Jonathan Knight, the beloved member of New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), and his husband, Harley Rodriguez, share a remarkable love story that has captivated many. Married in 2022, their relationship began much earlier, dating back to when they first met in 2008.
Their journey together, filled with love, respect, and mutual support, offers a beautiful example of partnership. Here’s a closer look at Jonathan Knight’s husband, Harley Rodriguez, and their enduring relationship.
The Beginning of Their Relationship
Jonathan Knight and Harley Rodriguez’s story began in 2008 when they met through a mutual friend. At the time, Jonathan was rehearsing for NKOTB’s comeback, and Harley was a trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp.
Their connection was immediate. As Jonathan shared in a 2016 interview with Entertainment Tonight, “We were rehearsing the day I met him. 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.”
Their relationship blossomed naturally over dinners following workouts. Harley, unaware of Jonathan’s celebrity status initially, appreciated him for who he was, free from any preconceived notions.
Harley Rodriguez: From Actor to Fitness Trainer
Harley Rodriguez is no stranger to the spotlight himself. He began his career as an actor, notably starring as Manny Lopez in the TV show “Sweet Valley High” from 1994 to 1997.
He also had a role in the 2001 movie “The Price of Glory.” However, his passion led him to a different path – fitness. Today, Harley is a respected fitness trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp in Boston, where his classes are known for being “cool, calm, and collected” yet challenging and effective.
Competing on The Amazing Race
Jonathan and Harley’s bond was further strengthened when they competed as a couple on season 26 of “The Amazing Race.” This experience not only showcased their teamwork but also helped Jonathan tackle his anxiety. In a 2015 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Jonathan admitted, “That was one of the main reasons I did it. I did it to prove to myself I could do it.”
The experience brought them closer, revealing new strengths in each other and solidifying their partnership. Harley even humorously noted the change in Jonathan, “He had a show a few weeks ago. He was on stage just talking to the audience, and I looked at my friend and said, ‘Who is that guy up on stage?’ This is a new guy, so it [competing on The Amazing Race] really has helped him.”
The Romantic Proposal in Africa
In 2016, Jonathan proposed to Harley during a family vacation in Africa, a moment Jonathan described as magical. “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 shared on Sirius’ The Jenny McCarthy Show. They had been waiting for each other to propose, and the setting, with a supermoon illuminating the night, provided the perfect backdrop.
Secret Wedding During the Pandemic
Their wedding plans, like many others, were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of postponing their union, Jonathan and Harley opted for a small, intimate ceremony with close family and friends. They decided to keep the details private but hinted at a larger celebration in the future.
Life in Massachusetts
After years of living in bustling cities like Los Angeles and New York City, Jonathan and Harley moved to a small town in Massachusetts in June 2020. Jonathan shared his appreciation for Harley’s adaptability in an Instagram post, writing, “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!”
Their life together on the farm represents a blend of simplicity and serenity, a stark contrast to their previous fast-paced city lives.
Balancing Fame and Privacy
Despite their public personas, Jonathan and Harley manage to keep their relationship grounded and private. They selectively share moments from their lives, ensuring a balance between their public duties and personal time. Their ability to maintain this balance showcases their mutual understanding and respect for each other’s needs.
Jonathan Knight’s HGTV Venture
Jonathan’s career has taken an interesting turn with his involvement in HGTV. His show “Farmhouse Fixer” and its spinoff “Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp” highlight his passion for renovation. In “Camp Revamp,” Jonathan takes on the challenge of transforming an abandoned 12-acre campground into a charming New England retreat. Harley and Jonathan’s brother, Jordan, are set to make appearances, adding a personal touch to the project.
Conclusion: A Relationship Built on Love and Respect
Jonathan Knight and Harley Rodriguez’s relationship is a testament to love, respect, and partnership. Their journey, from meeting at Barry’s Bootcamp to competing on “The Amazing Race” and creating a life together in Massachusetts, exemplifies a beautiful and enduring bond. Their story reminds us of the importance of authenticity, privacy, and support in a relationship.
Their ability to balance professional and personal lives continues to inspire many. As they navigate their journey together, Jonathan and Harley demonstrate that at the heart of a strong partnership lies not just love for each other but a shared commitment to growing together.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Jonathan Knight and Harley Rodriguez meet?
Jonathan Knight and Harley Rodriguez met in 2008 at Barry’s Bootcamp, where Harley was a trainer, and Jonathan attended his classes while rehearsing for NKOTB’s comeback.
2. What does Harley Rodriguez do for a living?
Harley Rodriguez is a fitness trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp in Boston. He previously worked as an actor, starring in “Sweet Valley High” and appearing in “The Price of Glory.”
3. When did Jonathan Knight propose to Harley Rodriguez?
Jonathan Knight proposed to Harley Rodriguez in 2016 during a family vacation in Africa, under a supermoon, making it a magical and memorable moment.
4. How did Jonathan and Harley manage their wedding during the pandemic?
Jonathan and Harley opted for a small, intimate ceremony with close family and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the details private but planning for a larger celebration in the future.
5. What is “Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp”?
“Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp” is Jonathan Knight’s HGTV show where he renovates an abandoned 12-acre campground into a New England retreat, with appearances by Harley Rodriguez and Jonathan’s brother, Jordan Knight.