Blair Underwood Knew His Second Wife Since He Used to Be a Teen, Their Story Is an Uncommon Tinseltown Romance

Some love stories fade into silence, while others unfold in unexpected ways. For Blair Underwood, the true surprise was not just the transformation but who has been central to his new chapter all along.

Often, the most surprising love stories emerge not loudly but through long-standing connections. Blair Underwood’s personal journey exemplifies this, as the deeper one delves into it, the more surprising elements come to light.

Initially, this may appear to be a collection of images featuring a celebrated actor, his lovely family, and a life crafted over many years. However, as you continue viewing, nestled among the delightful family snapshots and red-carpet grins are the twists that redefine this narrative into an extraordinary Hollywood romance.

Blair Underwood at the screening of "Youngblood" in Culver City, California on March 3, 2026.
Blair Underwood at the screening of "Youngblood" in Culver City, California on March 3, 2026.
A throwback image of Blair Underwood and Désirée DaCosta, posted on September 18, 2014.
A throwback image of Blair Underwood and Désirée DaCosta, posted on September 18, 2014.
Désirée DaCosta and Blair Underwood at the 2nd Annual Bridge to Freedom Awards Dinner in Los Angeles, California in 1991.
Désirée DaCosta and Blair Underwood at the 2nd Annual Bridge to Freedom Awards Dinner in Los Angeles, California in 1991.

Long before news of his second marriage hit the headlines, Underwood’s romantic life seemed deeply rooted in something reliable and affectionate. His first wife, Désirée DaCosta, and he spent many years together, created a family, and appeared to be one of those elusive Hollywood couples who had seamlessly navigated their relationship.

Blair Underwood and Désirée DaCosta at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Bodyguard" in Hollywood, California in 1992.
Blair Underwood and Désirée DaCosta at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Bodyguard" in Hollywood, California in 1992.

This perception of intimacy wasn’t merely a projection from fans; Underwood himself described their bond in profound terms. Reflecting in a 2008 piece for Oprah, he shared how loving DaCosta shaped his understanding, stating,

"I wanted to be her rock, her protector. If she had a problem, I wanted to solve it. I thought that’s what was expected of me."

Blair Underwood and Désirée DaCosta at the 10th Anniversary of the Race To Erase MS Gala in 2003.
Blair Underwood and Désirée DaCosta at the 10th Anniversary of the Race To Erase MS Gala in 2003.

In that same essay, Underwood shared insights from his upbringing in a traditional household, where he had always believed that being a man meant taking on the roles of fixer and protector, responsible for maintaining security.

However, on one drive home while engaged to DaCosta, she opened up about a serious issue in her life. Instead of valuing his solutions, she gently told him, "Baby, I don’t need you to fix it. I just need you to listen to me."

Désirée DaCosta and Blair Underwood with two of their children at the premiere of "Thomas and The Magic Railroad" in Los Angeles, California on July 22, 2000.
Désirée DaCosta and Blair Underwood with two of their children at the premiere of "Thomas and The Magic Railroad" in Los Angeles, California on July 22, 2000.
A photo of Blair Underwood during a family vacation, posted on July 22, 2019.
A photo of Blair Underwood during a family vacation, posted on July 22, 2019.

That moment clearly had a lasting impact. Underwood noted it helped him grasp what it truly meant to stand alongside a strong woman who didn’t require him to resolve her problems.

He recognized that offering unsolicited advice provided a false sense of control, while truly listening enriched his relationships, not just with DaCosta but also with his mother, sisters, and female friends.

By the time he penned the essay, he mentioned that after 14 years and three children, he was still prioritizing the art of listening.

Blair Underwood and Désirée DaCosta at the Golden Globes Viewing and After Party in Beverly Hills, California on  January 16, 2011.
Blair Underwood and Désirée DaCosta at the Golden Globes Viewing and After Party in Beverly Hills, California on January 16, 2011.

This is part of why the family images from that period resonate deeply. They showcase not just a couple who appeared visually appealing together but rather a life that seemed abundant with love, children, routine, and the profound familiarity that comes with time.

