Leah Lewis, the talented Chinese-American actress who captured hearts in Netflix’s “The Half of It” and CW’s “Nancy Drew,” has always been relatively open about her romantic relationships with fans. The 28-year-old actress, known for bringing authenticity and depth to her roles, has experienced both long-term love and the complexities of moving on in the public eye.
Born in China and raised in the United States, Lewis began her acting career as a child and has steadily built an impressive resume in Hollywood. From voicing Ember in Pixar’s “Elemental” to her current role as Sarah Franklin in CBS’s “Matlock” reboot, she has proven her versatility across different mediums. However, alongside her professional achievements, fans have remained equally curious about her personal life and romantic relationships.
The actress’s dating history has been marked by a significant long-term relationship that lasted several years, followed by what appears to be a new romantic chapter. Her approach to sharing her personal life on social media has given fans glimpses into her relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries about her privacy. This balance between openness and discretion has made her romantic journey particularly intriguing to followers who have watched her career evolve from child actor to leading lady.
Understanding Leah Lewis’s dating timeline provides insight into how young Hollywood stars navigate love while building their careers in an industry that often puts personal relationships under intense scrutiny.
The Payson Lewis Era: A Seven-Year Romance
Leah Lewis (Image via Getty)
Leah Lewis’s most well-documented relationship was with musician and actor Payson Lewis, which began in May 2016. The couple’s romance captured significant attention, not only because of their genuine affection for each other but also due to the coincidental fact that they shared the same last name despite not being related.
Payson Lewis, based in Los Angeles and New York, built his own career in entertainment with appearances on popular shows including “Revenge” and “How I Met Your Mother.” The couple’s relationship became a favorite among fans who followed their journey through social media posts filled with adorable photos and heartwarming tributes to each other.
Their relationship reached a particularly touching moment in March 2021 when Payson took to Facebook to express his love for Leah while addressing anti-Asian racism. He wrote passionately about loving “this Chinese-American woman with all my heart” and expressed his concerns about the rise of hate and violence toward people who looked like her. This public declaration demonstrated the depth of their connection and Payson’s commitment to supporting Leah during challenging times.
The couple collaborated professionally as well, working together on a song called “Back in Time” in 2021 while they were still dating. This creative partnership showcased another dimension of their relationship, blending their personal and professional lives in a meaningful way.
The End of an Era: When Love Stories Change
Despite their seemingly strong connection, Leah Lewis and Payson Lewis eventually parted ways, though the exact timing of their breakup remains unclear. The split came as a surprise to many fans who had followed their relationship for years and had grown accustomed to seeing them together on social media.
Interestingly, even after their romantic relationship ended, the former couple maintained enough of a connection to release their collaborative song “Back in Time” in February 2023. Both Leah and Payson shared detailed posts about the project, with Payson noting that they had “recorded it back in 2021 while we were still dating.” This mature approach to handling their creative work post-breakup demonstrated their professionalism and mutual respect.
The end of their relationship marked the conclusion of what many considered one of young Hollywood’s more stable and genuine partnerships. Their ability to maintain dignity and respect for each other even after their romantic relationship ended set a positive example for how former couples can navigate post-breakup dynamics in the public eye.
New Beginnings: Leah’s Current Love Interest
Leah Lewis (Image via Getty)
In February 2023, Leah Lewis surprised fans by sharing intimate photos on Instagram that revealed she had found love again. The Valentine’s Day post featured two images: one showing Leah and her new boyfriend embracing in a hammock swing, and another of him smiling while holding a coffee cup in a car.
This post marked Leah’s first public acknowledgment of a new romantic relationship since her split from Payson Lewis. The affectionate Spanish terms of endearment and the intimate nature of the photos suggested that this new relationship had developed into something meaningful for the actress.
However, Leah has chosen to keep more details about her current boyfriend private, including his identity and how they met. This decision reflects a more guarded approach to sharing her personal life, possibly learned from her previous experience of having a very public relationship.
Balancing Career and Romance
Throughout her dating journey, Leah Lewis has demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance her romantic relationships with her demanding career in entertainment. At 28 years old, she continues to take on challenging roles while the complexities of love in the public eye.
Her current role as Sarah Franklin in CBS’s “Matlock” reboot showcases her range as an actress, bringing “Gen Z energy” to the established franchise. This career milestone comes at a time when she appears to have found personal happiness again, suggesting that she has successfully learned to manage both aspects of her life.
The actress’s approach to relationships seems to have evolved over time, moving from very public displays of affection with Payson Lewis to a more private approach with her current partner. This shift might reflect personal growth and a desire to protect her relationships from excessive public scrutiny.
Looking Forward: Love and Career in Harmony
Leah Lewis (Image via Getty)
As Leah Lewis continues to build her impressive acting career, her approach to dating and relationships appears to have matured. Her experience with a long-term public relationship followed by a more private new romance suggests she has found a balance that works for her personal well-being and professional goals.
The actress’s journey through love and heartbreak in the public eye has been handled with grace and authenticity. From her seven-year relationship with Payson Lewis to her current romantic situation, she has shown that it’s possible to maintain genuine connections while pursuing ambitious career goals in Hollywood.
Her story resonates with many young people, similar challenges of balancing personal relationships with professional aspirations, making her not just a talented actress but also a relatable figure for her generation.
Dijon Duenas, the Baltimore-born alternative R&B sensation known simply as Dijon, has audiences not only with his ethereal soundscapes and vulnerable lyricism but also with his deeply personal approach to love and relationships. The 33-year-old musician, who has collaborated with artists like Brockhampton and Charli XCX, found his greatest inspiration in his relationship with fashion stylist Joanie Del Santo, whom he married in an intimate ceremony on June 25, 2022.
