British-Nigerian actor John Boyega has surprised fans by revealing that he has been secretly married for nearly two years and is preparing to welcome his first child, a baby boy. The 34-year-old Star Wars star shared these intimate details about his personal life during an interview with The Guardian, published in October. This interview offered a rare glimpse into a private family life that he has largely shielded from Hollywood’s spotlight.
When asked about the wedding ring on his left hand during the interview, Boyega casually noted that he had been married for “coming up to two years now.” Rather than opting for a lavish celebrity ceremony, the actor and his wife chose a small, intimate gathering. Explaining their choice, Boyega noted that they preferred the idea of celebrating an already established relationship rather than focusing purely on the beginning of a marriage.
Though he did not explicitly name his wife during the interview, speculation has heavily linked him to American actress and model Lashontae Heckard. Eagle-eyed fans previously spotted matching bands and social media hints, including Heckard changing her Instagram handle and bio to “Tae Boyega.” Boyega also shared a humorous anecdote about purchasing one of their spontaneous wedding bands during an ordinary shopping run to a Walmart in Canoga Park, praising the budget-friendly find.
Expanding Family and Fatherhood Priorities
Alongside his secret marriage, Boyega confirmed that he and his wife have a baby on the way. “My baby’s on the way. We got a baby cooking,” the actor said. He added that he already has a young stepson. The new arrival expands a household dynamic that Boyega described as a major source of personal fulfillment.
As he steps into fatherhood, the actor emphasized that his main focus is to be a reliable and affectionate parent. “Us being parents is funny!” he shared. “I just want to make sure I’m present, I’m consistent, and full of love.”
Shifting Career Focus Away from Hollywood
These monumental life updates have also prompted Boyega to reevaluate the demands of his acting career. Known globally for his breakthrough role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, as well as performances in The Woman King and Pacific Rim: Uprising, the actor admitted that he is actively working to de-center his professional life.
“I’ve tried to as much as possible – especially following periods when I’ve worked a lot – to de-centre my career,” Boyega explained. “There have been certain moments when I’ve known that this is a time for family. Y’know, there’s stuff to do.”
Boyega’s personal revelations coincided with his promotional work for the BBC Two documentary Damilola: The Untold Story. The project examines the tragic year 2000 killing of his childhood friend Damilola Taylor in London, an experience that deeply shaped Boyega’s early years. Balancing this reflective look at his past with the joyful announcements of his marriage and growing family, Boyega stands firmly focused on protecting his private life and nurturing his future.
