Jonathan Knight, a member of the iconic boy band New Kids on the Block, has been married to his husband, Harley Rodriguez, since 2022. But their love story began much earlier, in 2008, when they met through a mutual friend.
In this article, we’ll delve into the life of Harley Rodriguez, his relationship with Jonathan Knight, and their journey together.
How They Met
Jonathan Knight and Harley Rodriguez met in 2008 through a mutual friend. At the time, Jonathan was rehearsing with New Kids on the Block, and Harley was a trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp. Jonathan would attend Harley’s classes, and they often went for dinner afterward. This routine allowed them to bond deeply.
“We were rehearsing the day I met him,” Jonathan told Entertainment Tonight in 2016. “He’s a trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp, so I would be with the band all day, then the only time I got to see him was to go take his class. I’d take his class then we’d go for dinner afterward.”
Harley Rodriguez’s Career
Harley Rodriguez is no stranger to the spotlight. From 1994 to 1997, he played Manny Lopez in the TV show Sweet Valley High. He also appeared in the 2001 movie The Price of Glory. Despite his early success in acting, Harley transitioned to a different career path over the years.
Today, Harley is a well-respected fitness instructor at Barry’s Bootcamp in Boston. His teaching style is described as “cool, calm, and collected,” and his classes are known for being detail-oriented and challenging. His approach to fitness has earned him a loyal following.
Their Adventure on The Amazing Race
In 2015, Jonathan and Harley participated in season 26 of The Amazing Race. Competing on the show helped Jonathan deal with his anxiety. He mentioned in an interview that it was one of the main reasons he agreed to join the show.
“That was one of the main reasons I did it,” Jonathan said. “I did it to prove to myself I could do it. Being in a group with five guys it was always easy for me to just fall behind or not speak up at interviews and stuff like that.”
Harley noted how the experience positively impacted Jonathan, helping him become more confident and open.
The Romantic Proposal
In 2016, Jonathan proposed to Harley during a family trip to Africa. They were on the Zambezi River, just above Victoria Falls, when Jonathan decided it was the perfect moment to pop the question.
“We were in Africa, our parents were there — our moms were there — and I just figured this was the time to pop the question and make it official,” Jonathan said on Sirius’ The Jenny McCarthy Show. “There was like a hippopotamus in the background. There was a super moon on top of that. It was just absolutely beautiful, it was so romantic. I thought now is the time to do it.”
Their Secret Wedding
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples had to rethink their wedding plans, and Jonathan and Harley were no exception. They married in a small, intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Despite the low-key event, Jonathan hinted that a larger celebration was in the works.
Life in Massachusetts
In June 2020, Jonathan and Harley moved from the bustling cities of Los Angeles and New York City to a serene small town in Massachusetts. Jonathan shared their move on Instagram, expressing his admiration for Harley’s ability to adapt to their new life.
“This amazing man traded in his life from the big city of LA and our home in NYC to join me at our small farm in Massachusetts…he has adjusted perfectly to the life we have created and now he’s right at home!” Jonathan wrote. “I adore you @harley.rodriguez to the moon and back, and back, and back 😘.”
FAQs
When did Jonathan Knight and Harley Rodriguez get married?
They got married in 2022.
How did Jonathan Knight and Harley Rodriguez meet?
They met in 2008 through a mutual friend while Jonathan was rehearsing with New Kids on the Block.
Where did Jonathan Knight propose to Harley Rodriguez?
Jonathan proposed to Harley on the Zambezi River in Africa.