Meg Donnelly, the talented actress known for her roles in Disney Channel’s “Zombies” franchise and ABC’s “American Housewife,” has captured hearts both on and off screen. As a rising star in Hollywood, fans are naturally curious about her romantic life and relationship history. The 24-year-old performer has been relatively open about her dating experiences, sharing glimpses of her personal life while maintaining a balance between privacy and public interest.
Born on July 25, 2000, in New York City, Donnelly has built an impressive career that spans television, film, and music. Her breakthrough role as Taylor Otto in “American Housewife” launched her into the spotlight, but it was her portrayal of Addison in the “Zombies” series that truly established her as a Disney Channel favorite. Beyond acting, she has also pursued music and recently starred as Mary Campbell in The CW’s “The Winchesters,” a prequel to the popular series “Supernatural.”
Throughout her career, Donnelly has navigated several public relationships, each bringing its own set of challenges and learning experiences. From her early romance with Christian Valderrama to her current relationship with “The Winchesters” co-star Drake Rodger, her dating history reflects the complexities of maintaining personal relationships while living in the public eye. Her approach to love and relationships has evolved over time, showing a mature understanding of privacy, communication, and the pressures that come with celebrity romance.
Current Relationship: Drake Rodger
Meg Donnelly is currently dating Drake Rodger, her co-star from “The Winchesters.” The couple officially confirmed their relationship in February 2024 during an appearance on The Zach Sang Show, though they had been dating since 2023. Their romance blossomed while working together on the CW series, where they portrayed love interests Mary Campbell and John Winchester.
The relationship represents a significant shift in how Donnelly approaches public romance. “We’re not trying to hide it at all,” she explained during the interview. “It’s just that, I feel like on my last couple of relationships it was very public, so now I’m kind of trying to keep it — not even private, because I’ll talk about it as much as possible because I love him so much.” This measured approach reflects her growth and desire for a healthier balance between public and private life.
Donnelly has been particularly vocal about how Rodger has positively influenced her personal development. “I feel like the past year or so, he has just been incredible even for music and acting and stuff, he just has such great advice, and I feel like my communication has gotten a lot better because of him, and I’m grateful for that,” she shared. The couple continues to support each other’s careers while maintaining their preference for keeping their relationship relatively low-key on social media.
Past Relationships and Dating History
Noah Zulfikar (2019-2022)
Before her current relationship, Donnelly’s most significant romance was with actor and dancer Noah Zulfikar. The couple dated for three years, from 2019 to 2022, meeting on the set of “Zombies 2” where Zulfikar played Jacey, a werewolf pack member. Their relationship was notably public, with both frequently sharing photos and heartfelt messages on social media.
The relationship with Zulfikar was characterized by their shared passion for dance and performance, often collaborating on projects and supporting each other’s careers. However, the public nature of their romance also brought challenges, as they had to navigate the scrutiny that comes with high-profile relationships in the entertainment industry. The couple eventually parted ways in 2022, though they maintained professionalism and respect for each other.
Christian Valderrama (2018-2019)
Earlier in her career, Donnelly dated Christian Valderrama from 2018 to 2019. This relationship occurred during her rising fame period, as she was establishing herself in the entertainment industry. While less publicized than her subsequent relationships, this romance was part of her journey in learning to balance personal life with a growing career in Hollywood.
Other Connections
Donnelly has also been linked to Logan Pepper in 2019, though this appears to have been a brief connection. Additionally, she had a relationship with Peyton Meyer, her co-star from “American Housewife,” though the timeline and details of this relationship remain less documented. These connections highlight the common occurrence of workplace romances in the entertainment industry, where actors often develop feelings for their co-stars during intense filming periods.
Evolution of Her Approach to Relationships
Throughout her dating history, Donnelly has demonstrated significant personal growth in how she handles relationships in the public eye. Her current relationship with Rodger shows a more mature approach to privacy and communication. “Just on social media in general, I like having that privacy, because putting it all out there, it kind of becomes public too,” she explained.
This evolution reflects her understanding of the pressures that public relations can face. She noted that being an actress puts extra pressure on relationships, stating, “We’ve had conversations about it, but it’s nothing too — like if we feel like posting about each other, we can. It’s not off limits, it’s not like we’re hiding each other or anything, but just not every day publicly anymore, because I used to do that and I like the way things are now.”
The actress has also emphasized the importance of having a supportive partner who understands the demands of her career. She particularly appreciates Rodger’s calming presence at red carpet events, noting, “It’s very easy, he’s so great at keeping calm energ,y and I always get so nervous.”
Looking Forward
As Donnelly continues to build her career with upcoming projects like “Zombies 4” and her music endeavors, her relationship with Rodger appears to be providing the stability and support she values. Their shared experience in the entertainment industry, combined with their commitment to maintaining healthy boundaries between public and private life, suggests a mature foundation for their relationship.
The couple’s willingness to work together again professionally, with Rodger expressing enthusiasm about collaborating with Donnelly in future projects, indicates a strong partnership that extends beyond romance into professional mutual support. As both continue to pursue their individual careers while supporting each other, their relationship represents a modern approach to celebrity romance that prioritizes communication, respect, and personal growth.
