Lena Dunham and Adam Driver experienced a strong connection while working together on the first season of Girls, a bond Dunham suggests could have evolved into something more.
In her memoir, Famesick, Dunham, 39, recounts a moment in Driver’s kitchen where a simple exchange over a glass of water turned into a tender moment that felt akin to love. She and Driver, 42, used to rehearse at his apartment on weekends.
The encounter left Dunham so taken aback that she dropped her glass, and she recalls Driver remarking, “You really don’t know how beautiful you are, do you?” The intensity of their connection was palpable both in their personal interactions and onscreen, where Dunham portrayed Hannah and Driver played Adam for six seasons from 2012 to 2017.
Dunham admits to telling Driver he made her feel safe, though she later recognized that she was expressing a wish rather than a reality.
Reminiscing about an evening after watching Driver perform in a play, Dunham describes how he kindly drove her home since her parents were away. At that time, she lived with her parents intermittently throughout her career. The conversation turned to Driver’s views on monogamy and feeling misunderstood, yet he showed genuine concern as she shared her experiences before leaving quietly as she drifted off to sleep.
Despite Driver’s reputed temperament, he was described as protective and loving, especially when Dunham shared her dating challenges. That particular week, while her parents were away and Driver’s girlfriend was performing in Cincinnati, he frequently visited her, offering laughter and support.
One Friday, as he left the theater, Driver called Dunham, offering to visit her, warning that if he did, he wouldn’t leave. However, when he called from outside her home, she chose not to answer, acknowledging an intuitive sense that crossing a boundary would complicate their work relationship and her sense of self.
The pair never revisited that night in conversation, and a month later, Driver became engaged. He is now married to Joanne Tucker. Dunham reflects on her feelings of heartache and the realization that her role in Driver’s life was limited to being a scene partner, with no influence over his personal choices.
Famesick is currently available.
