Ari Dayan, the daring pop musician renowned for her sharp and cutting edge in the pop scene, and Brett Gelman, the celebrated actor from Stranger Things and Fleabag, are recognized as one of Hollywood’s most innovative and captivating power couples.

Their relationship, marked by a profound personal bond and professional synergy, has enthralled fans since 2019. From directing music videos together to a romantic engagement in Jerusalem, their journey exemplifies a shared sense of humor and deep appreciation for one another. This is the tale of their partnership, both on and off the stage.

Brett Gelman is an American actor and comedian, famously known for his portrayal of Murray Bauman in Netflix’s Stranger Things and the exasperating Martin in the BBC comedy Fleabag. Born on October 6, 1976, and brought up in a Jewish family in Highland Park, Illinois, Gelman completed his classical theater education at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

His career spans acclaimed comedy specials on Adult Swim, film roles, and voice acting in projects like Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. He has often spoken about how his Jewish background motivates his approach to the world, both in terms of humor and empathy, even coining the term “Jaddy” to describe a “sexy, Jewish, masculine man”.

Ari Dayan and Brett Gelman’s Relationship Beginnings

The couple began dating in 2019 after Gelman’s previous marriage to filmmaker Janicza Bravo ended in 2018. Their romantic connection quickly evolved into a creative partnership. As Gelman once explained:

“It goes without saying that Ari’s music deeply inspires me.”

This mutual admiration led to their first professional collaboration, with Gelman directing the music video for Dayan’s 2022 song “Love,” a project they conceived together.

The Jerusalem Proposal: A Historic Engagement

In a deeply symbolic gesture, Gelman proposed to Dayan in April 2023 against the backdrop of Jerusalem’s Western Wall. The actor announced the joyful news on Instagram, writing:

“SHE SAID YES!!!”

Dayan shared her own post, quipping:

“Can’t wait for Mr. Gelman to become Mr. Dayan.”

To which Gelman playfully replied, “Just call me Mr. D!!!”. This location was particularly meaningful, as Dayan has frequently shared her connection to Israel, including posts from Tel Aviv and a song inspired by her grandmother, a Holocaust survivor.

Creative Collaborations and Shared Projects

Their relationship is a true creative merger. The “Love” music video was a joint vision. Gelman described it as:

“a total equal collaboration between Ari and I.”

Dayan echoed this sentiment, highlighting their synergistic dynamic:

“We speak the same language when it comes to what’s funny. I would have an idea and Brett would add to it and the other way around and we found our mutual voice pretty quickly.”

They have also shared their Jewish heritage with fans, collaborating on a Hanukkah sing-along from their Los Angeles home, with Dayan singing in Hebrew.