Darren Criss is known for his impressive performances in hit TV shows like Glee and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, as well as his undeniable charm and musical talent. However, one aspect of his life that fans find equally fascinating is his relationship with Mia Swier, who is now his wife. Their love story is not your typical Hollywood romance—it spans over a decade and includes years of friendship, creative collaborations, and shared passions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Darren Criss and his wife, Mia Swier, exploring the unique journey that brought them together and how they’ve built a life grounded in mutual support, creativity, and love.
Quick Profile: Darren Criss and Mia Swier
| Name | Darren Criss | Mia Swier |
|---|---|---|
| Profession | Actor, Singer, Songwriter | Producer, Director, Musician |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1987 | September 1, 1985 |
| Best Known For | Glee, American Crime Story | Work at Fox, Co-owner of Tramp Stamp Granny’s piano bar |
| Engagement Date | January 2018 | |
| Wedding Date | February 16, 2019 | |
| Wedding Location | New Orleans, Louisiana | |
| Shared Interests | Music, Entertainment, Hospitality |
Who is Mia Swier? A Look at Her Career and Background
Mia Swier may not be as widely recognized as her husband, but she is an accomplished professional in her own right. Born on September 1, 1985, Swier has a strong background in media and music. She graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in film and television production. This education laid the foundation for her future career in the entertainment industry.
Over the years, Mia has worked as a producer, writer, and director. She spent much of her career at Fox, the same network that aired Glee, although she and Darren Criss did not meet through the show. While at Fox, she worked on a variety of popular shows, including Scream Queens and Glee, though her work was mostly behind the scenes. She also spent some time with Showtime Networks, working on content for shows like Dexter and Homeland.
Beyond her work as a producer, Mia Swier is a musician. She has performed in several rock bands over the years, including the all-girl band Guns N’ Hoses, a Guns N’ Roses tribute band. Her love for music extends into her entrepreneurial endeavors; she and Darren co-own a piano bar in Los Angeles called Tramp Stamp Granny’s, which has become a popular spot for music lovers and fans of Criss. This combination of shared interests in music, production, and creativity has helped forge a unique and enduring connection between Mia and Darren.
How Darren Criss Met Mia Swier: From Friendship to Romance
Darren Criss and Mia Swier’s relationship began long before Criss became a household name. The two met through mutual friends in 2006, when Darren was still a student at the University of Michigan and had not yet achieved fame. At that time, Mia was already building her career in media and music. According to Criss, the two struck up a friendship, sharing common interests in the arts, especially music.
The friendship eventually developed into a romantic relationship, but the couple kept their relationship private for many years. It wasn’t until Darren’s rise to fame on Glee that fans and media started to take notice of Mia Swier as the woman in Darren’s life. They continued to date quietly, with Criss often mentioning how much he appreciated Swier’s ability to support him without needing to be in the spotlight herself.
Darren has often described Mia as his “best friend” and “partner in crime,” underscoring the depth of their relationship. Their years of friendship before becoming romantically involved provided a solid foundation for their relationship, allowing them to navigate the challenges of fame and public attention with ease. Darren and Mia’s relationship is a rare example in Hollywood of a slow-burn romance built on friendship, respect, and shared passions.
The Engagement: A Long-Awaited Proposal
After dating for nearly eight years, Darren Criss proposed to Mia Swier in January 2018. Criss announced the engagement on Instagram with a heartfelt post, writing, “Mia and I have had seven and a half years of fun, wacky, wonderful, CRAZY adventures together. And I’m happy to announce that we’re kicking those adventures up a notch. We’re going for it. To boldly go where neither of us have gone before. Engage.”
The engagement announcement thrilled fans who had long supported the couple’s relationship. Darren’s playful and adventurous spirit shone through in his announcement, and the couple shared their excitement for the future. The proposal came at a significant moment in Criss’s career; he was receiving critical acclaim for his role as Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, which would eventually earn him an Emmy Award.
Mia and Darren’s engagement marked the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship, one that celebrated both their love and their commitment to one another. The engagement also highlighted how Mia had been a steady presence in Darren’s life throughout the highs and lows of his career, making the timing of the proposal feel all the more meaningful.
