Ari Dayan, recognized for her sharp and witty pop music style, and Brett Gelman, the celebrated actor renowned for his roles in Stranger Things and Fleabag, have become one of Hollywood’s most dynamic and inventive couples.

Since 2019, their relationship has fascinated fans with its combination of heartfelt connection and professional synergy. From collaborating on music videos to a romantic proposal in Jerusalem, their journey highlights a unique blend of humor and mutual respect. This is the tale of their creative and personal alliance, both on and off the spotlight.

Brett Gelman is an American performer and comedian, famed for his portrayal of Murray Bauman in Netflix’s Stranger Things and the frustratingly amusing Martin in the BBC’s Fleabag. Born on October 6, 1976, and raised in a Jewish household in Highland Park, Illinois, Gelman is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he received classical theater training.

Gelman’s career includes notable comedy specials on Adult Swim, roles in films, and voice work in projects such as Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. He often credits his Jewish heritage for shaping his comedic and empathetic outlook on life, even inventing the term “Jaddy” to describe an attractive, Jewish, masculine figure.

Ari Dayan and Brett Gelman’s Relationship Beginnings

The pair started dating in 2019 following Gelman’s separation from filmmaker Janicza Bravo in 2018. Their romantic bond soon flourished into a fruitful creative partnership. Gelman has shared insights into this evolution:

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

This admiration and respect for each other’s work led to their inaugural professional collaboration, with Gelman directing Dayan’s 2022 music video “Love,” a project they crafted jointly.

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.