Actress Annalynne McCord has announced her engagement to professional rugby player Danny Cipriani, revealing details of an elaborate Christmas Day proposal that took place at her Los Angeles residence. The 38-year-old actress, known for her role in the television series 90210, shared the news in an interview published on Saturday, April 11.
The proposal, which occurred on December 25, 2025, proved to be an emotional moment for McCord, who described being overcome with tears upon seeing Cipriani down on one knee.
"I cried for 10 minutes straight," McCord told People. "At some point, I realized I had to answer. I said, 'Yes, but I can't even speak,' and he replied, 'That's okay, it's actually a good sign that you are quiet for once.' Then, we're all laughing."
The proposal itself was carefully orchestrated by Cipriani, who created an elaborate scene with rose petals arranged throughout the home and formed into a heart shape. McCord recounted being encouraged to join family members for a movie screening, only to discover the romantic setup upon her return.
"I come downstairs and there are rose petals everywhere and a rose petal heart," she revealed. "Danny, down on one knee with a ring, waiting for me to step into the heart."
Cipriani presented McCord with a 15-carat, emerald-cut diamond ring featuring seven round accent diamonds set in the band. The rugby star also arranged for McCord's family and friends to witness the proposal remotely through Zoom, ensuring loved ones could share in the significant moment despite physical distance.
Interestingly, McCord had contemplated proposing to Cipriani herself prior to Christmas. However, her sisters discouraged the plan, and when she informed Cipriani of her intentions, his reaction suggested he had his own proposal in the works.
"It occurred to me that I should just propose to him and I told my sisters. Both really questioned this choice, and they strongly discouraged it," she recalled. "I decided to tell him that was my plan, but then the look on his face convinced me not to, and he fessed up and told me he had plans to propose to me on our upcoming trip to Cambodia."
The engagement represents a second chapter for the couple, whose relationship history spans nearly a decade. McCord and Cipriani initially began dating in 2016 but separated after four years together. The pair reconnected as friends several years later, with their romantic relationship officially resuming in May 2024.
Speaking about their rekindled romance last year, McCord emphasized the personal growth both individuals experienced during their time apart. She described their renewed relationship as fundamentally different from their initial connection, attributing the change to both partners' individual development.
"I wasn't looking for it at all. It kind of found me," she stated. "It's the most unlikely situation ever because I was with this person on and off for four years, and we were two shadows matching the shadow of the other person."
McCord elaborated on the transformation in their dynamic, explaining: "Now we're together and it's new, but we are both showing up for ourselves in life. And because we can show up for ourselves, we're matching each other on every level and we're having painful conversations of where we were, because they're honest and they're real and I wouldn't want anything else."
The actress has maintained a relatively private personal life in recent years, though her previous relationships included notable Hollywood figures. McCord dated Twilight actor Kellan Lutz from 2008 to 2010 and later was involved with Prison Break star Dominic Purcell from 2011 to 2014. Lutz, 41, married Brittany Gonzales in 2017 and they share two children: daughter Ashtyn Lilly, 5, and son Kasen Lane, 3. Purcell, 56, has been married to Tish Cyrus since 2023.
The engagement announcement comes as McCord continues to balance her acting career with advocacy work. The actress has been vocal about mental health awareness and has used her platform to discuss personal challenges and promote therapeutic approaches to trauma.
No wedding date has been announced at this time. The couple's engagement marks a new milestone in their relationship journey, one that began nearly a decade ago and has evolved through separation, friendship, and renewed commitment.