The Wedding: A Celebration in New Orleans
Darren Criss and Mia Swier tied the knot on February 16, 2019, in a vibrant, unforgettable wedding ceremony in New Orleans, Louisiana. The couple chose New Orleans for its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere, which perfectly reflected their love for music and celebration. The wedding was an eclectic mix of traditional and unique elements, much like the couple themselves.
Darren and Mia’s wedding was a star-studded event, attended by many of Criss’s co-stars from Glee, as well as other friends from the entertainment industry. The wedding was full of music and laughter, with Darren even taking the stage to perform with his close friend and Glee castmate, Chord Overstreet. The ceremony and reception were filled with personal touches, including a New Orleans-style parade through the streets, which added a sense of whimsy and joy to the celebration.
Mia wore a custom Vera Wang gown that was both elegant and edgy, embodying her personal style. Darren, on the other hand, opted for a custom white tuxedo jacket with black pants, adding a classic touch to his ensemble. The wedding was a perfect reflection of their personalities—both sophisticated and fun, with a touch of unconventional flair. The couple shared several photos and moments from their wedding on social media, giving fans a glimpse into their special day.
Shared Passions: Music, Business, and Creativity
One of the keys to Darren Criss and Mia Swier’s successful relationship is their shared passion for music and creativity. Both have extensive backgrounds in music—Darren as a singer, songwriter, and performer, and Mia as a musician and former band member. This mutual love for music even led them to start a joint business venture in 2018, when they opened Tramp Stamp Granny’s, a piano bar in Los Angeles.
Tramp Stamp Granny’s has become a popular spot in LA, known for its fun, relaxed atmosphere and lively music performances. The bar regularly hosts sing-alongs and themed nights, often attracting fans of both Criss and Swier. For the couple, this bar represents more than just a business; it’s a physical manifestation of their shared love for music and entertainment. They’ve mentioned that running the bar together has brought them closer, as it allows them to work as partners in a creative and entrepreneurial environment.
Their shared interests have played a significant role in their relationship, allowing them to build a life that reflects their unique personalities and passions. It’s evident that both Darren and Mia find joy in creating spaces where people can come together to celebrate music and have a good time, adding another dimension to their partnership.
Supporting Each Other’s Careers and Public Lives
Both Darren Criss and Mia Swier have demanding careers in entertainment, but they are each other’s biggest supporters. Darren has spoken openly about how much he values Mia’s understanding of his career and her willingness to support him from behind the scenes. Unlike some celebrity couples who regularly attend events together, Darren and Mia often choose to keep their personal life separate from public appearances. This decision has helped them maintain a sense of privacy in an industry where relationships are frequently in the spotlight.
Mia’s low-profile approach to fame has allowed Darren to shine in his own right, while also giving him the stability and support he needs. Conversely, Darren has been supportive of Mia’s career and her desire to carve out her own path in the entertainment industry. Whether it’s through her work at Fox or her musical ventures, Darren has always respected Mia’s independence and ambitions. This mutual respect for each other’s careers has contributed to their enduring bond.
Looking Toward the Future: Marriage, Family, and New Projects
As they look to the future, Darren Criss and Mia Swier are focused on building a life together that balances their personal and professional ambitions. They have hinted at wanting to start a family, though they have not shared any specific plans. Both have emphasized that they want to continue supporting each other’s dreams, whatever those may be.
Darren, known for his versatility as an actor and musician, has a promising career ahead, while Mia continues to expand her work in production and the music scene. Together, they bring a unique energy to their relationship, rooted in creativity, mutual support, and shared experiences. Fans are eager to see what the future holds for this dynamic couple, whether it’s new music, new projects, or a new chapter in their lives.
Conclusion
Darren Criss and his wife Mia Swier have crafted a love story that is both inspiring and relatable. From their beginnings as friends to their shared journey in the entertainment industry, they’ve built a relationship on a foundation of friendship, respect, and mutual passions. In a world where Hollywood relationships often face intense scrutiny, Darren and Mia have managed to keep their love grounded and authentic.
Their story is a testament to the power of friendship, shared interests, and the importance of supporting each other’s individual paths. For fans, Darren Criss and Mia Swier’s love story serves as a reminder that true love isn’t just about romance; it’s about finding a partner who brings out the best in you and stands by you through every chapter of life. As they continue to grow together, Darren and Mia’s bond remains a beautiful example of love, creativity, and partnership in Hollywood
