Who Is Minnie Mills Boyfriend? 2026 Relationship Updates

Minnie Mills became a breakout star for her role as Shayla in the hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty. Her portrayal of the confident and stylish debutante won the hearts of millions, and her on-screen chemistry with her co-stars was undeniable. While she has since moved on to other projects like Obliterated and is pursuing a neuroscience degree at Columbia University, her personal life remains a top interest for fans. In early 2026, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who is Minnie Mills dating?

As of early 2026, Minnie Mills is reportedly in a steady relationship with her former co-star, Sean Kaufman, following years of dating rumors that began on the set of their hit show.

MINNIE MILLS: RELATIONSHIP & PROFILE 2026

Full Name	Minnie Mills
Boyfriend Name	Sean Kaufman
Relationship Status	Dating (Confirmed Rumors)
Partner’s Profession	Actor (The Summer I Turned Pretty)
Academic Focus	Neuroscience (Columbia University)
Current Residence	New York City, NY
Notable Update 2026	Still going strong post-TSITP series finale
Key Philosophy	Balancing Activism and Entertainment

The Real-Life Romance: Minnie Mills and Sean Kaufman

Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty spent years hoping that “Shayla and Steven” would become a real couple, and it appears they got their wish. Minnie and Sean Kaufman first met while filming the first season of the show in 2021. Their chemistry was so strong that fans immediately began “shipping” them in real life.

While they remained private for a long time, the evidence of their relationship became impossible to ignore by 2025. The couple was spotted on multiple “double dates” with their close friends and co-stars, Christopher Briney and Isabel Machado. From attending BLACKPINK concerts together in New York City to taking spring break trips to Mexico, Minnie and Sean have become a favorite pair in the young Hollywood scene.

In early 2026, insiders confirm that the two are still very happy together. Even though Minnie’s character was written out of the series after the first season, her bond with Sean has only grown stronger away from the cameras.

Balancing Neuroscience and Hollywood

One of the most impressive things about Minnie Mills in 2026 is how she manages her time. Unlike many actors who focus solely on their craft, Minnie is a dedicated student at Columbia University, majoring in Behavioral and Biomedical Neuroscience.

Her relationship with Sean Kaufman seems to provide a grounded support system while she navigates the intense world of Ivy League academics and her career as a model and actress. Sean is often seen supporting her at various fashion events, such as the SANDRO collection previews in New York, where they are frequently photographed together.

Interesting Facts About Minnie Mills and Her Personal Life

Human Rights Advocate: Beyond her acting, Minnie is deeply involved in activism, specifically working with Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) to support refugees.
Brain and Beauty: She is a brand ambassador for JOAH Beauty, proving she can balance a career in the beauty industry with her complex neuroscience studies.
Global Citizen: Born in London and raised in multiple countries, Minnie is known for her international perspective, which she often shares with Sean during their travels.
The “Shayla” Effect: Even though she is no longer on The Summer I Turned Pretty, fans still refer to her and Sean as the “it couple” of the series.

Detailed Timeline of Minnie Mills’ Relationship History

To understand how Minnie and Sean became the couple they are in 2026, here is a breakdown of their journey:

2021: Minnie and Sean meet on the set of The Summer I Turned Pretty in Wilmington, North Carolina.
June 2022: Minnie posts a sweet birthday tribute to Sean, calling him her “best friend,” which sparks the first major dating rumors.
April 2023: Minnie announces her exit from the show. Fans fear this might end her connection with Sean, but the two continue to hang out privately.
March 2025: The couple goes viral after being spotted on a vacation in Cancun, Mexico, with their co-stars.
August 2025: Multiple news outlets report that the two are “officially” dating and very happy. They are seen together at a basketball game in New York.
January 2026: Minnie and Sean celebrate the new year together. They remain one of the most stable and private couples in the industry.

Conclusion

Minnie Mills has successfully transitioned from a teen TV star to a multifaceted woman who excels in both science and the arts. Her relationship with Sean Kaufman in 2026 is a testament to the fact that real connections can grow out of professional collaborations. While they prefer to keep the finer details of their romance away from the paparazzi, their constant support for one another is clear to see. Whether she is in a lab at Columbia or on a red carpet in Manhattan, Minnie has a solid partner by her side.