Sometimes love is found where you least expect it… That is certainly what happened to New York University graduate Keith Powell, the man who played “Toofer” on the hit television series 3o Rock. He explained that despite the fact that his career seemed outgoing, the publicity actually made him withdraw and remove himself from social experiences.
“I was feeling judged a lot, and I was closing off from people,” Mr. Powell explained.
Four years ago, when Powell was 29, a former classmate asked for his help with a workshop for a new play. Since the season of 30 Rock had already ended production, Powell agreed.
There he met Jill Knox, an actress who he described as “really hot, but also a little nutty.” He was surprised by the openness with which she discussed her love life, recent breakup and general life stories. “The things she said were so charming and funny,” he said. Still, Powell was much more reserved, and kept his distance.
Less than a week later, however, Powell found Jill waiting for a bus and asked her out for brunch. They went back to her apartment instead, and ended up talking for hours. Knox talks openly about how Powell was not her type, and that romance was not on her mind. According to her he was too skinny, and too young. But, Knox gave him a chance and the two grew ever closer. Powell also convinced Knox to expand her love and painting and pursue a career in the visual arts.
“We had so much in common,” Powell shared. “And also, I realized that I needed someone like her who is a little reckless and who throws caution to the wind.”
“Keith was crazy about Jill,” a friend said, explaining that Powell would always talk about how talented Knox was. “Keith was always a very grounded guy, very logical and sensible.”
In 2012, Powell really did throw caution to the wind and popped the question while the couple appeared on House Hunters Renovation. The two were married on October 12th, 2013, at the Tribeca Rooftop.
