Kaitlyn Dever, the captivating actress known for her roles in “Booksmart” and “Unbelievable,” has captured hearts again, this time off-screen. But who is the lucky guy sharing her spotlight?
The Last of Us Star’s New Love: All About Ethan Dawes
Kaitlyn Dever is starting to share glimpses of her new romance with her boyfriend, Ethan Dawes. The Booksmart star seemingly confirmed her relationship with the director at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars Party, held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 2. The pair were photographed inside the event at their table, where Dawes planted a kiss on Dever’s cheek as she smiled. They also posed for a photo together at the bar, with Dawes playfully holding the actress’ purse. Despite the PDA, Dever opted to walk the red carpet alone. The date night came two months after Dever and Dawes first sparked dating rumors in early December 2024. The budding romance is unfolding as Dever is fresh off her acclaimed role as Belle Gibson in Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar and is currently starring as Abby in season 2 of The Last of Us. Dever has yet to publicly discuss her relationship with Dawes, and she tends to keep her personal life out of the spotlight.
So who is Kaitlyn Dever’s boyfriend? Here’s everything to know about Ethan Dawes and his relationship with the Emmy-nominated actress.
From Rumor to Reality
Dawes is originally from Encinitas, Calif., but he chose to attend college on the East Coast, where he studied film at Emerson College in Boston, Mass. He’s a director and actor Like Dever, Dawes also works in the entertainment industry. He is a writer and director best known for directing the web series Chicken Girls and #Cybriety. His other behind-the-scenes credits include the 2012 short film A Grey Matter, the 2013 web series Boychicks and 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections. Dawes has also tried his hand at acting, landing minor roles in AMC’s Mayfair Witches and MTV’s Sweet/Vicious. He’s a musician. While at Emerson, Dawes was a part of an electronic group called the Super Mash Bros. The group created mashups and toured college campuses nationwide, even opening for Blink-182 in 2013. A passion for music is something he has in common with Dever, as the actress is in a band with her younger sister, Mady, called Beulahbelle.
“Music has always been such a passion and love of mine, and it’s the same for my sister, so we thought it would be a cool way to share our work with the world,” Dever said during a May 2020 interview with AwardsWatch. She added that music is something she “definitely” wants to pursue “in conjunction with acting.”
The Power of PDA
He and Dever first sparked dating rumors on Dec. 5, 2024, when they attended the Brunello Cucinelli dinner at the Chateau Marmont together and were later seen leaving hand-in-hand. Inside the event, Dever and Dawes posed for a photo with her Apple Cider Vinegar costar Jon Hamm and his wife, Anna Osceola.
He and Dever confirmed their relationship at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars Party. The rumored pair packed on the PDA inside the event, with Dawes kissing her on the cheek in one photo and holding her purse while they wrapped their arms around each other in another. The Unbelievable star wore a sequined black dress by Dolce & Gabbana for the occasion and posed for pictures with a handful of other celebrities, including Billie Lourd.
Get to Know Ethan Dawes: More Than Just a Director
Emerson College Roots
A Foundation in Filmmaking
Dawes’ educational journey began at Emerson College, a renowned institution specializing in communications and the arts. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Emerson offered Dawes a nurturing environment to cultivate his passion for filmmaking. The college’s emphasis on hands-on experience and collaborative learning likely played a significant role in shaping Dawes’ creative approach and technical skills.
While at Emerson, Dawes’s involvement in various film projects and extracurricular activities would have exposed him to diverse perspectives and industry practices, laying the groundwork for his future success as a director and writer.
Shared Passions and Creative Synergies
A Harmonious Duet: Music as a Common Ground
Beyond their shared love for the entertainment industry, Dever and Dawes find common ground in their mutual passion for music. Dever, known for her acting talents, has also channeled her creativity into music through her band Beulahbelle, formed with her younger sister, Mady. The duo’s musical endeavors demonstrate Dever’s multifaceted artistic abilities and her willingness to explore different creative avenues.
Dawes, too, boasts a musical background, having been a member of the electronic group Super Mash Bros. during his college years. The group’s energetic performances and innovative mashups showcased Dawes’s musical talent and his ability to connect with audiences through music. This shared passion for music likely serves as a strong foundation for their relationship, fostering a sense of understanding and shared creativity.
Potential Collaborations: A Symphony of Talent
Given their complementary skills and shared industry experience, a future collaboration between Dever and Dawes seems like a natural progression. Dever’s acting prowess and Dawes’s directorial vision could create a powerful synergy, resulting in a truly captivating project. Perhaps Dawes could direct a film starring Dever, allowing him to showcase his vision while capitalizing on her talent. Conversely, Dever’s musical background could inspire Dawes to explore new creative avenues, leading to a collaborative music project.
Keeping it Private: Respecting Dever’s Boundaries
Navigating Public Scrutiny: A Delicate Balance
Despite the growing public interest in their relationship, Dever and Dawes have chosen to maintain a sense of privacy. This approach reflects Dever’s commitment to safeguarding her personal life from the relentless scrutiny of the media. Celebrity relationships often face intense public examination, making it challenging to find a balance between sharing personal moments and protecting one’s privacy.
Dever’s decision to keep her relationship relatively private serves as a valuable example for other celebrities, demonstrating the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being amidst the pressures of fame.
Setting the Tone: A Respectful Approach
Dever’s approach to her personal life sets a positive tone for the entertainment industry. By choosing to keep certain aspects of her relationship private, she encourages a culture of respect and understanding towards celebrities’ need for personal space. This approach fosters a healthier dynamic between the public and its favorite stars, recognizing that individuals in the spotlight are entitled to their private lives.
Conclusion
Kaitlyn Dever’s blossoming relationship with fellow actor Ethan Dawes offers a glimpse into the lives of Hollywood’s rising stars. The article paints a portrait of a couple who share a passion for their craft and seem to thrive in each other’s company. While their public appearances are relatively infrequent, their off-screen chemistry is undeniable, evident in their shared humor and genuine affection. The article highlights Dawes’ own burgeoning career, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor. This story resonates beyond the confines of celebrity gossip. It underscores the power of shared passions and the comfort found in companionship, particularly within demanding industries. As Dever and Dawes continue to navigate their careers, their relationship serves as a reminder that even in the spotlight, genuine connections can flourish. The future holds exciting possibilities for both individuals, and their relationship may become a source of strength and inspiration as they pursue their dreams. Will their on-screen collaborations mirror the palpable chemistry they share off-screen? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the world is watching, eager to witness the next chapter in their evolving story.