When a Netflix star quietly got married during the pandemic, most people had no idea who her groom was. His name is Nieku Manshadi, and he’s not an actor or a celebrity. He’s a pediatric dentist who spends his days helping children smile.
Here’s a sweet touch to start with. When Nieku proposed, he didn’t just use any ring. He used Elizabeth Lail’s own grandmother’s wedding ring. That small, thoughtful detail says a lot about the kind of man he is.
Nieku keeps a private life, even though he’s married to a famous face. He also has proud Iranian roots and a career built around caring for kids. There’s more to him than just being a star’s husband.
In this article, we’ll walk through Nieku Manshadi’s life, his career, his family, and his lovely love story. Let’s get to know the man behind the actress.
Who Is Nieku Manshadi?
Nieku Manshadi is a board-certified pediatric dentist based in the United States. In simple terms, he’s a dentist who specializes in caring for children’s teeth. And by all accounts, he’s very good at it.
To the public, though, he’s best known as the husband of actress Elizabeth Lail. Before their marriage went public, Nieku lived a quiet, low-key life far from cameras and headlines. Fame was never his goal.
What makes Nieku stand out is his heart for his work. He doesn’t just see dentistry as a job. He sees it as a chance to make dental visits fun and stress-free for kids and their parents alike.
He’s also a genuinely private person. Even with a famous wife, Nieku stays out of the spotlight and off social media. He’d rather focus on his patients and his family than chase public attention.
Nieku Manshadi’s Early Life and Family
Nieku Manshadi was born on March 27, 1982, in the United States. That makes him an Aries, and by 2026, he’s in his mid-forties. He grew up as an American with a rich cultural background.
His heritage is Iranian. His family originally comes from Tehran, the capital of Iran, before they immigrated to the United States. This blend of Iranian roots and American upbringing is a big part of who he is.
His father, Farzin Manshadi, is a businessman. His mother is a homemaker who helped build a warm family home. Together, they raised their children in a household that valued education, discipline, and service to others.
Nieku isn’t an only child, either. He has a sister named Leila Manshadi, who followed a similar path and also became a dentist. Clearly, a love for helping people and caring for health runs in the family.
Nieku Manshadi’s Education
So how did Nieku become the skilled dentist he is today? It all started with a strong education. He reportedly began his studies at the University of California, Davis, where he earned a science degree.
From there, he set his sights on dentistry. He attended the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, a highly respected dental school. There, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery, or DDS, degree.
But he didn’t stop at general dentistry. Nieku wanted to specialize in children. So he completed a two-year pediatric dental residency at Boston University, gaining the extra training needed to treat young patients.
By all accounts, he was a dedicated student who graduated with honors. That solid foundation prepared him for a career focused on kids — and gave him the skills to handle even the most delicate young cases with care.
Nieku Manshadi’s Career as a Dentist
Today, Nieku Manshadi is a respected pediatric dentist. His main focus is children’s dental health, and he has a special gift for making little patients feel safe and comfortable in the dentist’s chair.
He also works with children who have special needs, which takes extra patience and skill. On top of that, he offers gentle sedation care for patients who feel anxious, helping them get through their visits calmly and without fear.
Nieku isn’t just an employee, either. He’s a co-founder and clinical director at OrthoDent Management, a dental practice. This shows he’s not only a caregiver but also a leader in his field.
His work has taken him to different places, too. He has practiced in locations including New York and Texas. Wherever he goes, his goal stays the same: to help kids feel happy and confident about their oral health.
His Work Helping Children Around the World
Nieku Manshadi’s care for kids doesn’t stop at the U.S. border. His passion for dentistry has taken him around the world to help children who need it most. That’s a beautiful part of his story.
He has traveled to countries like Ecuador and the Philippines. In these places, he offered free dental services to underprivileged children who might otherwise never see a dentist. For many of them, his visit made a real difference.
Nieku is also known for providing mobile dental care. This means bringing dental health right to areas with limited resources, instead of waiting for patients to come to him. It’s hands-on, meaningful work.
Why does he do it? Because he sees his job as a privilege, not just a paycheck. Interestingly, he once considered becoming an oral surgeon, but he switched to pediatric dentistry because he loved working with children so much.
How Nieku Manshadi Met Elizabeth Lail

Now for the part everyone loves — the love story. So how did a private dentist end up marrying a Netflix star? The answer is charmingly simple and down-to-earth.
Nieku Manshadi and Elizabeth Lail met at a mutual friend’s party in Williamsburg. There were no fancy Hollywood events or dating apps involved. Just two people crossing paths in a normal, everyday way.
Elizabeth later described it sweetly in an interview with Brides magazine. She said they met “the good old-fashioned way — at a mutual friend’s party.” It was the kind of meeting that feels warm and real.
