# Heartbreak on Set: *Orange Is the New Black* Stars Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli Announce Divorce After 9 Years **Imagine falling in love amid prison drama—only for real life to script an unexpected ending.** Fans of Netflix's *Orange Is the New Black* are reeling from news that beloved stars Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli, who met on the show's set, have filed for divorce after nearly a decade of marriage.[1][2][4] Their story began in 2012 during production of the groundbreaking series, where Wiley portrayed the iconic inmate Poussey Washington and Morelli served as a writer and producer. Morelli, then married, came out as gay that fall, later separating from her husband in 2014, sparking a magnetic connection with Wiley.[2][3][4] Wiley has shared how playing Poussey helped her embrace her sexuality—despite being outed without consent by a castmate—and credited the role with leading her to her wife and family.[3] The couple got engaged in Palm Springs in 2016, tying the knot there in March 2017, a spot symbolizing their commitment.[2][4] They welcomed daughter George Elizabeth via Morelli in April 2021.[3][4] Now, on January 30, they've amicably filed for divorce, releasing a joint statement to *Out* magazine: "After nine years together, we have decided to end our marriage; however, our lifelong commitment to co-parenting will forever remain."[1][2][3][4] This split underscores the realities even fairy-tale romances face, especially in Hollywood's spotlight. Wiley, 38, continues shining in projects like *The Handmaid's Tale*, while Morelli, 43, has helmed shows like *Tales of the City*.[4] Their emphasis on co-parenting offers a mature blueprint for modern separations.
Image: A poignant sunset silhouette evoking bittersweet farewells (Unsplash).
Citations
1.https://www.ptinews.com/story/entertainment/orange-is-the-new-black-actor-samira-wiley-announces-divorce-from-lauren-morelli/3329840
2.https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/entertainment/samira-wiley-lauren-morelli-file-for-divorce-after-9-years-of-marriage/
3.https://diva-magazine.com/2026/01/30/samira-wiley-and-lauren-morelli-announce-split-after-9-years-of-marriage/amp/
4.https://www.out.com/celebs/samira-wiley-lauren-morelli-divorce
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