Tracie Thoms has long been gracing screens and stages alongside other Hollywood stars of her caliber. While she has been candid about her passion for the arts, her dating history remains a lesser-known part of her life. Still, she once opened up about a former college flame and posted about her "husband."
Maryland native Tracie Thoms drew her first breath in Baltimore on August 19, 1975. She was nine years old when she began studying acting in her hometown and eventually graduated high school at the Baltimore School of The Arts. Thoms then enrolled at Howard University and pursued a Fine Arts Degree.
She moved on to Julliard School, where she attained an Acting Degree. Her first on-screen role was in the 2000s comedy series "As If," portraying Sasha. She has since accumulated over 100 screen credits and is chiefly recognized for starring in 2005's "Rent," the action thriller "Death Proof," and "The Devil Wears Prada."
Tracie Thoms is pictured at the opening night performance of "Ain't Too Proud: The Life And Times Of The Temptations" at Ahmanson Theatre on December 15, 2022, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Thoms, also no stranger to Broadway and off-Broadway shows, currently has her hands full as a series regular in "Station 19," "Truth Be Told," opposite Octavia Spencer, and "9-1-1," where she plays a lesbian scientist. Yet, while her on-screen romances have touched the hearts of many, she has revealed little about her real-life relationships.
In One Interview, Tracie Opened Up about Her College Boyfriend
In May 2021, Thoms appeared for a virtual interview on Fox Soul's "Get Into It with Tami Roman." Having touched on various aspects of her life and career, she eventually talked about her former college boyfriend. The former flame was a Business major at Howard University.
Tracie Thoms poses at the 4th annual toy drive and Holiday party benefiting Toys For Tots at Tom Bergin's on December 6, 2022, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Several companies were courting him at the time, and one got him tickets to see the iconic stage production "Rent." He, of course, took Thoms as his date, who was in tears by the show's end. Watching "Rent" sparked a never-ending passion for joining the cast in the next production.
And so Thoms auditioned relentlessly for years with no luck. She first appeared in the show's film adaptation in 2005, starring as Joanna, and only won the Broadway role afterward. Thoms only shared those details regarding their relationship. At the time of writing, her Instagram showed no signs of a current romance, so her relationship status remains unknown.
Tracie Is Married in Her '9-1-1' Role
Thoms portrays scientist Karen Wilson in the action series, who is married to firefighter/paramedic Henrietta "Hen" Wilson (Aisha Hinds). The two have a loving bond and share a son, Denny, from Henrietta's previous relationship. As a family unit, the three have faced multiple challenges throughout the show.
Tracie Thoms poses as she arrives at the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Tracie Made a Post about "Husband" Ryan
In an April 2022 Instagram update, Thoms shared a sweet birthday tribute to her longtime friend, Ryan Duncan, writing, "Happy Birthday to my 'husband' @runyoncal! Who knew when we met backstage at the West End Dinner Theatre back in ‘96 we’d be soulmates/besties for life!?"
She gushed about Duncan's positive traits alongside a long thread of their recent and throwback photos. Thoms then concluded her sweet caption with the disclaimer, "Just to be clear, Ryan and I are not actually married. Hence the quotes around 'husband.'"
Tracie Shared Her Thoughts about Portraying an On-screen Queer Relationship
Following the life-threatening crisis her character faced alongside her loved ones in "9-1-1," Thoms told The Wrap she hoped they could regain some sense of "normalcy" afterward. And while Karen and Henrietta's story has captivated a large audience, their portrayal of a loving queer family has had a lasting impact.
"That representation is really important, particularly for it to be two women of color. You don't see it very often," Thoms noted. Much like the experience of actress Nicola Coughlan, people have approached Thoms to share how that representation has "fortified" them in their lives.
ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jm1nbWtkbnq1vsCcoJ5lpJ28rr%2BMqamirpGpsm64yJ%2BcZqGjYsKvsMSrZLCqkaXAb7TTpqM%3D