Jennifer Lopez is one of the most iconic and successful entertainers of all time. She has been in the spotlight for decades, and her love life has been just as much of a topic of conversation as her career. Before Lopez married Alex Rodriguez in 2021, she was in a long-term relationship with former backup dancer Casper Smart.
Smart and Lopez began dating in 2011, when he was 25 and she was 42. Smart had been working as a backup dancer for Lopez for some time before they began their relationship. In 2012, Smart opened up about their relationship, saying, “It was really professional for a very long time before anything even happened. It just really spontaneously happened I guess.”
The couple was together for two and a half years before they split in 2014. Despite the 17-year age gap, the couple seemed to be very happy together. They were often spotted out and about, attending red carpet events, and taking romantic vacations.
Lopez and Smart seemed to remain on good terms after their split. Smart has said that he still considers Lopez to be a friend and mentor. He also said that he learned a lot from their relationship, and that it helped him grow as a person.
Lopez went on to marry Alex Rodriguez in 2021. The couple had been dating for four years before they tied the knot. They have since become one of the most beloved celebrity couples in the world.
While Lopez and Smart’s relationship didn’t last, it was certainly an important part of her life. Smart was the first person Lopez dated after her divorce from Marc Anthony, and it seemed to be a positive experience for both of them. Smart has said that he will always cherish the time he spent with Lopez, and that he learned a lot from their relationship.