Comedian and actress Ali Wong has been photographed for the first time since news emerged of her surprising split from fellow comedian Bill Hader. The 43-year-old star was seen looking solemn while carrying out errands alone in the Culver City area of Los Angeles.
A Tense Public Appearance
The sighting occurred on Friday, with Wong appearing far from relaxed. She was captured clenching her fist and frowning, her eyebrows pushed down in a tense expression. The Beef star was without her two daughters from her previous marriage to Justin Hakuta.
Wong opted for a casual outfit, wearing a navy blue hoodie with matching shorts that highlighted her toned legs. She completed the look with black-and-white Vans socks, chunky white sneakers, and a large black crossbody purse. Her long black hair was worn down, she was makeup-free, and she accessorised with a pair of cat-eye tortoiseshell sunglasses.
Reasons Behind the Breakup Revealed
This public appearance follows a Daily Mail exclusive which detailed the reasons behind the couple's separation after two years of dating. According to an insider, the split was partially attributed to Hader's reportedly 'moody' personality.
'Bill is not the easiest to be around, he is tense and harsh a lot of the time,' the source claimed, adding that his Hollywood nickname is 'Bill Hater'. The insider explained that Hader's temperament was a known factor, stating, 'That is how Bill gets so many cute girls; he can be kind at times, but then he can be prickly. You never know what you're going to get with him.'
However, People magazine offered a different perspective, citing conflicting work schedules that made the relationship 'too difficult'. They reported the breakup was 'amicable' and that the pair remain 'very much friends'.
A Relationship That Few Expected to Last
Insiders suggested the split was not unexpected among their circle. Friends had reportedly placed bets on the longevity of the romance when it began in spring 2023, with many feeling the pair were mismatched.
'No one thought it would last because she is a super sweet girl, very normal, very fun and easy going, and he is not. I guess she could take only so much,' the insider revealed. They were quick to add that despite being 'cranky', Hader is also considered 'hilarious' and 'clever'.
This marks another short-lived romance for Hader since his 12-year marriage to director Maggie Carey ended in 2018. His relationships with actress Rachel Bilson and later Anna Kendrick also lasted less than two years each. Wong and Hader briefly dated in late 2022 before rekindling their romance in April 2023.
A Difficult Month for Bill Hader
The last month has been particularly challenging for the Saturday Night Live alumnus. In a tragic turn of events, Hader's friend, director Rob Reiner, and his wife Michele were stabbed to death in their Los Angeles mansion on December 14. Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been charged with both murders.
In a horrifying twist, it emerged that Nick Reiner had allegedly caused a scene at a holiday party hosted by Conan O'Brien on December 13, just hours before the killings. A source told NBC News that Nick, who has a history of addiction, interrupted Hader, who told him he was in a private conversation. Nick reportedly became incensed and 'stormed off'.
As Wong navigates life post-split, the circumstances surrounding the end of her relationship with Hader paint a picture of conflicting personalities compounded by external tragedy.
