McKenna Grace, the talented 18-year-old actress who has audiences with her performances in “Gifted,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” has recently found herself in the spotlight for reasons beyond her acting prowess. The young Hollywood star’s romantic life has become a topic of intense fascination among fans and media outlets alike, particularly following her rumored relationship with fellow actor Mason Thames.
Born on June 25, 2006, in Grapevine, Texas, Grace has been acting professionally since the age of six, quickly establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents. Her journey from child star to accomplished actress has been remarkable, with notable roles spanning television series like “Designated Survivor” and blockbuster films that have showcased her versatility and maturity beyond her years.
While Grace has traditionally maintained a private approach to her personal life, focusing primarily on her burgeoning career and professional growth, recent developments have thrust her romantic relationships into the public eye. The speculation surrounding her love life reached new heights in 2025, when her on-screen chemistry with co-star Mason Thames in the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s “Regretting You” began translating into real-world romance rumors.
The intersection of Grace’s professional success and personal life has created a compelling narrative that resonates with fans who have watched her grow up on screen. As she navigates the complexities of young adulthood in the public eye, her approach to relationships and personal privacy offers insight into how the next generation of Hollywood stars manages fame and romance.
Current Relationship Status with Mason Thames
McKenna Grace and Mason Thames (Image via Getty)
The relationship between McKenna Grace and Mason Thames has become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about young romances. The 18-year-old Grace and 17-year-old Thames first sparked dating rumors while working together on “Regretting You,” where they portray love interests. Their on-screen chemistry quickly translated into off-camera speculation when fans began noticing their interactions during promotional events and social media posts.
The romance rumors gained significant traction in April 2025 when Grace shared a TikTok video featuring herself and Thames lip-syncing to audio from “500 Days of Summer,” which concluded with the pair leaning in for a kiss before falling out of frame. This playful video went viral and had fans immediately questioning whether it was a soft launch of their real-life relationship or simply promotional content for their upcoming film.
The most significant confirmation of their relationship came on June 14, 2025, when the pair were photographed walking hand-in-hand through Soho in New York City. This public display of affection provided the clearest indication yet that their relationship had moved beyond friendship, though neither actor has made an official statement confirming their romantic status.
Timeline of Their Relationship Development
The relationship between Grace and Thames has unfolded publicly over several months, with key moments marking their journey from co-stars to potential romantic partners. Their first public appearance together occurred at Netflix’s Incoming House Party event, coinciding with the announcement of their casting in “Regretting You.”
April 2025 marked a turning point when Grace posted the now-famous TikTok video on April 7, followed by their joint appearance at a Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks NBA game on April 18. These public outings suggested their relationship was developing beyond their professional collaboration.
May 2025 saw Grace sharing an Instagram carousel on May 5 that included a photo of herself and Thames, captioned “This is my jam!!🍓🎶🦈💕🎬.” This social media post further fueled speculation about their relationship status, as fans analyzed every detail for clues about their romantic involvement.
The June 2025 developments proved most significant, with Thames giving revealing interviews about their relationship dynamic. He spoke glowingly about Grace’s character and work ethic, telling Seventeen: “She is one of the most driven people I’ve ever met in my life. Every day I’m on set with her, I just want to be as good as McKenna.” He also shared intimate details about their time together, including visits to aquariums where Grace would share her aquarium playlist through split AirPods.
Grace’s Approach to Privacy and Public Relationships
McKenna Grace (Image via Getty)
Throughout her career, McKenna Grace has maintained a notably private approach to her personal life, choosing to focus public attention on her professional achievements rather than romantic relationships. This discretion has been particularly evident in how she has handled the speculation surrounding her relationship with Thames.
Grace’s social media presence reflects this balanced approach, highlighting her work, family interactions, and friendships while offering only subtle glimpses into her romantic life. Her Instagram posts and public appearances have been carefully curated to maintain professional boundaries while still engaging with her fanbase.
The actress has spoken about prioritizing her career and personal growth over romantic involvement, a stance that has resonated with fans who appreciate her dedication to her craft. This focus on professional development has allowed her to build an impressive resume while still experiencing the typical experiences of teenage life.
