Shane Deary is known as Keri Russell’s ex husband, but his own life story is full of detail beyond Hollywood. A quiet craftsman, he built homes and furniture long before stepping into the public eye. When he married the famous actress, his name became linked with the star of Felicity and The Americans. Yet, after their split, he returned to his craft and kept his life private, proving he values work, family, and calm away from cameras.
Quick Bio Table of Shane Deary
Quick Bio of Shane Deary | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Shane Deary |
Profession | Carpenter, Contractor, Millwork Specialist |
Company | Deary Construction (Brooklyn & San Antonio) |
Famous For | Being Keri Russell’s first husband |
Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed (same age as Keri Russell, both 30 at marriage in 2007) |
Marriage Date | February 14, 2007 (Valentine’s Day, New York snowstorm) |
Ex-Spouse | Keri Russell (actress, star of Felicity and The Americans) |
Children | River (born June 2007), Willa Lou (born Dec 2012) |
Separation/Divorce | Announced December 2013 (amicable) |
Life After Divorce | Focus on carpentry, construction, and family life |
Known Relatives | Sometimes miswritten as “Sean Deary”, but correct name is Shane |
Current Focus | Running Deary Construction, co-parenting with Keri Russell |
Early life and roots in carpentry
Not much is public about Shane Deary’s early years, but reports say he grew up with a love for woodwork. He later co-founded Deary Construction, a contracting and millwork firm based in Brooklyn, New York. His company soon became known for warm, practical homes and custom furniture. This talent built his reputation as a skilled craftsman before he became known as Keri Russell’s first husband.

Meeting Keri Russell
The story of Keri Russell and Shane Deary began in New York. Friends introduced them, and their bond grew strong. She was already a star, famous from “Felicity” and later roles, while he preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Their romance surprised many, as she chose a man outside Hollywood. Their relationship showed how a celebrity and carpenter could find common ground in love and family life.
Marriage on Valentine’s Day
In February 2007, the world learned of Keri Russell and Shane Deary’s marriage. They wed on Valentine’s Day during a snowstorm in New York City. It was a small, private event with only close friends and family. The couple, both 30 years old, started their new chapter together. For many fans, it was sweet to see the actress choosing a life away from the Hollywood spotlight with a hardworking craftsman.
Becoming parents
Only a few months after their wedding, Keri Russell and Shane Deary welcomed their first child. Their son, River, was born in June 2007. Later, in December 2012, they had a daughter, Willa Lou. Becoming parents gave them more reasons to focus on family. At that time, Keri was also busy with acting projects, balancing motherhood and her career. Their children remain the strongest connection between them after their split.
Career outside Hollywood
Shane Deary never chased fame. Instead, he worked with Deary Construction, a company building and renovating homes in Brooklyn and beyond. The firm later expanded to San Antonio, Texas, showing steady growth. They created custom kitchens, baths, and even unique furniture pieces. His work also appeared in design magazines like Elle Decor and Country Living, proving his skill as more than just “Keri Russell’s spouse.”
Separation and divorce
In 2013, news broke that Keri Russell and Shane Deary had separated. Their split was described as amicable. They agreed to focus on co-parenting their children. Unlike many celebrity divorces, there was no loud drama. The actress quickly moved on with actor Matthew Rhys, who is often called Keri Russell’s husband now, though the two have said they are not officially married. This left Shane Deary to live a quiet life once again.
Life after the marriage
After the divorce, Shane Deary stepped back fully into privacy. While Keri Russell continued to shine on screen, he continued his work with wood, homes, and furniture. The company’s site highlights natural materials and timeless designs. Unlike the Hollywood world, his focus was on craft and family life. For people searching about “Sean Deary,” that is often just a spelling mistake—his true name remains Shane Deary.
Legacy as Keri Russell’s ex husband
Being remembered as Keri Russell’s ex husband may not be what Shane Deary planned. But his time with her created lasting memories: a marriage during a snowstorm, two children, and years of shared family life. While she found love again, his own journey shows dignity and independence. He may not give interviews, but his work in homes and furniture stands as proof of his quiet talent and stable character.

Shane Deary and Keri Russell today
Today, Keri Russell lives with Matthew Rhys, raising her children, including son Sam, born in 2016. Meanwhile, Shane Deary stays connected through co-parenting. Their story is an example of how two people from very different worlds managed to keep peace after a split. When people ask about Keri Russell and Shane Deary marriage, it is remembered as a private, heartfelt union that ended on calm terms.
Why people still search his name
The interest in Shane Deary remains high because fans want to know more about the man who married a star yet stayed humble. Search terms like “keri russell shane deary” and “shane deary keri russell” still trend. His life is proof that not every celebrity partner wants the spotlight. Instead, he values family, craft, and a low-key lifestyle. That contrast with Hollywood fame makes his story unique and worth remembering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Shane Deary?
Shane Deary is a carpenter and contractor best known as Keri Russell’s ex husband and father of her two children.
2. When did Shane Deary and Keri Russell marry?
They married on February 14, 2007, during a snowstorm in New York City.
3. How many children do they have?
They share two kids: River (born 2007) and Willa Lou (born 2012).
4. Why did Shane Deary and Keri Russell divorce?
Their separation in 2013 was described as amicable, with focus on co-parenting.
5. What does Shane Deary do now?
He runs Deary Construction, creating homes and furniture in Brooklyn and San Antonio.
Conclusion
Shane Deary may always be remembered as Keri Russell’s first husband, but his own story is about more than being in the background of a star. He is a craftsman, a father, and a private man who built homes with the same care he gave his family. Their marriage may have ended, but it left behind two children and respect between them. Today, while Keri Russell lives a public life, Shane Deary continues to create quietly, letting his work speak for him.
Curious for more? Dive deeper on our site now! News Well