Meet the Real-Life Loves of The Neighborhood Cast (Including One Couple Who Inspired an Intense Scene in the Show!)
Much of The Neighborhood is based on family dynamics and relationships, some of which have drawn inspiration from the cast’s real-life loves.
The hit CBS sitcom follows a white Midwestern family, the Johnsons (Max Greenfield and Beth Behrs), as they adjust to life in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Pasadena, Calif. Over time, they navigate cultural differences and form an unlikely friendship with their neighbor, Calvin Butler (Cedric the Entertainer).
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During a May 2024 appearance on the Tamron Hall Show, Cedric revealed that some of his relationship with his on-screen wife, Tichina Arnold, is inspired by his wife, Lorna Wells.
“[Tishina] is great. Of course, one of the greatest TV actors of all time. Every show she has been on is just amazing,” he said. “She actually pulls little things from my real wife.”
Cedric’s on-screen son, Marty (Marcel Spears), also has some storylines that draw inspiration from reality: in the season 6 finale, his partner Courtney (Skye Townsend) went into labor at a Toni Braxton concert — much like his real-life experience at a Beyoncé concert with his girlfriend Sarah Francis Jones.
From one couple’s birth story to another who have been married over 25 years, here are the real-life partners of The Neighborhood cast.
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Cedric the Entertainer and Lorna Wells
In The Neighborhood, Cedric the Entertainer’s character Calvin is married to Tina Butler. But off-screen, he has been with his wife Lorna Wells for over 25 years.
During his appearance on the Tamron Hall Show, Cedric described Wells as a “quiet personality,” but added that all these years later, the pair still have “so much fun together.”
The couple welcomed their first child, son Croix, on Sept. 29, 2000, followed by daughter Lucky on Nov. 30, 2003. Cedric is also a father to his elder daughter Tiara, whom he welcomed with a previous partner.
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Tichina Arnold
Although her character Tina is married in The Neighborhood, Arnold is single in real life.
The actress was previously married to Rico Hines, whom she finalized her divorce from in July 2022, six years after their separation.
Prior to her August 2012 wedding with Hines, Arnold was married to heavyweight boxing star Lamon Brewster. She also shares a daughter with music producer Carvin Haggins.
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Max Greenfield and Tess Sanchez
Greenfield, who plays Dave Johnson, met his wife, Tess Sanchez, in a Hollywood bar.
The pair tied the knot on Aug. 9, 2008. During a September 2014 conversation with Vulture, the actor described it as a “really special, beautiful wedding.”
Greenfield and Sanchez share two children, including daughter Lilly, born in 2010, and son Ozzie, born in 2015.
In September 2021, Sanchez told PARENTS that she is the “nuts and bolts” of their family operation, while Greenfield is the “playful” one.
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Beth Behrs and Michael Gladis
Behrs, who plays Dave’s wife Gemma Johnson in The Neighborhood, has been with her husband Michael Gladis since 2012.
The 2 Broke Girls star and Mad Men actor got engaged in 2016 and tied the knot on a ranch outside of Jackson Hole, Wyo., in 2018. During an appearance on The Ellen Show that September, Behrs called her wedding the “best day of my life.”
In June 2022, Behrs and Gladis welcomed their first child, daughter Emma George.
Behrs announced the news on Instagram, writing, “Welcome to the world Emma George Gladis. Our hearts are so full. We are overjoyed!👶🏼.”
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Sheaun McKinney and Gabriella Hart
Sheaun McKinney, who stars as Malcolm, the elder Butler son, is in a relationship with Gabriella Hart, per his Instagram.
While the pair are relatively private, McKinney shared on Instagram in February 2025 that she visited him on the set of The Neighborhood during the final day of filming for season 7.
“What a beautiful night!” Hart commented on the post. “I’m so glad I could make it and see everyone! … Congratulations and well done, baby! 🎊💐💗👏🏾.”
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Marcel Spears and Sarah Francis Jones
Marcel Spears stars as Calvin and Tina’s younger son Marty Butler, but in real life, he has started a family of his own with his partner Sarah Francis Jones.
The Neighborhood star and the Hairspray alum welcomed their first child in September 2023 — after Jones went into labor at a Beyoncé concert.
The pair spoke to PEOPLE about the surreal moment, with Jones explaining that since the scheduled C-section was days away, she planned to just not dance as much, while still having “a good time.”
During the Mute Challenge, Jones’ contractions intensified, but they were able to finish the concert before needing to head to the hospital.
The pair named their daughter Nola as a tribute to Spears’ hometown of New Orleans — but also found a way to nod to their memorial night at the Renaissance World Tour.
“We did want to do something creative or a nod to Beyoncé for the middle name,” Spears said. “And so we decided on Renai, short for Renaissance.”
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