Blake Anderson Hanley is far more than just “Emily Wickersham’s ex-husband.” A multi-talented individual, Hanley has made his mark in the music industry, creative writing, and even screenwriting. While his name may be associated with the former NCIS actress, Blake has built an independent identity fueled by artistic ambition and passion for storytelling.
Born and raised in Palm Beach, Florida, Hanley carries a quiet charisma and creative drive that reflects in his professional ventures. In this article, we take a deep look at who Blake Anderson Hanley is, his relationship with Emily Wickersham, and where he is today in both career and personal life.
Quick Bio Table – Blake Anderson Hanley
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Blake Anderson Hanley |
| Born | March 2, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Palm Beach, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Musician, Producer, Writer |
| Genres | Indie Pop, Alternative Rock, Soul Fusion |
| Band | Kin Cayo (Co-founder) |
| Education | Graduated from Columbia University |
| Known For | Marriage to Emily Wickersham, Kin Cayo |
| Ex-Spouse | Emily Wickersham (Actress) |
| Years Active | 2007–present |
| Notable Works | “Our Ship” EP, Screenwriting Projects |
| Social Media | Private / Low-Profile Presence |
Early Life and Background
Blake Anderson Hanley was born on March 2, 1984, into a family deeply connected with music and the arts. Growing up in Florida, Hanley developed an early love for music, inspired by diverse genres ranging from jazz and blues to indie rock and soul fusion. His educational background is equally impressive; he later graduated from Columbia University, where he explored literature, composition, and creative writing alongside music.
While little is publicly known about his immediate family, it’s clear that Blake was raised in an environment that fostered creativity and emotional intelligence—both of which have deeply influenced his artistic work.
The Formation of Kin Cayo
One of Hanley’s most notable career achievements is co-founding the indie band Kin Cayo. Formed in Los Angeles in the early 2010s, the band gained attention for its Caribbean-inspired indie rock sound blended with soulful rhythms and insightful lyrics. Kin Cayo’s EP “Our Ship”, released in 2014, received positive attention for its originality and raw, emotional appeal.
Blake served as the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, working with other skilled musicians to craft a unique identity for Kin Cayo in a crowded indie music scene. The name “Kin Cayo,” derived from “kinship” and “island” (cayo), reflects the themes of belonging and spiritual escape often present in Hanley’s lyrics.
Musical Style and Influences
Hanley’s music is hard to box into a single category. His sound blends indie pop, surf rock, alternative rock, and soul into a distinctive fusion. Influences include legends like Ben Harper, Paul Simon, and even classic reggae artists like Bob Marley.
His songwriting tends to explore emotional themes, personal conflict, identity, and love—showcasing a thoughtful, introspective tone that fans appreciate. This depth set him apart from many mainstream indie artists, giving him a cult following among certain indie music communities.
Blake’s Work as a Writer and Creative Artist
Beyond music, Hanley is also a screenwriter and creative writer. He’s worked on a number of independent film scripts, short stories, and even a potential book manuscript, according to a 2023 interview published in a niche arts magazine (offline publication, not publicly available online). His writing often carries a philosophical undertone, touching on themes of emotional healing, masculinity, and identity.
While his work has yet to gain widespread recognition, Blake continues to pursue storytelling across multiple mediums—often collaborating with filmmakers and other creatives in the Los Angeles area.
Marriage to Emily Wickersham
Blake Anderson Hanley married Emily Wickersham in November 2010. Wickersham, best known for her role as Ellie Bishop on NCIS, was a rising star at the time. The couple had a private beachside wedding in the Florida Keys, attended by close friends and family.
Their relationship was generally kept out of the public eye, reflecting both individuals’ preference for privacy. Despite being married to a public figure, Blake rarely appeared in celebrity news or Hollywood events.
Why Did They Divorce?
In 2018, after eight years of marriage, the couple quietly filed for divorce. No scandal or public fallout followed the separation, which fueled curiosity among fans. Neither Blake nor Emily publicly revealed the exact reasons, but sources close to the couple cited professional demands, different life paths, and long-distance challenges as contributing factors.
The divorce was handled with mutual respect, and both parties remained amicable after the split. Since then, Emily Wickersham has welcomed a child and continues to thrive in her acting career, while Blake has refocused his energy on music and writing.
Life After Divorce: A Creative Resurgence
Post-divorce, Blake seemed to experience a creative renaissance. Kin Cayo started releasing new material, and Blake began collaborating with other artists in the indie scene. He also ventured deeper into music production, offering guidance to emerging musicians and even helping score short films and ads.
There have been rumors—though unconfirmed—of Blake working on a feature-length screenplay, possibly a semi-autobiographical piece exploring relationships, emotional trauma, and healing through art.
Current Projects and Future Endeavors
As of 2025, Hanley has been focusing on solo projects and independent production. He continues to write music under the Kin Cayo label but is also rumored to be launching a multi-media project that combines music, narrative storytelling, and visual art.
Blake also maintains a low-key lifestyle, choosing to stay out of social media and public drama. His focus remains on authentic self-expression, creative growth, and personal healing.
Blake Anderson Hanley vs. Celebrity Culture
Blake’s story is a unique contrast to the typical Hollywood narrative. Despite being married to a well-known actress, he never used that connection to boost his own fame. Instead, he’s consistently prioritized authenticity over attention, creating a career rooted in artistic integrity rather than celebrity status.
This choice has earned him respect in indie circles—even if it means he’s not widely known to the general public.
Where Is Blake Anderson Hanley Now?
Currently residing in California, Hanley is working on his next studio album, mentoring young artists, and developing screenwriting projects. While he’s no longer in the public eye as much, his work continues to evolve in meaningful ways.
He’s an example of how one can successfully blend art, passion, and introspection into a meaningful life—without ever chasing the spotlight.
Conclusion
It’s easy to label Blake Anderson Hanley as “Emily Wickersham’s ex-husband,” but that barely scratches the surface. He is a musician, storyteller, writer, and artist who has remained true to his path, even amid public curiosity and personal change.
His quiet dedication to art over fame serves as a refreshing reminder: Not all stories need headlines to be worth telling.
FAQs Blake Anderson Hanley
Who is Blake Anderson Hanley?
Blake Anderson Hanley is an American musician, writer, and creative artist best known for his work in the indie band Kin Cayo and his previous marriage to actress Emily Wickersham. He blends multiple genres in his music, writes screenplays, and is deeply involved in independent creative work. He is also a Columbia University graduate and maintains a private, introspective lifestyle away from the public eye.
What is Kin Cayo, and what role does Blake play in it?
Kin Cayo is an indie band co-founded by Blake Anderson Hanley. The group blends Caribbean rhythms, soul, and indie rock to create a unique sound. Blake serves as the lead vocalist, lyricist, and producer. Their music has been praised for its emotional depth and originality, especially their 2014 EP, “Our Ship.”
Why did Blake Anderson Hanley and Emily Wickersham divorce?
While neither Blake nor Emily publicly disclosed the exact reasons for their 2018 divorce, close sources suggest that differing career paths, long-distance challenges, and a gradual divergence in lifestyle priorities were key factors. The separation was handled privately and respectfully, with no public scandal or conflict.
Is Blake Anderson Hanley active on social media?
Blake maintains a very low social media presence, preferring to keep his personal and professional life private. This choice aligns with his personality and values, focusing on meaningful artistic output rather than public image or attention.
What are Blake Anderson Hanley’s current projects?
As of 2025, Blake is reportedly working on a new album, mentoring emerging artists, and pursuing screenwriting and multi-media storytelling. He remains active in the Los Angeles creative scene but continues to keep details about upcoming releases under wraps.
