A Complete Timeline of 'White Lotus' Stars Leslie Bibb and Sam Rockwell's Relationship

For nearly two decades, Leslie Bibb and Sam Rockwell have been one of Hollywood’s most enduring—and surprisingly low-key—couples. Despite dating since 2007, many fans are only now realizing they’re together after Rockwell made a surprise cameo in The White Lotus Season 3, where Bibb plays a lead role. While their off-screen romance is just coming to light for some, the two have actually shared the screen multiple times throughout their relationship.

From indie films to major blockbusters, Bibb and Rockwell have collaborated on several projects over the years, blending their personal and professional lives. Yet, even with countless joint appearances at red carpets and award shows, their romance has managed to fly under the radar. Beyond red carpets and on-screen collaborations, Bibb and Rockwell also share glimpses of their love online. Bibb frequently documents their sweetest moments on Instagram, offering fans a peek into their enduring romance. Whether it’s a photo of a lock engraved with their initials or snapshots from a sun-soaked beach vacation, she never shies away from showing off her longtime partner.

Although they’ve never tied the knot, it’s clear they are life partners in every sense of the word. Their ability to maintain a strong, loving relationship while navigating Hollywood’s spotlight is a testament to their bond—one built on humor, support, and a shared love for acting. 

Keep scrolling to see their complete dating timeline, including highlights of the defining moments that have shaped their nearly two-decade-long relationship.

2007: The Meet-Cute 

The couple met at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles while Rockwell was filming Frost/Nixon. Bibb recalled their initial encounter, saying they both smiled at each other, leading to a connection that felt instantaneous.

June 2008: Public Debut

They made their first public appearance as a couple at the CineVegas Film Festival Honoree Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas. This was the first of what would be what seems like hundreds of red carpet dates for the couple. 

May 2010: On-Screen Collaboration

Both appeared in Iron Man 2, with Rockwell portraying Justin Hammer and Bibb reprising her role as Christine Everhart. It was clear the two had no problem working together, as they went on to work on more projects together in the future. 

June 2015: Sundance Film Festival 

Rockwell and Bibb attended the 2015 Sundance Film Festival in Utah to promote their film Don Verdean. In the comedy-drama, Rockwell took on the lead role of Don Verdean, a biblical archaeologist, while Bibb played Joylinda Lazarus.

May 2017: Another On-Screen Collaboration 

The duo reunited on screen for The Dark of Night in 2017. Bibb starred as the lead, Madeline, while Rockwell portrayed Officer Witt, further showcasing their dynamic both on and off-screen.

January 2018: Award Ceremonies and Relationship Secrets

Rockwell took home the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in 2018 for his performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. During his acceptance speech, he thanked Bibb, calling her his beloved and recognizing her unwavering support. Later that month, while walking the red carpet at the 2018 SAG Awards, the couple shared their secret to a lasting relationship. “Communication,” Rockwell told Giuliana Rancic, to which Bibb playfully added, “Good sex!” Rockwell agreed, emphasizing, “Communication and good sex." 

February 2020: Expanding the Family 

The couple adopted a rescue puppy named Gus, sharing their joy with followers on social media. While the couple has been together for decades now, they have never married or had kids.

March 2025: The White Lotus 

Bibb starred in season 3 of The White Lotus, and Rockwell made a surprise cameo in the fifth episode. His appearance featured an outrageous, now-viral monologue about his character's sexual experiences in Thailand.

When asked about her beau's role in the show, Bibb told Entertainment Weekly that she actually had nothing to do with his casting. "I was on the treadmill, and [producer] Dave Bernad came to me," Bibb explained. "But I was like, 'Sam is wild as a buck. Listen, I don't know what he's going to do.'"