If you’ve ever scrolled through Broadway Twitter or spent a night binging Chicago Med, you’ve definitely run into Patti Murin and Colin Donnell. They aren't just another pair of actors who met on a set. In an industry where "showmances" usually have the shelf life of a carton of milk, these two have somehow built a life that feels incredibly grounded. Honestly, it’s kinda refreshing.
They don’t do the whole mysterious, untouchable celebrity thing. Instead, you get a couple that posts about the chaos of parenting two young daughters, the trauma of infant health scares, and the reality of working together without wanting to pull each other's hair out.
The Shakespeare in the Park Kiss That Changed Everything
Most people assume they met on the set of Chicago Med. Nope. They actually knew each other for about eight years before things got romantic. They had a mutual friend, Patrick Garrigan, and lived just blocks away from each other in New York City. For years, they were just... friends. Patti has even joked in interviews that while everyone else thought Colin was the "hot guy," she just didn't see it for a long time.
Then came 2013.
They were cast in a musical adaptation of Love's Labour's Lost for Shakespeare in the Park. Two nights before rehearsals started, Patti threw a party. She’s been very open about the fact that she got a little tipsy and decided to kiss him in the hallway. Bold move. It worked.
They spent that entire summer falling in love while performing outdoors at the Delacorte Theater. By the time the show closed, they were basically inseparable. They even did a massive cross-country road trip to Los Angeles together just a few months into dating. That’s usually the ultimate relationship test—weeks in a car with nothing but snacks and a GPS. They passed.
Balancing Chicago Med and Broadway Stardom
In 2015, they tied the knot in New York City. Shortly after, Colin landed the role of Dr. Connor Rhodes on Chicago Med. Patti eventually joined the "One Chicago" universe too, playing Dr. Nina Shore.
Interestingly, they rarely shared scenes.
They’ve both said that was actually a blessing. It meant they weren't spending 24/7 together on set and then going home to talk about the same job. It gave them space to be individuals. While Colin was dealing with fictional medical traumas, Patti was preparing for the role of a lifetime: Princess Anna in the original Broadway cast of Disney’s Frozen.
If you saw her in Frozen, you know she brought a specific kind of manic, lovable energy to Anna. It wasn't just a cartoon character; it felt like a real person. During that run, Colin was her biggest cheerleader, often seen at the stage door or posting about how proud he was.
Why They’re Not Your Typical "Influencer" Couple
There’s a lack of "polish" in how they present their lives that people really respond to. When their first daughter, Cecily, was born in 2020, she was diagnosed with a hole in her heart. She had to undergo open-heart surgery at just ten weeks old.
Instead of hiding it or putting out a PR-sanitized statement, they shared the whole terrifying journey. They talked about the feeding tubes, the hospital stays, and the pure, unadulterated fear of being new parents in that situation. It made them feel like people, not just "the girl from Frozen" and "the guy from Arrow."
What’s Happening Now in 2026?
Fast forward to today, and they are busier than ever. Colin is currently back on Broadway in the massive revival of Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. He’s playing Father, a role that lets him show off those powerhouse vocals he first made famous in Anything Goes.
Patti, meanwhile, has been leaning into her cabaret and concert roots. She’s touring her solo show, Once Upon A Stage, which hits major venues like the Wharton Center and the Kravis Center in early 2026. If you haven’t seen her live, she basically treats the audience like a room full of best friends, mixing Disney classics with stories about her kids, Lorelai and Cecily, and the "absurdity of toddler logic."
- Joint Projects: They released a duet album called Something Stupid a few years back, and it’s still a staple for musical theater fans.
- Hallmark Stardom: They’ve become a "buy one, get one free" deal for Hallmark, starring in movies like Love on Iceland and To Catch a Spy.
- Family Life: They moved out of the city to a place with more space for the kids, though they’re still "New Yorkers at heart."
The Secret Sauce of Patti and Colin
Why do people care so much about Patti Murin and Colin Donnell? It’s because they’ve figured out the "and" of life. They are parents and stars. They are a couple and individuals.
They don't pretend it's easy. Patti has been incredibly vocal about her struggles with anxiety and how that impacts her work. Colin is the steady, supportive partner who seems to thrive in the "dad" role just as much as he does playing a leading man.
If you’re looking to follow their journey or get inspired by their career path, the best thing you can do is catch one of their live performances. Colin in Ragtime is a masterclass in stage presence, and Patti’s cabaret shows are essentially a masterclass in how to be a charming human being.
How to Keep Up With Them
- Check the Broadway Listings: With Colin currently in a run, it’s the perfect time to see him at the Vivian Beaumont.
- Social Media: Follow Patti on Instagram for the "real" version of Broadway life (and a lot of cute kid content).
- Stream the Album: Something Stupid is available on all platforms—listen to "I See the Light" if you want to hear why their voices work so well together.
- Hallmark Marathons: They usually pop up during the Christmas movie cycles or "Love Ever After" events.
Ultimately, their story isn't about being "perfect." It's about being two talented people who happened to kiss in a hallway and decided to build something real in an industry that's often anything but.
To get the most out of following their careers, keep an eye on the 2026 tour dates for Patti’s solo show; it's the most intimate way to see her perform. If you're in New York, don't miss Colin's current stint in Ragtime, as tickets for the Beaumont revival are moving fast.