The world of celebrity romance rarely follows a predictable script, but Myha’la Herrold’s love story with Armando Rivera proves that sometimes the most unexpected connections lead to lasting relationships. The 28-year-old actress, best known for her compelling portrayal of Harper Stern in HBO’s critically acclaimed series Industry, has captured hearts both on-screen and off with her authentic approach to love and life.
What makes Myha’la’s romantic journey particularly fascinating is how it began during one of the most isolating periods in recent history. When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe in 2020, many found themselves in relationships through screens and social media platforms. For Myha’la, this digital became the unexpected gateway to finding her soulmate.
The actress, who professionally goes by the mononym Myha’la after dropping her surname Herrold, has been refreshingly open about her relationship journey. Her willingness to share intimate details about how she met Rivera and their subsequent engagement has resonated with fans who appreciate her genuine, unfiltered approach to discussing love in the digital age.
As the Industry continues to gain momentum with its third season, Myha’la’s personal life has become equally compelling to audiences. Her relationship with Rivera represents a modern fairy tale that began with a simple Instagram message and evolved into a deep, committed partnership that has weathered the unique challenges of dating during a global pandemic.
The Instagram DM That Started It All
Myha’la and Armando Rivera (Image via Getty)
The origin story of Myha’la and Armando Rivera’s relationship reads like a script from a romantic comedy, complete with pandemic-era twists and social media serendipity. In 2020, as Industry’s first season premiered during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns, Myha’la found herself alone and scrolling through her Instagram direct messages.
Among the typical mix of congratulatory messages, inappropriate requests, and fan mail, one particular message stood out from the crowd. Armando Rivera, then a journalism student, had sent a simple, respectful note: “Congrats on the show. I’m a huge fan. I wish you all the success in the world”. What happened next would change both their lives forever.
Myha’la’s response was equally straightforward – a simple “thank you.” However, the following morning brought an unexpected development: a series of video messages from Rivera that initially made her apprehensive. “I woke up to a string of video messages,” she recalled during her appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, admitting she initially thought they might be “weird”.
The turning point came when curiosity got the better of her. After checking Rivera’s profile picture and finding him “kind of cute,” she decided to watch the videos. What she discovered was Rivera asking if he could interview her for a class project – a bold move that demonstrated both his genuine interest in her work and his creative approach to making connections.
From Zoom Interview to Love Connection
What began as a simple favor for a student’s class project quickly transformed into something much more meaningful. The scheduled 5-10 minute Zoom interview stretched into a 45-minute conversation that neither participant wanted to end. The chemistry was undeniable, even through a computer screen.
Myha’la has been candid about how the interview took an unexpected turn when she began asking Rivera personal questions, essentially flirting with him during what was supposed to be a professional interaction. “I was like, ‘so where are you from?’ Embarrassing,” she admitted, recognizing her own boldness in the moment. After the call ended, she found herself thinking, “I’m in love with a stranger. How weird”.
The follow-up to their Zoom meeting was equally telling. A few days later, Myha’la reached out to Rivera with what she now acknowledges was a transparent excuse to continue their connection: “So, did you get an A on your project?”. This question opened the door to three weeks of social media messaging that gradually built the foundation of their relationship.
The progression from digital communication to something more substantial happened organically. After three weeks of exchanging messages, Rivera took the next step by asking for her phone number, leading to what Myha’la describes as “COVID-esque FaceTime dates”. These virtual encounters allowed them to develop a deeper connection despite the physical distance and pandemic restrictions.
Meeting in Person and Building a Life Together
The transition from virtual to in-person dating required patience and creativity during the pandemic era. A month after their initial Zoom interview, Myha’la and Rivera finally met face-to-face when she traveled to San Francisco. The meeting was quintessentially 2020 – she arrived with a bottle of wine in one hand and hand sanitizer in the other, perfectly capturing the surreal nature of pandemic dating.
Myha’la and Armando Rivera (Image via Getty)
Their first physical contact was particularly memorable for Myha’la, who compared holding hands with Rivera to the Na’vi creatures in the Avatar franchise, linking their braids together and mating for life. This vivid comparison speaks to the intensity and immediacy of their connection, suggesting that their bond transcended typical dating experiences.
