Billy Magnussen proposed to photographer Erica Firestone during a beach vacation in Sardinia, Italy, the actor announced Sunday, sharing video footage of a surprise, drone-assisted engagement.
In the clip, Magnussen, 40, can be seen setting up a drone and handing the controls to Firestone, who wore a red-and-white gingham bikini. While she focused on piloting the device, Magnussen slipped a multi-carat emerald-cut diamond ring from his pocket and got down on one knee. Firestone kissed him and accepted. She later posted the footage on social media, tagging Magnussen and writing, "Anywhere, just as long as you’re by my side," along with the Italian hashtag #fidanzati.
Photos shared by Firestone show the couple relaxing on the sand after the proposal and include a drone-shot image of the newly engaged pair. Firestone also posted a close-up selfie in an elevator displaying the ring ahead of a celebratory dinner. Well-wishers and family members responded on social media with congratulatory messages. Anne Hollister, Magnussen’s partner at Happy Bad Bungalow, wrote, "So sweet!!!! ❤️ Piglet is trying on flower girl dresses." Comedian Joanna Firestone added, "Congrats!! Welcome to the fam, Billy!" and actor Evan Jonigkeit, who has social ties with the couple, joked about wedding plans.
Magnussen and Firestone were first seen publicly together in October 2024 at the premiere of The Franchise, and they were photographed on vacation in Jamaica in January with actress Zosia Mamet and her husband, Evan Jonigkeit. Friends and collaborators have posted messages of support since the announcement.
Magnussen, who plays a co-starring role alongside Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell in the forthcoming film A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, has several projects in development. The film is set to open in theaters Friday, his production company Happy Bad Bungalow is producing The Chariot, and he is attached to The Audacity, a television series set in Silicon Valley with Zach Galifianakis that is expected to debut in 2026.
The engagement video shows a carefully staged moment: Magnussen’s decision to hand Firestone the drone controller provided a natural distraction for the photographer, allowing him to prepare the ring and propose without being noticed. Firestone’s social posts indicate the couple marked the occasion with private celebrations on the island and shared highlights with friends and followers.
Neither Magnussen’s nor Firestone’s representatives provided additional comment beyond the social-media announcement. The couple’s public timeline and the social-media footage offer the primary record of the proposal and the immediate responses that followed.