Amber Tamblyn and David Cross have been married since October 6, 2012, after dating for four years. The couple shares a 19-year age difference, tied the knot in an unconventional outdoor ceremony featuring a yellow dress and kayak arrival, and welcomed their daughter, Marlow Alice, in 2017. Together, they form one of Hollywood's most enduring creative partnerships.
Who Are Amber Tamblyn and David Cross?
Before examining their relationship, understanding the individual careers of Amber Tamblyn and David Cross helps contextualize their public persona as a couple. Both figures established strong, independent reputations in the entertainment industry prior to their romantic connection.
Amber Tamblyn's Professional Background
Amber Tamblyn began her acting career at an early age, first gaining widespread television recognition as Emily Quartermaine on the daytime soap opera General Hospital. She later transitioned into primetime network television, starring as the titular character in the hit series Joan of Arcadia (2003–2005), a performance that earned her both Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Tamblyn expanded her mainstream visibility through films such as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) and its 2008 sequel, as well as roles in House and Two and a Half Men. Beyond acting, Tamblyn is an accomplished author, poet, director, and political activist. She has published multiple poetry collections and prose books, including Any Man and Era of Ignition, and co-founded the Time's Up movement in 2018 to combat workplace sexual harassment in Hollywood and beyond.
David Cross's Comedy and Acting Career
David Cross is a prominent stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and director best known for his influential work in alternative comedy. He co-created and co-starred in the HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David alongside Bob Odenkirk during the late 1990s, a program that earned a cult following and critical acclaim for its satirical structure.
Cross achieved widespread mainstream popularity for his portrayal of Tobias Fünke, the eccentric former analyst and aspiring actor on the award-winning sitcom Arrested Development. His extensive screen credits also include roles in films such as Scary Movie 2, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Post, and the voice of Ian Hawke in the Alvin and the Chipmunks film franchise. In addition to television and film, Cross maintains an active stand-up comedy touring schedule known for its sharp political and social satire.
How They Met: A Chance Airplane Encounter
The story of how Amber Tamblyn and David Cross first connected is a memorable piece of modern Hollywood lore. Long before they met in person, Tamblyn was a fan of Cross's work on Mr. Show with Bob and David.
The pair met on a flight connecting through Houston. Cross later recalled that he was aware of Tamblyn gazing toward him on the plane. According to interview accounts given by both partners, Tamblyn recognized Cross and had been a admirer of his comedy work. Realizing that they shared mutual interest, they spent the flight conversing, connecting over their shared humor and creative inclinations.
Although there was an immediate spark, Cross initially expressed hesitation about pursuing a romantic relationship due to their significant age difference. At the time they began spending time together in 2008, Tamblyn was in her mid-twenties, while Cross was in his mid-forties. Despite Cross's initial reservations, their shared sensibilities and quick comedic rapport led to a formal romantic relationship later that year.
Navigating the 19-Year Age Difference
One of the most discussed facts about Amber Tamblyn and David Cross's marriage is their 19-year age gap. Born on May 14, 1983, Tamblyn is nearly two decades younger than Cross, who was born on March 24, 1964.
Rather than downplaying the gap, both Tamblyn and Cross have routinely addressed it publicly with humor, self-awareness, and candor. During media appearances—including joint interviews on late-night talk shows—they have joked about the difference in their generational perspectives and cultural reference points.
| Partner | Birth Date | Age at 2012 Wedding |
|---|---|---|
| David Cross | March 24, 1964 | 48 years old |
| Amber Tamblyn | May 14, 1983 | 29 years old |
| Difference | ~19 Years, 2 Mos. | 19 Years |
Beyond television humor, the couple has pointed out that their dynamic relies on mutual respect for each other's independence and maturity. In essays and public commentary on marriage dynamics, Tamblyn has articulated that age differences become far less defining when built on shared values, creative alignment, and open communication.
The Unconventional 2012 Wedding
After dating for roughly three years, David Cross proposed to Amber Tamblyn in August 2011. Just over a year later, on October 6, 2012, the couple wed in an outdoor ceremony in Upstate New York that captured media attention for its distinct, casual, and highly personalized aesthetic.
Unique Bridal Arrival and Attire
Rejecting traditional wedding formalities, the ceremony took place in a natural woodland and camp environment. Rather than wearing a classic white wedding gown, Tamblyn chose a fitted, floor-length bright yellow dress paired with an ankle bracelet and no shoes.
The couple’s entrance was equally untraditional: Tamblyn arrived at the lakeside ceremony in a bright yellow kayak, rowed by her father, veteran actor Russ Tamblyn (known for West Side Story and Twin Peaks). She stepped barefoot out of the boat onto the shore to walk up the aisle.
High-Profile Guests and Musical Performances
The wedding brought together high-profile figures from comedy, television, film, and indie music. Tamblyn’s close friends and co-stars from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants—America Ferrera, Blake Lively, and Alexis Bledel—were in attendance, alongside Lively's husband Ryan Reynolds. Comedic colleagues such as Amy Poehler, Kristen Schaal, and Will Arnett were also present.
The musical entertainment reflected the couple's personal taste in music:
- Live Band Performance: The acclaimed indie rock band Yo La Tengo performed live music during the reception.
- Celebrity DJ: Musician and producer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson of The Roots served as the wedding DJ.
- Cake Design: The wedding featured a custom cake adorned with small artistic representations of the couple and their beloved rescue dogs.
