Meet Heidi Gardner’s Ex-Husband, Marvel Comics Writer Zeb Wells: A Creative Power Couple’s Painful Split
Los Angeles, California – August 29, 2025 – Heidi Gardner, the beloved comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member who departed the iconic sketch show after eight seasons in 2025, has long kept her personal life out of the spotlight. But as fans reflect on her career highs—including her recent exit from SNL amid reports of creative burnout—attention has turned to her private world, particularly her marriage to Marvel Comics writer Zeb Wells. The couple, who shared a 13-year union filled with mutual support for their artistic pursuits, parted ways in 2023 in what Gardner described as a “painful and uncomfortable” but ultimately transformative experience. With no children from the marriage and a commitment to amicable co-existence, their story highlights the challenges of balancing high-profile careers in entertainment and comics. As Gardner moves forward post-SNL, here’s a closer look at Wells, the man behind some of Marvel’s most talked-about storylines, and the dynamics of their relationship.
Who Is Zeb Wells? A Trailblazer in Comics and Animation
Zeb Wells, born Michael Zeb Wells on April 28, 1977, in Littleton, Colorado, is a multifaceted talent whose career spans comic book writing, screenwriting, directing, and voice acting. Growing up, Wells attended Columbine High School and developed a passion for storytelling inspired by Marvel Comics’ rich universe of superheroes, science fiction, and fantasy. This early fascination propelled him into the industry, where he has become a prominent figure known for bold, controversial narratives that push character boundaries.
Wells broke into comics with Marvel in the early 2000s, starting with titles like Spider-Man/Doctor Octopus: Year One (2004) and Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man (2006). His portfolio includes acclaimed works such as Civil War: Young Avengers/Runaways (2006), Venom: Dark Origin (2008–2009), and New Mutants (where he wrote 20 of the first 21 issues of the third volume). In 2011, he co-launched Avenging Spider-Man with artist Joe Madureira, and by 2022, he took the helm as lead writer for The Amazing Spider-Man alongside John Romita Jr., relaunching the series with a new #1 issue.
His run on Amazing Spider-Man has been both praised for its fresh takes and criticized for dramatic choices, including the dissolution of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson’s relationship, Mary Jane’s new love interest, and the controversial “fridging” (killing off a female character for male development) of Ms. Marvel—later resurrected by the X-Men. In a 2023 interview, Wells revealed that Marvel Editorial advised him against attending comic conventions post-Amazing Spider-Man #26 due to backlash over the Ms. Marvel plot twist. Despite the scrutiny, his work has earned Emmy and Annie Awards, particularly for his contributions to Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken, where he served as a writer, director, and voice actor, including the Emmy-nominated Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II.
Beyond comics, Wells co-created and executive-produced the stop-motion series SuperMansion (2015), voicing characters like Robobot and Groaner, and has contributed to Marvel’s TV and film projects, including Deadpool and Wolverine, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Marvel Zombies, and Thor: Love and Thunder. In May 2025, he was announced as the writer for the crossover one-shot Deadpool/Batman. Wells’ net worth is estimated in the millions, bolstered by his exclusive Marvel contract since 2006 and diverse media ventures.
How Heidi Gardner and Zeb Wells Met and Built a Life Together
Heidi Gardner, born July 27, 1983, in Kansas City, Missouri, met Wells in 2009 while she was a member of the renowned Los Angeles-based improv troupe The Groundlings. At the time, Gardner was transitioning from a nine-year stint as a hairstylist—having dropped out of college at 21 to pursue acting—and honing her comedy skills after being inspired by a Groundlings performance. Wells, already established in comics and animation, connected with her through their shared creative worlds.
The couple married on August 28, 2010, when Gardner was 27 and Wells was 33. They kept their relationship low-key, focusing on supporting each other’s careers. Gardner often credited Wells for being a steady presence during her rise on SNL, where she joined as a featured player in 2017 and became a repertory cast member in 2019. Her breakthrough on the show led to roles in films like Life of the Party (2018) with Melissa McCarthy, Hustle (2022) with Adam Sandler, and voice work in Bratz, SuperMansion, and Mike Tyson Mysteries—ironically overlapping with Wells’ animation projects.
The pair had no children, prioritizing their professional lives in Los Angeles. Gardner, a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, bought a mid-century modern home in Leawood, Kansas, in 2021, but the couple’s base remained in LA. Their union was a blend of comedy and comics, with Gardner’s sharp wit complementing Wells’ narrative depth.
The Painful Split: What Led to Their Divorce?
Gardner first publicly addressed the end of their marriage in March 2024 on The Liz Moody Podcast, describing it as a “couple-year period of transition and grief and hope and loss.” She didn’t name Wells but confirmed the split had occurred in 2023, calling it “very painful and uncomfortable.” “It feels weird to say ‘end’ because I also know that person will always be in my life and it will transform in a different way,” she said, emphasizing ongoing “love and respect.”
Neither has disclosed specific reasons for the divorce, but Gardner highlighted personal growth as a silver lining: “I never wasted a day in getting to know myself better.” She leaned heavily on her female friends, who became her “emotional rock,” and learned that romantic partners aren’t always the primary support system. Reddit discussions in comic communities speculated that the split influenced Wells’ Spider-Man run, particularly the breakup of Peter and MJ, but this remains unconfirmed fan theory.
Post-divorce, Gardner has thrived, earning an estimated $15,000 per SNL episode and building a $5 million net worth through acting and writing. Her SNL exit in 2025 was attributed to “sketch fatigue” after years of intense creativity, not the divorce. Wells continues his Marvel work, with fans awaiting his Deadpool/Batman project.
Legacy of a Creative Union: Mutual Respect Endures
Though their marriage ended, Gardner and Wells’ story is one of enduring respect and shared passion for storytelling. Gardner’s candidness about the split has inspired fans, showing vulnerability amid her comedic persona—known for characters like the distressed “Angel (Every Boxer’s Girlfriend)” and “Crystal (Your Co-Worker Who is Extremely Busy Doing Seemingly Nothing).” As she embarks on new projects post-SNL, and Wells shapes Marvel’s future, their time together underscores how creative couples can influence each other’s paths profoundly, even after parting.