Laura Leighton has been reflecting on her long-lasting marriage to fellow actor Doug Savant as interest in the popular television drama Melrose Place continues. The actress, best known for portraying Sydney Andrews in the 1990s series, recently discussed how meeting her future husband became one of the most meaningful experiences of her acting career. Their relationship has lasted nearly three decades, making them one of Hollywood’s enduring television couples.
Leighton and Savant met while working on Melrose Place and married in 1998. They have two children together and raised two daughters from Savant’s previous marriage. Their family has since expanded with grandchildren, giving the couple another reason to celebrate their life together.
While both actors have enjoyed successful television careers, they have generally maintained a private family life away from constant celebrity attention.
So, who is Laura Leighton’s husband, and how did their relationship begin? Here is everything to know about Doug Savant, their marriage, children and family life.
Who Is Laura Leighton’s Husband?
Laura Leighton’s husband is American actor Doug Savant, best known for his roles in Melrose Place and Desperate Housewives.
The couple married on May 2, 1998, after meeting while working on the popular Fox television drama.
Their marriage has continued for more than 28 years, with both actors occasionally discussing the importance of supporting each other’s professional and personal ambitions.
During an interview on the Still Here Hollywood podcast, Leighton reflected on her relationship with Savant and agreed with his earlier description of meeting her as the best experience to come from Melrose Place.
She explained that they had raised four children together and remained proud of the family they had created.
Unlike many celebrity couples whose relationships receive constant media attention, Leighton and Savant have largely kept their marriage outside public controversy.
Who Is Doug Savant?
Doug Savant was born on June 21, 1964, in Burbank, California.
He began his acting career during the 1980s, appearing in television productions and films before gaining widespread recognition.
His breakthrough came when he joined Melrose Place in 1992 as Matt Fielding, a social worker whose storylines addressed relationships, discrimination and personal challenges.
The character became notable for representing a gay man on mainstream American television during a period when LGBTQ+ representation was less common.
Savant remained part of the series until 1997.
He later gained another major television role as Tom Scavo in the ABC comedy-drama Desperate Housewives.
His character was married to Lynette Scavo, portrayed by Felicity Huffman, and appeared throughout the show’s eight-season run.
The series introduced Savant to another generation of television viewers and became one of his most recognizable professional achievements.
How Did Laura Leighton and Doug Savant Meet?
Laura Leighton and Doug Savant first met on the set of Melrose Place during the 1990s.
Leighton joined the series as Sydney Andrews, while Savant was already appearing as Matt Fielding.
Although their characters were not romantically involved, the actors developed a friendship while working together.
Their connection gradually became romantic, and they began dating during the show’s successful run.
Savant later recalled that meeting Leighton was the most important personal outcome of his experience on the series.
Their relationship continued after Leighton departed the show in 1997.
The couple married the following year, beginning a partnership that has continued through changing careers, parenthood and family milestones.
When Did Laura Leighton and Doug Savant Get Married?
Laura Leighton and Doug Savant married on May 2, 1998, while Melrose Place was still airing.
Their wedding marked the beginning of a marriage that would eventually span nearly three decades.
Leighton later shared an amusing detail about their wedding photographs during an anniversary celebration.
Although they had ordered professional photographs for friends and relatives, the couple never got around to ordering copies for themselves.
She recalled the situation with humor, explaining that they had photographs from the occasion but had overlooked creating their own wedding album.
Their marriage has remained relatively private, with both actors occasionally discussing their relationship during interviews.
Leighton has explained that being married to another actor has generally helped rather than complicated their relationship.
Because they have pursued different roles, they have not experienced significant professional competition.
Instead, they have supported each other’s projects and occasionally discussed the possibility of working together again.
How Many Children Do Laura Leighton and Doug Savant Have?
Laura Leighton and Doug Savant have two biological children together: son Jack Douglas Savant and daughter Lucy Jane Leighton Savant.
Jack was born on October 10, 2000, while Lucy arrived on June 9, 2005.
Savant also has two daughters, Arianna and Madeline, from his previous marriage to Dawn Dunkin.
Leighton helped raise both daughters, bringing the total number of children in their blended family to four.
The couple have generally avoided sharing extensive details about their children’s private lives.
However, Leighton has frequently spoken about the importance of motherhood and the satisfaction she feels from raising a family.
In interviews, she has described parenting as one of the most meaningful responsibilities of her life.
Her children have grown into adults, allowing her and Savant to experience a different stage of family life.
Was Doug Savant Married Before Laura Leighton?
Before marrying Laura Leighton, Doug Savant was married to Dawn Dunkin.
The couple married in 1983 and welcomed two daughters, Arianna and Madeline.
Their marriage ended in divorce in 1997.
Savant subsequently married Leighton in 1998, and the couple welcomed Jack and Lucy.
Leighton became a stepmother to his older daughters, and the family developed close relationships over the following years.
Their blended household has remained an important part of the couple’s personal story.
Leighton has spoken positively about raising four children and the experiences they shared as a family.
Laura Leighton and Doug Savant Become Grandparents
Laura Leighton and Doug Savant have entered another chapter of family life as grandparents.
Leighton welcomed her first grandchild, a granddaughter named Josephine, in August 2023.
She shared the happy news publicly and expressed excitement about becoming a grandmother.
In June 2025, the actress announced the arrival of her second grandchild, a grandson named Grayson.
She introduced the newborn through a social media photograph, showing herself holding the baby.
The announcement attracted warm reactions from fans who remembered Leighton from her earlier television roles.
Leighton has described grandparenthood as a particularly enjoyable experience because it allows her to appreciate family relationships from a different perspective.
She has also spoken about the pleasure of watching her adult children become parents.
Laura Leighton’s Acting Career and Life Today
Laura Leighton was born on July 24, 1968, in Iowa City, Iowa.
She became widely recognized through her portrayal of Sydney Andrews in Melrose Place, a character remembered for her complicated relationships and dramatic storylines.
Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and helped establish her as a recognizable television actress.
Leighton later appeared in several television films and series before gaining another major role as Ashley Marin in Pretty Little Liars.
The series introduced her to younger audiences and became an important part of her later career.
She has also remained connected to her Melrose Place colleagues through the rewatch podcast Still the Place, which she hosts alongside Courtney Thorne-Smith and Daphne Zuniga.
The podcast explores the show’s episodes, cast memories and cultural influence.
Outside acting, Leighton continues enjoying family life with Savant and spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Today, Laura Leighton’s husband remains Doug Savant, her former Melrose Place co-star and partner of more than 28 years.
Their relationship has continued through decades of professional changes and family milestones, making their marriage one of the memorable real-life love stories to emerge from the television series.
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