Florence Pugh and Zach Braff's Relationship Timeline

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty

Florence PughandZach Braffhave gone their separate ways.

In her cover story forHarper’s BAZAAR’s September 2022 issue, theDon’t Worry Darlingactress revealed thatshe and Braff quietly broke up.

“We’ve been trying to do this separation without the world knowing, because it’s been a relationship that everybody has an opinion on,” said Pugh. “We just felt something like this would really do us the benefit of not having millions of people telling us how happy they are that we’re not together. So we’ve done that.”

After first connecting on social media, Braff and Pugh took their relationship offline when they worked together on the short filmIn the Time It Takes to Get There. While they never revealed just how they went from friends to something more, they were first spotted showing PDA during a trip to New York City in April 2019.

Before calling it quits,Braff cast Pugh inA Good Person— a film he wrote and directed.

“​​Florence Pugh’s performance in the movie, I know I’m biased, but it’s the most miraculous thing you will ever see,” he said during an interview withCollider.

Here’s a look back at Florence Pugh and Zach Braff’s relationship.

August 23, 2018: Zach Braff tweets Florence Pugh for the first time

Braff first interacted with Pugh on social media in August 2018 when he complimented her on her role inLady Macbeth. “I watched an incredible film last night that I cannot stop thinking about: “Lady Macbeth” starring @Florence_Pugh. Beautifully directed, shot, acted etc. It’s very upsetting, so be forewarned. Florence is a movie star,” hewrote on Twitter.

It’s not clear if the duo knew each other in real life at the time, but it didn’t take long for the pair to begin regularly interacting in the form of liking each other’s Instagram posts.

January 2019: Fans begin speculating that Zach Braff and Florence Pugh are dating

Several months after their first social media interaction, fans began to speculate that there was something going on between the duo when Braff made a trip to Pugh’s hometown of Oxford, England. Although they weren’t spotted together, Braff did post a photo to Instagram while in the city.

March 2019: Zach Braff and Florence Pugh filmIn the Time It Takes to Get There

During filming, whichtook place over several days, Braff shared photos from the set, including one of Pughsitting alone in an open field.

April 03, 2019:In the Time It Takes to Get Therepremieres on YouTube

Not long after filming,In the Time It Takes to Get Therepremiered on YouTube. Pugh shared her thoughts about the movie on Instagram, calling Braff a “fantastic” director.

April 12, 2019: Florence Pugh and Zach Braff are spotted holding hands in New York City

Florence Pugh and Zach Braff.Splash News online

Just a few weeks after the film’s premiere, Braff and Pugh werespotted showing some PDAduring a trip to New York City. The rumored couple hadn’t yet confirmed their relationship, but they were photographed holding hands while spending time together in the Big Apple.

October 9, 2019: Zach Braff hints at his relationship with Florence Pugh on social media

Pugh and Braff went quite a few months without sharing any details of their relationship, but in October, Braff seemingly hinted that the couple had big feelings for each other. In a photo shared to Braff’s Instagram, Pugh could be seen posing alongside some of Braff’s other friends.

“People I love,” Braff simplycaptioned the photo.

November 7, 2019: Florence Pugh and Zach Braff make their Instagram debut during a day at Disneyland

The following month, Braff and Pugh shared their first photo together on Instagram during a trip to Disneyland with a group of friends. At the time, the duo still hadn’t confirmed their relationship but Braffcalled the Disney outingan “epic day.”

December 27, 2019: Florence Pugh responds to a critic of her and Zach Braff’s age difference

The actor’s comment prompted one of Pugh’s followers to weigh in on the pair’s age difference, writing, “You’re 44 years old.” Pugh, however, didn’t hesitate to respond, adding, “And yet he got it 👌🏽.”

January 15, 2020: Florence Pugh and Zach Braff celebrate her Oscar nomination

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The following month, Pugh learned that she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2020 Oscars for her performance inLittle Women. Pugh celebrated the nomination during a press day in Los Angeles and afterward, toasted with Braff as well. She was spottedrunning into Braff’s arms after the eventand sharing a kiss before taking the celebrations elsewhere.

