Teyana Taylor Opens Up About New Love and Career Success

Teyana Taylor is radiating happiness these days, and she’s not shy about sharing the source of her joy. During a recent appearance on the Sherri show, the multi-talented artist opened up about her blossoming romance with British actor Aaron Pierre, whom she affectionately refers to as her “apple pie.” When host Sherri Shepherd inquired about her relationship, Taylor’s face lit up with a smile as she playfully quoted Luther Vandross: “Never Too Much… never too much apple pie.” The 34-year-old singer and actress officially confirmed her relationship with Pierre in June through a heartfelt Instagram birthday post celebrating his 31st birthday. Before that public declaration, observant fans had already noticed sparks flying between the pair when they appeared together at Vanity Fair’s Oscar celebration earlier this year, sharing photos that hinted at their connection. Taylor admitted to Shepherd that even talking about Pierre makes her feel “all blushy,” adding with genuine warmth, “I feel good. And it feels good to feel good.”

When asked about her advice for those seeking love, Taylor offered wisdom that revealed her emotional growth and maturity. “I think the most important thing is, no matter where you come from, whether it’s a heartbreak, wherever, I think the best thing is to be willing to love unarmored,” she shared thoughtfully. This perspective seems particularly meaningful considering Taylor’s recent past. She was previously married to former NBA player Iman Shumpert from 2016 until their divorce was finalized in 2024, after filing in early 2023 and attempting an unsuccessful reconciliation. Despite the challenges of that relationship ending, Taylor hasn’t allowed past disappointments to harden her heart. “I think if you come with a wall built, it’ll block your blessings,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of remaining open to new possibilities. “Who that person is, may not be who that person was. So it’s kind of like, I walk a straight line, unarmored, and I walk a straight line ready to receive whatever is mine to hold.”

This new chapter in Taylor’s personal life comes as she’s also experiencing tremendous professional success. She’s currently starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in the action thriller “One Battle After Another,” which releases in theaters this weekend. When Shepherd commented on the on-screen chemistry between Taylor and DiCaprio, Taylor’s response highlighted both her professionalism and her commitment to her relationship with Pierre. “Babe, did you see my apple pie?” she quipped, referring to her handsome boyfriend who recently voiced Mufasa in the film “Mufasa: The Lion King.” “My eyes are on my prize, OK?” This playful yet firm response demonstrates Taylor’s ability to balance her thriving career with her personal priorities, refusing to feed into any gossip about potential off-screen connections with her co-star.

Taylor further elaborated on her professional approach to intimate scenes, explaining, “My eyes is on my prize, so when I step on set, I’m here to do a job. I’m a team player. We’re all players on this team, and we’re here to win, and we’re here to make magic.” Her disciplined mindset reveals the seriousness with which she approaches her craft, viewing acting as a collaborative effort toward creating something meaningful rather than an opportunity for personal entanglements. “When the whistle blow, it’s time to get to work,” she continued. “And I get to work and I go my ass home.” This straightforward approach speaks volumes about Taylor’s work ethic and her clear boundaries between her professional and personal lives.

What makes Taylor and Pierre’s relationship particularly strong, according to the singer, is their mutual security and trust. “We’re both very secure,” Taylor explained. “And when we understand what the prize is, we’re not worried about if anybody is stepping outside of that prize trying to look for another one.” This statement reveals a relationship built on a foundation of confidence and mutual respect – qualities that often indicate a healthy partnership. Both successful in their own right, Taylor and Pierre seem to support each other’s careers while maintaining a connection that doesn’t require constant reassurance or jealousy. Their relationship demonstrates that two accomplished individuals can come together without competition or insecurity clouding their bond.

Taylor’s journey from the heartbreak of divorce to finding new love with Pierre offers an inspiring example of resilience and openness. As a mother of two children – Junie, born in 2015, and Rue, born in 2020 – Taylor has navigated the complexities of co-parenting with her ex-husband while allowing herself to embrace new happiness. Her willingness to share her experience publicly, with both vulnerability and joy, provides a refreshing perspective on healing after relationship difficulties. Rather than becoming cynical or guarded, Taylor has chosen to remain optimistic about love while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations. As she continues to balance motherhood, a thriving entertainment career, and this promising new relationship, Taylor embodies the possibility of creating a fulfilling life across multiple dimensions – professional success, personal happiness, and meaningful connections with others. Her story reminds us that past disappointments don’t have to define our futures if we’re willing to approach new opportunities with an open heart and clear vision.