Cobie Smulders, star of “How I Met Your Mother,” and Taran Killam, former star of “Saturday Night Live,” have a love story that dates back nearly two decades. From a chance encounter in their early 20s to the decision of how to be the best parents to two daughters, this is a couple built on love, patience, and respect. This is a summary of their journey from the first meeting to life as a husband-and-wife pair, together as parents.
First Encounter at a Friend’s Birthday Party
Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam first met at a birthday party of a mutual friend back in 2005. Both of them were just 22 back then. Smulders, during an appearance on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” in 2019, fondly later recalled the initial meeting, mentioning humor in the situation. She later revealed that one time, when they were at a friend’s 30th birthday bash, she and Killam would kid about just how ancient they felt the birthday girl was, went to discover that Killam had thought she was as well. It was this pile of airy miscommunication that heralded the romance that only bloomed from that moment on.
Cobie Smulders’ Cancer Diagnosis
When Smulders turned 25, ovarian cancer set in, a struggle she chose to keep to herself for a long time. Indeed, she was silent about her diagnosis until 2015 when she finally disclosed everything in an interview with Women’s Health. In 2018, Smulders reflected on the situation divulging that she never went public with her disease because she had her family where she could only be fragile. Surprisingly, overcoming breast cancer, which is always devastating, considering the inability to give birth, gave Smulders a chance to have two daughters with the assistance of her oncologist.
The Announcement of Their First Child
It was in November 2008 that Smulders and Killam surprisingly announced they were expecting their first child in the world. The couple was not married then and was excited to start a life in this manner.
Engagement Announcement
The couple became engaged at the beginning of 2009, as Smulders told PEOPLE. She wouldn’t say where or how Killam asked her, but she did say it was “very romantic.” This set the stage for their next step in their relationship: the arrival of their first child.
Having a Daughter
On May 16, 2009, the couple became parents to a baby girl, their first, who was named Shaelyn Cado Killam. In a further interview, Cobie Smulders commented that the choice of their daughter’s name is special, as it was based on her name and her nickname, “Shay,” that she always preferred.
A Wonderful Wedding
The lovebirds tied the knot on September 8, 2012, at the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort in Solvang, California, two years after they had started dating. Their wedding was a magical time because their daughter, Shaelyn, seemed to be probably the happiest person of them all, as Smulders noted that she had been expecting military grade sweets and dressing up for the occasion.
Their Second Child On the Way
In October 2014, they announced that they were expecting their second child, a sibling to their daughter, and news spread that they were indeed a happy couple preparing to bring up a family.
Their Second Daughter Was Born
In January 2015, Smulders and Killam welcomed their second daughter, Janita Mae Killam. At the Sundance Film Festival, Smulders spoke about being a new mom of two, saying that being an actual mother helped her play a pregnant teacher in the film “Unexpected.” She even showed that her own sonogram was used while she was doing a scene for this movie, adding a personal touch to her performance.
Navigating Careers and Parenthood
From the time their family grew bigger, Smulders and Killam found they would have to balance their professional careers against their increased responsibility as parents. One such example is Smulders’s need to be more particular about the career that she now had to raise her daughters for. The same disposition was replicated on the part of Killam when he shifted his career to sustain the family life.
Marvel on Their Relationship
Smulders’ Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe undoubtedly left an impact on their relationship. Indeed, sitting down for “Avengers: Age of Ultron” in 2020, she half-jokingly realized that her husband found her more attractive after having been taken as her Marvel persona for obvious reasons: the man had been a big comic book fan his whole life. Therefore, another dimension to their love had just been added by this shared Marvel interest.
Working Together on Screen
The couple were able to take the big screen together in August 2016 with the movie “Killing Gunther” in which Killam made his directorial debut. The movie starred Killam, Smulders, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. They were able to be creatively inclined with each other and enjoy it as part of the experience of being a couple
Celebrating Each Other’s Success
Killam’s Support for Smulders’ Broadway Debut
In April 2017, Smulders performed on Broadway in “Present Laughter.” On the occasion of her Broadway debut, Killam took to social media to give a really nice shout-out to his supportive wife by writing how proud he was of her, listing down all the reasons for him being her profound admirer. He lauded her for not giving up on her dream to become an actress while taking care of her two adorable kids and being a loving wife to him. This is what respect and love are all about.
Hero in Each Other’s Eyes
Killam has been beside himself celebrating Smulders’ accomplishments, even saying that she was his “hero” following her performance in her final “Present Laughter” run in July 2017. His exuberance underscored how admiration has been a constant and reciprocal theme in their relationship.
Career Achievements and Perspective
Featured on “Arrested Development”
March 2019 found them sharing the screen once more. This time, they were playing the junior turns of the two classic roles from the series “Arrested Development”: Lucille and George Sr.
Celebrating Milestone Birthdays
As they turned to their 40s, Smulders and Killam also shared lovely birthday wishes towards one another. On April 1, 2022, Smulders wished Killam a happy 40th birthday with a throwback photo and message calling him “greatest.” Days later, Killam was at it himself with a loving post about Smulders on her 40th birthday, declaring his love for her and how marvelous she looked at 40.
Conclusion
The relationship between Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam can surely be said to be one of enduring love, mutual respect, and shared experience. From their earliest days as young adults scratching out a living in Hollywood, through their adventures as parents and onto the path of successful actors, they have done it all keeping the challenges of life at bay. Surely, their journey is a testament to the strength of their bond and the deep connection they share—personally and professionally. A Hollywood couple that belongs to the rare few who remain as patient as ever, waiting for each other’s shine to rain down from the sky, Smulders and Killam celebrate new milestones in life together.
