Lilli Kay has captured audiences worldwide with her compelling performances in hit series like “Yellowstone” and “Your Honor,” but her personal life has sparked equally intense curiosity among fans. The talented actress, who made history with the first LGBTQ+ kiss on “Yellowstone,” has been refreshingly open about her relationships and identity, making her a beloved figure both on and off screen.
Born on March 18, 1996, in Brooklyn, New York, Kay comes from an entertainment family—her father, Stephen Kay, is a prominent director and executive producer who has worked on “Yellowstone,” while her stepmother is actress Piper Perabo. This early exposure to Hollywood helped shape her career trajectory, but it’s her authentic approach to love and relationships that has truly resonated with audiences.
The 29-year-old actress has navigated the complexities of dating in the public eye while building an impressive career spanning television, film, and theater. From rumored connections with co-stars to her current relationship with model Juli Kocemba, Kay’s romantic journey reflects her commitment to living authentically as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Her openness about her personal life has not only endeared her to fans but has also contributed to important representation in mainstream entertainment, particularly through her groundbreaking moment on “Yellowstone” that brought real-life love to the screen.
Current Relationship Status: Dating Juli Kocemba
Lilli Kay (Image via Getty)
Lilli Kay is currently in a loving relationship with Juli Kocemba, a Polish model and actor who identifies as a trans masculine person using they/them pronouns. The couple has been together since 2022, and their relationship has been characterized by mutual support and public displays of affection.
Juli Kocemba, who is 24 years old as of 2024, stands 1.78 meters tall and works as both a model and social media influencer. Born under the zodiac sign Pisces, Kocemba has become an integral part of Kay’s life both personally and professionally. The couple frequently appears together on red carpets and social media, showcasing their strong bond and commitment to each other.
What makes their relationship particularly special is how it intersected with Kay’s professional life. When “Yellowstone” needed someone for Kay’s character Clara, to kiss in what would become the show’s first non-heterosexual kiss, Kay asked her real-life partner to step in for the role. This authentic moment not only made television history but also demonstrated the couple’s comfort with sharing their love publicly.
The Historic Yellowstone Kiss That Changed Everything
The relationship between Lilli Kay and Juli Kocemba gained significant attention when it was featured on “Yellowstone” in a groundbreaking scene. During the filming of season five, episode seven titled “The Dream is Not Me,” Kay’s character, Clara, shared the show’s first LGBTQ+ kiss.
The kiss came about organically due to COVID-19 protocols during filming. As Kay explained, the script called for her character to make out with someone, but finding an appropriate person who was already in the testing cycle proved challenging. Kay approached her partner about stepping in for the role, and Kocemba agreed to participate.
This moment was significant not just for the show but for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream television. Kay expressed gratitude that the production team was supportive throughout the process, noting that “everybody was very loving and supportive.” The scene aired as part of the Montana State Fair episode, where ranchers attend the fair and Clara shares an intimate moment with someone in a cowboy hat.
Past Relationship Rumors: Nicholas Galitzine Connection
Lilli Kay (Image via Getty)
Before her relationship with Juli Kocemba, Lilli Kay was rumored to have been involved with British actor Nicholas Galitzine. The 30-year-old Libra, who stands 1.83 meters tall, worked alongside Kay in the Netflix supernatural horror series “Chambers” in 2019.
The dating rumors began when both actors shared photos together on social media, leading fans to speculate about a romantic connection. However, neither Kay nor Galitzine ever confirmed these relationship rumors publicly. The speculation appears to have been based primarily on their close friendship and professional collaboration rather than any confirmed romantic involvement.
Galitzine, known for his roles in various films and television series, has maintained his privacy regarding personal relationships, and the rumored connection with Kay remains unconfirmed. The actors worked together professionally on “Chambers,” where Kay played Penelope Fowler opposite Galitzine’s character.
Career Success and Personal Growth
Lilli Kay’s relationship timeline coincides with her rising career success in Hollywood. She gained recognition for her role as Sofia “Fia” Baxter in the Showtime drama series “Your Honor” alongside Bryan Cranston, appearing in both seasons of the show. Her performance in this series helped establish her as a talented dramatic actress capable of handling complex characters.
