Power Actress Paige Hurd Engaged to Phoenix Suns’ Royce O’Neale: “Over the Moon” (Exclusive)
Paige Hurd, best known for her role in Power Book II: Ghost, is now engaged! The actress, 32, got engaged to Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale, 31, during a romantic getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on February 13. The couple exclusively shared the exciting news with PEOPLE.
The proposal took place at the luxury oceanfront Viceroy Riviera Maya resort, where the pair enjoyed an intimate dinner surrounded by rose petals, candlelight, and a crackling fireplace. For their final course, they were served a slice of red velvet cake with the words “Will You Marry Me?” written on the plate.
O’Neale, who was nervous about keeping the proposal a surprise, shared, “I was really excited because I knew Paige wasn’t expecting it and wanted it to be a huge, special surprise.” Although travel delays caused some disruption to his plans, the NBA player said the proposal happened “right on time.” Hurd, who was unaware of his plan, was in total shock. “During the proposal, I was in such shock, it took me about a full minute to stand to my feet,” she recalled. Even when calling her family to share the news, she was still “in shock.”
“I’m over the moon and so happy,” Hurd said of the moment.
O’Neale expressed his joy, saying, “After the proposal, I was the happiest I have ever been in my life because she said ‘yes.'”
The couple met in early 2024, shortly after Hurd had vowed to take a break from dating. “I was fasting and on my walk with God, and boom, there’s Royce,” she said, admitting she initially suggested they could just be friends. However, over time, he won her over, and they became inseparable. “That’s my best friend first,” Hurd said.
O’Neale had admired Hurd for years, having watched her in various shows and movies. “She was my lifelong crush,” he revealed, sharing that he once told his friends he would meet her, date her, and marry her. “They thought I was joking, but I was serious,” he added.
The couple knew they were meant to be together after only a few months of dating. “I’m beyond lucky and blessed,” Hurd said. “Royce is the most thoughtful, down-to-earth, gentle man I’ve ever known, and I couldn’t be happier to spend the rest of my life with him.” O’Neale agreed, adding that by the fall of 2024, he was certain that Hurd was the one for him. “We spent a lot of time together, traveled together, lived together, been around each other’s families and closest friends, learned about each other, and loved being with one another all the time.”
On January 1, O’Neale publicly confirmed their romance on Instagram, sharing holiday photos and expressing his gratitude for the year. Hurd commented, “🥰🖤 what a year.”
The couple’s engagement marks the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship, and they couldn’t be happier to share it with their loved ones.