As their relationship deepened, Rivera began making extended visits to see Myha’la while she was filming Industry’s second season. The commitment level escalated significantly in 2022 when Rivera made the major decision to relocate from San Francisco to New York to live with Myha’la. This move represented a significant milestone in their relationship, demonstrating their mutual commitment to building a shared future.
The Engagement and Wedding Plans
After three and a half years of dating, Rivera proposed to Myha’la in July 2024 in a moment that perfectly captured their playful, unconventional relationship dynamic. The proposal took place in the doorway of their apartment, with Rivera wearing a graphic t-shirt photoshopped with images of Myha’la’s face – a gesture that was both humorous and deeply personal.
The couple’s approach to engagement rings reflects their unique aesthetic and values. Rather than traditional diamond rings, they chose matching sterling silver rings from a vintage shop. Myha’la explained her decision in an interview with Marie Claire, saying, “I tried on some sparkly things, diamonds, and it just didn’t feel right on my body”. This choice demonstrates their commitment to authenticity over convention.
Their engagement announcement on Instagram was characteristically playful, featuring Rivera in his face-covered shirt with the caption expressing their excitement about their future together. The post perfectly encapsulated their relationship’s blend of humor, love, and genuine affection.
Life as an Engaged Couple
Myha’la Herrold (Image via Getty)
Currently, Myha’la and Rivera are in the midst of planning their wedding while balancing their respective careers in the entertainment industry. Rivera, who is also an actor, has appeared in several short films, including Lucha Noir, Wolves, and Any Day Now. Myha’la’s manager has helped connect Rivera with representation, supporting his own acting aspirations.
Their daily life together reflects their shared values and interests. Myha’la describes them as “serious homebodies” who enjoy cooking and spending time with Rivera’s two cats. This domestic bliss provides a grounding contrast to the high-pressure world of television production and the entertainment industry.
The couple’s relationship philosophy centers on mutual independence and choice. “When we met, I was like, ‘I don’t need you, and you don’t need me, but I want you and you want me,’” Myha’la explained. “We choose each other; we enrich each other’s lives”. This perspective on love emphasizes partnership over dependency, suggesting a mature approach to building a lasting relationship.
Katie Feeney, the social media sensation with over 13 million followers across multiple platforms, has captured hearts not just with her engaging content but also with her romantic journey that has unfolded in the public eye. The TikTok star, known for her sports-related content and lifestyle vlogs, has been refreshingly open about her love life, sharing both the highs and lows of her relationships with her devoted fanbase.
Currently, Katie Feeney is in a committed relationship with Jack Hurley, a professional baseball player who has become a regular fixture in her social media content since 2022. Their romance began shortly after Feeney’s highly publicized breakup with her high school sweetheart, marking a new chapter in the influencer’s personal life that has fascinated millions of followers.
Feeney’s approach to sharing her romantic life reflects the authentic, unfiltered style that has made her one of the most relatable content creators of her generation. From her early days featuring her first serious boyfriend to her current relationship with Hurley, she has navigated the complexities of dating in the digital age while maintaining her privacy boundaries and personal growth.
The Penn State student’s love story resonates with many young people who follow her journey, as she balances her academic pursuits in broadcast journalism with her thriving social media career and personal relationships. Her openness about relationship challenges, breakups, and new beginnings has created a genuine connection with her audience, who have watched her evolve from a high school student to a successful entrepreneur and media personality.
As Feeney continues to build her career in sports broadcasting and expand her influence across multiple platforms, her relationship with Hurley represents stability and growth in her personal life, offering fans a look into how modern relationships can thrive despite the pressures of public scrutiny.
Current Relationship: Katie Feeney and Jack Hurley
Katie Feeney and Jack Hurley (Image via Getty)
Katie Feeney is currently dating Jack Hurley, a professional baseball player who has captured both her heart and the attention of her millions of followers. Their relationship, which began in May 2022, represents a significant chapter in Feeney’s romantic journey and has become a beloved aspect of her social media presence.
