Who Is Kirsten Vangsness Engaged To? Her Real-Life Love Story

Many fans of the popular show *Criminal Minds* often wonder about the real-life connections of their favorite actors. It's a very natural curiosity, you know, to look beyond the scripted roles and see what happens when the cameras stop rolling. For those who admire Kirsten Vangsness, the talented actress who brings Penelope Garcia to life with such vibrant energy, a common question often pops up: Who is Kirsten Vangsness engaged to? It's a question that, quite frankly, gets asked a lot by people who follow her work and personal journey.

Kirsten Vangsness has captured hearts with her distinctive portrayal of the quirky and brilliant technical analyst on the long-running crime drama. Her character, Penelope Garcia, is known for her bright personality and her big heart, and that warmth, you could say, really shines through in Kirsten herself. People, it seems, are genuinely interested in her life off-screen, wanting to know about the person behind the beloved character.

So, as a matter of fact, we're here to share some details about Kirsten Vangsness's personal life, specifically focusing on her engagement. It's a story that, in a way, shows how love can find you in unexpected places and how life can really evolve. We'll explore who her partner is, how their relationship came to be, and a little bit about her journey to this point. You'll find it quite interesting, I think.

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Table of Contents

• Who is Kirsten Vangsness?
• Her Love Story: A New Chapter
• The Proposal: A Moment to Remember
• Looking Back: Past Relationships
• A Perfect Connection
• Beyond the Screen: Her Passions
• Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kirsten Vangsness?

Kirsten Vangsness is an American actress and also a writer, widely recognized for her memorable role on *Criminal Minds*. Born on July 7, 1972, in Los Angeles County, California, she has, you know, built a career that truly resonates with audiences. Her ability to embody such a unique and lovable character like Penelope Garcia has made her a household name for many crime show enthusiasts. She is, as of this writing in 2024, 52 years old, bringing a wealth of experience to her craft.

Beyond her acting work, Kirsten is known for being open about her personal identity, which is, in some respects, quite refreshing. She has shared that she is openly bisexual, a part of her life that she discusses with grace and honesty. This openness, I mean, truly adds another layer to her public persona, making her even more relatable to a wide array of people who follow her journey.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Her Love Story: A New Chapter

For quite some time now, Kirsten Vangsness has been in a loving relationship with her partner, Keith Hanson. He is, you know, an actor and also a writer, just like Kirsten herself. This connection, in a way, seems to bring a shared understanding to their lives, given their similar creative paths. The news of their engagement first became public in 2015, which was, for many, a very exciting development in her personal story.

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The couple, Keith Hanson and Kirsten, made their engagement announcement in November 2015, sharing their happiness with the world. It was a moment that, you know, really marked a new chapter for them both. As of now, Kirsten Vangsness is not married, but she has been engaged to Keith Hanson since that time in 2015. This long engagement, in some respects, speaks to a deep and steady bond they share.

Their relationship, apparently, started two years after Kirsten's previous engagement came to an end. This timing suggests that, you know, she took some time before finding this new connection, allowing things to unfold naturally. It's a journey that, I mean, shows how people can move forward and discover new happiness after a past relationship concludes. Keith Hanson has, in a way, become a very significant person in her life.

The Proposal: A Moment to Remember

The proposal itself was, quite frankly, a truly special occasion for Kirsten Vangsness and Keith Hanson. He asked her to marry him in November 2015, and he did it in a very thoughtful way. The setting for this memorable event was the Redbury Hotel in Hollywood, which, you know, sounds like a rather lovely place for such a significant moment. It’s almost like something out of a movie, isn't it?

What made the proposal even more touching, as a matter of fact, was that Keith popped the question in front of their closest friends and family. Having loved ones present for such a personal and important step, you know, really adds to the warmth and joy of the occasion. It shows that their relationship is, in a way, something they wanted to celebrate with the people who mean the most to them, making it a shared memory for everyone there.

Kirsten, you know, shared her feelings about this big moment, telling *People* magazine in November 2015 that the person she was with was "very, very special." This statement, I mean, really captures the depth of her feelings for Keith Hanson. It’s clear that, for her, this engagement was not just a formality but a true affirmation of a unique and cherished bond. He’s, quite literally, a perfect fit for her, as she's expressed.

