Kristen Bell’s SAG Awards hosting gig was a highlight, but it was husband Dax Shepard’s planned absence – driven by family duties and a preference for his thriving podcast career – that sparked conversation, further cementing their status as Hollywood’s most candid couple, especially when it comes to her steamy on-screen chemistry in ‘Nobody Wants This’.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards are always a highlight of awards season, and the 2025 ceremony was no exception, especially with fan-favorite Kristen Bell taking the stage as host. Bell, who was also nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Netflix’s ‘Nobody Wants This’, delivered a memorable night. However, it was the absence of her equally famous husband, Dax Shepard, that truly captured the attention of fans and media alike, alongside revealing insights into their remarkably open marriage.
Why Dax Shepard Skipped the 2025 SAG Awards
Leading up to her hosting duties, Kristen Bell offered a refreshingly honest explanation for why Dax Shepard might not be by her side at the 2025 SAG Awards. The primary reason, she revealed, boiled down to a relatable parenting dilemma: a lack of available babysitters for their daughters, Lincoln, 12, and Delta, 10.
Bell candidly shared with People, “He’s his own man and I support him. I don’t know if he’ll even come because to be honest, we don’t have very many babysitters who are ever available and he has to watch the children.” This isn’t the first time Dax’s dedication to family has taken precedence over red carpet appearances. Just months prior, at the 2025 Golden Globes, Bell herself shared a viral video of Shepard engrossed in a Detroit Lions football game on his phone while seated in the audience, humorously captioning it with “#priorities.”
From On-Screen Sparks to Real-Life Support: Dax’s Take on ‘Nobody Wants This’
While Dax Shepard might opt out of the awards circuit for family duties, his support for Kristen Bell’s professional endeavors, especially her latest Netflix romantic comedy ‘Nobody Wants This’, is unwavering. In the series, Bell portrays an agnostic sex podcaster who falls for a newly single rabbi, played by Adam Brody. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, so much so that it even caught the attention of her husband.
Bell revealed to E! News that Dax was a fan, stating, “My husband said the same thing. Like, watching the first episode he was like, ‘Oh my god, I want you to kiss him so badly.’” This level of openness is characteristic of the couple, who are known for their candid discussions about their relationship. Bell attributes the convincing on-screen connection to a “math to it,” coupled with “lightning in a bottle” with Brody, noting that their characters, in their late 30s, offered a refreshing, modern take on romance.
A Long-Standing Bromance: Dax and Adam Brody
Interestingly, the on-screen chemistry between Bell and Brody isn’t confined to their professional lives. Bell shared with Parade that Dax and Adam Brody have a strong friendship, with Bell noting, “Adam’s probably closer to Dax than he is to me. They get along really, really well.” This bond even led Dax Shepard to recruit Brody for his 2017 film, ‘CHiPs’, showcasing a mutual admiration that transcends typical Hollywood collegiality.
Dax Shepard: The Podcaster, Not the Actor
The question of whether Dax Shepard would ever make a cameo in ‘Nobody Wants This’, especially with Adam Brody’s real-life wife Leighton Meester joining the cast for Season 2, was definitively answered by Bell. According to Bell, Dax has largely stepped away from major acting roles, preferring his thriving career as a podcaster.
“Dax doesn’t love to act anymore,” Bell admitted in an exclusive interview with Parade. “He’s not a fan of acting. He’s a fan of podcasting.” Indeed, Shepard’s focus has shifted to his hugely successful podcast, ‘Armchair Expert’, which he co-hosts with Monica Padman. The podcast has grown into a global phenomenon, consistently ranking among the top 10 on Spotify for 2024, proving his passion now lies behind the mic rather than in front of the camera.
Relationship Honesty: Kristen Bell’s Candid Confessions
Beyond awards shows and television roles, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard’s relationship is defined by an unparalleled level of transparency. Bell has been open about their relationship dynamics, including their competitive streaks and their deliberate practice of conflict resolution in front of their children to teach healthy communication.
In a particularly candid revelation on Dax’s ‘Armchair Expert’ podcast, Bell admitted to having some “regret” about her dating history before settling down with Shepard. She wished she had “butterflied around a little bit more,” placing herself at a ‘four’ on a scale of sexual activity and wishing she had explored up to a ‘six’. Despite this, she credits her husband with bringing out her sexuality, stating, “I was never this sexual before you.” These honest discussions resonate deeply with fans, making Bell and Shepard a beacon of modern, relatable relationships in Hollywood.
The couple’s journey continues to captivate, whether it’s Dax’s choice to prioritize family over red carpets, his enthusiastic support for Kristen’s on-screen romances, or their refreshingly open dialogue about the realities of marriage and parenting. Their story is a testament to the idea that even in the spotlight, authenticity and strong family values can truly shine.