Her handling of the Thames relationship rumors demonstrates a mature approach to public scrutiny, neither confirming nor denying the speculation while allowing their natural chemistry and public appearances to speak for themselves. This strategy has maintained fan interest while preserving their privacy as young adults in the entertainment industry.
Past Relationships and Dating History
Prior to her rumored relationship with Mason Thames, McKenna Grace’s dating history remained largely private and unconfirmed. Various sources have suggested potential past relationships, though none have been officially verified by the actress herself.
Some reports have mentioned connections to fellow young actors, including rumors about relationships with Emmett Dorfman and Jacob Tremblay. However, these claims lack substantial evidence and appear to be largely speculative, reflecting the intense interest in Grace’s personal life rather than confirmed romantic involvement.
Grace’s young age and career focus have naturally limited her public dating history. At 18, she has spent most of her teenage years building her acting career, which may have influenced her approach to relationships and public disclosure of personal information.
The actress has consistently maintained that her current life stage prioritizes career development and personal growth over romantic relationships, though her recent connection with Thames suggests this perspective may be evolving as she enters adulthood.
Professional Impact and Future Prospects
McKenna Grace (Image via Getty)
The relationship between Grace and Thames has generated significant media attention that extends beyond typical celebrity gossip, potentially impacting their professional trajectories. Their collaboration on “Regretting You” has benefited from the romantic speculation, creating additional buzz around the Colleen Hoover adaptation.
Thames has expressed admiration for Grace’s professional dedication, noting how her drive motivates him to improve his own performance. This mutual respect and professional support suggest that their relationship, whether romantic or platonic, enhances their collaborative work.
As both actors continue to build their careers, their relationship dynamic will likely influence future project selections and public appearances. The entertainment industry’s interest in young Hollywood couples could create opportunities for joint ventures while also intensifying scrutiny of their personal lives.
The success of their partnership, both professionally and personally, may serve as a model for other young actors in similar situations in the public eye. Their approach to balancing privacy with public engagement offers insights into how the next generation of Hollywood stars manages fame and relationships.
Rhyne Howard, the dynamic 25-year-old guard-forward for the Atlanta Dream, has captured attention not only for her exceptional basketball skills but also for her rumored romantic connection with NBA superstar Kevin Durant. The speculation began when the two athletes shared intimate photos on social media, leading fans and media outlets to question whether their relationship extends beyond friendship.
Howard, who was drafted first by the Atlanta Dream in 2022, has established herself as one of the WNBA’s brightest stars. Standing at 6’2″, she brings versatility, elite scoring ability, and unshakeable confidence to the court. Her impressive resume includes being named the 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year, earning All-Star recognition, and helping lead Team USA to a bronze medal in 3×3 basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Howard quickly became a household name during her college career at the University of Kentucky, where she earned SEC Player of the Year honors twice and was named a three-time All-American.
The relationship speculation surrounding Howard and Durant has generated significant buzz across social media platforms and sports news outlets. While neither party has officially confirmed or denied the dating rumors, their public interactions and social media exchanges have fueled ongoing speculation about the nature of their connection. This explores the details of their rumored relationship, Howard’s personal background, and what we know about her dating life.
The Kevin Durant Connection: How It All Started
Rhyne Howard (Image via Getty)
The romance rumors between Rhyne Howard and Kevin Durant began gaining traction in October 2023 when the pair shared a cozy photo together on Instagram. The image showed Durant appearing to rest his head on top of the Atlanta Dream guard, who captured a selfie of the two together. Durant subsequently reposted the photo to his own social media account, adding fuel to the speculation.
“Oh hey,” Howard wrote over the image, adding a smiley face with red hearts emoji. The intimate nature of the photo and the affectionate caption immediately caught the attention of fans and media outlets, sparking widespread discussion about a potential romantic relationship between the two basketball stars.
The photo was reportedly taken after the Phoenix Suns defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 117-116 at Footprint Center during preseason play. Howard was in attendance at the game and also shared a photo of herself sitting in the stands, suggesting she was there specifically to support Durant.
