David Rooklin: 7 Unexpected Facts About Ilana Glazer's Scientist Husband And Tech CEO
The world knows Ilana Glazer as the hilarious, boundary-pushing comedian and co-creator of the hit series Broad City. Yet, behind the public persona and the chaotic energy of her on-screen characters is a surprisingly private life, anchored by her long-time husband. As of late 2025, the most current and fascinating details about her spouse, David Rooklin, reveal a man whose professional world is as complex and groundbreaking as Glazer's is comedic.
David Rooklin is not a fellow comedian or actor; he is a highly accomplished scientist, inventor, and technology CEO, a juxtaposition that perfectly encapsulates the couple's unique New York City love story. Their relationship, which began in the early days of Broad City's rise, has remained notably private, focusing on their shared life as New Yorkers, new parents, and ambitious professionals in vastly different fields.
David Rooklin: Biography, Career, and Relationship Timeline
David Rooklin maintains a low profile, but his academic and professional achievements are significant, painting a picture of a dedicated scientist and entrepreneur.
- Full Name: David Rooklin
- Date of Birth: June 21, 1980
- Age (as of December 2025): 45
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Wife: Ilana Glazer (m. 2017)
- Children: One daughter (born July 2021)
- Education: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biochemistry from Oberlin College (2002); Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computational Biology from New York University (NYU)
- Profession: Scientist, Inventor, Entrepreneur, Technology CEO
- Current Role: Co-founder and CEO of Redesign Science
- Notable Work: Specializes in molecular modeling, computational biology, and drug discovery platforms.
- Relationship Start: 2012 (Met in New York City)
- Marriage Date: February 2017 (Private ceremony at City Hall)
The Unlikely Meet-Cute: From Washington Square Park to City Hall
The origin story of Ilana Glazer and David Rooklin is a classic New York City tale, far removed from the glitz of Hollywood. They met in 2012 at the iconic Washington Square Park, a hub of creativity and academia in Manhattan.
Glazer has described their first encounter simply as "making eyes" across the park.
Crucially, their meeting occurred during a pivotal, uncertain moment in Glazer’s career: after FX had passed on the pilot for Broad City, but before Comedy Central had picked it up. This timing suggests their relationship was built away from the immediate pressures of sudden fame, giving it a strong, grounded foundation.
After dating for five years, the couple tied the knot in a private ceremony at City Hall in February 2017. The low-key nature of their wedding, which was only revealed months later by a friend’s social media post, is a testament to their desire for privacy, a stark contrast to the very public nature of Glazer's comedic career.
The Scientific Mind: David Rooklin's Groundbreaking Work at Redesign Science
While Ilana Glazer was busy creating one of the most culturally significant comedies of the 2010s, David Rooklin was dedicating his life to cutting-edge science, particularly in the highly specialized field of computational biology.
A Deep Academic Foundation
Rooklin's path to CEO is rooted in rigorous academic study. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Oberlin College in 2002.
He then pursued a Ph.D. in Computational Biology at New York University (NYU), where he spent years conducting in-depth research.
His academic focus on molecular modeling and computational chemistry provided the expertise to bridge the gap between pure science and technological innovation.
Leading Redesign Science
In October 2017, David Rooklin co-founded Redesign Science and currently serves as its CEO.
The company operates as a platform biotech firm, specializing in using computational approaches—specifically, advanced molecular simulations and machine learning—to accelerate the discovery of new drugs.
This work is vital in the modern pharmaceutical industry, allowing scientists to model and predict how new drug compounds will interact with biological targets before expensive and time-consuming lab work begins. Rooklin’s role is to lead this highly technical, world-changing effort, further solidifying his status as a serious figure in the tech and science community.
The Private Life: Parenthood and Supporting Each Other’s Ambition
Despite being married to a high-profile comedian and actress, David Rooklin has successfully maintained a private family life, choosing to let Glazer's work be the focus of public attention.
Welcoming Their Daughter
In July 2021, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter.
In keeping with their preference for privacy, they have not publicly revealed their daughter's name.
Glazer’s pregnancy coincided with the production and release of her horror film, False Positive, which explores themes of pregnancy and motherhood in a modern context, creating a powerful, albeit coincidental, parallel between her art and her life.
A Supportive Partnership
The relationship between a comedian and a computational biologist might seem like an odd pairing, but Glazer has consistently spoken about Rooklin’s unwavering support.
Their foundation in New York City, where Glazer rose through the ranks of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) and Rooklin completed his Ph.D. at NYU, suggests a shared history of ambitious, hard work in the city.
Rooklin’s presence at Glazer’s side at occasional public events, such as a recent Broadway afterparty for "Good Night, And Good Luck," is a rare but clear sign of their commitment to each other's success and shared life.
Ultimately, David Rooklin is the quiet anchor to Ilana Glazer's vibrant, public career. He is a testament to the fact that high-achieving individuals from completely different worlds can find common ground and build a strong, private family unit in the midst of the public spotlight. His work in computational biology, driving the future of drug discovery, stands as a powerful and impressive achievement in its own right, making him far more than just "Ilana Glazer's husband."
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