The Truth About Minka Kelly's Dating History
Minka Kelly has been showing off her acting skills on television shows including "Friday Night Lights, "Parenthood" and "Titans," as well as film roles in "The Roommate" and "Just Go with It," for two decades (via IMDb). And she has received just as much attention for her dating history, which includes plenty of famous faces. "I think it comes with the territory. It's a small price to pay for the extraordinary life that I live," Kelly said in a 2016 radio interview (via E! News). "I think if they're paying attention, that must mean there's something [I'm doing right]."
Yet for someone who has had such an impressive love life, Kelly actually doesn't like to date. "I think it's awkward and uncomfortable and inauthentic. You're on your best behavior, trying to impress the other person," she told Men's Health in 2009. "If you want to date me, just be my friend and ask me if I want to hang out."
Minka Kelly briefly dated Donald Faison
Minka Kelly dated Brian White — known for his roles in "Ray Donovan" and "Scandal" — from 2003-2004. After they split, she moved on with "Scrubs" actor Donald Faison shortly after he divorced his first wife, Lisa Askey (via Page Six). Faison and Kelly were together for one year before parting ways, and not long after, he met Jessica Simpson's best friend, CaCee Cobb, at Zach Braff's 30th birthday party (via Martha Stewart Weddings). The couple said I do in 2012, hosting their wedding in Braff's backyard, and now share two children.
Faison has six children in total, including three with his ex-wife, who passed away in 2017. He paid tribute to her on social media post shortly after her passing, writing (via US Weekly), "She and I never really saw eye to eye but one thing we did share was our love for our children. RIP Lisa. You raised three beautiful children into fine adults and I am forever grateful for that. May god bless your soul with light and love."
She dated Chris Evans on and off
Minka Kelly started dating Chris Evans in 2007, before he found worldwide fame as Captain America. They reportedly split due to scheduling conflicts, but gave their romance another go in 2012, only to break up again one year later (per Page Six). They were spotted walking their dogs together in 2015, but if there was another reconciliation, it was short-lived.
Chances are good, though, that they parted on good terms. In fact, Evans told Elle that he has never had a bad breakup. "Typically, if I see an ex, I give a big hug, and it's wonderful to catch up. If you're ever fortunate enough to love someone and have them love you back, it's worth protecting that. It's rare that someone can truly know you. And if you've broken through that kind of wall, I think it's important to value that."
John Mayer broke up with her to date Jennifer Aniston
After breaking up with Chris Evans the first time in 2007, Minka Kelly started spending time with musician John Mayer. They were first spotted in Austin, Texas, where Kelly was filming "Friday Night Lights," and also attended Knicks games with "Grey's Anatomy" star Ellen Pompeo and her husband (via People). But Kelly and Mayer split just a few months later, reportedly because he wanted to date Jennifer Aniston. "Minka received a call from John prior to the story breaking about his relationship with Jennifer," a source told Page Six at the time. "He apologized to Minka, 'Sorry, but I'm really in love.' " She found that interesting as, "during his relationship with her, John mentioned, 'I don't really get this Jennifer Aniston thing.'"
Kelly and Mayer stayed on good terms. She even attended one of his concerts in Los Angeles and shared dinner together The Sunset Marquis Hotel.
Minka Kelly was in a long-term relationship with Derek Jeter
One of Minka Kelly's longest relationships was with New York Yankees superstar Derek Jeter. They started dating in 2008, five months after Kelly split with John Mayer and Jeter ended a romance with Jessica Biel (via E! News). They kept things super private, and it wasn't until one year later that the relationship was confirmed during a romantic trip to St. Barts. The two seemed like a match made in heaven, with both super focused on their careers. "A man has to be passionate about something," Kelly told Men's Health. "He has to be focused and genuine. He has to have drive. I really believe that about our careers are our first loves. And I think a career should be as important for him as it is for me. And that we should be able to understand that we come second."
By 2010, rumors were swirling that Jeter and Kelly were ready to tie the knot at Long Island's Oheka Castle. However, by 2011, the couple had called it quits. Jeter went on to marry model Hannah Davis in 2016, and they have two daughters, Story Grey and Bella Raine (via Today).
Her relationship with Jesse Williams turned heads
Minka Kelly got together with "Grey's Anatomy" star Jesse Williams in 2017, a few months after he left his wife of five years, Aryn Drake-Lee. Yet sources claimed that he and Kelly had started dating while he was still with his wife, after the two actors met while filming a video game in Paris (via Daily Mail). Kelly denied having anything to do with the demise of Williams' marriage. In fact, after a fan wrote on Instagram that they hoped "the cheating rumors aren't true," Kelly hit back, responding "They're not. Hate for you to be disappointed. Glad I could clear that up for you. Now f*** off" (via E! News)
Williams also denied the rumors during a cameo for Jay-Z's "Footnotes for 4:44." "I was in a relationship 13 years," he explained, "13 real years, not 5 years, not 7 years, 13 years and all of a sudden mother f****** are writing think-pieces that I somehow threw a 13-year relationship — like the most painful experience I've had in my life like with a person I've loved with all of my heart — that I threw a person and my family in the trash because a girl I work with is cute."
Williams and Kelly parted ways in early 2018 (via US Weekly).
She might have met her match with Trevor Noah
When Minka Kelly started dating "The Daily Show" host Trevor Noah in 2020, many believed the 40-year-old had finally found her match. Although neither confirmed their relationship, sources told People that the couple were "very serious" and "very happy." Noah even purchased a home in Los Angeles for them to share. The 11,000-square-foot Bel Air home has six bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, as well as a gym, steam room, wine room, screening room, library and chef's kitchen, according to People. "They're making plans for a future together, and it's a very stable relationship," a source said. "They've been spending time between coasts over the last year and had been looking for a place in L.A. as a couple."
After a source told People that the couple had parted ways in May 2021, Noah and Kelly were spotted together in New York City a few months later (via TMZ). Have they rekindled their romance? Since the pair are super private, only time will tell.