Liesl Martinez: The Private Life of Wilson Bethel's Architect Wife
Liesl Martinez, widely recognized as the wife of American actor Wilson Bethel, has cultivated a life that artfully balances professional ambition with personal privacy. While her marriage to the Hollywood star has drawn public attention, Martinez has steadfastly maintained a low profile, focusing instead on her career in architecture and design. This unique positioning allows her to navigate the demands of celebrity-adjacent life while pursuing her creative passions away from the spotlight.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born in the Dominican Republic during the 1980s, Liesl Martinez spent her formative years in her home country before relocating to the United States. She completed her secondary education at Secundaria Babeque High School in the Dominican Republic, laying the foundation for her future academic pursuits. Martinez then enrolled at the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York City, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. This rigorous educational background equipped her with the technical skills and creative vision necessary for her professional endeavors.
Professional Career as Architect and Designer
Despite public association primarily with her husband's fame, Liesl Martinez has established herself as a dedicated architect and designer. She has intentionally kept details of her professional journey private, but one notable project has emerged publicly: Casa Paloma, a lakeside home she designed for her mother-in-law, author Joyce Maynard. This residence, affectionately dubbed "the Treehouse" for its elevated appearance among surrounding trees, showcases Martinez's architectural sensibility and attention to harmonious integration with natural environments.
Her approach to design reflects what Wilson Bethel described on the Broad Ideas podcast as a "systems person" mentality. Bethel praised his wife's ability to develop effective solutions for various challenges, noting that her systematic thinking consistently yields practical results. This professional mindset complements her creative work in architecture, where structural planning and aesthetic vision must coalesce.
Relationship with Wilson Bethel
Liesl Martinez and Wilson Bethel began dating in 2017 but deliberately kept their relationship out of public view for several years. Their romance gained broader attention in 2020 when Bethel's mother spent Thanksgiving with the couple in Los Angeles. They formalized their commitment on November 28, 2020, marrying in a private ceremony officiated by Bethel's brother, Charlie Bethel.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Una Bethel, in November 2022, approximately two years after their wedding. As of 2026, they have been married for nearly six years and reside together in Utah, United States. Throughout their relationship, both Martinez and Bethel have prioritized privacy, sharing only limited glimpses of their family life through controlled public appearances and social media.
Previous Marriage and Personal Details
Before her relationship with Wilson Bethel, Liesl Martinez was married to Matthew Paul Danison. The couple wed in August 2015 but filed for divorce in October 2018 at the Orange County Superior Courts, ending their marriage after approximately three years. This chapter of her life remains largely private, consistent with her overall approach to personal matters.
Martinez holds Dominican-American nationality, reflecting her birthplace in the Dominican Republic and current residence in the United States. She is believed to be in her 40s as of 2026 and maintains a mixed ethnic background. Her religious affiliation is Judaism, and she identifies as straight.
Balancing Public and Private Spheres
Liesl Martinez exemplifies how individuals connected to public figures can maintain autonomous identities and careers. Despite being married to an actor known for roles in productions like Daredevil: Born Again, Generation Kill, and Inherent Vice, she has successfully separated her professional architectural work from her husband's entertainment industry profile. This balance allows her to engage with design and art on her own terms while supporting her family's private life.
Her story highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by partners of celebrities who pursue independent careers. By focusing on her architectural practice and minimizing public exposure, Martinez has crafted a life that honors both her professional aspirations and personal values.
