Rachael Leigh Cook Opens Up About Her Divorce From Daniel Gillies and What She's Gained Since

Rachael Leigh Cook is reflecting on the end of her marriage to Daniel Gillies and the insights she's gained through the experience.

The actress and her ex-husband tied the knot in 2004 before separating in 2019. They have two children together—a daughter born in 2013 and a son born in 2015. Cook rose to fame with roles in 1999's She's All That and 2001's Josie and the Pussycats, and has become a fixture in Hallmark Channel productions. Gillies is recognized for his roles in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals.

Cook is currently in a relationship with Brandon Routh, a fellow Hallmark Channel actor who was also prominent in Hollywood during the early 2000s.

Understanding the Split

During an appearance on the I Love You So Much Podcast, Cook addressed what she sees as her own role in the breakup. She pointed to her lifelong independence as a key factor, explaining that her early career in the entertainment industry and financial self-sufficiency shaped how she approached relationships.

"I think that I built and lived out my life very much that way," Cook shared, noting her strong support system of friends and family. She acknowledged that this dynamic may have made Gillies feel unnecessary, particularly since he values being able to provide care and support to a partner.

Cook also reflected on their differing personality types. While she tends toward people-pleasing, Gillies is less concerned with others' opinions. She described how she's often gravitated toward partners with contrasting traits throughout her life.

The pair also had fundamental differences in how they approached conflict and intimacy. Cook noted that while they worked well together during challenging times and as co-parents, she may not have allowed him to fully express one of his core strengths—his desire to be present and actively supportive.

Lessons From Moving Forward

Since the split, Cook has shifted her perspective on dating. Rather than dwelling on disappointing romantic experiences, she compiled a comprehensive list of lessons learned from each person she's dated or had brief relationships with.

"I learned so many things about what I do and don't want, but also just like accidental bits of knowledge that they taught me," Cook explained. This reframing helped her move past frustration and recognize the value in every connection, no matter how brief.