"We're Married, We're Not Dead": Kristen Bell Explained How She And Dax Shepard Handle On-Screen Romances In Their TV Shows And Movies

It's a tired old phrase, but Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard are relationship goals.

In an interview with E! News ahead of hosting the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 23, Kristen revealed how she and her husband have locked down their admirable romance after all these years.

Kristen and Dax have been married for 11 years and share two children, Lincoln, 11, and Delta, 9.

As actors, they've both been involved in on-screen intimacy with other people, but according to Kristen, "foundational trust" makes those steamy moments no biggie in their household.

For instance, Kristen starred alongside Adam Brody in the Netflix series Nobody Wants This, which is about a romance between outspoken, agnostic podcaster Joanne (Kristen) and the unconventional, recently single Rabbi Noah Roklov (Adam).

For further context, Dax starred in the 2010 series Parenthood as Crosby Braverman, a recording engineer with his fair share of flings, romances, and spicy relationships.

"Even if Dax hooks up with the most beautiful person in the world at work, I know he's committed to our family," Kristen explained to E! News. "I know he's coming home. I know he loves our children. I know he strives to be a great husband and father."

Nbc / ©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection, Nbc / ©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

However, she added if there's a moment of insecurity, the couple isn't afraid to be honest about their feelings. "We're just human, right?" she added.

"So maybe there could be a day where I'm like, 'I'm actually really nervous that you spend time with that person.' And he could say, 'Oh, OK, let's talk about it. What makes you nervous? What are you thinking?' We have a very open communication."

Ultimately, it's their chemistry that keeps them supportive of each other. "We root for each other," Kristen said. "When he got to make out with Minka Kelly on Parenthood, I was like, 'Yes. Get it.' We're married; we're not dead."

In Parenthood, Crosby (Dax) has an affair with his nephew's behavioral aide, Gaby, played by Minka.

On the flip side, Dax is equally not fazed by Kristen's hot and heavy romances, like her character's entire arc in Nobody Wants This, opposite Adam.

"Dax also knows there's no real threat there," Kristen said, "because Adam and I, if you were to see us in person, there is not chemistry. We bicker all the time. We're like an old granny and grampy. It's not hot and heavy on set at all."

Dax and Kristen met in 2007 at a friend's birthday dinner and became engaged in late 2009 when they costarred in the 2010 rom-com When in Rome, so interestingly, it's rom-coms and cinematic romances where it all began.

In 2013, they were married in Beverly Hills, welcoming their first daughter in the same and their second daughter the following year.

Since forever, Kristen and Dax have been candid about their relationship, whether good or bad, and it's quite refreshing. So, this "foundational trust" is just another great tidbit to add to their legacy.

Is "foundational trust" enough for your partner to be in a hot and steamy romance with the hottest actors in the world? I want to know your thoughts.