Many of us struggle to balance our professional and personal lives.

Sarah Rafferty, best known for her role in a popular legal drama, has faced this challenge head-on. As an actress with a thriving career and a family to care for, Rafferty’s journey offers valuable insights.

This article will explore how Rafferty manages her work-life balance, with a focus on her relationship with her husband, Santtu Seppälä.

We’ll delve into their love story, examine how they support each other’s careers, and uncover the strategies they use to maintain a strong family unit.

By looking at Rafferty’s experiences, we can gain useful tips for nurturing our own relationships while pursuing our professional goals.

Who is Sarah Rafferty’s Husband

Sarah Rafferty’s life partner is Aleksanteri Olli-Pekka Seppälä, often known as Santtu. Santtu, who was born and raised in Finland, brings a unique international perspective to their relationship.

He holds dual citizenship in Finland and the United States, reflecting his diverse background. Santtu’s journey led him to Yale University, where fate had a special plan in store.

It was at Yale that Santtu and Sarah’s paths crossed. Both were students – Sarah was pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in acting, while Santtu focused on finance.

Their shared experiences as students laid the foundation for a lasting connection. As they spent time together, they discovered common interests and a deep understanding of each other’s aspirations.

After years of dating, Sarah and Santtu took their relationship to the next level. On June 23, 2001, they exchanged vows, marking the beginning of their life together as a married couple. 

1. Early Life and Education

Sarah Rafferty’s journey to stardom began in the charming town of New Canaan, Connecticut. As the youngest of four daughters, she grew up in a household that valued education and creativity.

Her mother, Mary Lee Rafferty, chaired the English department at a prestigious girls’ prep school. At the same time, her father, Michael Griffin Rafferty Jr., balanced a career in finance with a passion for oil painting.

This blend of academic rigor and artistic expression in her family laid the groundwork for Sarah’s future pursuits.

The supportive environment at home encouraged her to explore her interests in literature and theater from an early age.

Sarah’s academic path reflected her passion for the arts. At Hamilton College, she immersed herself in English and Theatre Studies, honing her literary analysis and performance skills.

Her junior year took her across the Atlantic to the University of Oxford, where she expanded her theatrical horizons and gained an international perspective on the craft.

2. Initial Career Steps

Sarah’s entry into the entertainment industry was marked by determination and perseverance.

She began her career with small roles in popular television shows, gradually building her reputation and gaining valuable experience.

One of her earliest appearances was in the long-running series “Law & Order” in 1999. This was followed by a role in “Walker, Texas Ranger” in 2001.

These initial roles, though brief, were crucial in introducing Sarah to the world of television production and helping her understand the dynamics of working on a professional set.

As Sarah continued to pursue her acting career, she took on various roles across different genres.

In 2003, she appeared in the critically acclaimed series Six Feet Under and, in 2004, had roles in popular shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and 8 Simple Rules.

Sarah’s dedication to her craft and her willingness to take on these smaller roles demonstrated her commitment to building a solid acting career.

This period of her career was characterized by steady work and growing experience, which laid the groundwork for her eventual breakthrough role in Suits.

3. Breakthrough Role in Suits

Sarah Rafferty’s career reached new heights when she was cast as Donna Paulsen in the legal drama “Suits.”

This role became a defining moment for Sarah, allowing her to showcase her acting prowess and bringing her widespread recognition.

Donna Paulsen, a charismatic and highly competent legal secretary, quickly became an integral part of the show’s narrative.

Sarah’s portrayal of Donna was pivotal to the show’s success. Her character’s quick wit, emotional intelligence, and unwavering loyalty made her a fan favorite.

As the series progressed through its nine-season run, Donna’s character evolved significantly, with Sarah bringing depth and nuance to her performance. 

Sarah’s real-life friendship with Gabriel Macht, beginning in 1993, fueled the compelling on-screen chemistry between Donna and Harvey on “Suits.”

Her strong bonds with other cast members, including Meghan Markle, added authenticity, making the show resonate with audiences for nearly a decade.

Balancing Career with Personal Life

1. Strategies for Work-Life Balance

Sarah Rafferty actively makes time for her family despite her busy career. When filming “Suits” in Toronto, the entire family moved together to maintain their bond.

She plans special activities with her daughters and ensures quality time with her husband, Santtu Seppälä.

Sarah accepts that a perfect work-life balance is often unrealistic. She embraces the natural imbalance and focuses on what’s most important in each moment.

This flexibility allows her to adapt to the demands of both her career and family life without undue stress.

2. Maintaining Privacy

On social media, Sarah strikes a careful balance between engaging with fans and protecting her family’s privacy.

She deliberately keeps her family life private, shielding her children from excessive media attention. This reflects her values and desire to provide a normal upbringing for her kids despite her public career.

She uses social media thoughtfully, sharing occasional family moments while maintaining overall privacy. This careful approach allows her to engage with fans while protecting her family’s personal life.

3. Personal Growth and Development

Sarah’s experiences as a wife and mother have shaped her career choices. She often selects roles that align with her values and personal growth, reflecting her life stages.

Her family plays a significant role in her career decisions. Sarah and Santtu work as a team, and his support enables her to pursue acting while maintaining a strong family life.

This strong family support system has given Sarah the freedom to make career decisions that align with her personal values and family needs.

Lessons Learned from Sarah Rafferty’s Journey

1. Importance of Relationships

Sarah Rafferty’s career trajectory highlights the significant role of strong relationships in achieving professional success.

Her long-standing marriage to Santtu Seppälä demonstrates how a supportive partner can provide the stability needed to pursue a demanding career in entertainment. 

Beyond her marriage, Sarah’s friendships within the industry, particularly her bond with co-star Gabriel Macht, show how professional relationships can enhance on-screen performances and lead to more opportunities.

These connections have not only contributed to her success but have also made her work environment more enjoyable and fulfilling.

2. Finding Balance

Sarah Rafferty’s approach to managing her career and personal life provides valuable lessons for professionals in demanding fields.

Her success highlights the importance of adaptability and creative problem-solving in maintaining work-life harmony.

Sarah’s approach also emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal time.

She recognizes that taking care of herself enables her to be more present and effective in both her professional and family roles.

Conclusion

Sarah Rafferty’s journey in balancing her tremendous career with a fulfilling family life offers valuable insights for anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.

Her approach reminds us that success isn’t about achieving perfect balance but rather embracing life’s natural flow.

By prioritizing what matters most in each moment, whether it’s her role on set or time with her family, Sarah demonstrates that it’s possible to excel in both personal and professional spheres.

As we reflect on Sarah’s experiences, we’re encouraged to reconsider our own approaches to work-life integration.

How can we apply her strategies of flexibility, privacy management, and mutual support in our lives?

Perhaps the key takeaway is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution – it’s about finding what works for you and your loved ones, just as Sarah and Santtu have done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Gabriel Macht and Sarah Rafferty Friends in Real Life?

Yes, Gabriel Macht and Sarah Rafferty are close friends in real life. They met in 1993 at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and have maintained their friendship ever since, long before working together on “Suits.”

How Many Children Does Sarah Rafferty Have?

Sarah Rafferty has two children with her husband, Santtu Seppälä. Their daughters are Oona, born in 2007, and Iris, born in 2012.

Is Sarah Rafferty Still Married?

Yes, Sarah Rafferty is still married to Santtu Seppälä. They wed on June 23, 2001, in Greenwich, Connecticut, and recently celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2021.