Amber Tamblyn & David Cross Relationship Timeline
The table below outlines key milestones, dates, and life events throughout Amber Tamblyn and David Cross's relationship.
| Year / Date | Milestone Event | Key Context & Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Initial Meeting & Dating | Met on a domestic flight; began dating despite initial hesitation over the 19-year age gap. |
| August 2011 | Engagement | Cross proposed to Tamblyn after three years of dating. |
| October 6, 2012 | Wedding Ceremony | Married in Upstate New York; bride arrived in a yellow kayak wearing a yellow dress. |
| October 2016 | Pregnancy Announcement | Tamblyn announced her pregnancy in an essay for Glamour focusing on mothers and daughters. |
| February 2017 | Daughter's Birth | Welcomed daughter Marlow Alice Cross; initially announced her birth with satirical baby names on social media. |
| 2018 | Time's Up Launch | Tamblyn co-founded Time's Up; Cross publicly supported her work and addressed past behavior in interviews. |
| 2022 | 10th Wedding Anniversary | Celebrated a decade of marriage, continuing active independent careers in publishing, acting, and touring. |
Family Life and Raising Daughter Marlow Alice
In October 2016, Amber Tamblyn wrote a poignant essay for Glamour magazine addressing sexual harassment, body autonomy, and her vision for raising future generations. Within the essay, she revealed publicly for the first time that she and Cross were expecting a baby girl.
On February 15, 2017, the couple welcomed their daughter, Marlow Alice Cross.
Playful Social Media Announcement
Keeping in line with their comedic backgrounds, Tamblyn initially made a joke announcement on Instagram, claiming they had named their newborn "Dauphinoise Petunia Brittany Scheherazade Von Funkinstein Mustard Witch RBG Cross Shannon." A few days later, they confirmed her actual name: Marlow Alice Cross. Shortly after the birth, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent a personalized letter congratulating the couple on their new arrival, a document Tamblyn later shared online.
Approach to Parenting and Privacy
While both Tamblyn and Cross occasionally discuss fatherhood and motherhood in interviews and stand-up routines, they maintain boundaries regarding their daughter's privacy. They generally refrain from posting unblurred photos of Marlow’s face on public social media accounts, choosing to keep her day-to-day life separate from the celebrity spotlight.
In comedy specials released after 2017, Cross frequently incorporates stories about raising a young daughter into his material, detailing the shift in his worldview that accompanied becoming a father later in life (at age 52).
Creative Collaboration and Shared Activism
Beyond their personal life, Tamblyn and Cross share a dynamic that spans artistic collaboration, public advocacy, and political activism.
Joint Creative Projects
While each maintains a distinct career path, their creative spheres occasionally overlap:
- Spoken Word & Literary Events: Cross has appeared at poetry readings, book launches, and panel discussions supporting Tamblyn's literary releases.
- Directorial Support: Cross supported Tamblyn during her feature directorial debut with the 2016 drama Paint It Black, assisting with indie production outreach and promotional efforts.
- Cameos and Podcasts: The couple frequently guest-appears on the same podcast circuits, talk shows, and charity streaming events.
Social Activism and Public Stances
Amber Tamblyn is one of the film industry’s most visible activists regarding gender equity, workplace rights, and political reform. As a founding member of Time's Up, she spent significant time organizing and advocating for women across industries.
David Cross has publicly endorsed his wife's work, frequently using his platform to voice support for political reform and social justice. When public conversations arose surrounding past comedy bits or industry practices, Cross acknowledged the importance of listening to his wife’s perspectives, noting in interviews how Tamblyn's work influenced his understanding of power dynamics within the entertainment business.
Key Takeaways: Why Their Marriage Works
Despite the pressures of working in the entertainment industry and navigating a 19-year age gap, Amber Tamblyn and David Cross have sustained a stable marriage. Observers and fans often point to several key factors behind their long-standing partnership:
- Shared Sense of Humor: Both partners possess a dry, sharp humor that forms the baseline of their personal interactions and public appearances.
- Independent Careers: Tamblyn has built a distinct legacy as an author, director, and activist, while Cross continues his stand-up and acting projects, ensuring neither identity is overshadowed by the marriage.
- Mutual Respect for Evolution: Both have discussed how their relationship has evolved from dating in their 20s/40s to co-parenting and navigating mid-life challenges together.
- Authenticity Over Convention: From their kayak wedding entry to their non-traditional public commentary, the pair routinely prioritizes personal preference over standard Hollywood public relations playbooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age difference between Amber Tamblyn and David Cross?
Amber Tamblyn and David Cross have a 19-year age gap. David Cross was born on March 24, 1964, and Amber Tamblyn was born on May 14, 1983.
When did Amber Tamblyn and David Cross get married?
They were married on October 6, 2012, in a custom outdoor wedding in Upstate New York after dating for four years.
How did Amber Tamblyn and David Cross meet?
They met on a domestic flight connecting through Houston. Tamblyn recognized Cross from his work on Mr. Show, and the two began talking on the plane after noticing mutual interest.
Do Amber Tamblyn and David Cross have children?
Yes, they have one child together, a daughter named Marlow Alice Cross, born in February 2017.
Why did Amber Tamblyn wear yellow to her wedding?
Amber Tamblyn opted for a custom yellow dress and arrived at her wedding ceremony in a yellow kayak to create a casual, comfortable, and nature-focused atmosphere that suited the couple's informal personality.
Summary and Next Steps
The marriage of Amber Tamblyn and David Cross remains one of the most distinctive long-term relationships in modern pop culture. Built on a chance encounter on an airplane, refined through shared humor, and anchored by their daughter Marlow, their relationship balances public artistic output with personal privacy.
To explore more about their individual work:
- Read Amber Tamblyn's literary collections, such as Era of Ignition or Any Man, for insights into her writing and advocacy work.
- Check out David Cross's stand-up comedy specials or classic television work on Arrested Development and Mr. Show to understand his comedic background.
