Hollywood romances often begin under bright lights and fade just as quickly, but Lauren Graham and Peter Krause’s love story was refreshingly different. The beloved Gilmore Girls alum and Six Feet Under star shared a relationship that fans quietly rooted for and one that grew out of mutual respect and understanding.
After first crossing paths in the mid-1990s, their connection evolved, eventually blossoming into a long-term partnership that developed during their work together on NBC’s Parenthood. Over the next twelve years, Lauren and Peter became one of the industry’s most understated yet enduring couples, until their quiet breakup in 2021. Here’s a complete look back at their relationship timeline, from their early meeting to why they broke up.
Lauren Graham and Peter Krause’s first meeting happened on Caroline in the City
Before they became household names, Lauren Graham and Peter Krause met on the set of Caroline in the City in 1995. Lauren had a recurring role on the sitcom, while Peter appeared in a single episode, one that happened to feature her as well. Sparks were subtle but already there. Peter once recalled on Live with Kelly that Lauren had asked him to help move furniture into her apartment, and he joked that back then, he ‘didn’t catch the signal.’
Lauren later admitted to Redbook that although they had chemistry, the timing wasn’t right for them. Peter had asked her to play a board game, and that’s exactly what they did. Looking back, she laughed about the whole thing. She recalled that she had thought this guy didn’t like her, as who actually plays a board game when inviting a girl over?
Both Lauren and Peter were shy, and life took them in different directions. But destiny wasn’t done with them yet. Their paths briefly crossed again at the 2002 Screen Actors Guild Awards, where they presented together. Although nothing romantic developed at the time, their easy camaraderie hinted that something special might one day bloom between them.
Lauren Graham and Peter Krause reunited on Parenthood
Fifteen years later, fate brought them together once again, this time as co-stars on NBC’s hit drama Parenthood. Lauren played ‘Sarah Braverman,’ while Peter portrayed her brother, ‘Adam.’ The pair’s chemistry, while strictly familial on-screen, soon turned into something more personal and romantic off-camera.
Lauren revealed to Redbook that they started dating quietly during the early Parenthood years. Nobody knew about it for a while because the couple liked being at home, cooking and not going out. Their choice to keep things private also helped audiences believe their on-screen sibling dynamic.
Lauren Graham and Peter Krause had a low-key love story
While most celebrity couples embraced the spotlight, Lauren and Peter preferred a life away from public attention. They rarely attended events together, though fans caught glimpses of their affectionate moments at the 2010 Saban Free Clinic Gala and NBC’s 2013 Upfronts. In 2012, Lauren shared a funny anecdote on The Ellen DeGeneres Show about texting Peter while she was lost in Vietnam, joking that he replied from Los Angeles as though nothing was wrong.
Lauren and Peter’s relationship was full of humour and mutual understanding. In 2014, when Ellen asked if marriage was on the cards, Lauren said that they were ‘really happy’ and five years in Hollywood is like being married already. Lauren also credited her Gilmore Girls co-star, Kelly Bishop, who played her on-screen mother, ‘Emily Gilmore’ for playing cupid years before. Kelly had once told her she should date that wonderful actor on Six Feet Under.
The couple continued appearing together occasionally at events like the 2015 TV Land Awards and the premiere of Max. But their strongest connection remained behind the scenes. In her 2016 memoir Talking as Fast as I Can, Lauren revealed how their relationship evolved slowly and naturally. She could be quoted as saying:
“At our age, we’d both been through ‘showmances’ that went south. But ultimately, our mutual wariness gave way — it just sort of happened.”
Lauren Graham and Peter Krause kept collaborating professionally
When Lauren reprised her role as ‘Lorelai Gilmore’ for Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Peter made a charming cameo as a park ranger, a small role that meant more than fans realised at that time. On Harry Connick Jr.’s show, Peter admitted that playing a ranger was a ‘lifelong dream,’ and Lauren helped him fulfil it. That same year, Lauren told People that Peter was her favourite person to talk to and he always makes her laugh.
Lauren Graham and Peter Krause separated during the pandemic
Like many couples, Lauren and Peter faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. While filming The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers in Vancouver, Lauren was away for a long time and was unable to visit Peter due to quarantine restrictions. When she returned home, she found that Peter and his son, Roman had settled into new routines without her.
It was as if they were the married couple and she was the outsider. She had talked about the same on Ellen, explaining how life at home had subtly changed. In June 2022, a representative for Lauren confirmed to People that the couple had ‘quietly ended their relationship last year.’ True to their private nature, there were no public statements or messy headlines, just a quiet parting after over a decade together.
Later that year, Lauren opened up in interviews promoting her book Have I Told You This Already?, describing writing as her ‘outlet’ after the breakup. Still, Lauren expressed affection for Peter’s son, Roman, writing that she hoped he would be a part of the rest of her life. Even after their split, both actors continue to speak of each other with deep respect. Fans who grew up watching their on-screen warmth in Parenthood mourned the loss of the couple but also appreciated the maturity with which they handled the separation.
Their relationship, built on friendship, laughter, and quiet companionship, may have ended, but its sincerity left an impression.
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