Rufus Sewell, the dashing actor known for his roles in 'The Diplomat' and 'Scoop,' embarked on a new chapter in life by marrying the stunning Vivian Benitez. Their enchanting ceremony took place in July 2024 at the historic Manorbier Castle in Wales. The couple, who had been engaged since the winter before, preferred to keep their romance mostly under wraps, but Vivian's occasional Instagram peeks provided a glimpse into their love story.
Vivian shared her thoughts on the day in a heartfelt Instagram post, calling it "an absolutely perfect day," as she donned a dress from Century City Mall and walked down the aisle with her mother. Her first dance with her grandfather to Frank Sinatra's "My Way" was a memorable moment, and she paid a touching tribute to her father, who had passed away days earlier.
“7.17.24 an absolutely perfect day,” she wrote. “I let my hair air dry and put on some makeup from a palette I used in middle school (we all still have them), slipped into a dress I bought at the Century City Mall, and got hitched in a Welsh castle to the best person I’ve ever met.”
The couple made headlines with their engagement in December 2023, announced by Vivian on Instagram with a cheeky caption teasing Rufus' habits. The engagement brought unexpected media attention, including some negative reactions to their 29-year age difference. Despite this, Vivian tackles the scrutiny head-on, emphasizing that their relationship is built on love and mutual respect.
Vivian shared on the 'In Good Company' podcast how the public's obsession with their age gap reveals deeper societal biases. She expressed frustration over the stereotype that younger women dating older men are primarily motivated by financial gain or naivety. Instead, she describes their relationship as a partnership of equals, where both contribute equally and share everything, from buying a house to emotional support.
Vivian's path to Hollywood was paved at a young age when she joined Wilhelmina Miami as a teenage model scout. Her determination and talent quickly propelled her to Wilhelmina L.A., where she became the agency's youngest scout. Her acting credits include appearances in 'Criminal Minds,' 'Arsenal,' and the animated short 'Sky Dancers Grown Up.'
Beyond her career, Vivian takes pride in her Cuban-American heritage. Despite facing stereotypes in Hollywood, she has spoken openly about her experiences growing up in a predominantly white New Jersey town and the challenges of fitting into industry expectations. Her resilience and humor shine through, making her a force to be reckoned with both on and off-screen.
Vivian and Rufus' relationship dates back to 2019, with their public debut at the New York premiere of 'Old' in 2021. Since then, they've graced red carpets together, supporting each other's careers and sharing a bond built on friendship and mutual admiration.
During her 'In Good Company' podcast appearance, Vivian revealed, "He’s such a talented and phenomenal actor, and I’m so in awe of him all the time when I’m watching his work. He’s so the opposite of what he plays. He’s just my best friend, and I’m so challenged by him intellectually and emotionally. He’s always pushing me to be better.” Their connection is a testament to the power of love, laughter, and partnership, resonating with the vibrant energy of Los Angeles itself.