On the acclaimed series Succession, Sarah Snook’s portrayal of Shiv Roy captured audiences with her complex character relationships, particularly her tumultuous marriage to Tom Wambsgams. Those moments of tension and drama were a far cry from Snook’s real-life romance with husband Dave Lawson, an Australian comedian she wed in February 2021. “It feels like it’s not too big a word to say [he’s my] soulmate,” she shared on The Graham Norton Show, radiating joy and love, a stark contrast to her on-screen persona.
Keep reading to unravel the story of Snook and Lawson, from their initial meeting to their current family life.
Who is the real-life Shiv married to?
Snook, who brought the character of Shiv to life over Succession’s four seasons, is happily married to fellow Australian Dave Lawson. The couple shared a platonic friendship for six years before realizing their mutual feelings during the lockdown in 2020. They tied the knot in secrecy early in 2021, having quarantined together amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
More about Sarah Snook’s husband
At 37, Snook’s husband is not just an ordinary guy; Lawson is also an actor. However, while he might not be a household name in the U.S., he has made quite a mark in Australia, particularly for his role in the TV series Utopia, which humorously explores the inner workings of a government authority overseeing major infrastructure projects. Lawson has also appeared in various Australian shows, including Blue Heelers and The Caravan, as well as movies like Peter Rabbit.
Though Lawson studied marketing and advertising at RMIT University, his heart was always set on the arts. “I said to Dad, ‘I really want to try acting,'” he recalled on the Funny in Failure podcast. Encouraged by his father, Lawson began to carve out his niche in the entertainment industry. He got his first break hosting Saturday Nick Television, launching a lasting collaboration with Nickelodeon and solidifying his status as a beloved television personality.
For a taste of Lawson’s humorous style, check out his quirky digital talk show Dave’s Shed Show on YouTube, where he showcased his comedic flair. Interestingly, Snook was a guest in 2018, well before their romantic sparks ignited.
In a whirlwind of love and spontaneity, Snook proposed to Lawson on Halloween 2020. They exchanged vows just a few months later, in February 2021, at her Brooklyn backyard while Snook was deep into filming Succession. Now, they call “35 acres of uninterrupted Australian bushland” home, even as Snook prepares for her Broadway debut in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
The couple welcomed a daughter in May 2023, whose name they’ve chosen to keep private. Lawson also has a teenage son from a previous relationship. Snook proudly announced her pregnancy during the Season 4 premiere of Succession, when she was 32 weeks along, sharing a glimpse of their newborn on Instagram as she reflected on the life changes brought about by both her personal and professional milestones.
As Snook navigates her new roles as a mother and a Broadway star, she embraces a beautiful blend of challenges and triumphs that would inspire even the most complex characters in the world of Netflix storytelling. With a career blooming and a family blossoming, the actress seems destined to keep captivating audiences and leaving her mark both on and off the screen.