The Emmy-winning actor has been married to Nancy for nearly 30 years. The couple first crossed paths in the 1990s at Chicago’s famed comedy institution, The Second City. At the time, Steve was an instructor and performer in the improv program, while Nancy was one of his students and also worked as a bartender nearby.
Steve was immediately drawn to Nancy and later told The Guardian that she checked every box he had for a partner. However, her quiet demeanor led him to assume she wasn’t interested. In reality, Nancy was just as nervous as he was, something Steve only discovered later.
Although sparks were flying, it took time for the two to officially start dating. Steve has admitted that asking Nancy out made him feel as anxious as he did during his first teenage rejection. Once they finally went on a date, however, their connection was undeniable, and they married in 1995.
After tying the knot, both Steve and Nancy continued working in comedy. They later appeared on The Daily Show and welcomed their daughter Elizabeth in 2001, followed by their son John in 2004 — the same year Steve landed his iconic role as Michael Scott on The Office.
Nancy also appeared on The Office as Carol, Michael Scott’s love interest, a role planned by series creator Greg Daniels even before the show premiered. Nancy later admitted she found the experience both thrilling and intimidating, given the show’s reputation.
While their on-screen romance didn’t last, Steve and Nancy’s real-life marriage has endured. Steve insists there’s no secret formula to their success, crediting good fortune, mutual respect, and shared humor.
“We have a thousand inside jokes,” Steve once said. “And somehow, they never stop being funny.”
