ROSS Mathews has become a household name over the last two decades, appearing on several prominent TV shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Celebrity Big Brother, and Chelsea Lately.
As the TV personality’s star power continues to grow, Mathews’ fans and followers are curious to learn more about the RuPaul’s Drag Race judge and his burgeoning personal life.
Who is RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Ross Mathews?
Ross Mathews is a TV judge, host, and personality, known for his witty, comedic commentary.
He was born on September 24, 1979, and raised in Mount Vernon, Washington.
After graduating with a degree in communications from the University of La Verne in California, he began working as an intern on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Mathews was affectionately referred to as “Ross the Intern” on air by Leno and his viewers, and he began covering major Hollywood and sporting events for the show.
In the 2000s, he appeared on several reality TV shows, including VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club, where he lost more than 40 pounds.
Mathews also served as a weekly panelist on E!’s Chelsea Lately and as a guest host on The View.
Beginning in the mid-2000s, Mathews joined the judging panel for RuPaul’s Drag Race, becoming a regular on the show – and its All Stars spin-off, by its seventh season.
He’s also hosted major entertainment events and red carpets, including the Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, SAG Awards, and Academy Awards.
Mathews also appeared, as himself, on Celebrity Big Brother, House Hunters, Mike Tyson Mysteries, Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis, Adorableness, and HBO’s Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That.
He’s published two novels, including Man Up!: Tales of My Delusional Self (2013) and Name Drop (2020).
Since 2020, he’s appeared as a regular on The Drew Barrymore Show during “Drews News” segments and hosts his podcast, Straight Talk with Ross Mathews.
In 2024, he appeared on CBS Mornings’ Talk of Table, co-hosted the 2024 Met Gala’s red carpet, and partnered with Yasso, a frozen Greek yogurt brand.
Who is Ross Mathews’ husband, Wellinthon García?
Wellinthon García has kept a relatively low profile despite his relationship with a popular media personality.
He was born in the Dominican Republic, and raised in New York City.
He currently serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the Elmont Union Free School in Long Island.
García received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government from Beloit College in 2004.
He holds two Master’s degrees from Brooklyn College, including a Master of Education in Elementary Education and Teaching and Educational Leadership and Administration.
García notably received his Doctorate of Education in Educational and Policy Leadership in 2018 and has been committed to helping students achieve their educational and career goals ever since.
He also received a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate from Hofstra in December 2021.
García is fluent in Spanish and lists Spanish translation as one of his skills on his LinkedIn.
In 2016, he co-authored an article alongside Dr. Mónica Byrne-Jiménez, an associate professor in Educational and Policy Leadership, titled: Out of the Sombra: One Afro-Latino Making His Way in Educational Leadership.
García previously worked as an assistant principal at the Covert Avenue School in the Elmont school district from 2013 to 2018.
Mathews, who primarily lived in Los Angeles before meeting García, has since moved to the east coast to be with his beau.
The duo even showed off their dream home in the summer issue of Drew Magazine, a quarterly print magazine by Drew Barrymore.
While he still holds a low profile, García has become more comfortable in front of the camera, and has attended numerous events with Mathews.
According to his social media, the couple enjoys spending their free time going to Broadway theater productions, attending football games, and vacationing on Fire Island, as seen in numerous Instagram posts.
When did Ross Mathews and Wellinthon García get married?
Ross Mathews and Wellinthon García tied the knot on May 7, 2022, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they first met just over two years ago.
The duo met while ringing in the 2020 New Year, and began dating during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
“It was a very pandemic love story…we would just catch up,” Mathews told ET, about dating over Zoom and FaceTime.
“And it seems it would be impersonal, but it really forced us to have deep conversations and really get to know each other,” Mathews added.
Mathews popped the question after about a year of dating, in February 2021.
“Fiancé, you stay! 💍 I am so proud to announce that after over a year together – navigating a pandemic, quarantine and opposite coasts – the smartest, funniest and kindest man I’ve ever met said, “Yes!” Mathews captioned his engagement post.
“Dr. García, I love you. A lifetime of adventure awaits,” Mathews added.
“What I love about Ross is that he genuinely adores me to my fullest, my quirkiness, just my mannerisms, he enjoys everything about me,” Dr. Garcia told ET shortly after their engagement.
The beachside wedding ceremony took place at the Almar Resort, where the couple exchanged vows in front of 110 guests.
“It was a destination wedding,” Mathews told People.
“So we invited 130 people, thinking maybe 50 people would come. But 110 people came — and I’m thrilled!”
The wedding also had a very special guest – Drew Barrymore, Ross’s friend, boss, and co-star on The Drew Barrymore Show, who not only showed up to the nuptials but also served as the ceremony’s flower girl.
“One day we were doing a story about weddings and she asked me, ‘Are you going to have a flower girl at my wedding?’ And I’m like, ‘Why? You want the gig?'” Ross recalled.
“And she was like, ‘Oh! Are you asking me to be your flower girl?'” he continued.
“I was like, ‘Do you want to be?’ She goes, ‘Are you serious?’ I’m like, ‘Are you serious?’ And she’s like, ‘I’m so serious.’ So she’s our flower girl!”
While a slew of celebrities were in attendance, the wedding was also a family affair.
García’s father walked both García and Mathews down the aisle, while Mathews’ brother, Eric, served as the couple’s best man.
García’s sister was the “Pride of Honor,” and the couple’s nephews, Evan and Andrew, served as ring bearers.
“The profound love shared by Ross and Wellinthon was felt by all of those in attendance at their beautiful and touching ceremony,” celebrity wedding and event planner Michael Russo told People.
“The two exchanged heartfelt vows against the picture-perfect backdrop of an epic sunset painting the Puerto Vallarta, Mexico sky,” he added.
“I don’t know what happens next, but I know we’re going to be happy,” Mathews said.
“This is the beginning of something amazing,” he added.
The happy couple have been going strong ever since, with their relationship still blooming years after tying the knot.
“2 years ago I said the most meaningful words in my life to my soulmate and made an irrevocable vow that I treasure & honor,” García shared on Instagram, marking the couple’s second anniversary.
“The past 2 years have been pure love, bliss, laughter and full of happiness. I can’t imagine anything else I want in life.”
“Te amo @helloross and can’t wait for 200 more years together. Happy anniversary my love 😍,” he added.
Do Ross Mathews and Wellinthon García have any children?
As of June 2024, neither Ross Mathews nor Wellinthon García have children.
However, the couple are raising a fur baby together!
Ross regularly posts about his chihuahua, Audrey, on Instagram.
“You guys, like I can’t even. I love her soooo much it hurts. 😍🥰😘 I want to learn how to speak Chihuahua just so I can tell her how amazing I think she is,” the comedian captioned his post.
“Just look at her – my Audrey, cuddling with me this morning as I have my coffee. ❤️ I look her in her eyes and tell her every day, ‘You’re so beautiful and smart and kind and…'”
“I’m like a lunatic for her and I don’t even care. Can you relate?!?”
According to a snapshot Ross posted of Audrey traveling in style on January 4, 2024, he adopted the pup “nearly 10 years ago” after a local shelter rescued her in the desert.
While Ross was initially a single dog dad to Audrey, his new hubby, Wellinthon, has stepped up to the plate too.
Ross posted a photo of Wellinthon cuddling with a smiling Audrey in Central Park, calling her a “big city girl.”