Who Is Sofia Vergara's Ex-Boyfriend? All About Justin Saliman

Mar. 15, 2025

Justin Saliman and Sofia Vergara are seen at Giorgio Baldi restaurant on March 29, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Photo:The Hollywood Curtain/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

The Hollywood Curtain/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Sofia Vergarais back on the market.

The Colombian actressseemingly announced her splitfrom orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman at the Golden Globes in January 2025 when she toldAccess Hollywoodshe’s manifesting “health, money, a boyfriend” in the new year.

Vergara and Saliman first sparked dating rumors in October 2023, after which a source told PEOPLE that theModern Familyalum was “dating and having fun.” The news came just three months after Vergara split from her husband of seven years,Joe Manganiello.

After a few Instagram “soft launches,” shemade her “luv” for Saliman publicin April 2024 on her Instagram Stories. Vergara last posted about Saliman in July 2024 while on a romanticvacation in Italy.

So, who is Sofia Vergara’s ex-boyfriend? Here is everything to know about Justin Saliman and his former relationship with the actress.

He is originally from Denver

CelebCandidly/Splash

Although Saliman now calls Los Angeles home, he was born and raised in Denver. As the grandson of one of the lead engineers for the Hoover Dam, he grew up with an innate curiosity about the intricacies of how things were built, he toldForbesin December 2019.

According to Saliman’sLinkedIn, he received his medical degree from the University of Colorado and went on to do his Orthopedic Residency at Mount Sinai in New York City, before completing a fellowship at Stanford University.

Saliman is an orthopedic surgeon

Justin Saliman at the Zodiac Ball on September 28, 2023.John Salangsang/Shutterstock

John Salangsang/Shutterstock

Saliman is a Beverly Hills-based orthopedic surgeon. He previously worked with the San Francisco 49ers along with several university athletic teams as part of a sports medicine fellowship at Stanford University.

The medical professional is also the founder of Ceterix Orthopaedics and the NovoStitch Pro Meniscal Repair System.

He was previously married toGrimmactress Bree Turner

Bree Turner and Justin Saliman attend Sophie Albou’s Paul & Joe Target Collection Opening on July 27, 2006 in Los Angeles, California.John M. Heller/Getty

John M. Heller/Getty

Despite not being in the industry, Saliman’s relationship with Vergara wasn’t his first time being romantically linked to a Hollywood star. He marriedGrimmactress Bree Turner in 2008.

But after a decade of marriage, shefiled for divorcein 2018, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

Vergara and Saliman were first seen together in October 2023

“She is enjoying life. She seems positive and full of energy,” a source told PEOPLE after their first date.

In November 2023, Vergara and Saliman were seen heading into the Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, Calif.

Rumors of her budding romance came months after she filed fordivorce from Manganielloin July. In a January 2024 interview with Spanish newspaperEl País, Vergara revealed that her marriage ended because “he wanted to have kids and [she] didn’t want to be an old mom.”

He has two kids

Saliman helped Vergara recover from knee surgery

Sofia Vergara/Instagram

“If u ever get a [major] knee surgery make sure u Get a handsome doctor who will sleep with u that night… ! Luv u,” the actress captioned a photo of Saliman smiling while wearing dark blue medical scrubs.

After months of dating rumors, this post marked Vergara’s first time publicly confirming her relationship with Saliman.

He celebrated Mother’s Day 2024 with Vergara’s family and friends

Sofia Vergara celebrates Mother’s Day with friends and family.Sofia Vergara Instagram

Sofia Vergara Instagram

Vergaraposted on Instagramin May 2024 with the caption, “Feliz mothers day everyone! gracias @anastasiasoare.” She celebrated the holiday at Anastasia Soare’s Beverly Hill’s home, along with her son, Manolo.

Saliman was featured in two of the photos in the carousel, one standing next to Manolo and one in conversation with Vergara.

This wasn’t his first “soft launch” appearance on Vergara’s Instagram. In February 2024, he was pictured next to Vergara in agroup photo that she postedwith the caption, “Feliz dinner ❤️.”

Vergara has a tattoo in his honor — sort of

Justin Saliman and Sofia Vergara.Sofia Vergara Instagram

In a May 2024appearance onThe Talk, Vergara revealed she wasgiving new meaning to a tattooformerly dedicated to Manganiello.

TheGriseldastar explained that she has inked initials on each of her wrists, one honoring her late brother and the other, a “J.”

“This was Joe Manganiello’s initial, but now he’s gone so," Vergara said, leading the crowd to erupt in laughter and applause. She said she plans to simply “recycle” the tattoo for her new man.

“How lucky can I be that the guy that I’m going out [with] has the same initial,” she said referencing Saliman.

He celebrated the launch of Vergara’s culinary business

Sofia Vergara,Justin Saliman, and friends celebrate the launch of Toma.Sofia Vergara Instagram

Saliman attended thelaunch party for Vergara and her son Manolo’s culinary brand, Toma, in June 2024.

The couple were pictured next to each other in aphoto Vergara posted on Instagram. “Thank u to everyone that came last night!!! 🥟🥟🥟,” she captioned the photo.

Two days later, Vergara hosted friends at her home. Sheposted photosfrom the “Sunday Funday” gathering on her Instagram, which featured Saliman among a few of Vergara’s friends, including Soare,Jessica Albaand Mohammed Al Turki.

Vergara seemingly announced their split in January 2025

Vergara and Saliman have seemingly called it quits after dating for more than a year.

While speaking toAccess Hollywoodat the Golden Globes, the actress told the outlet that she’s manifesting “health, money, a boyfriend or a lover” in 2025 — hinting at her singleness.

source: people.com