Inside Shanna Moakler’s ‘Peaceful’ New Romance with Greg Vaughan
Shanna Moakler, the former Miss USA and reality TV star, has found love again with actor Greg Vaughan. The couple, who went public with their relationship earlier this year, describe their bond as a serene and fulfilling chapter in their lives. Moakler, 48, credits Vaughan, 49, for bringing her newfound joy and stability after years of personal and professional upheavals.
A Fresh Start After Turbulent Years
Moakler’s romantic life has long been in the public eye, particularly her tumultuous marriage to Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. Their divorce in 2008 and subsequent co-parenting challenges became tabloid fodder for years. According to relationship expert Dr. Lillian Glass, “Celebrities like Shanna often face unique pressures when starting new relationships. The public scrutiny can make it difficult to establish trust and intimacy.”
Statistics from the American Psychological Association support this: 42% of high-profile individuals report relationship stress due to media attention. However, Moakler seems to have found a different dynamic with Vaughan, best known for his roles on Days of Our Lives and General Hospital.
How Their Connection Blossomed
Friends say the pair connected through mutual acquaintances in the entertainment industry. “We took things slowly,” Moakler revealed in a recent interview. “Greg understands this business but doesn’t get caught up in the drama. He’s brought such calm to my life.” Vaughan echoed the sentiment, describing Moakler as “genuine” and “down-to-earth.”
Key factors in their relationship’s success include:
- Shared values around family and privacy
- Similar career experiences in the public eye
- A mutual love for low-key activities like hiking and cooking
The Impact of Past Relationships on Present Happiness
Moakler’s romantic history has been well-documented, from her marriage to Barker to brief engagements with other celebrities. Psychologists note that past relationship patterns often influence new ones. “When someone has experienced highly publicized breakups, they may initially approach new relationships with caution,” explains Dr. Glass. “The fact that Shanna describes this as ‘peaceful’ suggests they’ve built strong emotional foundations.”
Vaughan, who divorced from his wife of 14 years in 2021, appears equally committed to making this relationship work differently. Industry insiders report he’s been selective about projects to prioritize personal time.
Balancing Public Lives with Private Happiness
Unlike some celebrity couples who share every moment on social media, Moakler and Vaughan have maintained relative privacy. They occasionally post together but avoid oversharing. This approach aligns with research from the University of Southern California showing that couples who keep certain aspects private report 23% higher relationship satisfaction.
“We’re just enjoying each other’s company without making it a spectacle,” Moakler said. Vaughan added, “At this stage in our lives, we know what matters—and it’s not Instagram likes.”
What the Future Holds
While neither has discussed marriage, sources close to the couple say they’re discussing blending their families. Moakler has three children, while Vaughan has four. “Family is everything to both of them,” shared a friend. “They’re taking it step by step to ensure everyone adjusts comfortably.”
As for their careers, both continue working—Moakler on various TV projects and Vaughan on his long-running soap opera role. However, insiders note they’ve become more selective, prioritizing projects that allow flexibility for their relationship.
For fans rooting for this couple, the takeaway is clear: sometimes love finds you when you least expect it, and peace can be the most exciting development of all. To stay updated on their journey, follow our entertainment section for future features.
See more The Buzz Live