Jack Hurley’s Background and Career
Jack Hurley, born on March 13, 2002, is a 23-year-old professional baseball player who stands 6 feet tall and weighs 185 pounds. The Pennsylvania native grew up in State College, where he developed his passion for baseball from an early age. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to Virginia Tech, where he became a standout player for the Hokies baseball team.
How Their Romance Began
The relationship between Feeney and Hurley became public in May 2022, when Feeney posted an Instagram photo of them sharing a hug. This marked the beginning of what fans would come to recognize as a serious relationship. The timing was particularly significant, as it came shortly after Feeney’s breakup with her previous boyfriend, Sean Yamada, in early 2022.
Their relationship progression was documented through social media, with Feeney sharing another intimate post just a month later, showing Hurley hugging her from behind, captioned “cloud 9.” This post confirmed to fans that their romance was developing into something meaningful, and Hurley began appearing regularly in Feeney’s content across various platforms.
Social Media Presence and Public Reception
Hurley maintains his own social media presence, with over 10.5k followers on Instagram and around 828 followers on Twitter. His posts feature a mix of baseball-related content, including pictures from matches and training sessions, as well as personal moments with Feeney and vacation photos.
The couple’s relationship has been well-received by Feeney’s fanbase, with many commenting on their chemistry and compatibility. Their collaborative content has become a popular feature of Feeney’s social media strategy, showing everything from car singing sessions to romantic getaways.
Past Relationship: The Sean Yamada Chapter
Katie Feeney (Image via Getty)
Before her current relationship with Jack Hurley, Katie Feeney was in a long-term relationship with Sean Yamada, her childhood friend who became her high school sweetheart. Their relationship was a significant part of Feeney’s early social media content and played a crucial role in her rise to fame.
The Beginning of Young Love
Featured Content and Public Relations
Throughout their relationship, Yamada was a regular fixture on Feeney’s YouTube channel, participating in various videos that showcased their dynamic as a couple. He appeared in content ranging from magic trick performances to beach vlogs, becoming a beloved figure among Feeney’s followers. In July 2021, Feeney posted a particularly touching video documenting their three-year anniversary, featuring a painted portrait she had commissioned of the couple.
The End of an Era
The relationship came to an end in early 2022, though the exact reasons remain private. Fans began noticing Yamada’s absence from Feeney’s content, leading to widespread speculation about their relationship status. The mystery was finally resolved during a YouTube Shorts Q&A in February 2022, when Feeney confirmed that she and Yamada were no longer together.
The breakup was attributed to various factors, including the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship as they attended different colleges – Feeney at Penn State and Yamada at Susquehanna University, where he plays tight end for the River Hawks.
Katie Feeney’s Approach to Public Relations
Katie Feeney’s handling of her romantic relationships demonstrates a mature approach to balancing public interest with personal privacy. Her openness about both the joys and challenges of dating has created an authentic connection with her audience while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Authenticity in the Digital Age
Feeney’s willingness to share relationship milestones, breakups, and new beginnings reflects the authentic style that has made her successful across multiple platforms. She has managed to satisfy her audience’s curiosity about her personal life while protecting the most intimate aspects of her relationships.
Impact on Career and Content
Her relationships have become integrated into her content strategy, with both Yamada and Hurley contributing to her videos and social media posts. This integration has helped humanize her brand and create more relatable content for her predominantly young audience.
The evolution of her love life has also paralleled her professional growth, from a high school TikTok creator to a Penn State student studying broadcast journalism, and eventually to her roles as social media correspondent for the NFL’s Washington Commanders and the White House.
Looking Forward: Love and Career Balance
Katie Feeney and Jack Hurley (Image via Getty)
As Katie Feeney continues to build her career in sports broadcasting and expand her social media empire, her relationship with Jack Hurley appears to provide the stability and support necessary for her continued success. Their shared understanding of athletic dedication and public attention creates a strong foundation for their partnership.
The couple’s ability to maintain their individual careers while supporting each other’s goals demonstrates a mature approach to modern relationships. As Hurley advances in his professional baseball career and Feeney expands her media presence, their relationship serves as an example of how young couples can navigate the challenges of public attention while building meaningful connections.