April 6, 2020: Florence Pugh writes a sweet birthday tribute for Zach Braff

Braff marked his 45th birthday on April 6, 2020, and Pugh commemorated the daywith a post on Instagram. The actress shared a snap of Braff cozying up on a couch with his dog, writing that the duo were “celebrating hard.”

“Today we shall smile wider than the clouds are grey. April 6th and we’re celebrating hard!” shecaptioned the snapshot. “Happy Birthday wishes, boogies and cheers for this special person. Raise those bubbles and jiggle!”

Braff also shared a photo of Pugh wearing pink socks covered in photos of his face.

April 8, 2020: Florence Pugh claps back again at critics of the couple’s age difference

“I am 24 years old. I do not need you to tell me who I should and should not love and I would never in my life tell anyone who they can and cannot love. It is not your place,“Pugh said, adding that if anyone has a problem with it they can unfollow her.

April 9, 2020: Zach Braff and Florence Pugh adopt a dog together

A day later, Braff and Pugh announced they had adopted the dog they had been fostering together. Braffshared a photo of the pupnamed Billie and said they had fallen in love with him.

“Officially adopted, Billie. Thanks to the @thelabellefoundation. We tried to foster, but then we fell in love. #fosterfail #adoptdontshop,” he wrote.

May 6, 2020: Florence Pugh defends her relationship with Zach Braff

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After her social media response to the couple’s relationship critics, Pugh expressed that she was overhearing people’s “hate and opinions"when it came to her personal life. In an interview withElle UK, Pugh said that she had “the right to hang out and be with and go out with anyone” she wanted to, regardless of the public’s thoughts.

May 2020: Florence Pugh opens up about quarantining with Zach Braff

Florence Pugh and Zach Braff.Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock; Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Several months into quarantining together during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pugh opened up about some of the couple’s weekly routines during an appearance on theTable Manners with Jessie and Lennie Warepodcast. She explained that they tried tolimit their takeout ordersto once a week, which served as their “special date night.”

July 2020: Florence Pugh says scrutiny over her relationship with Zach Braff makes her “feel like s—”

“And then I thought how ridiculous is that? I’m 24 and I can’t choose who I love. There’s a reason why I’m not with someone my age — it hasn’t worked. So, who are you trying to match me up with?” Pugh said on theSue Perkins: An hour or so with…podcast.

She added, “I’ve always found it funny, how I can be good enough for people to watch my work and support my work and pay for tickets, and I’m old enough to be an adult and pay taxes, but I’m not old enough to know who I should and should not have sex with. Yet again, once again, it’s making a young woman feel like s— for no reason.”

In November, Braffspoke out about the criticismof his relationship with Pugh for the first time. When asked about Pugh’s decision to post a video defending the duo, he explained why he chose to stay silent.

“She literally sat down, hit record on her phone and said that. I thought: how could I possibly follow anything as intelligent and articulate as that? So, I chose not to,“Braff explained.

January 3, 2021: Zach Braff pens a birthday message for Florence Pugh

Braffcelebrated Pugh’s 25th birthdayon Jan. 3, 2021, sharing a series of photos from their adventures together and penning a heartfelt caption.

“Happy Birthday to the most fun person I’ve ever met. I would have felt blessed to have smiled with your [sic] for one night. I can’t believe I get to giggle with you everyday. What a pleasure it is to know you. What a gift to the world it was that you were born,“Braff wrote.

March 2021: Florence Pugh and Zach Braff spark marriage speculation

Two years into the couple’s relationship, rumors surfaced that Braff and Pughhad secretly tied the knot. Speculation began when a friend referred to Pugh as “FPB” in a social media post, leading fans to believe the “B” in Pugh’s initials stood for Braff. Although the friend later removed the extra letter and claimed the pair were not married, the rumors persisted when Braff was later spotted with a band on his left ring finger.

April 6, 2021: Florence Pugh celebrates Zach Braff’s 46th birthday with a touching note

While the couple didn’t comment on the marriage speculation, Pugh didpen a sweet notein honor of Braff’s 46th birthday on April 6. 2021. On Instagram, she shared photos of Braff cuddling with their dog Billie as well as a snap of him wearing a fuzzy matching set.

