Jesse Spencer and Kali Woodruff Carr: How They Met
Jesse Spencer and Dr. Kali Woodruff Carr have been together since 2014, meeting at a Chicago music festival. At the time, Spencer was starring as Captain Matthew Casey on Chicago Fire, while Woodruff Carr was pursuing her Master of Science in communication at Northwestern University.
The couple got engaged during a hiking trip along Peru’s Inca Trail in 2019 and married on June 27, 2020, in Woodruff Carr’s hometown of Neptune Beach, Florida. The date also coincided with her parents’ and grandparents’ anniversaries, adding sentimental value to their wedding.
Spencer described his wife as “pretty, smart, and way ahead of her years,” calling her his “port in every storm” and noting the joy of starting the next phase of their lives together, even amid a global pandemic.
A Brilliant Career in Science
While Spencer has made a name for himself in Hollywood, Woodruff Carr has carved out a distinguished career in neuroscience. She works as a research scientist at Boston Children’s Hospital and holds four degrees, including a Ph.D. Her research focuses on how children process speech, use rhythmic cues to understand language, and identify relevant sounds for thinking and reasoning.
Her scientific career attracted Spencer, who had previously dated women in the entertainment industry and wanted a partner outside Hollywood. He has described Woodruff Carr as someone who complements his life and brings stability outside the acting world.
Family Life and Parenthood
The couple welcomed their first child in April 2022, shortly after Spencer announced he was leaving Chicago Fire to spend more time with his family. Spencer had starred on the series for nine years and 200 episodes, marking a significant milestone in his career before stepping back to focus on home life.
While they keep details about their child private, it’s clear that family remains a top priority for both. Spencer has returned for guest appearances, but he is no longer a series regular, choosing to balance his career with family life.
Shared Adventures and Travel
Spencer and Woodruff Carr love to travel, documenting trips from Kenya to Italy. In 2015, they went on a safari and hot air balloon ride in Kenya, spotting rhinos and enjoying breathtaking landscapes. The following year, they explored Italy’s Cinque Terre, Florence, and San Gimignano, capturing memorable moments along the way.
In 2018, the couple attended the Kentucky Derby, enjoying the event and Woodruff Carr’s custom-designed hat. Their adventures reflect a shared passion for exploration and experiencing life together.
Supportive Partnership
Woodruff Carr is a consistent source of support for Spencer’s career. She has attended tapings of Chicago Fire, celebrated his achievements, and shared his milestones on social media. When Spencer wrote a song commemorating his ten years and 200 episodes on the show, she praised him publicly, describing her pride and gratitude for their NBC family.
