Blake Anderson Hanley is a unique individual who has successfully combined two very different careers—music and law—into one inspiring life story. Born in Palm Beach, Florida, Blake first gained attention as the lead singer of the American rock band Ghost Lion, where his honest and emotional music won the hearts of many fans. Beyond music, he made a significant shift by becoming a family and divorce attorney, dedicating himself to helping people through difficult times. Known to some as the former husband of actress Emily Wickersham, Blake’s journey goes far beyond that. His life reflects a blend of creativity, hard work, and compassion, as he balances his professional achievements with a fulfilling personal life as a husband and father.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Blake Anderson Hanley |
| Famous as | Emily Wickersham’s Ex-Husband |
| Profession | Musician, Attorney |
| Date of Birth | March 2, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Palm Beach, Florida |
| Age | 39 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Mumbi O’Brien |
| Children | Muoni |
| Ex-spouse | Emily Wickersham |
| Father | Daniel Hanley |
| Mother | Denise Hanley |
| Sibling | Drew Hanley |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Net Worth | Between $500,000 and $1 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Blake was born on March 2, 1984, in the warm and vibrant city of Palm Beach, Florida. His family brought together American and Australian roots, giving him a multicultural heritage that influenced his outlook on life. His father, Daniel Hanley, had a sporting background and once played for the Essendon Football Club in the Victorian Football League in Australia, which added a legacy of athleticism and discipline to Blake’s upbringing. His mother, Denise, was a school teacher who nurtured Blake’s love for the arts and literature from a young age, encouraging creativity and learning.
Growing up with his brother Drew in a supportive household, Blake was surrounded by a blend of cultural influences and family values. This environment laid a strong foundation for his future, helping him develop the skills and interests that would later define his diverse career paths.
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How Old Is Blake Anderson Hanley?
Blake Anderson Hanley was born on March 2, 1984, which makes him 39 years old as of 2023. At this age, he has already built a successful career in both music and law. Being in his late 30s, Blake is at a stage in life where he balances professional growth with family life, making the most of his experience and skills in different areas.
What Does Blake Anderson Hanley Look Like?
Blake Anderson Hanley has a calm and approachable appearance. He has black hair and light brown eyes, giving him a distinct and friendly look. His style is usually casual but neat, whether he’s performing on stage or working as an attorney. Blake’s overall appearance matches his down-to-earth personality and makes him easy to connect with both fans and clients.
Education and Academic Journey
Blake Anderson Hanley has a strong and varied education that helped shape his career. He started at Palm Beach State College before earning a degree in Communication and Media Studies from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Wanting to grow even more, Blake moved to Los Angeles to study law at Southwestern Law School. While there, he took an active role as the Vice President of the Music Law Society, combining his love for music and law. This mix of education gave him the skills to succeed both as a musician and as a family lawyer.
Flourishing Music Career
Blake’s music career began as a natural extension of his creative spirit. As the lead vocalist of the band Ghost Lion, formed while he lived in New York, Blake brought together elements of indie rock and pop with meaningful lyrics that touched on themes like loneliness, hope, and self-discovery. The band’s debut album was praised for its emotional depth and unique sound, which attracted a devoted group of fans. Songs like “Shot the Sun Down” and “Sinking Stones” highlight Blake’s gift for storytelling through music, making his performances memorable and heartfelt.
Ghost Lion’s live shows were known for their energy and connection with audiences, demonstrating Blake’s genuine love for sharing his art. While the band never reached massive mainstream fame, it earned critical respect and a loyal following, showing that Blake’s musical talents were both real and impactful.
Transition to Legal Career
After years in the music world, Blake decided to pursue a more stable and service-oriented profession by entering the legal field. His decision to study law and later work as a family and divorce attorney marks a thoughtful and inspiring transition. Starting in 2015, Blake worked as a Law Clerk at the Inner City Law Center in Los Angeles, where he gained valuable experience helping vulnerable populations.
Over time, he took on roles at other firms, including Fine Law PC and the Bruce Law Firm, focusing on family law, divorce cases, and domestic violence. Blake’s work as an attorney is deeply rooted in empathy and dedication, reflecting his desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives during difficult times. This career shift was not without challenges, but Blake’s commitment and skills have earned him respect and success in the legal community, proving that a passion for helping others can lead to fulfilling new opportunities.
