Alex Cooper, the influential host of the record-breaking podcast Call Her Daddy, is married to Matt Kaplan. Kaplan is a prominent Hollywood producer and the CEO of Ace Entertainment. The couple officially tied the knot on April 6, 2024, in a highly publicized yet intimate ceremony in Riviera Maya, Mexico. While Cooper is known for her candidness on her podcast, Kaplan spent years as a mysterious figure referred to only as "Mr. Sexy Zoom Man" before his identity was revealed and their partnership became a cornerstone of a new media empire.

Who Is Matt Kaplan and What Is His Professional Background

To understand the dynamic of this power couple, it is essential to look at Matt Kaplan's standing in the entertainment industry. Unlike his wife, who operates in front of the microphone, Kaplan has built his reputation behind the scenes as a shrewd executive and creative force.

The Columbia University Athlete Turned Film Executive

Matt Kaplan's journey into the upper echelons of Hollywood began far from the film sets of Los Angeles. He attended Columbia University, an Ivy League institution where he was a standout student-athlete. Kaplan served as the quarterback for the Columbia Lions football team. This background in competitive sports often translates into the high-pressure environment of film production, where leadership and strategic thinking are paramount.

During his time at Columbia, Kaplan balanced his athletic commitments with a burgeoning passion for film. He studied the technical aspects of filmmaking, including writing and directing. In later interviews, he modestly admitted that he did not see himself as a great director but realized he had a unique talent for "assessing material." This self-awareness led him to focus on the executive and production side of the industry, where he could identify stories that would resonate with specific demographics.

Building Ace Entertainment and the Netflix Success

Kaplan's professional trajectory is marked by a series of strategic moves at major production houses. He began his career as an assistant at Lionsgate, where he learned the mechanics of a major studio. He later moved to Blumhouse, a company famous for its high-margin horror films, which likely influenced his understanding of genre-specific marketing.

However, Kaplan truly made his mark during his tenure at Awesomeness Films and subsequently through his own venture, Ace Entertainment. He is widely credited with revitalizing the teen romantic comedy genre for the streaming era. His most significant achievement was producing the To All the Boys I've Loved Before trilogy for Netflix. Based on the novels by Jenny Han, these films became a cultural phenomenon, proving that there was a massive, underserved audience for high-quality Young Adult (YA) content.

Under Kaplan’s leadership as CEO, Ace Entertainment has continued to dominate this space. The company produced the XO, Kitty spinoff series and numerous other projects that cater to Gen Z audiences. Kaplan’s ability to bridge the gap between traditional storytelling and the consumption habits of younger viewers has made him one of the most successful producers in modern digital entertainment.

The Evolution of the Mr. Sexy Zoom Man Narrative

For a long time, the audience of Call Her Daddy—known affectionately as the "Daddy Gang"—knew Matt Kaplan only by a pseudonym. The story of "Mr. Sexy Zoom Man" became a central plot point in the podcast's narrative, representing a shift in Cooper’s personal life toward a more stable and mature relationship.

Meeting During the Pandemic Era

The couple's origin story is uniquely modern. They met in July 2020 via a Zoom business call. At the time, the world was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and professional interactions had shifted entirely to digital platforms. Cooper has recalled that despite the clinical nature of a video conference, she was immediately struck by Kaplan’s appearance and presence.

Their first in-person date followed shortly after, where they reportedly felt an immediate and deep connection. Cooper has often described that first meeting as the moment she knew Kaplan was the person she wanted to spend her life with. This was a significant departure for the host, who had previously been known for her cynical and often humorous take on modern dating and toxic relationships.

Why the Relationship Remained Private for Years

Privacy was a deliberate choice for both Kaplan and Cooper. Given Kaplan’s position as a Hollywood executive, he preferred to let his work speak for itself rather than becoming a tabloid fixture. For Cooper, keeping Kaplan’s identity secret allowed her to share the emotional arc of her relationship with her audience without exposing the specifics of their private life to intense public scrutiny.

By using the moniker "Mr. Sexy Zoom Man," Cooper turned her real-life romance into a relatable mystery for her listeners. This period allowed the couple to build a solid foundation away from the spotlight. Kaplan was eventually revealed to the public around the time of their engagement in 2023, a move that signaled their readiness to enter the next phase of their lives as a public-facing couple.

The Milestone Events of the Cooper and Kaplan Relationship

The transition from a private couple to a married pair involved several high-profile milestones that captured the attention of both the podcasting world and the fashion industry.

The Elaborate Scavenger Hunt Engagement

Matt Kaplan proposed to Alex Cooper in March 2023. The engagement was characterized by the same level of detail and production value found in Kaplan’s film projects. He arranged a sophisticated scavenger hunt at their home, leading Cooper through various rooms that held sentimental value, culminating in a proposal involving their two dogs, Henry and Bruce, who wore bow ties for the occasion.

