Blake Anderson Hanley is a man whose life has traveled through music, law, and personal reinvention. Many people first learned his name through his marriage to actress Emily Wickersham, who starred on the hit series NCIS. But Hanley’s story goes far beyond being a celebrity spouse. He is a musician who found expression through indie rock, a lawyer who advocates for families in need, and a person who has shown resilience in starting over after divorce. His journey combines creativity, public service, and personal growth, making him a figure worth knowing in full.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Blake Anderson Hanley
Date of Birth: March 2, 1984 (reported)
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Nationality: American
Profession: Musician and Lawyer
Band: Ghost Lion (Lead Singer)
Legal Career: Family Law and Domestic Violence, Florida Bar Number 1008828
Marriage: Married Emily Wickersham in 2010
Divorce: Finalized in 2018
Current Partner: Mumbi O’Brien
Children: Daughter named Muoni
Early Life and Background
Blake Anderson Hanley grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida, a place that would remain important throughout his life. From a young age, he showed a love for songwriting and creative expression. While not much is publicly available about his early schooling or upbringing, Florida shaped him both as an artist and as a person who values community.
Hanley also has connections beyond the United States. Reports suggest that his family heritage includes ties to Australia, with his father or a close relative involved in Australian rules football in the Victorian Football League. This connection added a layer of cultural diversity to his background, something that may have influenced his openness to creativity and new experiences.
People Also Read: Meet Islah Koren Gates: Kevin Gates’ Daughter And Her Inspiring Family Story
Discovering Music at a Young Age
Music was always part of Hanley’s story. As a teenager, he began writing and performing, finding that lyrics and melody gave him a way to express emotions and ideas that words alone could not. His early experiments in music eventually led him to take the step of forming a band.
For Hanley, music was not only about entertainment. It was about exploring themes of belonging, peace, and human connection. This passion laid the foundation for Ghost Lion, the indie band that would later become his artistic voice.
The Rise of Ghost Lion
Ghost Lion became the stage where Blake Anderson Hanley’s creativity truly came alive. As the band’s lead vocalist, he helped shape its sound and lyrical direction. Songs such as “Shot the Sun Down” and “Sinking Stones” drew attention for their emotional weight and themes of unity and discovery.
The band fit within the indie rock world but carved out a unique space with a sound that balanced energy with introspection. Ghost Lion was more than just a musical project; it was a form of storytelling and healing for Hanley. Through it, he connected with listeners who related to his search for meaning and his call for peace.
Performing at SunFest and Musical Comeback
After years of personal challenges, Blake Anderson Hanley returned to Florida and took a big step back onto the stage. In 2019, he performed at SunFest, a major music festival in Palm Beach. This moment marked more than a live show. For Hanley, it symbolized stepping back into the public eye after a period of transition and loss.
He described this return to music as stepping “out of hiding.” Music had always been a part of him, but at SunFest, it became a source of renewal. Performing in his hometown, surrounded by familiar places and people, gave him a chance to reconnect both with his art and his roots.
A Career Shift: From Stage to Law
While music gave Hanley creative expression, law gave him a new purpose. After studying and qualifying, he joined the Florida Bar, becoming a licensed attorney. His career path surprised some who knew him as a musician, but for Hanley, it was a natural extension of his desire to serve others.
The legal field offered him the chance to work on issues that deeply affect families and communities. By shifting from the stage to the courtroom, he showed that his skills went beyond performance. His intelligence, empathy, and drive found a new outlet in advocacy and justice.
Legal Work and Advocacy
Blake Anderson Hanley has been registered with the Florida Bar under number 1008828. His work has centered on family law and domestic violence, areas that require both professional skill and compassion. He worked with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, where he represented vulnerable clients who needed help navigating difficult family situations.
He has also been associated with the Bruce Law Firm, where he handled family and divorce cases. Through this work, Hanley became a voice for people facing some of life’s hardest moments. His reputation reflects a lawyer who combines technical knowledge with real care for the people he represents.
Marriage to Emily Wickersham
In 2010, Blake Anderson Hanley married Emily Wickersham, who was rising to fame as Special Agent Eleanor Bishop on NCIS. The wedding took place on November 23, 2010, at Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. It was a private and intimate ceremony, attended by close family and friends.
Their marriage attracted attention because of Wickersham’s growing celebrity, but they managed to keep most of their personal life away from public view. For eight years, they shared a relationship that combined the entertainment world with the quieter life Hanley preferred.
Divorce and Life Changes
After nearly a decade together, Blake Anderson Hanley and Emily Wickersham divorced in December 2018. The separation was handled privately, with little public discussion about the reasons. Both seemed to choose discretion and respect rather than publicity.
For Hanley, this change was significant. Divorce brought an end to one chapter of his life, but it also marked the beginning of another. He moved back to Florida, refocusing on both music and law. This period was one of transition, but also of resilience and self-discovery.
Life After Divorce
Returning to Florida gave Blake Anderson Hanley space to rebuild. He once again performed music, including at SunFest, and at the same time he strengthened his career in law. This balance between art and advocacy became central to his post-divorce life.
In his personal life, Hanley found love again with Mumbi O’Brien, an artist and costume designer. Together, they welcomed a daughter named Muoni during the pandemic years. This new family life gave him joy and stability, adding another layer to his story of renewal.
New Love and Family Life with Mumbi O’Brien
Mumbi O’Brien’s creativity as an artist and designer made her a natural partner for Hanley, whose life has always been tied to artistic expression. Their daughter, Muoni, brought him into the role of fatherhood, something he has embraced during this new chapter of life.
Life with O’Brien and their child reflects a quieter, more grounded side of Hanley. While he continues to create and to serve through law, he also devotes time to being a partner and father. This personal growth shows how he has built a new balance since his earlier years.
A Balanced Identity: Musician, Lawyer, Advocate
Blake Anderson Hanley’s story is not one-dimensional. He is a musician who expresses himself through songs, a lawyer who stands up for families in need, and a father building a new life. These identities may seem different, but together they show a man who values creativity, service, and resilience.
By weaving together art and law, he has created a life that reflects both passion and responsibility. His journey proves that it is possible to reinvent oneself, to recover after loss, and to keep growing through each new chapter.
Conclusion
Blake Anderson Hanley’s life cannot be summed up by his marriage to Emily Wickersham alone. He is a figure who has made his mark in music, stepped into the demanding world of law, and rebuilt his personal life after divorce. His resilience and ability to balance art with service make his story both inspiring and relatable. Whether through the lyrics of Ghost Lion, the advocacy of his legal work, or the love he shows to his family, Hanley demonstrates how personal challenges can lead to meaningful reinvention.
FAQs About Blake Anderson Hanley
Who Is Blake Anderson Hanley?
He is an American musician and lawyer, best known as the lead singer of Ghost Lion and the former husband of NCIS actress Emily Wickersham.
Where Is Blake Anderson Hanley From?
He grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida, though his family also has Australian roots.
What Kind of Music Does He Perform?
Hanley performs indie rock with his band Ghost Lion, focusing on themes of unity, peace, and self-discovery.
What Type of Law Does He Practice?
He is a licensed attorney in Florida who specializes in family law and domestic violence cases, advocating for vulnerable clients.
When Did He Marry Emily Wickersham?
Blake married Emily Wickersham on November 23, 2010, in a private ceremony in the Florida Keys.
When Did Blake and Emily Divorce?
They divorced in December 2018 after eight years of marriage, keeping the details private.
Does Blake Anderson Hanley Have Children?
Yes, he has a daughter named Muoni with his partner Mumbi O’Brien, an artist and costume designer.
