Rose Byrne Roasted at Harvard for Calling Bobby Cannavale Her 'Husband'

The actress was honored as Hasty Pudding's Woman of the Year but faced jokes about her unmarried status.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Actress Rose Byrne was roasted by Harvard students during the Hasty Pudding Theatricals' Woman of the Year Award ceremony for her habit of referring to her longtime partner Bobby Cannavale as her "husband" even though they are not officially married. Byrne and Cannavale have been together since 2013 and have two children together, but have yet to tie the knot.

Why it matters

Byrne's casual use of the term "husband" to describe Cannavale, despite their unmarried status, sparked lighthearted jokes from the Harvard students about the actress' relationship status and her role in the 2011 film "Bridesmaids". The roast highlights the public fascination with celebrity relationships and the social expectations around marriage.

The details

During the award ceremony, Harvard seniors Daisy Nussbaum and Isabel Wilson poked fun at Byrne's Australian background before joking about her use of the term "husband" to refer to Cannavale. They noted that the pair have never officially married, with Nussbaum quipping "I guess what you're saying is always a bridesmaid, never a bride" in reference to Byrne's role in "Bridesmaids". Byrne and Cannavale have been together since 2012 and share two sons, but have chosen not to get married.

  • Rose Byrne accepted Hasty Pudding's Woman of the Year award on February 13, 2026.
  • Byrne and Cannavale have been together since 2012 and made their red carpet debut as a couple in June 2013.

The players

Rose Byrne

A 46-year-old Australian actress who was honored as Hasty Pudding's Woman of the Year.

Bobby Cannavale

Byrne's longtime partner of over a decade, with whom she has two children, though they are not officially married.

Daisy Nussbaum

A Harvard senior who roasted Byrne during the award ceremony.

Isabel Wilson

A Harvard senior who also roasted Byrne during the award ceremony.

Hasty Pudding Theatricals

The Harvard University social club that presents the annual Woman of the Year award.

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What they’re saying

“Maybe we shouldn't be making stereotypical Australia comments, anyway. I mean, Rose could be homesick. I'm sure you miss it. But think all the great things America has that Australia doesn't. We have your husband, Bobby Cannavale.”

— Daisy Nussbaum, Harvard senior

“Actually Daisy, while Rose refers to Cannavale as her husband, the pair never officially got married.”

— Isabel Wilson, Harvard senior

“Huh. I guess what you're saying is always a bridesmaid, never a bride.”

— Daisy Nussbaum, Harvard senior

“I say 'married.' We just haven't gone to the courthouse yet, but we're married.”

— Rose Byrne (The Washington Post)

The takeaway

Byrne's casual use of the term "husband" to describe her longtime partner, despite their unmarried status, highlights the public fascination with celebrity relationships and the social expectations around marriage. The roast at Harvard underscores how even successful, acclaimed actresses can face scrutiny and humor over their personal lives.