Melissa Joan Hart, the actress from the iconic TV show Sabrina the Teenage Witch, has been married to her husband, Mark Wilkerson, for over two decades. The couple’s love story is a fascinating one, romantic getaways, and a deep commitment to each other and their family.
Here, we’ll delve into the life of Mark Wilkerson, exploring his background, his relationship with Melissa Joan Hart, and the various aspects of his life that make him a loving husband, devoted father, and talented musician.
Meet at the Kentucky Derby
Mark Wilkerson and Melissa Joan Hart first met at the 2002 Kentucky Derby, a chance encounter that would change their lives forever. According to Wilkerson’s younger sister, Sally, the musician was immediately smitten with the Hollywood star.
“He tried to play it all cool, but he knew who she was,” Sally recalled in a 2014 interview with PEOPLE. Hart’s feelings were mutual, and she would later share the story of their meeting on Instagram, writing, “In 2002, a girl from New York told her mother she met a boy from Alabama at the Kentucky Derby that she was going to marry.”
The Proposal and Wedding
After dating for a few months, Wilkerson proposed to Hart during the holiday season in 2002. The couple got married in Florence, Italy, on July 19, 2003, in a televised ceremony on the ABC Family miniseries Tying the Knot.
Hart has fondly recalled the most memorable part of their wedding, which was when Wilkerson was overcome with emotion during the vows. “Mark was crying so hard, and we were supposed to put our heads down, but his nose had filled up!” she shared in a 2009 interview with Woman’s Day.
Wilkerson and Hart have three sons together: Mason, Braydon, and Tucker. The couple has always prioritized their family, and Wilkerson has been a hands-on father, even taking on the role of stay-at-home dad after Braydon’s birth.
Hart has praised her husband’s dedication to their children, saying, “Without him behind me, I couldn’t do what I do and entertain people because I would have to stay at home with the kids.” Wilkerson’s involvement in their children’s lives has been instrumental in their upbringing, and Hart has often spoken about how grateful she is to have a partner who is equally committed to their family.
fitness enthusiast couple
Mark Wilkerson and Melissa Joan Hart are both fitness enthusiasts and regularly work out together. In a 2014 interview with PEOPLE, they shared that their frequent training sessions were a way to enjoy quality time together, away from their children.
For Hart, having a workout partner also helped her stay motivated. “I’m very much driven by working out with peers or working out with Mark,” she said.
A Musician at Heart
Before meeting Hart, Wilkerson was the lead singer and rhythmic guitarist of the alternative rock band Course of Nature. The band was formed as a cover band but eventually started writing their own music. Wilkerson’s musical talents have also earned him a Grammy nomination for the Daughtry song “It’s Not Over.”
Philanthropic Efforts
Mark Wilkerson and Melissa Joan Hart are committed to supporting various charities, including Steven Tyler’s Janie’s Fund, which benefits girls who have suffered trauma from abuse and neglect. The couple has been regular attendees at the annual Grammy Awards viewing party, with Hart serving as a co-chair.
FAQs
How many children do Mark Wilkerson and Melissa Joan Hart have?
They have three sons: Mason, Braydon, and Tucker.
Did Mark Wilkerson play in a band?
Yes, he was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the alternative rock band Course of Nature.
How long have Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Wilkerson been married?
They’ve been married for over 20 years, exchanging vows in 2003.