Looking Back: Past Relationships

Before her engagement to Keith Hanson, Kirsten Vangsness had, in fact, been engaged to another person, a woman named Melanie Goldstein. This earlier engagement took place in 2009. Their relationship, it seems, began in 2006, and they were together for about seven years. So, you know, it was a significant period in Kirsten's life, a very serious commitment for quite a stretch of time.

However, the relationship with Melanie Goldstein came to an end in 2013, with the couple going their separate ways. This split, I mean, marked a transition point for Kirsten. It's a common part of life, really, where relationships can change and evolve, sometimes leading to new paths. After this period, Kirsten, you know, found herself moving forward and, eventually, meeting Keith Hanson.

Interestingly, Kirsten has spoken about how she didn't, in a way, expect to find herself in love with a man after having been in a long-term relationship with a woman. This personal reflection, you know, highlights the unexpected nature of love and connection. It shows that, sometimes, life takes surprising turns, and you can find happiness in places you might not have anticipated, which is, honestly, a beautiful thing to consider.

A Perfect Connection

Kirsten Vangsness has, quite frankly, spoken with great affection about her fiancé, Keith Hanson. She has described him as "the perfect partner for me," which is, you know, a very strong endorsement of their connection. This kind of sentiment, I mean, really conveys a deep sense of compatibility and happiness within their relationship. It suggests that they truly complement each other in meaningful ways.

She also shared that she feels they "evolve" together, which is, in some respects, a really insightful way to talk about a partnership. This idea of evolving, you know, implies that their relationship isn't static but rather a dynamic journey where they both grow and change alongside one another. It's a sign of a healthy and strong bond, where mutual development is a core part of their shared life.

The actress, who is, you know, 43 years old as of the time she made these comments to *People* magazine in November 2015, clearly feels a profound connection with Keith. She gushed about him, saying he is "the perfect partner for me and I feel like we evolve." This feeling of mutual growth and support is, basically, what many people seek in a life partner, and it seems Kirsten has, truly, found that with Keith Hanson. Learn more about Kirsten Vangsness's career on our site.

Beyond the Screen: Her Passions

When she's not portraying Penelope Garcia or working on her writing, Kirsten Vangsness has, in fact, a few hobbies that she really enjoys. In her spare time, she finds pleasure in traveling, which, you know, allows her to explore new places and experience different cultures. This love for travel, I mean, suggests a curious and adventurous spirit, always looking for new perspectives and experiences.

Another passion that Kirsten holds dear is working with children. This particular interest, you know, really highlights her compassionate and nurturing side. Engaging with young people can be incredibly rewarding, and it speaks to her character that she dedicates some of her personal time to this. It's a very kind and generous way to spend her moments away from the busy world of acting.

And, as you might expect from an actress, Kirsten also enjoys watching movies. This pastime, you know, is a bit of a natural fit for someone in her profession, allowing her to appreciate the craft from a different viewpoint. She finds joy in watching films, which is, honestly, a very relatable way to relax and engage with stories. It’s just another piece of what makes her, you know, a wonderfully multifaceted person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kirsten Vangsness married in real life?

As of now, Kirsten Vangsness is not married. However, she has been engaged to actor and writer Keith Hanson since 2015. So, she is in a loving and committed relationship, but they have not yet tied the knot. It's a situation that, you know, many people find themselves in, taking their time before the big day.

When did Kirsten Vangsness get engaged to Keith Hanson?

Kirsten Vangsness and Keith Hanson announced their engagement in November 2015. Keith proposed to her at the Redbury Hotel in Hollywood, with their friends and family present. This was, you know, a very special moment for the couple, marking the beginning of their official journey towards marriage.

Who was Kirsten Vangsness engaged to before Keith Hanson?

Before her engagement to Keith Hanson, Kirsten Vangsness was engaged to Melanie Goldstein in 2009. They had been in a relationship since 2006, but their engagement ended in 2013. So, her journey to finding love has, you know, involved a few different chapters over the years, leading her to where she is now. You can learn more about Kirsten Vangsness's personal life on this page.