The world of celebrity romance rarely follows a predictable script, but Myha’la Herrold’s love story with Armando Rivera proves that sometimes the most unexpected connections lead to lasting relationships. The 28-year-old actress, best known for her compelling portrayal of Harper Stern in HBO’s critically acclaimed series Industry, has captured hearts both on-screen and off with her authentic approach to love and life.
What makes Myha’la’s romantic journey particularly fascinating is how it began during one of the most isolating periods in recent history. When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe in 2020, many found themselves in relationships through screens and social media platforms. For Myha’la, this digital became the unexpected gateway to finding her soulmate.
The actress, who professionally goes by the mononym Myha’la after dropping her surname Herrold, has been refreshingly open about her relationship journey. Her willingness to share intimate details about how she met Rivera and their subsequent engagement has resonated with fans who appreciate her genuine, unfiltered approach to discussing love in the digital age.
As the Industry continues to gain momentum with its third season, Myha’la’s personal life has become equally compelling to audiences. Her relationship with Rivera represents a modern fairy tale that began with a simple Instagram message and evolved into a deep, committed partnership that has weathered the unique challenges of dating during a global pandemic.
The Instagram DM That Started It All
The origin story of Myha’la and Armando Rivera’s relationship reads like a script from a romantic comedy, complete with pandemic-era twists and social media serendipity. In 2020, as Industry’s first season premiered during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns, Myha’la found herself alone and scrolling through her Instagram direct messages.
Among the typical mix of congratulatory messages, inappropriate requests, and fan mail, one particular message stood out from the crowd. Armando Rivera, then a journalism student, had sent a simple, respectful note: “Congrats on the show. I’m a huge fan. I wish you all the success in the world”. What happened next would change both their lives forever.
Myha’la’s response was equally straightforward – a simple “thank you.” However, the following morning brought an unexpected development: a series of video messages from Rivera that initially made her apprehensive. “I woke up to a string of video messages,” she recalled during her appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, admitting she initially thought they might be “weird”.
The turning point came when curiosity got the better of her. After checking Rivera’s profile picture and finding him “kind of cute,” she decided to watch the videos. What she discovered was Rivera asking if he could interview her for a class project – a bold move that demonstrated both his genuine interest in her work and his creative approach to making connections.
From Zoom Interview to Love Connection
What began as a simple favor for a student’s class project quickly transformed into something much more meaningful. The scheduled 5-10 minute Zoom interview stretched into a 45-minute conversation that neither participant wanted to end. The chemistry was undeniable, even through a computer screen.
Myha’la has been candid about how the interview took an unexpected turn when she began asking Rivera personal questions, essentially flirting with him during what was supposed to be a professional interaction. “I was like, ‘so where are you from?’ Embarrassing,” she admitted, recognizing her own boldness in the moment. After the call ended, she found herself thinking, “I’m in love with a stranger. How weird”.
The follow-up to their Zoom meeting was equally telling. A few days later, Myha’la reached out to Rivera with what she now acknowledges was a transparent excuse to continue their connection: “So, did you get an A on your project?”. This question opened the door to three weeks of social media messaging that gradually built the foundation of their relationship.
The progression from digital communication to something more substantial happened organically. After three weeks of exchanging messages, Rivera took the next step by asking for her phone number, leading to what Myha’la describes as “COVID-esque FaceTime dates”. These virtual encounters allowed them to develop a deeper connection despite the physical distance and pandemic restrictions.
Meeting in Person and Building a Life Together
The transition from virtual to in-person dating required patience and creativity during the pandemic era. A month after their initial Zoom interview, Myha’la and Rivera finally met face-to-face when she traveled to San Francisco. The meeting was quintessentially 2020 – she arrived with a bottle of wine in one hand and hand sanitizer in the other, perfectly capturing the surreal nature of pandemic dating.
Their first physical contact was particularly memorable for Myha’la, who compared holding hands with Rivera to the Na’vi creatures in the Avatar franchise, linking their braids together and mating for life. This vivid comparison speaks to the intensity and immediacy of their connection, suggesting that their bond transcended typical dating experiences.
As their relationship deepened, Rivera began making extended visits to see Myha’la while she was filming Industry’s second season. The commitment level escalated significantly in 2022 when Rivera made the major decision to relocate from San Francisco to New York to live with Myha’la. This move represented a significant milestone in their relationship, demonstrating their mutual commitment to building a shared future.
The Engagement and Wedding Plans
After three and a half years of dating, Rivera proposed to Myha’la in July 2024 in a moment that perfectly captured their playful, unconventional relationship dynamic. The proposal took place in the doorway of their apartment, with Rivera wearing a graphic t-shirt photoshopped with images of Myha’la’s face – a gesture that was both humorous and deeply personal.
The couple’s approach to engagement rings reflects their unique aesthetic and values. Rather than traditional diamond rings, they chose matching sterling silver rings from a vintage shop. Myha’la explained her decision in an interview with Marie Claire, saying, “I tried on some sparkly things, diamonds, and it just didn’t feel right on my body”. This choice demonstrates their commitment to authenticity over convention.
Their engagement announcement on Instagram was characteristically playful, featuring Rivera in his face-covered shirt with the caption expressing their excitement about their future together. The post perfectly encapsulated their relationship’s blend of humor, love, and genuine affection.
Life as an Engaged Couple
Currently, Myha’la and Rivera are in the midst of planning their wedding while balancing their respective careers in the entertainment industry. Rivera, who is also an actor, has appeared in several short films, including Lucha Noir, Wolves, and Any Day Now. Myha’la’s manager has helped connect Rivera with representation, supporting his own acting aspirations.
Their daily life together reflects their shared values and interests. Myha’la describes them as “serious homebodies” who enjoy cooking and spending time with Rivera’s two cats. This domestic bliss provides a grounding contrast to the high-pressure world of television production and the entertainment industry.
The couple’s relationship philosophy centers on mutual independence and choice. “When we met, I was like, ‘I don’t need you, and you don’t need me, but I want you and you want me,'” Myha’la explained. “We choose each other; we enrich each other’s lives”. This perspective on love emphasizes partnership over dependency, suggesting a mature approach to building a lasting relationship.
