Justin Baldoni; Biography, Age, Wife, Lawsuit, Blake Lively and Net Worth
Justin Baldoni Biography
Justin Baldoni is an American actor, director, producer, and author. He gained prominence starring as Rafael Solano on Jane the Virgin (2014–2019) and directing and acting as Ryle Kincaid in It Ends with Us (2024). He also directed Five Feet Apart and Clouds and co-founded Wayfarer Studios, focusing on socially conscious storytelling
Education
Baldoni grew up in Medford, Oregon, and attended Medford High School. He later studied at California State University, Long Beach—initially earning a partial athletic scholarship—though some sources suggest he dropped out
Justin Baldoni Age
He is 41 years old as of 2025. He was born in Los Angeles, California, United States on January 24, 1984,
Ethnicity
He is of mixed heritage: his mother is Ashkenazi Jewish, and his father is of Italian descent. This background renders him Jewish by Halakha, though he was raised in the Baháʼí Faith
Religion
Raised in the Baháʼí Faith—both his parents had converted prior to his birth—Baldoni continues to follow its teachings
Parents and Siblings
He is the son of his mother, Sharon of Jewish descent, and his father, Sam Baldoni, of Italian heritage. Public sources do not provide detailed information on any siblings
Height
Baldoni stands around 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall
Wife and Children
He married Swedish actress Emily Fuxler Baldoni in July 2013, whom he proposed to with a viral 27-minute YouTube video. They have two children: daughter Maiya (born 2015) and son Maxwell (born 2017)
Justin Baldoni Books
Baldoni authored Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity (2021), exploring modern masculinity. He also released a children’s version titled Boys Will Be Human (2022) and hosts the Man Enough podcast
Justin Baldoni Movies
He has acted or produced/director roles in:
It Ends with Us (2024, as Ryle Kincaid)
Five Feet Apart (2019, director/producer)
Clouds (2020, director)
Con Man (2018)
Earlier films include The House Bunny, Unrequited, and more
Justin Baldoni TV Shows
Notable appearances:
Rafael Solano in Jane the Virgin (2014–2019)
Documentary series My Last Days (2012–2019)
The Young and the Restless (2004 debut)
Justin Baldoni Lawsuit
In January 2025, Baldoni sued Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane for $400 million (defamation/extortion) and also filed a $250 million libel suit against The New York Times. Judge Lewis Liman dismissed these in June 2025 but allowed Baldoni to amend certain claims by June 23. Lively’s original lawsuit stands, with trial set for March 9, 2026
Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively
Baldoni directed and starred alongside Blake Lively in It Ends with Us (2024). On-set tensions led Lively to file a December 2024 sexual harassment and hostile work environment lawsuit. Baldoni responded with a countersuit alleging defamation and extortion, both largely dismissed in June 2025. They’ve exchanged text messages and legal filings revealing behind-the-scenes dynamics
Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively Drama: Background
In August 2024, It Ends With Us was released, directed by Justin Baldoni and starring Blake Lively
By December 2024, Lively filed a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of a hostile work environment, including unwanted physical advances, inappropriate comments, and uninvited entries into her trailer. She also claimed his PR team orchestrated a smear campaign in retaliation
Dual Lawsuits Erupt
Lively’s Lawsuit (Dec 2024): Sued Baldoni, his studio (Wayfarer), and PR reps, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation
Baldoni’s Countersuit (Jan 2025): Filed a $400 million defamation and extortion case against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, plus a $250 million libel suit against The New York Times
Legal Hurdles & Court Evolution
Lively’s legal team sought gag orders, blocked subpoenas (including one for Taylor Swift), and pushed back on Baldoni’s defenses
Baldoni lost representation from WME; his award from Vital Voices was revoked after his countersuit
June 2025: Baldoni’s Countersuit Dropped
On June 9, 2025, Judge Lewis Liman dismissed Baldoni’s defamation and extortion claims, citing California legal protections for reporting workplace misconduct
The libel suit against The New York Times was also dismissed
However, Baldoni was allowed to amend up to four claims (e.g., contract interference) by June 23
Public Reactions & Ramifications
Blake Lively hailed the ruling as a “total victory” and felt “vindicated,” with emotional relief and renewed resolve to advocate for women’s rights
She and her team now plan to seek attorneys’ fees and punitive damages, labeling Baldoni’s suit “abusive litigation”
Baldoni’s legal team criticized early celebrations, calling the win “false,” and stated they’ll refile amended claims
Legal analysts caution the war isn’t over—much may still depend on amended pleadings or eventual settlement ahead of the March 2026 trial
people.com
What’s Next
Baldoni has until June 23, 2025, to file an amended complaint focused on contract interference.
The core trial on Lively’s sexual harassment and retaliation claims is scheduled for March 9, 2026
Meanwhile, both sides are intensifying their legal strategies: Lively seeks sanctions and fees, while Baldoni’s team prepares a more targeted legal challenge
Bottom Line
This dispute—triggered by allegations of misconduct on a high-profile film set—has escalated into a complex legal and PR battle. While Lively secured a significant dismissal win, multiple avenues remain open, and the March 2026 trial looms as the next major turning point.
Justin Baldoni Text Messages
As part of the legal proceedings, Baldoni publicly released text message exchanges with Lively—initially citing supportive professional discussions, but later including messages where they clashed over scenes, wardrobe, and the intimacy coordinator, revealing escalating tension
Justin Baldoni in Jane the Virgin
He starred as lead Rafael Solano in Jane the Virgin from 2014 to 2019, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base for his charming portrayal of the telenovela-inspired lead.
Justin Baldoni in It Ends with Us
He directed and played Ryle Kincaid in the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, which grossed over $350 million. Lively later accused him of harassing behaviors on set, triggering the legal confrontations.
Justin Baldoni Net Worth
Estimates vary. Some sources peg his net worth at around $6 million, while others—accounting for his production work and Wayfarer assets—suggest numbers closer to $17 million
