Get ready, Colleen Hoover fans—our moment has finally arrived. The highly anticipated film adaptation of It Ends With Us is here, and while we all know Blake Lively is set to bring Lily Bloom to life, there's another star we need to talk about: Justin Baldoni. Not only does he play the complex character of Ryle Kincaid, but he also directed the film, making him a central figure in bringing this beloved story to the big screen.
The fam pictured in 2021
Source: Instagram/@emilybaldoni
But who is Justin Baldoni beyond the role of Ryle? Let's take a closer look at his life, especially his role as a husband and father.
Justin Baldoni: From ‘Jane the Virgin’ to ‘It Ends With Us’
Before we dive into Justin’s family life, it’s worth noting that he’s no stranger to the spotlight. The Oregon native first captured our attention as Rafael Solano in the hit TV series Jane the Virgin, which ran from 2014 to 2019. Since then, Justin has expanded his talents beyond acting, making a name for himself as a director and writer. He’s even directed It Ends With Us, adding yet another impressive credit to his growing resume.
The Love Story: Justin and Emily Baldoni
Justin has been married to Swedish actress Emily Fuxler (now Emily Baldoni) since 2013. Their love story began over a decade ago, and it’s clear that they’ve built a strong foundation together. Emily, like her husband, has had a successful career in Hollywood, with roles in films like Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) and guest appearances on shows like Mad Men (2012). She’s also worked alongside Justin in some of his directorial projects, including Five Feet Apart (2019) and Clouds (2020).
Meet the Baldoni Kids: Maiya and Maxwell
Justin and Emily’s love story doesn’t stop with just the two of them. The couple has welcomed two beautiful children into their lives. Their first child, a daughter named Maiya, was born in June 2015, and their son, Maxwell, followed in October 2017.
The kids and their dog Happy pictured in 2020
Source: Instagram/@emilybaldoni
Justin is incredibly passionate about parenting, and it’s clear that he’s thought deeply about how he wants to raise his children. In a 2021 interview with The Bump, Justin opened up about the challenges and joys of teaching his kids the values he holds dear. He talked about how he’s trying to instill qualities in his daughter that defy traditional gender norms, such as bravery, resilience, and leadership.
"For example, I’m teaching my daughter to take physical risks, to take up space, and that it’s OK to be loud sometimes," Justin shared. "She was born liking pink—and that’s OK. But she’s also a damn good athlete."
And when it comes to his son, Justin is just as intentional. He focuses on nurturing qualities that society often discourages in boys, such as empathy, compassion, and sensitivity. "At night, I start with more feminine words for him: 'I am patient, I’m loving, I’m kind,'" Justin explained.
A Family Grounded in Love and Values
It’s clear that Justin and Emily are raising their children with a strong foundation of love, respect, and balance. By challenging societal expectations and encouraging their kids to embrace both their masculine and feminine qualities, they’re setting an example of parenting that’s both modern and mindful.
As fans, we can’t wait to see Justin Baldoni bring Ryle Kincaid to life in It Ends With Us. But even more so, it’s inspiring to see the man behind the role—a dedicated father and husband who’s as committed to his family as he is to his craft.
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