Her role as Clara Brewer in “Yellowstone” season five further elevated her profile, particularly given her family connection to the show through her father Stephen Kay, ‘s involvement as a director and executive producer. This role not only showcased her acting abilities but also provided the platform for her historic LGBTQ+ representation moment.
In 2025, Kay expanded her range by appearing as “Zero” in the Apple TV+ sports comedy “Stick” alongside Owen Wilson. She described her character as “uncompromising,” explaining that “if Zero believes something, they believe it with their whole heart.” This role demonstrates her versatility as an actress capable of transitioning between drama and comedy.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Community Support
Lilli Kay (Image via Getty)
Beyond her romantic relationships, Lilli Kay has established herself as a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. She uses she/they pronouns and has been open about her identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Her advocacy work has made her a beloved figure not just for her acting talents but for her dedication to supporting underrepresented communities.
Kay’s commitment to authentic representation extends beyond her personal life into her professional choices. According to her Coverfly profile, she actively seeks roles that provide accurate and authentic on-screen queer representation. This dedication has contributed to her reputation as an actress who brings both talent and integrity to her work.
Her openness about her identity and relationships has resonated with fans who appreciate seeing authentic LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream entertainment. By living openly and honestly, Kay has become a role model for young people in their own identities and relationships.
Personal Interests and Lifestyle
Outside of her acting career and romantic relationships, Lilli Kay maintains diverse interests that reflect her multifaceted personality. She is an accomplished musician, serving as both an alto singer and guitarist. Her musical talents complement her acting abilities and provide another creative outlet for expression.
Kay has developed impressive physical skills that serve her well in action roles, including archery, stage fighting, and swordplay. She’s also an experienced horse rider, having been around animals since age six, which proved valuable for her work on “Yellowstone.” Her linguistic abilities include speaking in various accents, including Australian, New Zealand, and British.
Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 121 pounds, Kay maintains an active lifestyle that supports her demanding career. Her diverse skill set and interests demonstrate her commitment to continuous learning and growth both personally and professionally.
Drew Starkey, the breakout star of Netflix’s hit series “Outer Banks,” has captured hearts worldwide with his portrayal of the complex and brooding Rafe Cameron. While his on-screen character may be controversial, Drew himself has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young actors, leading fans to become increasingly curious about his personal life and romantic relationships. The 30-year-old North Carolina native has successfully maintained a relatively private personal life despite his rising fame, but that hasn’t stopped speculation about his dating status from running rampant across social media platforms.
The actor’s charm extends far beyond his villainous role in “Outer Banks.” With recent high-profile projects including starring alongside Daniel Craig in Luca Guadagnino’s critically acclaimed film “Queer,” Drew has proven his versatility and cemented his status as a rising Hollywood star. His growing popularity has naturally led to increased interest in his romantic life, with fans eagerly searching for clues about potential relationships through his social media presence and public appearances.
Despite the intense scrutiny that comes with fame, Drew has managed to keep his love life largely under wraps, rarely sharing personal details or confirming relationships publicly. This air of mystery has only fueled more speculation among his dedicated fan base, who analyze every social media post and public appearance for hints about his relationship status. The question remains: is Drew Starkey single, or is he quietly dating someone away from the public eye?
Current Relationship Status: The Odessa A’zion Connection
Drew Starkey and Odessa A’zion (Image via Getty)
The most persistent and widely discussed rumor surrounding Drew Starkey’s love life involves his alleged relationship with fellow actress Odessa A’zion. The speculation began in earnest after the pair worked together on Hulu’s 2022 “Hellraiser” reboot, where they portrayed love interests Riley and Trevor. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, but it’s their off-screen interactions that have kept fans convinced there’s more to their relationship than meets the eye.
