Who Is Bill Maher's Wife? New Details About All The Women He's Dated And Why He Never Married
About that whole marriage thing...
getty For anyone who watches Real Time with Bill Maher, you know how heated (and hilarious) things can get. Maher is no stranger to commenting on everything and anything, from the state of America right now to more controversial topics. But he’s also very vocal about relationships — and marriage, in particular.
Instead of wondering who is Bill Maher’s wife, we should be asking why he doesn’t have a wife and why he never plans to marry. His website has stated, “I'm the last of my guy friends to have never gotten married, and their wives — they don't want them playing with me. I'm like the escaped slave — I bring news of freedom.”
Though Maher is adamant about never getting married, that hasn’t stopped him from dating. Here are 7 things to know about Bill Maher’s dating life.
1. He dated a former Playboy model.
Back in 2003, he was linked to cybergirl Coco Johnsen. The pair only dated for 17 months, but there was a crazy fallout from their relationship.
2. She tried to sue him after their breakup!
Johnsen sued Maher for $9 million for “pain and suffering,” alleging degrading racial comments and humiliation. In her suit, she claimed Maher promised to marry her and support her financially, causing her to quit her job as a flight attendant and model.
In his lawyers’ rebuttal, they said that he is a “confirmed bachelor, and a very public one at that” who “never promised to marry [Johnsen].” Maher claims that Johnsen tried to extort him for money after their relationship ended.
3. He also dated a former hip-hop model.
In 2005, Maher began dating Karrine Steffans, an author and hip-hop model. The couple broke up in 2006 but it seems like they were both on good terms. When Steffans commented on all the men she has been with in bed, she said that nobody compared to Maher.
“It took a lot to impress me. Bill was my perfect match. [Love-making] was explosive and amazing. I've never been with someone who couldn't keep his hands off me. He made me a better person. I never expected fidelity and commitment from Bill Maher, but we saw each other every day, and he reached out to include my son,” she said.
Maher was serious about Steffans, but she felt like she needed to explore and come into her own.
4. This made people start speculating that he was “into black women.”
Because, of course. Cue eye roll. Maher responded to this, saying, “People say I'm into black women. Robert De Niro is into black women. I'm just into women who are real — and they happen to be black.”
5. His most recent ex-girlfriend is a professor.
For two years, from 2009 to 2011, Maher dated Cara Santa Maria, a science communicator, journalist, television host, and podcaster. She hosts Skeptics' Guide to the Universe.
According to In Touch Weekly, their split was mutual. “Our breakup was mutual and amicable. We continue to be friends and work together,” Santa Maria said. Maher confirmed, stating, "Breakups are always difficult, especially with an amazing person like Cara. I wish her nothing but the best, and remain committed to and excited by her career as a media science expert."
6. He’s currently dating a Canadian singer.
Since 2014, Maher has dated singer Anjulie Persaud, known mononymously as Anjulie. Four years seems like a lot for him, since he’s known for becoming bored of relationships after a few years.
7. He’s dated a long list of women.
In the late 80s and throughout the 90s, Maher was linked to Tracy Richman, who talked about their relationship in her memoir. He hooked up with his co-star Adrienne Barbeau, dated Heather Hunter on and off, was linked to model Amber Lee Smith, and even dated Arianna Huffington! Model Karin Taylor spoke about her 1997 relationship with him on the Howard Stern Show, and he was also rumored to have dated Brook Lee, 1997 Miss Universe.
His other flames? He dated model Vanessa Kay, had a fling with Aiko Tanaka, hooked up with actress Bai Ling, was spotted with pop singer Kaya Jones, was linked to WWE wrestler Rochelle Loewen, and even dated actress Thora Birch.
The strangest one of all, though? Ann Coulter. Apparently, rumors have swirled for years that because the two are good friends, they have previously dated. Let’s hope that’s just a rumor.
Samantha Maffucci is an associate editor for YourTango. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.