Rebecca Gayheart, known for her roles in films like “Jawbreaker,” has been making headlines not just for her acting career, but also for her romantic involvement with businessman and restaurateur Peter Morton. Despite still being legally married to actor Eric Dane, whom she has been separated from since 2018, Gayheart has been spotted out on dates with Morton since 2023, sparking much speculation and interest in their relationship.
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Peter Morton, the co-founder of the iconic Hard Rock Cafe chain, has quite a storied background. Born in Chicago and raised in Los Angeles, he attended the University of Denver where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. Morton, alongside Isaac Tigrett, opened the first Hard Rock Cafe in London back in 1971, focusing on American cuisine and eventually expanding into a global brand known for its music memorabilia.
Apart from his success with the Hard Rock Cafe chain, Morton also ventured into the hospitality industry by opening the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in 1995, which he later sold for a significant sum in 2006. Business seems to run in the Morton family, as his father was a founder of Morton’s Steakhouse and his son, Harry, founded the popular Mexican restaurant chain Pink Taco in 1999.
In terms of personal life, Peter Morton has been married twice before, first to British model Paulene Stone with whom he shares a son, Harry, and later to Tarlton Pauley Morton with whom he had two children, Matthew and Grace. Tragically, both of Morton’s former wives have passed away, with Tarlton dying in 2017, and his son Harry passing in 2019. Despite these personal losses, Morton has continued to focus on his business ventures and maintain his reputation in the hospitality industry.
Rebecca Gayheart and Peter Morton were first romantically linked in 2023 after being spotted together on a dinner date in Los Angeles. Their relationship has been the subject of much attention, especially given Gayheart’s ongoing friendship and co-parenting efforts with Eric Dane, with whom she shares two daughters. The couple has made public appearances together, including attending events like a Chanel and Charles Finch pre-Oscars dinner in 2025.
Most recently, the pair were photographed enjoying a date night in Beverly Hills in December 2025, where they were seen leaving a restaurant and sharing a kiss. Despite the complexities of their situation, with Gayheart maintaining a co-parenting relationship with Dane, she has expressed a commitment to showing up for her daughters and navigating the challenges with dignity and grace.
In addition to his success in the restaurant business, Peter Morton has also had an influence behind the scenes in Hollywood, having helped fund independent films that launched the careers of notable directors like Guy Ritchie. With a reputation for supporting creative ventures in both hospitality and entertainment, Morton continues to make his mark in various industries, all while balancing personal relationships and public scrutiny.
The relationship between Rebecca Gayheart and Peter Morton continues to be a topic of interest for fans and followers, as they navigate the complexities of personal connections and public attention. With both individuals having established themselves in their respective fields, their partnership highlights the intersections between the worlds of entertainment, business, and personal life.