Since 2021, Drew and Odessa have been spotted together at numerous events, from red carpet appearances to casual outings. They’ve walked red carpets arm-in-arm, posed together at the “Outer Banks” event Poguelandia in early 2023, and frequently appear in each other’s social media posts. One of the most notable moments that fueled romance speculation was Odessa’s birthday tribute to Drew in November 2022, where she shared several photos of them together with the playful caption: “Happy Birthday, Joseph. Keep eating that pb n j once a day, it’s really good for ur bones.”
The rumors gained additional momentum in early 2025 when the pair were photographed together at a W Magazine Party at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont and later spotted at the Vanity Fair Oscars Afterparty in March. However, despite years of speculation and countless fan theories, neither Drew nor Odessa has ever officially confirmed their relationship status, leaving fans to continue guessing about the true nature of their connection.
Past Relationships and Dating History
Before the Odessa A’zion speculation dominated headlines, Drew Starkey was reportedly linked to actress Claire Van der Linden. Van der Linden, known for her roles in “Knives and Skin” (2019) and “Empire,” allegedly dated Drew after they met while working on the short film “The Radical Notion of Gene Mutation” in 2014. However, like many aspects of Drew’s personal life, this relationship was never officially confirmed by either party.
The actor’s dating history remains relatively sparse in terms of confirmed relationships, which speaks to his commitment to maintaining privacy around his personal life. Unlike many celebrities who are frequently photographed with different partners or openly discuss their romantic lives in interviews, Drew has consistently chosen to keep these details away from public scrutiny.
The Mystery Behind Drew’s Private Nature
Drew Starkey (Image via Getty)
Drew Starkey’s approach to privacy is notably different from many of his contemporaries in Hollywood. He maintains a minimal social media presence and rarely shares personal details about his life outside of work. This deliberate choice to keep his private life separate from his public persona has created an air of mystery that only adds to his appeal among fans.
The actor’s commitment to privacy extends beyond just romantic relationships. He rarely posts personal content on social media platforms, instead focusing primarily on professional projects and work-related content. This approach has made every look into his personal life, whether through paparazzi photos or rare social media posts, feel more significant and newsworthy to his fanbase.
Fan Speculation and Social Media Theories
The lack of official confirmation about Drew’s relationship status has led to extensive fan speculation across various social media platforms. TikTok, in particular, has become a hub for fan theories and relationship analysis, with users creating compilation videos of Drew and Odessa’s interactions and analyzing their body language and social media activity.
Reddit discussions have also provided interesting insights, with some users claiming insider knowledge about Drew’s personal life. One Reddit user claimed to have worked on “Outer Banks” Season 3 and mentioned seeing Odessa visit the set with their shared Pomeranian, suggesting a long-term relationship. However, as with most internet speculation, these claims should be taken with considerable skepticism.
The fan community has developed several theories about Drew and Odessa’s relationship, ranging from them being “platonic soulmates” to having an open relationship or simply being close friends. The ambiguity surrounding their relationship status has only intensified fan interest and speculation.
Professional Impact and Future Projects
Drew Starkey (Image via Getty)
Drew’s rising star power has naturally led to increased interest in his personal life, but he’s managed to keep the focus primarily on his professional achievements. His role in “Queer” alongside Daniel Craig has been particularly significant, marking his transition from television to major film projects. The actor has described working with Craig as “insane” and admitted to being starstruck when they first met.
His continued success in “Outer Banks,” where he plays the complex antagonist Rafe Cameron, has solidified his position as one of television’s most compelling young actors. The show’s massive popularity has undoubtedly contributed to the intense interest in his personal life, as fans become invested in the actors behind their favorite characters.
The Mystery Continues
As of 2025, Drew Starkey’s relationship status remains officially unconfirmed. While rumors about his connection with Odessa A’zion continue to circulate, neither party has provided definitive answers about their relationship. The actor’s commitment to privacy means that fans may never get the confirmation they’re seeking about his romantic life.
What’s clear is that Drew Starkey has successfully maintained a level of privacy that’s increasingly rare in Hollywood, allowing his professional work to speak for itself while keeping personal matters out of the spotlight. Whether he’s single or in a relationship, Drew continues to focus on his craft and growing career, leaving fans to appreciate his talent while respecting his choice to keep his love life private.
