Get to Know the Actual Partners of the Cast of "The King of Queens" (Including the Duo Who Portrayed a Married Couple on the Show!)

While The King of Queens celebrated the humor and warmth of relationships on-screen, the actors behind the characters have also found love in real life. The show follows married couple Doug and Carrie Heffernan, portrayed by Kevin James and Leah Remini, whose on-screen chemistry mirrors some of their personal experiences.

Kevin James and Steffiana de la Cruz

Kevin James met Steffiana de la Cruz on a blind date in 2001, becoming engaged two years later and marrying on June 19, 2004. Their wedding included notable guests like Ray Romano and Clint Eastwood, and a casual buffet of favorites like pizza, McDonalds, and Chinese food. The couple has four children: Sienna-Marie, Shea Joelle, Kannon Valentine, and Sistine Sabella. James often describes de la Cruz as his "balance," praising their 20-year relationship for its deep understanding and shared humor.

Leah Remini

Leah Remini was married to Angelo Pagn for nearly 30 years before their amicable divorce in 2024. Together they have a daughter, Sofia Bella Pagn. Despite their separation, they maintain a close bond, often spending time together as a family and enjoying traditions like watching football and TV shows.

Victor and Zia Williams

Victor Williams, who plays Deacon Palmer on the series, is married to Zia Williams. While keeping their life mostly private, Victor occasionally shares glimpses of their family, including their teenage children, and they often attend public events together, like the New York premiere of Victors film The Home in 2025.

Merrin Dungey and Kevin Ryder

Merrin Dungey, who played Kelly Palmer on the show, found love with Kevin Ryder. They began dating in 2021, got engaged in 2023, and married on December 31, 2023. Dungey has two daughters from a previous marriage and frequently shares anniversary tributes celebrating her life with Ryder.

Patton Oswalt and Meredith Salenger

Patton Oswalt experienced love twice: first with Michelle McNamara, who tragically passed in 2016, and later with Meredith Salenger, whom he met online through a mutual friend in 2017. They married in November 2017 and share a strong bond, exchanging deep conversations and letters in the early stages of their relationship. Oswalt continues to honor McNamara while embracing his new life with Salenger.

Gary and Jackyline Valentine

Gary Valentine, who played Danny Heffernan, is married to Jackyline Valentine. Married since September 10, 2011, they keep a largely private life but occasionally share glimpses of their family and celebrate milestones together.

Nicole Sullivan and Jason Packham

Nicole Sullivan, known for her role as Holly Shumpert, met her husband Jason Packham while working on the show. The couple dated starting in 2004, married in 2006, and have two sons, Dashel Pearce and Beckett Edwards. They often celebrate anniversaries and milestones together, highlighting a simple yet meaningful family life.

Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara

Jerry Stiller, who played Arthur Spooner, shared a lifetime of love with his real-life wife Anne Meara. Married in 1954, they became a celebrated comedy duo, Stiller & Meara, while raising two children, Amy and Ben Stiller. They remained devoted until Mearas death in 2015 and Stillers passing in 2020. Their legacy was highlighted in Ben Stillers 2025 documentary Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost.

Author: Sophia Brooks