Their First Meeting and Growing Friendship
The connection between Howard and Durant didn’t happen overnight. In March 2023, Howard revealed on Mercury’s “The It Girls” podcast how their relationship initially developed. She explained that she reached out to Durant after learning that he admired her playing style and considered her one of his favorite players.
“It had been brought to my attention that I was one of his favorite players, and I was like, ‘Thee Kevin Durant loves me?’” Howard said during the podcast appearance. She continued, “And so I was home on a break, I went to a game… and I DM’d him and said ‘I think I need to meet you officially, so can I come down?’”
This revelation shows that their connection began with mutual respect and admiration for each other’s basketball abilities. Durant’s appreciation for Howard’s game speaks to her exceptional talent and the recognition she has earned from elite players across both the NBA and WNBA.
Current Relationship Status: Friends or More?
Rhyne Howard (Image via Getty)
Despite the widespread speculation and social media buzz, neither Rhyne Howard nor Kevin Durant has officially confirmed or denied the dating rumors. The ambiguity surrounding their relationship status has only intensified public curiosity and media attention.
It’s entirely possible that the two athletes are simply close friends who share a mutual respect for basketball and enjoy each other’s company. Professional athletes often form friendships across different leagues and sports, bonding over shared experiences and challenges that come with competing at the highest levels.
However, the intimate nature of their social media interactions and public appearances together suggests there may be more to their relationship than just friendship. The fact that Howard attended Durant’s game and they chose to share such a personal moment on social media indicates a level of comfort and closeness that goes beyond casual acquaintanceship.
Interestingly, Howard has previously expressed romantic interest in other NBA players. She once mentioned that she would marry Durant’s former Golden State Warriors teammate Klay Thompson, which adds another layer of complexity to the speculation about her relationship with Durant.
Rhyne Howard’s Personal Life and Background
Beyond the dating rumors, Rhyne Howard leads a rich personal life rooted in family, education, and social activism. She comes from a large family with two brothers, RaShawn Avery and James Howard Jr., and two sisters, Love Howard and Takema Sexton. Her mother, Rhvonja “RJ” Avery, played basketball at the University of Florida, indicating that athletic talent runs in the family.
Howard is a member of Zeta Phi Beta, a historically African American sorority, which she joined through the Iota Mu chapter at the University of Kentucky. During her college years, she majored in Digital Media and Design, demonstrating her interests beyond basketball.
Her commitment to social justice and community involvement is particularly noteworthy. Howard organized a Unity Fair and Social Justice March on the University of Kentucky campus, which was joined by dozens of student-athletes and hundreds of community members. The event aimed to bring awareness to police brutality, inform peers about issues affecting the Black community, encourage voting, demand justice for injustices, provide mental health resources, and spread love during difficult times.
Professional Achievements and Career Highlights
Rhyne Howard (Image via Getty)
Howard’s basketball career has been nothing short of exceptional. She was the first pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, selected by the Atlanta Dream. In her rookie season, she averaged 16.2 points per game and was named the 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year. Her impact was immediate and significant, helping the Atlanta Dream reestablish itself as a playoff contender.
Her college career at Kentucky was equally impressive. She became Kentucky’s first player ever drafted number one by a WNBA franchise and left the program as its all-time top three-point shooter. Howard is one of only nine players in women’s basketball history to be named to the Associated Press First Team three times.
In 2025, her base salary is projected to be $91,981, representing a significant increase from her rookie year salary of $72,141. However, her total income is supplemented by endorsement deals, performance bonuses, and potential overseas play during the WNBA offseason.
Looking Forward: Privacy and Professional Focus
As speculation about her relationship with Kevin Durant continues, Howard remains focused on her professional career and personal growth. She has demonstrated remarkable resilience, including recovering from a lower leg injury that sidelined her for ten games but didn’t prevent her from competing in the Olympics.
Whether Howard and Durant are dating or simply maintaining a close friendship, their connection highlights the mutual respect and admiration that exists between elite athletes across different leagues. For now, fans will have to wait for official confirmation about the true nature of their relationship, as both stars seem content to keep their personal lives private while focusing on their respective basketball careers.