Désirée DaCosta and Blair Underwood with their three kids at the world premiere of "Teacher's Pet" in Hollywood, California in 2004.
Désirée DaCosta and Blair Underwood with their three kids at the world premiere of "Teacher’s Pet" in Hollywood, California in 2004.
A nostalgic photo of Blair Underwood and his daughter, Brielle Underwood, posted on September 29, 2021.
A nostalgic photo of Blair Underwood and his daughter, Brielle Underwood, posted on September 29, 2021.
A throwback image of Blair Underwood and his youngest son, Blake Underwood, posted on September 29, 2021.
A throwback image of Blair Underwood and his youngest son, Blake Underwood, posted on September 29, 2021.
Blair and Brielle Underwood posing for a photo.
Blair and Brielle Underwood posing for a photo.
Blair and Blake Underwood posing for a photo.
Blair and Blake Underwood posing for a photo.

Even in 2020, Underwood continued to publicly express his admiration for DaCosta. In a heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute on Instagram, he recognized both his mother and DaCosta, calling them "two extraordinary mothers" in his life.

He also conveyed that DaCosta, described as his "wife & mother of our children," allowed him to appreciate "the strength & awe-inspiring greatness of pure & boundless motherhood," thanking both women for "everything." This heartfelt message suggested that gratitude and admiration remained integral to their relationship.

Members of the DaCosta-Underwood family during a vacation.
Members of the DaCosta-Underwood family during a vacation.

Then came the announcement that shifted the entire narrative. In May 2021, the couple disclosed via an Instagram post their decision to end their marriage after 27 years.

Their communication was notably warm. They revealed they came to this conclusion "after a tremendous amount of thought, prayer & work on ourselves individually & collectively," describing their relationship that began over two decades ago as "a beautiful journey."

They stated that their "proudest achievements" were their three wonderful children, expressing their commitment to prioritize them and maintain a friendship as co-parents, honoring each other with "utmost respect."

Désirée DaCosta and Blair Underwood posing for the camera, posted on May 13, 2018.
Désirée DaCosta and Blair Underwood posing for the camera, posted on May 13, 2018.

The statement was gracious, loving, and composed, making the split feel less scandalous and more somber, particularly surprising given the affection-filled years, family images, and public accolades that preceded it.

The thoughtful and calm statement was filled with respect, yet, in light of their previous love-filled history, it struck as genuine shock.

Désirée DaCosta and Blair Underwood at the opening night of "Lackawanna Blues" in Los Angeles, California on March 13, 2019.
Désirée DaCosta and Blair Underwood at the opening night of "Lackawanna Blues" in Los Angeles, California on March 13, 2019.

Then came an unexpected twist that caught many off guard: a romance with a background that few anticipated.

Shortly after, in November 2022, Underwood introduced his now-wife, Josie Hart, in a manner that shifted the narrative entirely. This was not merely a new figure entering his life post-split; according to Underwood, Hart had been part of his life for decades.

Blair Underwood and Josie Hart at the 50th International Emmy Awards in New York City on November 21, 2022.
Blair Underwood and Josie Hart at the 50th International Emmy Awards in New York City on November 21, 2022.

In the Instagram post announcing their engagement, he described Hart as "the most amazing, brilliant, beautiful, hilarious, thought provoking & insightful person" he knows, adding,

"She’s had my back since before I even became an actor."

Josie Hart and Blair Underwood dancing together.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood dancing together.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood dancing together.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood dancing together.

What truly astounded many was that Underwood revealed their friendship had spanned 41 years and evolved into romance. Essentially, Hart had known him since he was just 16 years old.

This crucial detail transformed the narrative from simply surprising to utterly fascinating. It became evident that this was not merely a second marriage but rather a woman who had witnessed Underwood’s journey before fame and the public persona.

