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Don Lemon is an American television personality who needs little introduction. Lemon rose to prominence for his various involvements in CNN between 2014 and 2023. He’s probably best known for presenting Don Lemon Tonight (2014 – 2022) and for co-hosting CNN This Morning, alongside Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins.
But Lemon’s television career didn’t start with CNN. The Brooklyn College graduate had previously worked as a news correspondent for several NBC programs, including ‘Today’ and ‘NBC Nightly News.’
Sadly, Lemon’s CNN career was dealt a massive blow when he got fired from the network in April 2023 for alleged sexism and misogyny remarks made on air. These allegations brought to the fore Lemon’s openly-admitted sexual orientation. They also fueled rumors that have been swirling around the internet for years, suggesting that the disgraced presenter was once married.
So, was Don ever married? And if yes, who’s this mysterious ex?
Introducing Don Lemon’s First Wife
Don Lemon is widely rumored to have been married to actress Stephanie Ortiz.
Stephanie was born on July 17, 1982, to a woman named Rita Ortiz. That makes her 41 years old as of 2023, 16 years older than her supposed ex-husband.
Details of Stephanie’s father and siblings remain scanty. Reports are also conflicting on her actual birthplace, with some publications suggesting New York and others California.
More About Stephanie Ortiz
There’s little information in public archives about Stephanie Ortiz’s education background. However, Stephanie began modeling at the tender age of 13. She also took an interest in acting around the same period.
Ortiz accepted minor modeling gigs before breaking big. Among the noteworthy brands she has modeled for include Levi’s, Dr. Pepper, Apple, Puma, and Benetton.
Thanks to her modeling career, Stephanie briefly lived in Europe and Asia for print and runaway. She returned to the US and decided to pursue her acting career seriously.
Although her acting success pales in comparison to Hollywood A-listers like Kate Winslet or Jennifer Lawrence, Stephanie has appeared in a number of popular movies over the years. She portrayed Tiffany in the film ‘A Kiss of Chaos’ and Eve in ‘Inside a Change,’ both in 2009.
The following year, Ortiz portrayed Jessica Bermudez in the movie ‘The Love Potion.’ Her other noteworthy film credits include appearing as Philly in The Grasslands (2011), Madelino Blanco in Los Blancos (2012), and as Surrogate in Curdled (2013).
Stephanie has also had a fairly successful television career besides appearing in commercials. She co-hosted the popular bilingual music show “The Roof” and was the main host in “Styleyes.” She was also the main host for “American Latino TV” and “Vibe on Demand.”
Ortiz also has a moderate presence on social media, particularly Instagram. She’s known to post numerous photos and videos documenting her day-to-day life on her Instagram account.
Is Don Lemon Currently Married?
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Don Lemon is openly gay, having come out in his 2011 book ‘Transparent.’ The former CNN presenter has been in a relationship with real estate agent Tim Malone since 2017.
Don and Tim first crossed paths in 2016 when Malone was acting as a producer on Lemon’s show. The chemistry between them immediately clicked and they began dating shortly after.
The relationship between Don and Tim only blossomed as the years went by. The couple eventually got engaged on April 6, 2019 and announced the exciting development on their social media handles. They’re set to be married at a yet-to-be-disclosed date.
Don Lemon’s book published in 2021, titled “This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism” offers more insights into his relationship with his partner Malone. Predictably, the book also highlights Lemon’s challenges as a gay and as a black man raised in the south. He further heaps praises on his partner for being supportive in their romantic journey together.
Does Don Lemon Have Kids?
Don Lemon doesn’t have children either. However, the couple (Don and Tim) has publicly expressed their desire to have children in future.
So, we can expect the first adoption any time after they formalize their union.
Is Stephanie Ortiz Gay?
Having been allegedly married to a now-gay husband, one may wonder if Stephanie Ortiz has also joined the rainbow movement after their divorce.
However, Stephanie remains straight. Reports indicate that she’s dating a man named Bryan. But gossip pertaining to the couple’s love life is yet to hit the tabloids.
Does Stephanie Ortiz Have Kids?
Stephanie Ortiz doesn’t have children yet, at least none that we know of.
The beautiful actress seems more focused on pursuing her acting ambitions at the moment.
So, Was Don Lemon Ever Married To Stephanie Ortiz?
It’s safe to treat the rumors suggesting that Don Lemon and Stephanie Ortiz were once a couple as just that – rumors. We cannot pinpoint what triggered these gossips and whether they have any solid backing.
But to give some credit to the rumor mill, it’s worth noting that neither Lemon nor Ortiz has come out to confirm or refute their alleged relationship. Perhaps they find the gossip baseless and not worth dignifying with a response. Or maybe the rumors have some truth in them after all. As the saying goes, ‘there’s no fire without smoke.’
Other Fun Facts About Stephanie Ortiz
Stephanie Ortiz is of Samoan ethnicity. She identifies with the Christian religion and doesn’t seem to hold any strong political views.
The actress stands around 5’9” feet (1.8 meters) tall and weighs 121 pounds (55 kilograms). She is a brunette with brown eyes.
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Igor is an SEO specialist, designer, photographer, writer and music producer. He believes that knowledge can change the world and be used to inspire and empower young people to build the life of their dreams.When he is not writing in his favorite coffee shop, Igor spends most of his time reading books, taking photos, producing house music, and learning about cinematography. He is a sucker for good coffee, Indian food, and video games.
