Blake Anderson Hanley is an American musician, attorney, and former husband of actress Emily Wickersham, best known for her role as Special Agent Ellie Bishop on NCIS. Born on March 2, 1984, in Palm Beach, Florida, Blake has successfully carved out a unique path that bridges the worlds of indie rock music and family law. As the frontman of the band Ghost Lion, he creates emotionally resonant music, while simultaneously working as a divorce and domestic violence attorney helping families through their most difficult moments. His journey from Los Angeles heartbreak back to his Florida roots represents a story of resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose in multiple passions.
Quick Facts About Blake Anderson Hanley
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Blake Anderson Hanley |
| Date of Birth | March 2, 1984 |
| Age | 41 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Palm Beach, Florida, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Parents | Daniel Hanley (father), mother’s name undisclosed |
| Siblings | Drew Hanley (brother) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (American and Australian heritage) |
| Education | Southwestern Law School (J.D.) |
| Profession | Musician, Attorney |
| Band | Ghost Lion (lead vocalist and songwriter) |
| Legal Specialty | Family law, divorce, and domestic violence cases |
| First Marriage | Emily Wickersham (2010-2018) |
| Current Partner | Mumbi O’Brien |
| Children | Muoni Hanley (daughter, born May 2020) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1-3 million |
| Current Residence | Palm Beach, Florida |
Early Life and Family Background
Blake Anderson Hanley was born on March 2, 1984, in Palm Beach, Florida, to a family that valued both athleticism and academics. His father, Daniel Hanley, was an athlete who played for the Essendon Football Club in the Victorian Football League in Australia, giving Blake a unique blend of American and Australian heritage that would influence his worldview and creative sensibilities.
Growing up in Palm Beach, one of Florida’s most beautiful coastal cities, Blake experienced a childhood surrounded by natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the laid-back beach lifestyle that characterizes much of South Florida. The area’s vibrant music scene and artistic community would later play a crucial role in shaping his musical interests and creative pursuits.
Blake’s brother, Drew Hanley, has remained close throughout his life. Drew would later serve as the officiant at Blake’s wedding to Emily Wickersham, demonstrating the strong family bonds that have supported Blake through various life transitions.
From a young age, Blake showed a passion for music and storytelling. He had been writing songs since the age of 10, using music as a way to express his emotions and process his experiences. This early start in songwriting would lay the foundation for his later career as a professional musician and the emotionally authentic lyrics that would define Ghost Lion’s sound.
His father’s athletic background instilled in Blake values of discipline, perseverance, and dedication—qualities that would serve him well in both his music career and his eventual transition into law. The multicultural heritage from his Australian father also gave Blake a broader perspective on life, helping him appreciate diverse viewpoints and experiences.
Education and Academic Journey
While Blake has kept many details of his early education private, his academic path eventually led him to pursue higher education in law. Blake studied at Southwestern Law School, a well-regarded institution in Los Angeles known for producing skilled attorneys dedicated to public service and social justice.
The decision to pursue legal education came later in Blake’s life, after he had already established himself as a musician. This unconventional path—from artist to attorney—reflects Blake’s multifaceted personality and his desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives through multiple avenues.
Southwestern Law School’s emphasis on practical legal training and public interest law aligned perfectly with Blake’s emerging interests in social justice. The school’s location in Los Angeles also allowed Blake to maintain his music career while pursuing his legal studies, though balancing both passions undoubtedly presented significant challenges.
His legal education focused on family law, an area where Blake felt he could make the most meaningful impact. Understanding the emotional complexity of divorce, custody battles, and domestic violence situations, Blake approached his legal studies with the same empathy and emotional intelligence that characterized his songwriting.
Musical Career: From Kin Cayo to Ghost Lion
Blake Anderson Hanley’s musical journey is a testament to his artistic vision and collaborative spirit. Blake began his musical career with guitarist Enrique Lara, with whom he formed Kin Cayo, an indie pop/tropical post-punk rock band, on August 1, 2016.
The name “Kin Cayo” reflected the band’s tropical influences and their desire to create music that evoked sun-soaked beaches, emotional depth, and cultural fusion. The project represented Blake’s first serious attempt at building a professional music career, and the response from early audiences encouraged him to continue pursuing his artistic vision.
After showing an appreciable level of growth, keyboardist Chris Kapica and bassist Mike Torres joined the duo to form a four-piece group they named Ghost Lion. This evolution from Kin Cayo to Ghost Lion marked a maturation in Blake’s sound and artistic direction.