The couple’s love story has become intertwined with Dijon’s musical evolution, serving as the foundation for some of his most acclaimed work. From his 2020 EP “How Do You Feel About Getting Married?” to his debut album “Absolutely” (2021), Dijon’s relationship with Joanie has provided the emotional core that transforms his music from mere songs into profound explorations of modern love, vulnerability, and commitment.
Their relationship represents more than just a romantic partnership; it embodies the artistic collaboration and emotional openness that defines Dijon’s approach to both music and life. As fans celebrated their union through social media posts and wedding congratulations, it became clear that Dijon and Joanie’s relationship had resonated far beyond their personal circle, inspiring listeners who found solace and recognition in Dijon’s honest portrayals of love’s complexities.
The Woman Behind the Music: Joanie Del Santo
Dijon Duenas (Image via Getty)
Joanie Del Santo has emerged as both Dijon’s life partner and creative collaborator, working as a fashion stylist while maintaining a relatively private presence compared to her musician husband. Her influence on Dijon’s work extends far beyond romantic inspiration, as she has contributed to the visual and aesthetic elements of his artistic presentation.
The couple’s relationship began during a period of significant artistic growth for Dijon, coinciding with his transition from the duo Abhi//Dijon to his solo career. Their connection developed as Dijon was exploring themes of intimacy, commitment, and emotional vulnerability that would later define his most successful releases.
Del Santo’s background in fashion styling has complemented Dijon’s artistic vision, contributing to the cohesive aesthetic that surrounds his music releases and public appearances. Her understanding of visual storytelling has helped shape the presentation of Dijon’s work, from album artwork to performance styling.
Musical Love Letters: How Joanie Inspired Dijon’s Greatest Work
Dijon’s relationship with Joanie has served as the primary inspiration for his most critically acclaimed music, transforming personal experiences into universal expressions of love and longing. His 2020 EP “How Do You Feel About Getting Married?” directly addressed the couple’s evolving relationship, with the title itself serving as both a question and a declaration of intent.
The EP’s six tracks explore themes of commitment, uncertainty, and the beautiful complexity of long-term relationships. Songs like “hunni” showcase Dijon’s ability to translate intimate moments into breathtaking musical experiences, with his breathy vocals and tender production creating an atmosphere of profound intimacy.
His debut album “Absolutely” (2021) further developed these themes, with tracks like “Big Mike’s” offering detailed portraits of everyday love. The song opens with the line “I like how you look when you’re not listening,” capturing the mundane yet magical moments that define lasting relationships. Throughout the album, Dijon demonstrates his ability to find beauty in the ordinary aspects of love, from quiet mornings to shared silences.
The track “End Of Record” serves as a particularly poignant tribute to Joanie, described as “a slow-burning and sweet tribute to Dijon’s fiancée.” The song features slide guitar, clarinet, drums, and organ arrangements that create a hypnotic backdrop for Dijon’s vulnerable vocals.
The Wedding: A Celebration of Intimate Love
Dijon Duenas (Image via Getty)
On June 25, 2022, Dijon and Joanie exchanged vows in what fans described as having “small intimate wedding vibes.” The ceremony reflected the couple’s preference for authenticity over spectacle, aligning with the honest, unpolished aesthetic that defines Dijon’s musical approach.
Their wedding registry revealed the couple’s practical approach to their new life together. Instead of traditional gifts, they requested contributions toward their honeymoon and house fund, writing: “In lieu of gifts we would so appreciate the ability to travel this summer and to fix up our new home.”
The wedding date itself holds special significance, occurring exactly three years to the day before the current date in 2025, marking their third wedding anniversary. Fans and fellow musicians celebrated the union, recognizing how Joanie’s presence had positively influenced Dijon’s music and personal growth.
Collaborative Spirit: How Love Changed Dijon’s Creative Process
Dijon’s relationship with Joanie coincided with a significant shift in his creative approach, moving from a solitary artistic process to one embracing collaboration and vulnerability. This change is evident in his work with producer Mk.gee (Mike Gordon), who became a key collaborator on “Absolutely.”
The musician has spoken openly about how his relationship taught him to accept help and input from others, both personally and professionally. “I used to want to do everything by myself,” Dijon explained. “I was pretty insecure for a while, but over the course of the pandemic, I accepted that there are limitations. It opened up this idea that other people can provide pieces of your world.”
This collaborative spirit extends beyond music production to encompass the emotional and creative support Joanie provides. Her presence has allowed Dijon to explore more vulnerable territories in his songwriting, resulting in music that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Current Relationship Status and Future Prospects
Dijon Duenas (Image via Getty)
As of 2025, Dijon and Joanie continue their marriage, having celebrated their third wedding anniversary in June. Their relationship remains a source of creative inspiration for Dijon, who continues to explore themes of love, commitment, and partnership in his ongoing musical projects.
The couple’s approach to their public relationship reflects their shared values of authenticity and privacy. While Dijon’s music offers intimate glimpses into their life together, both maintain boundaries around their personal space, sharing enough to connect with fans while preserving the sacred aspects of their partnership.
Their relationship serves as a testament to the power of love to transform not only personal lives but artistic expression. Through Joanie’s influence, Dijon has evolved from a guarded solo artist into someone capable of profound vulnerability and collaborative creativity, resulting in music that resonates with audiences seeking authentic expressions of modern love.
