Unveiling the Pup-Approved Romance of Joe Manganiello and Caitlin O’Connor
Caitlin O’Connor may very well be the perfect match for Joe Manganiello, and it seems his elderly chihuahua, Bubbles, is on board with this pairing.
“It’s clear that Joe’s cherished rescue chihuahua, Bubbles, adores Caitlin,” an insider disclosed in the latest issue of Us Weekly, available now. “Bubbles enjoys showering Caitlin with kisses and allows her to hold her, which is quite unusual, given her protective nature towards Joe.”
The source added: “It looks like she has Bubbles’ approval — and that’s really all Joe needed to confirm things.”
Manganiello, who is 48, adopted the 11-year-old pup — whom he affectionately refers to as his “little angel” — in 2019, aiding her recovery from mammary cancer. Since then, they have traveled the world together.
The host of Deal or No Deal Island has since welcomed another travel companion into his life after starting to date O’Connor, who is 35, in August 2023.
“Caitlin and Joe love traveling and just came back from St. Vincent for Christmas and Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve,” the insider disclosed. “Caitlin is incredibly supportive of Joe and joined him at the Banker’s Private Island for both seasons of Deal or No Deal Island. They always appear genuinely happy, in love, and holding hands. Their close friends comment that Joe truly cares for her.”
O’Connor captured behind-the-scenes moments from filming the NBC series with Manganiello and Bubbles, including her surprise birthday bash on the island.
“This man arranged for a custom Princess Jasmine tiramisu cake (?!) and opened our favorite restaurant (while it was closed to the public) just for us — flying in the owner to celebrate and cook for us,” she shared on Instagram in January. “Absolutely incredible. … I was truly surprised.”
The couple began their romance after Manganiello’s split from Sofia Vergara in 2023, with their divorce finalized in April 2024 after almost eight years of marriage. The two connected over their shared roots from Pittsburgh, and they went Instagram official in February 2024 when Manganiello posted a video from their “Best Valentine’s Day ever” at a Tool concert in Los Angeles.
The past year has been filled with concerts, restaurant openings, sports events, and trips to Pittsburgh for the pair.
O’Connor praised the Magic Mike actor and shared a comical video of him showcasing his best Pittsburgh accent for his birthday in December 2024.
Referring to him as “my very handsome, very loyal, intelligent, genuine, fun and funny adventure buddy, protector, and Bubbles’ Dada,” O’Connor noted his “Pittsburghese” — “I hope you love it as much as I do.”
“You’re the best!!!” Manganiello commented in response.
