While Josh Holloway is recognized for his television roles, he prioritizes maintaining a low profile regarding his marriage to Yessica Kumala. The couple’s journey began in 1999 at a bar, leading to their wedding in October 2004. Together, they raise their children, daughter Java and son Hunter, while keeping their family life mostly under wraps.
Though they usually avoid the limelight, Holloway has occasionally shared insights into his marriage and fatherhood, expressing the importance of friendship in their relationship.
In a 2017 interview with Women’s Health, he stated, “You need someone you don’t always have to be romantic with.” Reflecting on their long partnership, he noted that they often take a break from romance, which alleviates the pressure of their relationship.
Proud of his role as a father, Holloway described himself as “a really good dad,” emphasizing his deep love for his children and active involvement in their lives.
Yessica Kumala, who is married to Josh Holloway, first crossed paths with him at a Los Angeles bar. Holloway recounted their initial meeting at the Sunset Room in 1999, where he initially intended to flirt with her friends. He remembered, “I didn’t see her; she was turned around,” until she unexpectedly approached him and asked for his number before leaving.
Continuing to recount their encounter, he explained how Kumala later approached him again to exchange numbers, although she didn’t initially learn his name. “She put ‘Sunset 4’ in her phone because I was the fourth number she got that night,” Holloway revealed.
Holloway and Kumala exchanged vows just two weeks after the premiere of Lost on October 1, 2004. Celebrating their 20th anniversary in October 2024, he shared a heartfelt message on Instagram expressing his love.
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Java Kumala, on April 9, 2009, in Oahu, Hawaii. Holloway announced their pregnancy in December 2008, and following Java’s birth, a source revealed, “Dad and mom are absolutely thrilled. Everyone’s happy and healthy.”
Reflecting on fatherhood, Holloway shared with PEOPLE how much becoming a dad has invigorated him, stating, “It’s made me hungry, and so joyous about life in general.” He also boasted about his hands-on parenting, including changing diapers and bathing his daughter.
In November 2013, Holloway confirmed that they were expecting their second child. When asked about being seen as a sex symbol, he humorously noted his focus on family life, mentioning his excitement about welcoming another child.
Although Holloway knew the baby’s gender, the couple opted to keep it private. During a press event in January 2014, he jokingly stated, “Yes, we know. It’s going to be a human!” After the arrival of their son Hunter Lee on January 27, 2014, Holloway confirmed the birth in March, stating, “Yes, we have! Six-week-old boy, Hunter Lee Holloway.”
The couple has maintained a mostly private relationship, with little public information about Kumala, who does not have any social media presence. Over the years, she has accompanied Holloway to only a few public events, such as the Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol premiere in 2011.
Despite their limited public appearances, Holloway often expresses his appreciation for Kumala on social media, especially on Mother’s Day and her birthday. In a heartfelt birthday post in September 2022, he recalled gifting her a gym membership early in their relationship, humorously noting her initial disinterest but celebrating her growth into fitness. He concluded the post with loving words: “happy birthday, my love. @yessicaholloway.”