When people hear the name Vanilla Ice, they instantly recall the catchy 1990 hit “Ice Ice Baby” and the explosion of pop-rap culture that followed. Born Robert Matthew Van Winkle, Vanilla Ice became one of the most recognizable faces of early ’90s music. Yet while his professional life has often been in the spotlight, much less is publicly known about his personal relationships—especially his wife.
This article delves into Vanilla Ice’s marriage, offering insight into his relationship history, who his wife is, the challenges they’ve faced, and how this side of his life shaped the man behind the music.
Who Is Vanilla Ice?
Before diving into his personal life, it helps to understand Vanilla Ice’s public persona. Born on October 31, 1967, in Dallas, Texas, Robert Van Winkle rose to stardom with “Ice Ice Baby,” the first hip-hop single to top the Billboard charts. His style was flashy, his moves unforgettable, and his appeal mainstream. But with fame came intense media scrutiny and eventual backlash, leading him to retreat from the spotlight in the mid-1990s.
Over the years, Vanilla Ice transitioned into acting, reality television (notably The Vanilla Ice Project on DIY Network), and home renovation. But through all these transitions, he maintained a relatively private family life.
Vanilla Ice’s Marriage to Laura Giaritta
Vanilla Ice married Laura Giaritta on March 30, 1997, after a few years of dating. The couple reportedly met in the mid-1990s, and their relationship blossomed away from the public eye. Laura was not a celebrity but ran a sporting goods store in Florida, far from the music industry chaos.
The marriage marked a turning point for Vanilla Ice, who by that time had begun to distance himself from the wilder days of his youth. Together, the couple had two daughters, and for years, they lived a relatively low-key life in South Florida.
A Private Yet Tumultuous Relationship
While the couple kept their marriage away from the tabloids for many years, some public incidents revealed that their relationship was not without strain. Vanilla Ice was reportedly arrested multiple times over domestic disputes, including a 2001 incident and again in 2008. However, he was not convicted, and some charges were dropped or resolved without major legal consequences.
Despite these challenges, Laura and Robert remained together for nearly two decades, navigating the ups and downs of life in and out of the spotlight.
Divorce After 20 Years of Marriage
In 2016, after nearly 20 years of marriage, Laura Giaritta filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. According to public records, the couple had already been living apart for several years by that point. The divorce proceedings included disputes over financial matters, spousal support, and child custody.
The divorce was finalized after several years, with media outlets reporting that Laura received a portion of Vanilla Ice’s income and assets. The separation marked the end of one of the rapper’s longest and most stable relationships.
How Marriage and Fatherhood Changed Vanilla Ice
Though his public image was once defined by oversized jackets and dance moves, marriage and fatherhood appear to have deeply affected Vanilla Ice’s priorities. He has spoken in interviews about wanting to be a better father and role model and expressed that his children were his greatest inspiration during his home renovation show days.
He often described himself as “just a regular dad” who enjoys sports, gardening, and spending time at home. In contrast to his early years of fast fame and partying, Vanilla Ice’s later life seemed more grounded and focused on family and personal growth.
Life After Divorce
Following his divorce from Laura Giaritta, Vanilla Ice has remained fairly private about his romantic life. While he has been seen with various women over the years, there has been no public confirmation of a serious or long-term relationship since the end of his marriage.
He continues to work in entertainment and real estate, maintaining a steady presence on social media and occasionally participating in nostalgic tours and events alongside other ’90s music icons.
Laura Giaritta: Life Beyond Vanilla Ice
Laura Giaritta has also largely stayed out of the public eye since her split from Vanilla Ice. She reportedly focused on raising their daughters and continuing her business ventures. While she never courted fame, she occasionally posted on social media, particularly during the divorce, when she made brief public statements about her experiences.
Though the public may always associate her with Vanilla Ice due to their high-profile marriage, Laura has emphasized her desire for privacy and independence post-divorce.
The Legacy of Their Relationship
While Vanilla Ice’s marriage may not have been as high-profile as some celebrity unions, it represents a significant chapter in his life. For nearly 20 years, Laura and Robert Van Winkle navigated marriage, parenthood, and fame—sometimes gracefully, other times contentiously.
Their story is a reminder that behind every public figure is a private life with real human connections, challenges, and transformations. For Vanilla Ice, the journey from a rap superstar to a father and husband—and ultimately a divorcee—offers a fuller picture of the man behind the stage persona.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Vanilla Ice married to?
A: Vanilla Ice was married to Laura Giaritta from 1997 until their divorce was finalized several years after she filed in 2016.
Q: Does Vanilla Ice have children?
A: Yes, he has two daughters with Laura Giaritta.
Q: Why did Vanilla Ice and Laura Giaritta divorce?
A: Laura cited irreconcilable differences in the divorce filing. Their marriage faced multiple challenges, including legal disputes and long periods of separation.
Q: What is Laura Giaritta doing now?
A: Laura Giaritta has maintained a private life since her divorce. She previously ran a sports and novelty store and focused on raising her children.
Q: How did Vanilla Ice get so rich?
A: Vanilla Ice, born Robert Van Winkle, amassed wealth primarily through his breakout 1990 hit “Ice Ice Baby,” which became the first hip-hop single to top the Billboard charts. The success of his debut album To the Extreme led to massive record sales, merchandising, and concert tours. Over the years, he diversified his income through acting roles, reality TV (The Vanilla Ice Project), real estate investments, and home renovation ventures. His savvy business moves and enduring pop culture presence helped sustain his fortune beyond his initial music fame.
Q: Is Vanilla Ice still married?
After nearly two decades of marriage, Laura filed for divorce in October 2016, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in November 2019. Although the terms of their settlement remain private, the court retained the right to enforce compliance, particularly regarding health insurance and alimony .
Since the divorce, Vanilla Ice has kept his personal life relatively private. He has a third daughter, Priscilla Love, born in 2018, though the identity of her mother has not been publicly disclosed .
Q: What happened with Vanilla Ice and suge?
The Origins of the Dispute
Following the massive success of Vanilla Ice’s 1990 hit “Ice Ice Baby,” Mario “Chocolate” Johnson, an associate of Suge Knight, claimed he had contributed to the song’s creation but had not received proper credit or royalties. Knight, acting on Johnson’s behalf, sought to resolve the issue.
The Alleged Balcony Incident
A widely circulated rumor suggests that Suge Knight intimidated Vanilla Ice into signing over royalties by dangling him off a hotel balcony. However, Vanilla Ice has consistently refuted this claim. In interviews, he acknowledged that Knight did confront him and that they had a conversation on a balcony, but he emphasized that he was never physically threatened or dangled. He described the encounter as intense but non-violent.
The Aftermath
Despite the lack of physical coercion, Vanilla Ice did agree to sign over certain rights, reportedly under pressure. The funds obtained from this agreement were instrumental in the founding of Death Row Records, which would become a powerhouse in the hip-hop industry.
Final Thoughts
Vanilla Ice’s relationship with Laura Giaritta offers a glimpse into the life of a man who, despite early fame and controversy, spent years trying to balance celebrity with domestic life. Their long marriage, its challenges, and its end reflect the very human side of a pop culture icon.
While the world may remember Vanilla Ice for his chart-topping hits and flashy persona, his two-decade marriage shows that he also pursued stability and connection away from the limelight. Today, both Vanilla Ice and Laura Giaritta continue to shape their own lives, forever linked by family and history—but each on their separate paths.