“It’s this magical persons birthday…His need to make people laugh and smile is never ending, his constant generosity and love for others is infectious, his creativity and ability to put real and honest words onto the page inspires many and all who’s around him, but above all.. his appreciation for life and excitement for LIVING is something I always take note of. Happy Birthday chicken,” Pugh wrote.

The couple laterheaded to the beachto continue the birthday celebrations.

July 2021: Florence Pugh says Zach Braff isn’t who people expected her to date

In July 2021, Pugh opened up aboutstill dealing with criticismsurrounding their relationship, explaining that she believed it “bugs people” because Braff is “not who they expected” her to date. Instead, she thought fans would prefer to see her with someone like herLittle WomencostarTimothée Chalamet.

“But it’s my life and I’m not doing anything to please people or to make it a better headline or story. I want to also be a person!” Pugh added.

July 8, 2021: Zach Braff celebrates the premiere of Florence Pugh’s filmBlack Widow

“Go see ‘Black Widow’ this weekend and watch @florencepugh save the world! I commissioned this painting from the legendary painter and comic book artist @philnoto,“Braff wrote, adding that the Russian text on the painting says “Widow.”

January 3, 2022: Zach Braff writes a birthday note for Florence Pugh

Braff kept it simple with hissocial media birthday wishesfor Pugh in January. On his Instagram story, he shared a photo of Pugh resting at the edge of a swimming pool with a sweet message.

“Happy birthday to this beautiful human being. I am so lucky to know you. And the world is so lucky they get to witness your incredible talent,“Braff wrote.

March 18, 2022: Zach Braff calls Florence Pugh one of “the best actresses working” today

Braff shared his thoughts about Pugh’s acting career while talking about her role inA Good Personduringan interview with Collider.

“Florence Pugh’s performance in the movie, I know I’m biased, but it’s the most miraculous thing you will ever see. I’m not overselling it … I know that anything Florence does is incredible. People say she’s maybe the best actress of her generation. I think she’s one of the best actresses working. This performance she gives is unbelievable,” Braff shared.

May 2022: Florence Pugh shuts down rumors that she’s dating Will Poulter

Pugh and Braff found themselves facing breakup rumors after photos surfaced of Pugh on a trip to Ibiza, Spain with a group of friends including herMidsommarcostarWill Poulter. In the snaps,Pugh and Poulter could be seenenjoying time on the beach, which led to some outlets suggesting the duo were in a new relationship. Upon hearing about the headlines, Pugh shut down the rumors on her Instagram story, explaining that she was just friends with Poulter.

“No, Will Poulter and I are not dating. We went to the beach with our friends, who are always about half a metre away from us in every picture, but have been cleverly cut out/ framed out so that it looks otherwise,“she wrote. “You can LITERALLY see my best friend in the corner of so many shots and Archie’s arms at the sides.”

Pugh went on to say that while she understands that as a public figure her privacy is sometimes violated, “fabricating” stories “does more damage than good.” She added that Poulter is one of her “best mates” and although fans complimented the duo on looking sexy, it “doesn’t mean we’re doing the sexy.”

August 16, 2022: Florence Pugh reveals that she and Zach Braff broke up

Frazer Harrison/Getty / John Shearer/Getty

In her cover story forHarper’s BAZAAR’s September 2022 issue, Pugh revealed thatshe and Braff quietly went their separate ways, hoping to keep the split under wraps to avoid commentary from strangers online.

“I automatically get a lumpy throat when I talk about it,” she added.

October 29, 2022: Florence Pugh shares that Zach Braff taught her an important lesson about fame

During an interviewon the podcastThis Cultural Life, Pugh shared that Braff instructed her not to read the commentary about their relationship — or her career — online.

November 10, 2022: Florence Pugh jokes about “bidding” on a Zoom call with Zach Braff

Braff shared a screenshot of him andDonald Faisontopromote an eBay auctionsupporting wounded veterans. “Bid on eBay for a 30 minute Zoom with @donald_aison and me,” the actorwrote in the caption. “ALL proceeds go to build specially-designed homes for severely wounded veterans via Homes For Our Troops. LINK IN BIO!!!!!!”

