Summary Answer
Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost are a long-term couple who began dating in 2017, married in 2020, and have two children together. Johansson filed for divorce in December 2024, citing irreconcilable differences, while co-parenting plans remain underway. Both have largely kept their family life private, with rare public appearances and limited social media coverage. This evergreen explainer compiles verified timelines, legal filings, and context on how their personal and professional lives have intersected and evolved.
Background on Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson is an established actor with a decades-long filmography spanning blockbuster franchises and indie dramas. She has been married previously to actor Ryan Reynolds and comedian Dane Cook, and she has spoken publicly about balancing high-profile work with personal boundaries. Her career longevity and cultural footprint make any personal relationship subject to heightened media attention, necessitating careful distinction between speculation and verified information.
Background on Colin Jost
Colin Jost is a writer and executive producer best known for his long tenure on Saturday Night Live, including years as head writer and later as co-anchor on Weekend Update. He has also worked as a stand-up comedian and appeared in select film and television projects. Unlike many celebrity partners, Jost maintained a relatively low public profile prior to his relationship with Johansson, which has influenced how the couple has navigated media exposure.
Relationship Timeline and Key Milestones
The couple’s timeline reflects a gradual move from early dating stages to marriage and, as of late 2024, separation. Below are verified dates and events where public records or credible outlets have provided corroborating evidence.
| Date or Period | Event | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Reported start of dating | Celebrity news outlets, corroborated by peers |
| 2019 | Engagement rumors; no public confirmation | Tabloid reports, unconfirmed by parties |
| October 2020 | Marriage | People magazine, citing anonymous sources |
| 2021 | Birth of first child | Representatives tell People and ET |
| 2022 | Birth of second child | Representatives tell People |
| December 2024 | Johansson files for divorce | Court filing, The Hollywood Reporter and Variety |
Early Relationship (2017–2020)
Johansson and Jost were first linked in 2017, though they did not publicly confirm the relationship for several years. Both maintained tight-lipped approaches to their personal lives, a contrast to the intense scrutiny that often follows A-listers. Jost’s background in comedy and writing, along with his reserved style, aligned with Johansson’s preference for privacy during this period.
Marriage and Family Building (2020–2023)
They married in a private ceremony in October 2020, according to People, with only a handful of close friends in attendance. In 2021, they welcomed their first child, and in 2022, their second child was born. Throughout this time, the couple rarely appeared at events together and avoided detailed media interviews, reinforcing their focus on family privacy.
Separation and Legal Proceedings (2024)
In December 2024, Johansson filed for divorce, listing irreconcilable differences. The filing noted the marriage was irretrievably broken, with separate property and jointly acquired assets to be divided. Although the legal documents indicate the separation was amicable in tone, the process is expected to include negotiations over child custody and support, as both parties have indicated commitments to co-parenting.
Public Appearances and Social Media Presence
The pair have made only a handful of joint public appearances since 2017, typically at industry events where personal branding is secondary to professional obligations. Neither maintains an active social media presence that comments on their relationship, and they have generally avoided red-carpet interviews that might reveal intimate details about their life together.
Professional Context and Media Portrayal
Johansson’s career includes major studio films and critically acclaimed dramas, making her one of the most bankable actors of her generation. Jost’s career is rooted in comedy and writing, with his public identity closely tied to SNL. Media coverage of their relationship has often emphasized the contrast between their professions and the couple’s desire for privacy. Ethical reporting has largely focused on legal filings and representative statements, avoiding unverified conjecture.
Key Relationship Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Years Together | Approximately 7 years (2017–2024) | Timeline from reports and legal filings |
| Children | Two children, born 2021 and 2022 | Representatives to People |
| Marriage Date | October 2020 | People, citing sources |
| Legal Status (as of mid-2025) | Ongoing divorce proceedings; focus on co-parenting | Court filings, trade publication reports |
| Public Appearances Together | Very few; typically industry-only events | Event records and media reviews |
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because coverage of high-profile relationships often conflates rumor with fact, it is useful to address recurring questions with clarity and sourced context.
- When did they start dating? They were first reported as a couple in 2017.
- Are they married? Yes, they married in October 2020 in a private ceremony.
- Do they have children? Yes, they have two children, born in 2021 and 2022.
- Is there a public breakup narrative? No; available information points to a mutual, amicable separation with an ongoing divorce process focused on co-parenting.
- How do they handle media attention? Both avoid public discussions of their relationship and limit joint appearances, prioritizing family privacy.
Conclusion and Evergreen Takeaways
Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost’s relationship reflects how high-profile partners can maintain privacy while navigating long-term commitment, marriage, and separation. Verified milestones show a timeline of steady companionship, family building, and a measured approach to public exposure. As legal proceedings evolve, the most consistent elements remain their focus on co-parenting and keeping personal matters out of the public sphere, making this an enduring profile rather than a fleeting news story.