Heidi Gardner, the talented actress and comedian from Saturday Night Live, has recently opened up about her personal life. The 40-year-old star has revealed that she is separating from her husband, Zeb Wells, after years of marriage.

Gardner, who joined the cast of SNL in 2017, has kept her private life relatively low-key until now. This article delves into the details surrounding her split and explores what is known about her relationship with Wells. 

Heidi Gardner revealed she has split with her husband

The comedy world was met with some sad news as Saturday Night Live cast member Gardner recently opened up about the end of her marriage to husband Wells.

In a candid interview on The Liz Moody Podcast, she addressed the breakup, referring to it as “the end of a relationship” while acknowledging that her former spouse will always hold a place in her life, just in a transformed way.

While she did not disclose the exact timing of the split, she reflected on the separation as a “couple-year period” filled with a whirlwind of emotions – grief, hope, loss, and ultimately growth. 

Heidi Gardner and Zeb Wells (Source: Yahoo Finance)

The SNL star admitted that this transitional phase was “very painful and uncomfortable” to navigate. However, she maintained a positive outlook, expressing that she made the most of that challenging time by focusing on self-discovery and personal development. 

Despite the heartbreak, Gardner’s words were laced with respect and well-wishes for her former husband, whom she still holds in high regard. 

As she moves forward, the comedian seems determined to embrace the lessons learned and continue evolving personally and professionally.

Heidi Gardner’s silver lining during a painful period

While going through the anguish of her separation, Gardner uncovered a profound silver lining. The comedian said this “very painful and uncomfortable” phase unexpectedly yielded a “really cool reward.”

She revealed that during those trying times, her female friends and family members rallied around her with unwavering support, demonstrating that romantic partners need not be the sole source of emotional refuge.

The SNL star found that the women closest to her often knew how to love, care for, and uplift her spirit in ways her partner could not. It prompted Gardner to re-evaluate the roles she had assigned to different relationships.

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 She understood that placing the burden of being one’s “emotional rock” solely on a romantic partner is an unrealistic expectation. Instead, Gardner learned to embrace the nurturing strengths of her dear friends and invest further in those unbreakable bonds.

The actress’s experiences have also shaped how she supports loved ones facing relationship struggles. 

Gardner strives to create a judgment-free environment where friends can openly express their range of emotions without shame, whether gushing over a partner one day or venting frustrations the next.

How Heidi Gardner and Zeb Wells met 

Gardner’s path to comedic success and meeting her husband Wells was unconventional. After attending several universities without finding her passion, she stumbled upon a knack for hairstyling. 

It prompted her to boldly move to Los Angeles, driven by the notion that pursuing cosmetology in the entertainment capital could open doors to the film industry.

While that specific dream didn’t materialize, Gardner’s relocation to California paved the way for life-changing opportunities. In the City of Angels, she crossed paths with Wells, a writer for the iconic Marvel Comics brand. 

Heidi Gardner for InStyle Magazine (Source: Instagram)

Though the details of their initial meeting remain undisclosed, the two kindred Midwestern souls found a connection in their shared experience of navigating the daunting transition to big-city living at a young age.

The couple’s origin story highlights the unpredictable nature of life’s journey and how seemingly random decisions can profoundly impact one’s path. 

What began as Gardner’s quest for a fresh start in hairstyling unexpectedly led her to find her comedic voice and the love of her life in the sprawling City of Angels.

Heidi Gardner’s relationship with Zeb Wells

Gardner and Wells tied the knot in 2010, embarking on a journey as a married couple in their adopted city of Los Angeles.

 Despite her self-professed cynical tendencies, the union appeared wholesome, built on a foundation of shared Midwestern roots and a mutual love for celebrating life’s milestones together.

One such milestone Gardner genuinely enjoyed was her birthday. While she outgrew the desire to throw large parties as she got older, she still looked forward to the intimate traditions of cake, presents, and a special night out with her husband. 

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Their dynamics showed Wells as the more romantic, exuberant half of the pair. She lovingly indulged his affinity for the musical Rent by gifting him a themed walking tour for Valentine’s Day one year. 

In their more recent years together, the couple resided in a 14th-floor apartment in the trendy DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn. 

There, surrounded by the energy of New York City, they created a cozy home shared with each other and their trio of beloved cats – Marshall, Cubby Bear, and Tweaky.

Though their romantic relationship ultimately didn’t withstand the test of time, with Gardner revealing their separation in 2023, their years as partners seemed filled with mutual respect, understanding, and an appreciation for one another’s interests. 

Heidi Gardner is also famous in his own right

While Gardner has carved out an impressive comedic career, culminating in her status as a cast member on the iconic Saturday Night Live, she is not the only one in her relationship who has achieved notable success and recognition in the entertainment industry. 

Her former husband boasts an equally impressive repertoire spanning writing, directing, acting, and even voice work. Wells’ expansive IMDb profile shows his multifaceted talents and accomplishments. 

One of his most significant claims to fame is his writing contributions to several critically acclaimed and beloved television shows.

Zeb Wells with his ex-wife Heidi Gardner (Source: Daily Mail)

He has lent his creative voice to the quirky and irreverent Robot Chicken, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and the animated superhero series SuperMansion.

He even stepped behind the camera to direct the 2016 short film Shifty, demonstrating his versatility across multiple mediums. However, Wells’ accomplishments are more comprehensive than just the television and film landscapes. 

He has also garnered significant recognition for his work in the prestigious world of Marvel Comics, where he has contributed his writing talents to storylines featuring iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Venom, The Avengers, and Hellions. 

His narratives have graced the pages of beloved comic book series like The Amazing Spider-Man, leaving an indelible mark on the Marvel universe.