Josie Hart and Blair Underwood at The Roundabout Gala in New York City on March 6, 2023.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood at The Roundabout Gala in New York City on March 6, 2023.
Alicia Witt, Blair Underwood and Josie Hart at the afterparty for the Los Angeles premiere of "Longlegs" in Hollywood, California on July 8, 2024.
Alicia Witt, Blair Underwood and Josie Hart at the afterparty for the Los Angeles premiere of "Longlegs" in Hollywood, California on July 8, 2024.
Blair Underwood and Josie Hart at the Los Angeles premiere of "Longlegs."
Blair Underwood and Josie Hart at the Los Angeles premiere of "Longlegs."
Blair Underwood and Josie Hart at the New York City premiere of "Three Women" on September 9, 2024.
Blair Underwood and Josie Hart at the New York City premiere of "Three Women" on September 9, 2024.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood smile for a photo, posted in 2025.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood smile for a photo, posted in 2025.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood with a loved one.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood with a loved one.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood at the premiere of "One Spoon of Chocolate" during the Tribeca Festival in New York City on June 8, 2025.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood at the premiere of "One Spoon of Chocolate" during the Tribeca Festival in New York City on June 8, 2025.

In June 2023, Underwood and Hart solidified their love by tying the knot in the Caribbean. As reported, the couple married on June 24 at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by 100 guests, including actress Kim Fields and late actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

The details of the wedding were both dazzling and deeply personal: Hart donned a custom two-in-one gown featuring a fitted trumpet silhouette and a detachable overskirt, while Underwood wore an ivory evening jacket with their wedding date stitched inside.

Hart made her entrance to the tune of "I Choose You" by Ryann Darling, and Underwood remarked when he first saw her in the dress, "She looked like a princess." They exchanged handwritten vows beneath an acrylic arch adorned with roses, and later shared their first dance to Tony Terry’s "With You," performed live as a surprise for Hart. Fireworks illuminated the night sky.

Josie Hart and Blair Underwood pose with family and friends on their wedding day, posted on July 2, 2023.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood pose with family and friends on their wedding day, posted on July 2, 2023.

Reports also indicated that their children delivered toasts, with one guest commenting, "There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as two families, already ‘family’ for decades, officially became one."

The reception continued the celebratory atmosphere, with guests feasting on Dominican ceviche, coconut-breaded shrimp, grilled bacon-wrapped plantains, and a five-tier French vanilla cake filled with guava and white chocolate crème, embellished with Swarovski crystal ribbon. It was both lavish and emotionally resonant, reflecting the unique history of the couple.

Josie Hart and Blair Underwood with a loved one.
Josie Hart and Blair Underwood with a loved one.

Additionally, there’s a detail that adds an intriguing layer to the story: Hart’s son, Brett Owens.

In one snapshot, Hart is seen sharing a joyful, affectionate selfie with Owens. While a lovely moment unto itself, within the context of this narrative, it stands out for another reason…

Owens possesses features and expressions that might prompt some to do a double-take, as he bears a striking resemblance to Underwood at first glance. It is worth clarifying that this is merely an observation regarding appearances and not an assertion of any further connection, yet in a narrative already filled with unexpected elements, it’s a detail likely to catch people’s attention.

Josie Hart with her son Brett Owens, posted on October 18, 2018.
Josie Hart with her son Brett Owens, posted on October 18, 2018.

Collectively, these images weave a narrative rich with contrast. It began with a long, loving marriage centered around family, followed by a respectful yet surprising conclusion to that chapter.

Then emerged the woman who had been part of Underwood’s life since he was a teenager; the friend who quietly supported him for over four decades before becoming his wife.

Blair Underwood and Josie Hart at the screening of "Youngblood" in Culver City, California on March 3, 2026.
Blair Underwood and Josie Hart at the screening of "Youngblood" in Culver City, California on March 3, 2026.

This is what renders this story so captivating: It transcends the notion of a marriage ending and another beginning; it encapsulates the themes of time, history, second chances, and deep connections that don’t form overnight.

In a Hollywood landscape characterized by fleeting relationships, Blair Underwood and Hart’s tale feels distinctly different—more enduring, sweeter, and far more unexpected.