Blake’s Marriage to Emily Wickersham
Blake Anderson Hanley married actress Emily Wickersham on November 23, 2010, in a private and heartfelt ceremony held on Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. The wedding was a close family affair, with Blake’s brother Drew serving as the officiant, and was attended by around 150 guests, including friends and family. Emily, known for her role as Special Agent Eleanor Bishop on NCIS, and Blake shared nearly eight years together before deciding to separate in 2018. Throughout their marriage and eventual divorce, they maintained a respectful and private relationship, choosing to keep the details of their separation out of the public eye.
Social Media Presence
Blake keeps an active and engaging presence on social media, especially Instagram, where he uses the handle @blakehansolo. His posts offer a rare glimpse into his life behind the scenes, mixing personal moments such as family photos with insights into his music career and legal work. By sharing both joyful and everyday experiences, Blake builds a genuine connection with his followers. His social media serves as a platform to celebrate his daughter Muoni and wife Mumbi, while also sharing his thoughts on music and the law. This openness and authenticity help Blake maintain a loyal audience and allow fans to follow his journey through different stages of life, showing that he values both his private world and his public roles.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Blake Anderson Hanley has carefully built financial stability through his dual careers in music and law. His estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 and $1 million, reflecting earnings from album sales, live performances, and royalties as the frontman of Ghost Lion, along with income from his legal practice as a family law attorney. While this net worth is more modest compared to his ex-wife Emily Wickersham’s estimated $6 million, it highlights Blake’s steady and diverse approach to earning a living. Balancing two demanding professions has allowed Blake to maintain financial independence while supporting his family. His story shows that financial success can come in different forms and that combining passion with practicality can lead to a rewarding and secure life.
Challenges and Overcoming Doubts
Like many public figures, Blake has faced his share of challenges, especially around his high-profile marriage and divorce, which attracted media curiosity. Navigating the pressures of public attention while maintaining privacy is never easy. Moreover, Blake’s bold decision to leave behind a creative music career and start fresh as a lawyer was met with some skepticism. Changing career paths in such a drastic way often brings doubts from others and personal uncertainty.
However, Blake’s hard work and determination proved these doubts wrong, as he quickly earned respect and success in the legal field. His ability to handle these challenges with grace and resilience is a testament to his character. It also serves as an inspiration for anyone considering a major life change or juggling multiple ambitions.
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Current Projects and Future Aspirations
Blake continues to blend his interests in music and law, finding ways to bring these worlds together. He remains involved in legal advocacy for artists, helping musicians understand complex legal issues that affect their careers. This unique niche allows him to use his background in both areas to support others creatively and professionally. Blake also hints at the possibility of returning to music with new projects that reflect his personal and artistic growth over the years.
Professionally, he aims to expand his legal practice, focusing on family law cases where he can make a real difference. His ongoing work shows a commitment to growth, balance, and helping others. Looking forward, Blake’s future seems full of possibilities as he continues to pursue his passions and responsibilities.
Conclusion
Blake Anderson Hanley’s life is a powerful example of resilience, versatility, and the courage to follow multiple dreams. From growing up in a supportive family with rich cultural roots to leading a band that touched hearts with music, to stepping into the courtroom to fight for families in need, Blake has shown that it is possible to wear many hats and excel in all of them. His personal story, filled with love, loss, and new beginnings, adds depth to his professional achievements. Blake’s journey encourages us all to embrace change, keep learning, and balance our passions with purpose. Whether on stage or in court, Blake Anderson Hanley continues to inspire through his dedication, talent, and heart.
FAQs About Blake Anderson Hanley
1. Who is Blake Anderson Hanley?
Blake Anderson Hanley is an American musician and family law attorney, best known as the lead singer of the rock band Ghost Lion and as the former husband of actress Emily Wickersham.
2. What band was Blake Hanley a part of?
Blake was the lead vocalist of the American rock band Ghost Lion, known for its emotional and indie rock sound.
3. When did Blake Hanley and Emily Wickersham get married and divorced?
They got married in November 2010 and divorced in 2018 after eight years of marriage.
4. What is Blake Hanley’s current profession?
Blake currently works as a family and divorce attorney, specializing in helping clients with family law and domestic violence cases.
5. Does Blake Hanley have children?
Yes, Blake has one daughter named Muoni, born in May 2020 with his wife Mumbi O’Brien.
6. Where was Blake Anderson Hanley born?
He was born in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1984.
7. What is Blake Anderson Hanley’s estimated net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million, earned through his music career and legal practice.
