Scott Foley Says He Picked a Fight with Wife Marika Domińczyk Before Proposing

Scott Foley, an acclaimed actor known for his role in the hit television series “Scandal,” recently shared a rather unconventional and entertaining story about his marriage proposal during an appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” The 53-year-old star recalled how he took an unusual approach to pop the question to his now-wife, Marika Domińczyk, revealing that it all began with a disagreement.

Foley’s proposal, which he jokingly referred to as “not the best way to start a marriage,” was not a planned or romantic affair. Rather, it stemmed from a deliberate decision to start an argument with Domińczyk, who is eight years younger than him. The couple, who have been married since June 2007 and share three children, had been in a committed relationship for approximately three to four years at the time of the proposal.

During the show, Foley explained that he felt the need to avoid the typical proposal clichés. “I didn’t want to really sort of plan out an event or make it a big deal. So, I picked a fight,” he recounted, sharing his thoughts with host Kelly Clarkson and their audience. The actor added some humour to the moment by joking about Domińczyk’s Polish heritage, playfully suggesting that it only heightened her spirited personality.

The proposal day began pleasantly but soon descended into disagreement. “It was early Sunday morning, and I said, ‘What are you doing with me? What are we doing?'” recalled Foley. This led to a day filled with tension and conflict, which he described as a “day of just completely butting heads.” As they moved from the kitchen to the outdoor terrace, things escalated, and Foley found himself amidst what could best be described as a “yelling match.”

Despite the chaos, Foley seized the opportunity to propose. As Domińczyk had a glass of wine and became increasingly animated, he got down on one knee, much to her surprise. “And she said, ‘Don’t! Why are you… What? Is this real? Damn it!'” he shared, reflecting on the moment with a sense of amusement. Ultimately, the unexpected circumstances turned into a memorable decision that strengthened their bond.

Foley and Domińczyk’s relationship has flourished over the years, and they now have three children: Malina, 16, Keller, 14, and Konrad, 11. In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Foley elaborated on the keys to maintaining a successful marriage nearly two decades in. He emphasized that meaningful communication is a cornerstone of their relationship, noting that much of their connection stems from unexpected conversations.

“I think my love language is conversation and connection,” he explained. “You know, any time I can feel more connected to my wife, to my kids, that usually comes through a conversation that I wasn’t expecting to have.” Foley believes that the depth of these discussions strengthens their family dynamics.

Reflecting on their long-term relationship, he remarked on the ease that time together brings. “Eighteen years is a big deal,” he said. “Once you get past the decade of marriage, you think you made it, right? You’re kind of like, ‘I think we’re going to be together forever.'” He expressed that the shared experiences and time spent together have allowed them to navigate the challenges of parenting three children effectively.

As they juggle the demands of raising teenagers and a younger child, Foley acknowledges how pivotal their enduring connection is in managing family life. “We’re all over the place,” he noted, encapsulating the bustling life that comes with parenthood at various stages.

Foley’s light-hearted story serves as a reminder that love often emerges in the most unexpected scenarios, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. As the couple continues to nurture their relationship and family, he is optimistic about what the future holds for them.

For those eager to catch more of Foley’s work, his new Amazon Prime series “It’s Not Like That” is currently available for viewing. The actor’s engaging presence, both on screen and in sharing personal anecdotes, continues to resonate with audiences, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.