Simon Halls is one of Hollywood’s most respected publicists and the husband of actor Matt Bomer. While Bomer has become a household name thanks to roles in White Collar, Magic Mike and Fellow Travelers, Halls has spent decades working quietly behind the scenes, shaping the public image of some of the industry’s biggest stars. His story matters because it offers a rare look at a man who built genuine influence in Hollywood while keeping his personal life remarkably private, even as his marriage became a symbol of visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
Simon Halls: Quick Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Simon Halls |
| Date of Birth | 12 January 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Toronto, Canada |
| Profession | Hollywood publicist and executive |
| Education | University of Southern California |
| Known For | Founding Huvane Baum Halls and Slate PR |
| Notable Clients | Jude Law, Neil Patrick Harris, Ryan Murphy, Ridley Scott |
| Notable Campaigns | Gladiator, Brokeback Mountain, American Beauty |
| Spouse | Matt Bomer (married 2011) |
| Children | Kit (b. 2005), twins Henry and Walker (b. 2008) |
| Philanthropy | Board member, Project ALS |
| Public Profile | Private, rarely active on social media |
Who Is Simon Halls?
Simon Halls is a Canadian-born American publicist known for representing A-list celebrities and directing major awards campaigns. He is best known publicly as the husband of actor Matt Bomer, though his professional reputation was firmly established long before that relationship became public.
Halls was born on 12 January 1964 in Toronto, Canada. He later moved to the United States to complete his education, eventually settling into a career built almost entirely around discretion, strategy and reputation management.
Early Life and Education
Halls grew up in Toronto before relocating to the United States for university. He studied at the University of Southern California, a school with strong ties to the entertainment industry and a common launchpad for careers in film, media and public relations.
After graduating, Halls secured an internship in public relations at Warner Bros. That early experience gave him a foothold in Hollywood and set the direction for the rest of his career, even though his path would later take an unexpected detour overseas.
Career as a Hollywood Publicist
Starting Out and International Experience
Following his time at Warner Bros, Halls took on a role in Russia, working during a period when discussing personal matters, including sexuality, carried serious risk. This experience shaped his understanding of discretion, a skill that would define his later career representing high-profile clients.
On returning to the United States, Halls joined BWR Public Relations, where he represented major names such as Jude Law and Sarah Jessica Parker. This period established him as a serious operator in Hollywood publicity.
Building His Own Firms
In 1995, Halls co-founded Huvane Baum Halls, a publicity firm that grew into one of the industry’s most respected agencies. The company eventually merged with PMK in 2001, further strengthening Halls’s standing in the business.
He later founded Slate PR, a firm with offices in Los Angeles and New York. Slate PR has represented figures including Neil Patrick Harris, Ryan Murphy and Ridley Scott, cementing Halls’s reputation as one of the most influential publicists in American entertainment.
Notable Campaigns
Halls has overseen publicity and awards campaigns for several acclaimed films, including:
- American Beauty
- Gladiator
- Brokeback Mountain
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
His work on these campaigns played a part in shaping how these films were positioned during awards season, an area where Halls has long been considered an expert.
How Simon Halls Met Matt Bomer
Simon Halls met Matt Bomer in a professional capacity. Bomer hired Halls as his publicist after landing a role on the television series White Collar. The two developed a connection that moved beyond a working relationship, prompting Bomer to find a new, non-conflicted publicist so the pair could pursue a romantic relationship.
Their bond grew steadily over the following years, eventually leading to marriage.
Marriage to Matt Bomer
Simon Halls and Matt Bomer married in 2011 in an intimate ceremony in New York, attended only by close family and friends. The couple did not make their marriage public knowledge until 2014, when it was disclosed in an interview with Details magazine.
Bomer has described the wedding as a deeply personal milestone. Speaking about the day, he explained that there was a sense of validity in having their relationship legally recognised, something that carried extra meaning given the couple’s earlier need for privacy. Bomer publicly came out as gay in 2012, a decision he later said was important for his own authenticity, even though he acknowledged it came with professional risk.
Family Life
Simon Halls and Matt Bomer are parents to three sons, all born through surrogacy:
- Kit, born in 2005
- Henry, born in 2008 (twin)
- Walker, born in 2008 (twin)
The family has largely stayed out of the public eye, though the couple has occasionally appeared together at high-profile events such as the Oscars and the Tony Awards.
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Halls sits on the board of Project ALS, an organisation dedicated to funding research into effective treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. His involvement stems from personal loss, having been close to Nanci Ryder, a fellow publicist who died from the disease in 2017, and Jenifer Estess, who founded Project ALS.
Halls has also spoken publicly about supporting other celebrities through the process of coming out, drawing on his own experience navigating sexuality and identity within the entertainment industry during a period when doing so was far riskier than it is today.
Why Simon Halls Matters
Simon Halls represents a quieter but equally significant form of influence in Hollywood. Rather than seeking the spotlight, he has spent his career helping others manage theirs, all while maintaining one of the more enduring and private marriages in the industry. His story also reflects a broader shift in Hollywood’s attitude toward LGBTQ+ visibility, from a time when coming out could end a career to today, where public figures can live openly with far greater support.
Conclusion
Simon Halls has built a lasting career as one of Hollywood’s most trusted publicists, working on major awards campaigns and representing some of the industry’s most recognisable names. His marriage to Matt Bomer, kept private for years before becoming public, adds another dimension to his story, one rooted in discretion, resilience and quiet advocacy. Together, his professional achievements and personal journey offer a compelling picture of a man who has shaped Hollywood narratives both on and off the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Simon Halls married to?
Simon Halls is married to actor Matt Bomer. The couple wed in 2011 in a private ceremony in New York but did not publicly confirm their marriage until 2014.
How did Simon Halls meet Matt Bomer?
Simon Halls met Matt Bomer when Bomer hired him as his publicist after joining the cast of White Collar. Their professional relationship developed into a romantic one shortly afterwards.
How many children do Simon Halls and Matt Bomer have?
Simon Halls and Matt Bomer have three sons: Kit, born in 2005, and twins Henry and Walker, born in 2008. All three children were born through surrogacy.
What is Simon Halls known for professionally?
Simon Halls is known for being a leading Hollywood publicist. He co-founded Huvane Baum Halls and later Slate PR, and he has managed awards campaigns for films such as Gladiator and Brokeback Mountain.
Is Simon Halls active on social media?
No, Simon Halls keeps a low public profile and is not active on social media. Most of what is known about his personal life comes from occasional interviews and appearances alongside Matt Bomer.