Pugh commented on the post, writing, “Im deffo bidding on this.” Braff responded minutes later with, “@florencepugh I’m certain you could get this for free, but it is a very good cause for veterans….”

Another Instagram user acknowledged their playful banter, writing, “@zachbraff 10 points gryffindor on how you’re flirting with @florencepugh here,” along with a thumbs-up emoji. In a since-deleted comment, Braff simply responded: “😐.”

December 15, 2022: Florence Pugh promotes first trailer ofA Good Person

Pughshared the film’s first traileron Instagram and wrote: “Here she is. First trailer toA Good Personis FINALLY HERE. This is the first time I’ve had the pleasure and the privilege of watching how the art is made from the very beginning to the very end. I am so proud of this creation, I’m so grateful to all those who jumped on board this crazy journey with us.”

January 3, 2023: Zach Braff calls Florence Pugh a “legend”

On her 27th birthday,Braff penned a sweet note to Pughon his Instagram Story.

“Happy Birthday, Legend,” he captioned a photo of the actress sitting above the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.

January 12, 2023: Florence Pugh and Zach Braff open up about their relationship

Both Pugh and Braffspoke about their relationshipfor aVoguecover story, with theDon’t Worry Darlingactress explaining why “people didn’t like” them together.

“They imagined me with someone younger and someone in blockbusters,” she said. “I think young relationships in Hollywood are so easily twisted because they add to the gossip sites. It’s exciting to watch. And I think I was in a relationship that didn’t do any of that.”

Meanwhile, Braff praised his ex-girlfriend, saying, “I quite simply think she’s one of the greatest actors of her generation,” theGarden Stateactor and director said. “She’s just magnetic. You cannot take your eyes off of her.”

“And it’s not just her beauty and it’s not just her acting ability, it’s that thing, that magic thing that transcends the screen, where anyone and everyone goes: I want to see whatever this person does,” he added.

March 8, 2023: Florence Pugh and Zach Braff attend U.K. premiere ofA Good Person

The exes didn’t shy away fromposing for photos together on the red carpetat the Ham Yard Hotel in London. Pugh wowed in a cropped blouse and high-waisted pants, while Braff looked handsome in a plaid suit.

March 18, 2023: Zach Braff enjoys dinner with Florence Pugh’s family in New York City

Braffmet up with theDon’t Worry Darlingstar’s parents and grandmotherfor dinner in the Big Apple. The director spent most of the day with Pugh, who wasn’t pictured, promoting their filmA Good Person.

March 20, 2023: Zach Braff calls Florence Pugh a “next-level actress”

While chatting withEntertainment Tonight, Braff raved about Pugh’s performance inA Good Person.

“I’m just in awe of her talent. I said, ‘I wanna write this for Florence. What I’m writing is really gonna be challenging, and she’s incredible,’ " he said, referring to the movie’s plot that deals heavily with grief. “She’s a next-level actress. It wasn’t for your average actors.”

March 29, 2023: Zach Braff says he and Florence Pugh want to “make more movies together”

During an interview on theNot Skinny But Not Fatpodcast, Braff addressed being what host Amanda Hirsch called “the best exes in the world” with Pugh.

“We love each other. We get along really well,” he said. “We wanna keep working together. We wanna make more movies together. I’m just in awe of her talent.”

April 6, 2023: Florence Pugh celebrates Zach Braff’s 48th birthday

In honor of Braff’s birthday, Pugh gave the film director a shout-out on her Instagram Story.

“Happy happy birthday to youuuu!” she captioned a photo of Braff on the set ofA Good Person. “The birthday wish has already come true I’m sure, making a f—ing awesome movie and people watching it with friends and family. Thanks for being an awesome director and making such a special set for everyone.”

December 13, 2023: Zach Braff says Florence Pugh still approves his outfits for public appearances

During an interview on SiriusXM’sThe Jess Cagle Show, Braff shared that Pugh remains a close friend — and his biggest fashion critic.

“We love each other,” he said, adding, “I was on theTodayshow this morning, and she said she wanted tosee pictures of what my outfit wasto give approvals, so we love each other a lot.”

source: people.com