Introduction: The Quiet Force Behind the Name
Most people know Blake Anderson Hanley in connection with actress Emily Wickersham, but that only scratches the surface. Beyond the headline narrative is a man who has navigated dual callings—art and justice—while honoring personal growth, hardships, and reinvention. His journey from the stages with Ghost Lion to courtrooms in Palm Beach County is a testament to ambition that does not submit to labels. This article unpacks the fuller story: his roots, his evolution, the love and loss, and what he carries forward today.
Early Life & Foundations
Roots in Florida
Blake Anderson Hanley was born on March 2, 1984, in Palm Beach, Florida. (Celeb Magazine) His upbringing grounded him in the cultural and coastal energies of South Florida, shaping both his creative instincts and his thirst for purpose.
Formative Influences
From a young age, Blake gravitated toward music, writing songs before many would expect. (Celeb Magazine) Although he later pursued law, the musical seed was planted early—one that he would carry through each chapter. His family supported a path less conventional, mixing encouragement with the challenges of growing up where passions must prove sustainable.
Music: Ghost Lion & the Soundtrack of His Life
From Kin Cayo to Ghost Lion
Blake’s musical identity evolved. He was involved in earlier projects like Kin Cayo, before transitioning into what became Ghost Lion, an indie rock band blending melodic, atmospheric sound with lyrical introspection. (Nicki Swift) Their work resonated with listeners who value emotion, nuance, and honesty in music.
Performances & Milestones
A highlight in Blake’s music career was performing at SunFest in West Palm Beach in May 2019. (Nicki Swift) Returning to perform in his home region, after years in Los Angeles, symbolized both a homecoming and a reclamation of voice. On stage, he has discussed themes of heartbreak, renewal, and emerging from hiding.
Style & Themes
Ghost Lion’s music does not chase convention. Instead, Blake’s style emphasizes:
- Personal storytelling
- Emotional transparency
- Fusion of indie soundscapes with rhythmic elements
- Lyrical motifs of identity, resilience, and healing
His songs often speak more to those who’ve known inner conflict than to commercial trends.
Law & Advocacy: The Other Calling
Earning the Badge
Blake did not abandon music for law—he added law alongside music. After completing legal training, he became a licensed attorney in Florida. (Four Magazine) That pivot reveals not a redefinition but an extension of his commitment to expression and justice.
Legal Role & Focus
He began working with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, where he handles domestic violence and family law matters—cases that are emotionally heavy but socially vital. (Nicki Swift) His legal work brings balance to his artistic life, anchoring creativity with service.
His portfolio includes:
- Family law cases
- Divorce and custody disputes
- Advocacy for marginalized clients
- Legal aid in domestic violence settings
This legal path is not merely a career but a conduit to give voice where others cannot.
Marriage, Love & Separation
Meeting Emily Wickersham
Blake and Emily, best known for her role as Ellie Bishop on NCIS, married on November 23, 2010 at Little Palm Island in Florida. (Nicki Swift) Their union was relatively private, blending their respective worlds—Hollywood and artistry—on their own terms.
Years Together & Parting Ways
Their marriage lasted about eight years. In December 2018, the divorce was finalized. (Nicki Swift) To many, the reasons remain private; Blake and Emily chose not to air every detail publicly. Their split marks a chapter that ended amicably, though not without personal cost.
Echoes in Music & Life
The separation influenced Blake’s music, making certain songs deeply autobiographical. Performing post-divorce, he carries both loss and rebirth on stage. When he moved back to Florida, he admitted publicly that returning felt “odd” after heartbreak. (Amomama) But that same tension powered his return to roots and redefinition.
Personal Life After the Spotlight
New Love & Parenthood
Following his divorce, Blake found a new partnership in Mumbi O’Brien, a creative soul herself (art & costume design). (Amomama) Together they have a daughter named Muoni, born during the pandemic. Blake shared warm posts about fatherhood, describing moments of wonder, responsibility, and future dreams. (Amomama) Their bond reflects mutual understanding: art, purpose, and family.
Relocation & Reinvention
Blake returned to Florida after years in Los Angeles. (Amomama) That relocation was more than physical; it was an emotional homecoming. He resumed performing locally, reshaped musical themes, and grounded his life in the community he once called home.
He now blends legal work, musical projects, and family life, balancing public parts of himself with private commitment.
At a Glance: Profile Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Blake Anderson Hanley |
| Date of Birth | March 2, 1984 |
| Hometown / Base | Palm Beach, Florida |
| Musical Identity | Lead vocalist of Ghost Lion |
| Legal Profession | Attorney with Legal Aid Society, Florida |
| Marriage to Emily Wickersham | Nov 2010 – Dec 2018 |
| Current Partner & Family | Married to Mumbi O’Brien; daughter Muoni |
| Core Focus Areas | Music, family law, advocacy, creative work |
| Artistic Themes | Heartbreak, renewal, identity, authenticity |
Lessons & Takeaways
Integrate Passions
Blake’s life shows that one need not choose between creativity and service. He merged artistry with justice, proving dual identities can coexist.
Embrace Change, Not Concession
The shift from LA back to Florida wasn’t retreat—it was necessary reorientation. His ability to shift stages (both literal and figurative) shows adaptability, not defeat.
Hold Privacy as Strength
Despite high-profile marriage and divorce, Blake maintained discretion. He didn’t allow his narrative to be fully framed by others. That self-respect matters.
Use Pain as Fuel, Not Identity
Loss and heartbreak informed his music, but they didn’t fossilize him there. He processes through art, then moves forward—not stuck in any chapter.
Bulleted Highlights
- Music career with indie band Ghost Lion
- Performed at SunFest 2019 after relocating home
- Became a lawyer after music success
- Worked legal cases in domestic violence, custody
- Married Emily Wickersham from 2010 to 2018
- Later started a new family with Mumbi O’Brien
- Balances music and law publicly, privacy personally
Conclusion: A Life Rewritten by Purpose
Blake Anderson Hanley’s story is not defined by his past marriage or media curiosity. It is defined by a man who turned heartbreak into art, who chose justice over convenience, and who re-rooted himself where it felt true. From indie stages to courtrooms, from love lost to love built anew, Blake charts a path many admire but few attempt. He reminds us that identity is not fixed—it is composed, layered, evolving. In that journey, he is not just someone’s ex, not just a musician, and not just an attorney—he is a self-authored life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Blake Anderson Hanley?
He is a musician (lead singer of Ghost Lion) and a licensed attorney in Florida, known also for his former marriage to Emily Wickersham. - When did Blake Hanley and Emily Wickersham marry and divorce?
They married on November 23, 2010, and their divorce was finalized in December 2018. - Does Blake Anderson Hanley have children?
Yes, he has a daughter named Muoni with Mumbi O’Brien. - What kind of law does Blake practice?
He works with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, focusing on family law, domestic violence, and legal aid for underserved populations. - What is Ghost Lion?
Ghost Lion is the indie rock band for which Blake is the lead vocalist, blending emotional storytelling and unique musical textures.
