In a surprise revelation, actress Myha'la, best known for playing Harper Stern in HBO's drama Industry, has announced she secretly married her partner, Armando Rivera, more than a year ago. The 29-year-old star marked their first wedding anniversary by sharing previously unseen photographs from their intimate nuptials on Instagram.
A Private Celebration Revealed
Myha'la disclosed the news to her followers, explaining that only a close circle of friends and family were aware of the ceremony at the time. The couple exchanged vows in a low-key event after being together for five years. For the occasion, the actress chose an elegant white lace midi dress.
In her caption, she wrote: 'One year of marriage. Sos if this is how you're finding out, promise we didn't tell most everyone.' She credited their friend, photographer @quillemons, for capturing the day and thanked @jojoplutz for officiating. The post was quickly flooded with congratulations from celebrity friends, including her Industry co-star Marisa Abela, who commented: 'It's so mum and dad, it's crazy.'
A Modern Love Story Born from Lockdown
The pair's romance has a distinctly contemporary origin story. Myha'la had previously revealed that she and Armando first connected when he sent her a direct message on Instagram during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2024, she explained that pandemic restrictions gave her time to scroll through her messages, where she found one from Rivera congratulating her on the debut of Industry.
After she replied with a simple thank you, she woke up to a series of video messages from him. Although hesitant at first, she checked his profile and found him 'kind of cute'. In the videos, Armando, a journalism student, expressed a desire to interview her for a project.
Their planned 10-minute Zoom call stretched to 40 minutes. 'We hop off, and I was like, 'Oh, I'm in love with a stranger. How weird,'' Myha'la recalled. A few days later, they exchanged numbers. Their relationship blossomed through FaceTime dates before they finally met in person in early 2021, when Myha'la was visiting her mother near his San Francisco school.
Describing their first time holding hands as 'otherworldly', she said they became 'inseparable from then on.' Armando later moved to New York to live with her after finishing his studies.
Choosing Each Other and Looking Ahead
Myha'la has spoken eloquently about their partnership's foundation. She told ELLE: 'When we met, I was like, 'I don't need you, I don't need you, and you don't need me, but I want you, and you want me.'' She emphasised that their individual independence strengthens their bond, stating it's 'extra s**t that I didn't know I wanted'.
Armando proposed in July 2024 in the doorway of their New York apartment. Faced with the daunting task of planning a large wedding, they opted instead for the intimate ceremony they have now shared with the world.
The news comes as Myha'la's show, Industry, continues to garner attention. HBO renewed the series, created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, for a fourth season in September 2024, with its premiere set for January 11. The show has also recently added The Handmaid's Tale star Max Minghella to its cast for the upcoming season.