Ghost Lion: Sound and Success
The band released their debut EP in November 2016 titled “Dim Echo.” In the months that followed, they released singles like “Shattered Glass,” “Path,” and “Wolves,” which were all well received by their fans for their soothing messages about love and friendship as well as their seaside vibe that exudes positive energy.
Ghost Lion is best known for the song “Wrong Guy”, which became one of their most popular tracks and showcased Blake’s ability to blend vulnerable lyrics with compelling melodies. Blake Hanley’s musical style with Ghost Lion blends indie rock with elements from various cultures, incorporating acoustic and electronic sounds. His music often explores themes like loneliness, faith, and existential questions.
The band’s name itself—Ghost Lion—evokes a sense of mystery, strength, and ethereal presence. It perfectly captures the duality in Blake’s music: powerful and emotionally resonant, yet somehow delicate and introspective. His songs often deal with personal struggles, relationships, and the search for meaning, making them relatable to audiences facing their own challenges.
Musical Influences and Philosophy
Blake cited musical influences like the Clash and Bob Marley, artists known for their socially conscious lyrics and commitment to justice. These influences shaped not only Blake’s musical style but also his worldview and his eventual decision to work in public interest law.
“A lot of my songs are about stepping out of hiding,” Blake said backstage before a performance. “And I feel that way when I come out on the stage.” This vulnerability and willingness to be emotionally open in his music has become a hallmark of Ghost Lion’s work, connecting deeply with listeners who appreciate authentic, heartfelt songwriting.
Blake’s approach to music is refreshingly honest in an industry often characterized by artifice and commercial calculations. He writes from personal experience, transforming pain into art and sharing his journey in ways that help others feel less alone in their own struggles.
Legal Career: Attorney and Advocate
Blake’s transition from musician to attorney represents one of the most surprising and admirable aspects of his life story. After earning his law degree, he worked at the Inner City Law Center and Fine Law PC before joining the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, where he provided legal support for individuals navigating family disputes.
Since returning to Florida, Blake has been working as a domestic violence lawyer, helping the disadvantaged with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. He says social justice messages in his musical influences, like the Clash and Bob Marley, motivated him to work in the public interest.
Areas of Legal Specialization
Blake specializes in family law and domestic violence cases, focusing on divorce and helping families through crisis situations. His work involves representing clients in some of their most vulnerable moments—during divorces, custody battles, and situations involving domestic abuse.
The skills Blake developed as a musician—empathy, listening, emotional intelligence, and the ability to understand complex human emotions—translate surprisingly well to his legal work. He approaches each case with compassion and understanding, recognizing that behind every legal document is a real person experiencing real pain.
In 2023, Blake transitioned to Bruce Law Firm, continuing to help families with legal challenges related to divorce and custody. This move represented another step in his evolving legal career, allowing him to expand his practice while maintaining his commitment to serving families in need.
Balancing Two Careers
Maintaining both a music career and a legal practice requires extraordinary time management and dedication. Ghost Lion is not a full-time job for Hanley—instead, he balances his legal work during the day with music performances and songwriting during evenings and weekends.
This dual career path, while challenging, allows Blake to express different aspects of his personality and skills. In the courtroom, he advocates for families using legal arguments and procedural knowledge. On stage, he advocates for emotional honesty and human connection through music. Both roles reflect his deep commitment to helping others and making a positive impact on the world.
People Also Love to Read This: Kaleb Michael Jackson Federline: Kevin Federline’s Private Son
Marriage to Emily Wickersham: Love in the Spotlight
Blake Anderson Hanley married actress Emily Wickersham on November 23, 2010, in a private and heartfelt ceremony held on Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. The wedding was a close family affair, with Blake’s brother Drew serving as the officiant, and was attended by around 150 guests, including friends and family.
The choice of Little Palm Island for their wedding reflected both Blake’s Florida roots and the couple’s desire for an intimate, romantic ceremony away from Hollywood’s glare. The small private island in the Florida Keys, accessible only by boat or seaplane, provided the perfect backdrop for a couple seeking to celebrate their love without media intrusion.
Who Is Emily Wickersham?
Emily Wickersham is a well-known American actress who gained widespread recognition for her role as Special Agent Eleanor Bishop on the long-running television series NCIS. She was born on April 26, 1984, in Kansas, Missouri, and later moved to Los Angeles to follow her dream of becoming an actress.
Emily’s career took off with appearances in various television shows and films before landing her career-defining role on NCIS in 2013. As Agent Bishop, she became a fan favorite, bringing intelligence, determination, and vulnerability to the character. Her chemistry with co-stars and her ability to handle both dramatic and lighter moments made her an integral part of the show for eight seasons.
