suggests a renewed focus on challenging, non-network projects, promising an exciting professional future. Their stable, seven-year marriage remains the quiet, powerful backbone that supports both of their very different lives.