The ring Kaplan presented was a 5-carat, vintage oval-cut diamond designed by Jenna Blake. The engagement was officially announced in W Magazine, marking one of the first times Kaplan appeared in a major editorial feature alongside Cooper. This announcement also served as a formal introduction of Kaplan to the broader media world as the man behind the podcasting mogul.

The Riviera Maya Wedding and Vogue Coverage

The wedding took place on April 6, 2024, in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The event was an intimate affair, attended by close friends and family, and was documented in an exclusive feature for Vogue. The ceremony was noted for its departure from several traditional wedding norms, reflecting Cooper’s independent spirit and Kaplan’s supportive nature.

One of the most discussed aspects of the wedding was Cooper’s decision to walk herself down the aisle. She explained this choice as a rejection of the traditional concept of being "handed over" from one man to another, a sentiment that aligns with the themes of female empowerment often discussed on her show. The ceremony was officiated by Cooper’s brother, Grant, and the couple’s dogs served as ring bearers.

The fashion for the weekend was also a major talking point. Cooper wore a custom Danielle Frankel gown, and the entire weekend was designed to be a private, heartfelt celebration rather than a commercialized spectacle. Despite the Vogue coverage, the couple maintained that the "true intimate bond" they share remains something they keep for themselves.

A Power Couple in the Gen Z Media Landscape

Beyond their romantic relationship, Matt Kaplan and Alex Cooper have become significant business partners. Their marriage coincides with a massive expansion of their professional interests, moving beyond a single podcast into a diversified media portfolio.

Launching Trending and the Creator Economy

In 2023, the couple co-founded "Trending," a media company specifically designed to cater to Gen Z and millennial audiences. This venture leverages Cooper’s talent for content creation and Kaplan’s expertise in production and distribution. Trending seeks to identify and elevate the next generation of creators, essentially applying a Hollywood production model to the creator economy.

The company has already made significant waves by signing deals with top-tier influencers such as Alix Earle and Madeline Argy. By providing these creators with the production resources of a traditional studio, Trending is redefining how digital content is produced and monetized. This partnership demonstrates that the Cooper-Kaplan relationship is not just a personal union but a strategic alliance that aims to dominate the future of digital media.

Balancing Fame and Personal Life

Maintaining a relationship when one partner is a global podcasting star and the other is a high-level producer requires a delicate balance. Kaplan has been described by Cooper as an incredibly supportive partner who encourages her professional growth while providing a grounded domestic life.

Kaplan’s previous experience with high-profile relationships—including a brief marriage to actress Claire Holt and a long-term relationship with Ashley Olsen—perhaps prepared him for the unique challenges of a public marriage. For Cooper, Kaplan represents a shift toward "honesty and trust," a theme she has frequently touched upon when discussing their life together in recent podcast episodes.

As of 2025, the couple continues to reside in Los Angeles. While Cooper has mentioned that she wants more time before starting a family due to her massive contract with SiriusXM and other professional commitments, she has expressed deep confidence in Kaplan’s future role as a father, citing his supportive nature as a primary reason.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matt Kaplan

What is Matt Kaplan's net worth?

While specific figures are private, Matt Kaplan's net worth is estimated to be in the millions, stemming from his successful career as a film producer and CEO of Ace Entertainment. His company has produced several high-grossing films and series for platforms like Netflix.

Who was Matt Kaplan married to before Alex Cooper?

Matt Kaplan was previously married to Australian actress Claire Holt, known for her roles in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals. They were married in 2016 and filed for divorce nearly a year later in 2017, citing irreconcilable differences.

How old is Matt Kaplan?

Matt Kaplan was born in 1984, making him approximately 40 years old as of 2024. He is roughly ten years older than Alex Cooper, who was born in 1994.

What are some of Matt Kaplan's most famous movies?

Kaplan is best known for producing the To All the Boys I've Loved Before trilogy on Netflix. Other notable projects include XO, Kitty, The Perfect Date, Before I Fall, and The Lazarus Effect.

Does Matt Kaplan appear on Call Her Daddy?

Matt Kaplan has made very few direct appearances on the podcast, as he prefers to remain behind the scenes. However, his presence is a constant theme in the show, and he has appeared in social media posts and editorial features alongside Alex Cooper.

Summary of the Cooper-Kaplan Relationship

The union between Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan represents a significant chapter in the lives of two of the most influential figures in modern media. From the early "Mr. Sexy Zoom Man" days to their 2024 wedding in Mexico, their relationship has been a journey of finding balance between public fame and private intimacy. Professionally, their collaboration through Trending indicates that they will be a dominant force in the creator economy for years to come. Personally, they remain a prominent example of a modern power couple navigating the complexities of the spotlight with mutual respect and shared ambition.