Andy Richter is known for his comedy career and years as Conan O’Brien’s sidekick — but off-screen, he’s also a devoted dad and stepdad. As he takes on “Dancing With the Stars” season 34, Richter’s family is cheering him on. Here are five fast facts about his wife, kids, and blended family.
1. Andy Richter Has Two Kids With Ex-Wife Sarah Thyre
Richter met Sarah Thyre during a 1991 production of “The Real Live Brady Bunch,” where he played Mike Brady. They married in 1994 and welcomed son William Oscar in 2000, followed by daughter Mercy Josephine in 2005.
After 27 years together, they announced their separation in 2019. “It is with sadness that Sarah and I announce that we have separated and have begun divorce proceedings,” Richter tweeted at the time, via US Weekly. “We are extremely proud of the life we’ve built together and shared with so many friends over the years, and even though our marriage has reached its completion we will always maintain a loving friendship and parenting partnership.”
2. His Son William Came Out to Him at Age 11
During a 2024 appearance on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s “Dinner’s On Me” podcast, Richter recalled the exact moment William told him he was gay.
“We were walking away, we had just eaten dinner at a place on La Brea in our old neighborhood,” Richter said. “He said to me, ‘Dad, do you know what gay or bi means?’ I said, (expletive) yeah, boy, do I ever.’ He said, ‘I think that’s what I am.’”
Richter shared that he high-fived his son and thanked him for opening up. “It wasn’t something we needed to talk about again. He knew he was loved,” he said.
3. His Daughter Mercy Inherited His Sense of Humor
Mercy was born in 2005 and, according to Richter, has been making her family laugh since she was a toddler.
“Half the time she’s really doing comedy skits. She’s hilarious,” he told Babble in 2009. “She’s making [William] crazy, but she’s also making him laugh. She discovered early on that you’re going to catch a lot less hell from adults if you make them laugh while they’re mad at you.”
4. The DWTS Star Married Jennifer Herrera in 2023
Richter began dating Jennifer Herrera in 2022 after meeting on the dating app Hinge. The couple got engaged later that year and tied the knot in June 2023 at their home in West Hollywood. Conan O’Brien officiated the ceremony.
“Some non-election news: I got engaged! To a lady! Her name is Jennifer Herrera and she’s the best,” Richter wrote on Instagram when they got engaged.
5. Andy Richter Is a Proud Stepfather to Cornelia
Herrera has a daughter, Cornelia, from a previous marriage, and Richter has embraced his role as stepdad. “That’s always been part of the deal for both of us from the first date,” he said on “Really Famous With Kara Mayer Robinson” in 2022. “I never once tried to pretend like it wasn’t, like the two of them weren’t one thing.”
Richter will dedicate his “Dancing With the Stars” routine on Oct. 14 to Cornelia, bringing a personal touch to Dedication Night.
“Dancing With the Stars,” season 34, airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
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