Sam Rockwell and Leslie Bibb's enduring romance marked its 17th year recently, and their relationship was thrust back to the forefront with Rockwell's surprise cameo on HBO's hit series, The White Lotus. The episode aired on March 16, 2025, and featured him playing the character Frank, who intersects with the show's storyline involving dark circumstances at the luxury resort.
The couple first met at the famed Chateau Marmont hotel in West Hollywood back in October 2007, during the filming of Rockwell's movie, Frost/Nixon. Just one week later, they embarked on what would become more than just casual dating, dining at the Getty Museum for their first date. That day-long outing was quickly followed by Bibb confessing her love for Rockwell just three weeks after they met. “Sometimes you just get struck,” she recalled during an interview, reflecting on their serendipitous meeting.
Bibb, who has portrayed Kate on The White Lotus, remarked on the nature of how her partner's appearance on the show came about. “No, they came to me and they were like, 'We're going to offer this to Sam,'” Bibb explained to Entertainment Weekly. Although she joked about Rockwell's perception of prep time, as he was simultaneously working on another film located half-way around the world, he accepted the role, wherein he met his character Rick, played by Walton Goggins, to deliver items tangled up with the plot's tension.
“It was really fun,” Bibb said about her experience on set, highlighting the fact they did not share screen time together. Rockwell filmed all his scenes within eight days, contrasting Bibb’s six-month commitment to the series. She proudly noted, “He chewed up the character... we’re lucky to have him,” affirming her partner’s talents as they continue to navigate the highs and lows of their respective careers.
Their first official public appearance as a couple happened during the 2008 CineVegas Film Festival. Over the years, they've been inseparable, often supporting each other at various public events and awards shows. Bibb shared sweet notes for Rockwell's birthday, like the heartfelt message on his November 5 birth date: “Happy birthday to this boy who is clearly on bath salts... I love you #samrockwell and I am so glad you were born,” she wrote on Instagram.
Rockwell's performance on The White Lotus has attracted attention, especially for his interaction with Goggins. The two have historically shared a close bond both on and off-screen, enhancing the authenticity of Rockwell's character dynamic. “Sam is one of my best friends, and he’s also one of my heroes,” Goggins shared, noting the emotional weight of the onscreen connection they portrayed.
Beyond Rockwell’s recent appearance, the couple’s romantic milestones provide insight on how they have successfully managed to keep their relationship strong. They celebrated numerous achievements together: from film premieres to award wins, Bibb has often been there cheering Rockwell on with open arms. At the 2018 SAG Awards, Rockwell publicly thanked Bibb during his acceptance speech, stating, “My beloved Leslie Bibb, for reading scripts with me during the Christmas break. Thank you. I love you very much.” It is clear the two make it work through supportive communication and shared humor.
Throughout their relationship, shared experiences have been the lifeblood of their bond. Be it when visiting iconic places like Abbey Road Studios or adopting their second dog, these moments strengthen their connection. During the 2022 Valentine's Day, Bibb shared on Instagram, “Babies…in love and in Ireland…so grateful you’re still my true blue #sammy.” It’s small touches like these, balancing the chaos of Hollywood, which help keep the flame alive.
Dedicately chronicling their love through social media platforms, particularly Bibb’s Instagram, the couple is clearly unafraid to display affection and gratitude for one another's support. Although they keep their life fairly private, fans get glimpses of their treasured moments. Recalling their 16th anniversary, Bibb wrote, “Sweet sixteen, Sammy … I feel very lucky to get to love this human and even luckier to be loved by him.”
Looking back at the moments they’ve shared, Bibb and Rockwell appear to have etched out something truly special. Whether attending major awards or quietly enjoying life together, they have built relationships not only with each other but with the projects they work on and the friends they cherish along the way. The chemistry they showed on-screen and off only serves to highlight the shared joy they find, still very much committed to one another 17 years later.