The two started as friends first, then slowly grew closer. That friendship blossomed into love, setting the stage for a proposal that would be every bit as heartfelt as their beginning.
The Proposal and Wedding
In August 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Nieku planned something special. The couple took a weekend trip to Montauk, New York, to celebrate their first anniversary as a couple. Little did Elizabeth know what was coming.
At sunset, beside a cozy bonfire on the beach, they were making s’mores together. That’s when Nieku got down on one knee. He proposed using Elizabeth’s grandmother’s wedding ring — a deeply personal, touching choice.
They married on April 24, 2021, at the Hasbrouck House in Stone Ridge, New York. Because of the pandemic, they kept it tiny, inviting just 22 close family members. As Elizabeth said, they could have invited 200 people in normal times, but chose safety and intimacy instead.
The details were full of meaning. Elizabeth wore a custom Andrea Hawkes dress, while Nieku wore a navy suit with a bow tie inspired by his grandfather. They exchanged both traditional and Baha’i vows under a floral arch. Nieku even created the wedding playlist himself.
Who Is Elizabeth Lail? (His Famous Wife)
To understand Nieku’s world, it helps to know his wife. Elizabeth Lail is a well-known American actress. She was born on March 25, 1992, in Texas, and raised in North Carolina.
You’ve likely seen her work. She’s famous for playing Guinevere Beck in the hit Netflix thriller You, and Anna in Once Upon a Time. Her range across TV and film has made her a recognizable face.
Her career keeps growing, too. In recent years, she’s appeared in projects like Five Nights at Freddy’s, Gonzo Girl, and Mack & Rita. She trained in drama at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
It was Elizabeth’s fame that first brought attention to Nieku Manshadi. When their relationship became public, fans grew curious about the private dentist who had won the actress’s heart.
Their Private Life Today
Since their 2021 wedding, Nieku and Elizabeth have kept their relationship refreshingly private. In a world of oversharing, this couple prefers to keep their personal life just that — personal.
They rarely appear together at public events. And you won’t find them posting couple photos for likes. Elizabeth has a big social media following, but Nieku stays off social media entirely, guarding his privacy.
As of now, the couple does not have any children. They seem content focusing on their careers and their life together, without feeling any need to share every detail with the world.
It’s a balanced life, really. Elizabeth continues acting in film and TV, while Nieku focuses on his dental practice and his young patients. Two busy careers, one quiet and steady marriage.
Nieku Manshadi’s Net Worth
People are naturally curious about Nieku Manshadi’s net worth. Here’s the honest answer: there’s no reliable, confirmed figure out there, so any number should be taken with a grain of salt.
One source estimates his worth at around $1.5 million. But that figure comes from a low-reliability site, so it’s really just a rough guess rather than a proven fact. It’s best not to treat it as gospel.
What we can say is that his income comes mainly from dentistry. As a skilled pediatric dentist and a co-founder of his own practice, he has built a stable, successful career in a respected field.
So while the exact dollar amount stays unclear, one thing is certain. Nieku has earned his success the honest way — through years of study, hard work, and genuine care for his patients.
Interesting Facts About Nieku Manshadi
- He’s often mistaken for Indian, but he’s actually of Iranian descent.
- He loves animals and supports animal care campaigns and programs.
- He enjoys travel and reading in his free time.
- He’s a published author, with a few books to his name.
- He created his own wedding playlist, which Elizabeth reportedly hasn’t stopped singing since.
Bottom Line
Nieku Manshadi’s story is a refreshing one. He’s proof that you don’t need to chase fame to live a full, meaningful life. He simply followed his passion — caring for children’s smiles.
What stands out most is his heart. From treating kids with special needs to flying across the world to help underprivileged children, Nieku has built a career rooted in genuine kindness and service.
His love story is just as sweet. A friendly party, a grandmother’s ring, a beach proposal, and a tiny, heartfelt wedding — it’s the kind of quiet romance that feels wonderfully real.
In the end, Nieku Manshadi is far more than “the actress’s husband.” He’s a devoted dentist, a proud family man, and a private soul who lets his caring work speak for itself.
(FAQs)
Who is Nieku Manshadi?
He’s an American board-certified pediatric dentist, best known as the husband of actress Elizabeth Lail. He’s also of Iranian heritage and follows the Baha’i faith.
What does he do for a living?
Nieku is a pediatric dentist who treats children, including those with special needs. He co-founded OrthoDent Management and has done dental outreach abroad.
When did he marry Elizabeth Lail?
The couple married on April 24, 2021, in a small 22-guest ceremony at Hasbrouck House in Stone Ridge, New York, during the pandemic.
What is Nieku Manshadi’s ethnicity?
He is of Iranian descent, with family roots in Tehran. He’s often mistaken for being Indian, but that’s not the case.
Do Nieku and Elizabeth have children?
No. As of now, the couple does not have any children. They keep their private life mostly out of the public eye.

