Rachel McAdams Steps Out With Partner Jamie Linden in Rare Public Sighting
Rachel McAdams officially cemented her legacy in Hollywood history on Tuesday, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony that felt long overdue for many fans.
The celebrated Canadian actress was honored on January 20 in front of the iconic El Capitan Theatre, marking a career that has spanned over two decades of critical and commercial hits. While the professional milestone was significant, it was the presence of her family that truly stole the spotlight.
The Mean Girls star was joined by her longtime partner, screenwriter Jamie Linden, in an exceedingly rare public outing for the couple. The pair, who have been romantically linked since 2016, sat together in the front row, offering onlookers a glimpse into their private dynamic. They share a seven-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter, and while the children were not the focus of the press, their influence on McAdams was palpable throughout the event.
📷 Congratulations to Rachel for receiving her Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star. Guests include her partner Jamie, her parents, About Time costar Domhnall Gleeson and Send Help costar Dylan O’Brien pic.twitter.com/mAP1e85Qqn
— Rachel McAdams Online (Fansite) (@rachelmonline) January 20, 2026
McAdams and Linden have famously kept their relationship out of the tabloids, making this joint appearance particularly noteworthy. During the ceremony, the couple appeared affectionate and supportive, with Linden cheering on his partner as she took the podium. The actress made sure to acknowledge his vital role in her life during her acceptance speech, getting visibly emotional when addressing him directly.
“To Jamie my North Star, Kayleen my other North Star,” she said through tears, referencing both her partner and her sister, Kayleen McAdams. “Thank you for being such a great team. And keeping me quasi-normal.”
The speech highlighted the grounding force her family provides amidst the chaos of celebrity. McAdams has frequently spoken in interviews about the importance of her life outside of acting, often taking breaks from the industry to focus on motherhood. This ceremony served as a public validation of that balance, honoring her craft while she remained surrounded by her personal support system.
Guest speakers at the event included colleagues who have witnessed McAdams’ talent firsthand. Domhnall Gleeson, who starred opposite McAdams in the beloved romantic drama About Time, took the stage to heap praise on his former co-star. Their chemistry in the 2013 time-travel film remains a favorite among audiences, and Gleeson spoke warmly of her dedication and kindness on set.
Director Sam Raimi also gave a speech, bridging her blockbuster past with her exciting future. Raimi directed McAdams in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Doctor Strange and is directing her in the upcoming thriller Send Help. His presence underscored her ability to seamlessly transition between intimate indie dramas and massive studio tentpoles.
Rachel McAdams first captured the world’s attention in 2004 with a pair of roles that displayed her incredible range. She terrified and delighted audiences as the ultimate high school villain Regina George in Mean Girls, a character that remains a pop culture touchstone. That same year, she broke hearts as Allie Hamilton in The Notebook, cementing her status as a romantic lead.
Following her meteoric rise, McAdams proved she was more than just a rom-com darling. She showcased her comedic chops in Wedding Crashers and her dramatic depth in The Time Traveler’s Wife. Her performance in the journalism drama Spotlight earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, proving her capability in prestige cinema.
Recently, McAdams has been enjoying a career renaissance that includes work on both the screen and the stage. In 2023, she received widespread acclaim for her role in the adaptation of Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Her portrayal of the protagonist’s mother was hailed as one of the best performances of the year, earning her several critics’ circle awards.
In 2024, she made her highly anticipated Broadway debut in the play Mary Jane. The role required a grueling emotional performance, and her turn on the Great White Way was met with rave reviews, demonstrating her versatility as a live performer. She has continued to be selective with her projects, choosing roles that challenge her rather than simply chasing box office numbers.
Her partner, Jamie Linden, is also a successful figure in the entertainment industry, though he works behind the camera. He is a screenwriter best known for penning the scripts for We Are Marshall and the romantic drama Dear John. He also directed the film 10 Years, which featured a star-studded ensemble cast.
The couple’s upcoming schedule suggests they will remain busy in the coming months. McAdams is set to star in Send Help, a horror-thriller described as a cross between Misery and Cast Away. The film reunites her with Sam Raimi and places her in a grueling survivalist narrative that promises to push her physical and emotional limits.
As she celebrated on the sidewalk of Hollywood Boulevard, McAdams seemed to be in a perfect position personally and professionally. She has successfully navigated the perils of early fame to build a sustainable, respected career while maintaining a private family life. The star on the Walk of Fame is a permanent reminder of her contributions to cinema, from the halls of North Shore High to the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Let us know which Rachel McAdams performance is your all-time favorite in the comments.