Beyond NCIS, Emily appeared in notable projects including The Sopranos, Gone (2012), and I Am Number Four (2011), establishing herself as a versatile actress capable of handling diverse roles.
Life Together in Los Angeles
During their eight-year marriage, Blake and Emily built a life together in Los Angeles, navigating the unique challenges of being a creative couple in the entertainment industry. Hanley had spent almost a decade living in Los Angeles—married to actress Emily Wickersham of NCIS, The Sopranos, and a number of other television shows.
While Emily’s career flourished with her role on NCIS, Blake pursued his own passions—developing his music with Ghost Lion and eventually beginning his legal studies. The couple maintained a notably private relationship, rarely discussing their personal life in interviews or on social media. This discretion allowed them to maintain some normalcy despite Emily’s growing fame.
Blake and Emily reportedly had been best friends for a long time before marrying. Neither of them reportedly had a prior relationship, and there were no reports or rumors of extramarital affairs during their marriage. This foundation of friendship and mutual respect characterized their relationship throughout their time together.
The couple never had children together, focusing instead on their respective careers and their relationship. They shared a love for animals, particularly dogs, and built a home filled with creativity, artistic pursuits, and mutual support.
The Divorce: Hollywood Heartbreak and Moving Forward
After eight years of marriage, the 38-year-old actress and her musician husband divorced in December 2018. Throughout their marriage and eventual divorce, they maintained a respectful and private relationship, choosing to keep the details of their separation out of the public eye.
The reasons for their divorce remain private, as both Blake and Emily chose not to share intimate details with the media or public. This decision reflects the maturity and mutual respect that characterized their relationship even as it ended. Unlike many celebrity divorces that become tabloid fodder, Blake and Emily’s separation was handled with dignity and discretion.
Return to Florida and Healing
“Coming home after such a long time, it felt odd. I had gone through a lot of heartbreak,” Blake reflected. The divorce prompted Blake to leave Los Angeles and return to his Florida roots—a geographical move that also represented an emotional journey of healing and rediscovery.
Returning home led Hanley to start taking his music down a different path. He began playing in public some of the songs that he had been writing at home. Rather than letting heartbreak defeat him, Blake channeled his pain into his music, creating some of Ghost Lion’s most emotionally powerful work during this period.
The songs he wrote during and after his divorce dealt with themes of loss, healing, and finding oneself again after a relationship ends. While he was happy to be performing his songs for the audience, Hanley admitted that he still struggles with his previous heartbreak every time he goes on stage. This vulnerability and willingness to share his pain publicly through his music helped him process his emotions while connecting with audiences facing similar struggles.
SunFest Performance: A Milestone
Blake kicked off the SunFest week on the main stage—truly a dream come true for a boy growing up in Palm Beach, writing songs since the age of 10. In just a matter of months after returning to Florida, his band Ghost Lion was chosen to play on the SunFest stage.
SunFest is South Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival, attracting thousands of attendees and featuring both established and emerging artists. For Blake, performing at SunFest represented not just a professional achievement but a personal triumph—returning home after heartbreak and being celebrated by his hometown community.
“With everything I’ve gone through, it has been a year…. it has been a journey,” Blake said, acknowledging both the difficulty of his divorce and the growth he experienced in its aftermath.
Finding Love Again: Life with Mumbi O’Brien
After Hanley overcame his heartbreak, he was given a second opportunity at romantic happiness. He met and fell in love with Mumbi O’Brien, a passionate storyteller who loves art and film.
The couple kept their relationship relatively private but made their connection public around late 2019. Mumbi is a UCLA graduate who holds a Master’s degree in Costume Design. She is also an accomplished artist, making her an excellent creative match for Blake.
Mumbi’s background in costume design and visual arts complements Blake’s work in music and law. Both are creative individuals who understand the demands of artistic work while also valuing privacy and authenticity. Their shared appreciation for art, storytelling, and social justice has created a strong foundation for their relationship.
Hanley has taken to social media to show his affection for his new family. He shared beautiful photos of him and O’Brien sitting on the beach, demonstrating a newfound willingness to share his happiness with the world—a marked contrast to his previous preference for complete privacy.
Welcome to Fatherhood
Together, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Muoni, on May 2, 2020. The name Muoni, which means “peace,” symbolizes the joy and calm she brought to their lives.
The proud father also penned a heartwarming message on his daughter’s first birthday. He expressed his affection for the little girl and joked they could create a family band one day. This lighthearted comment reveals Blake’s joy in fatherhood and his excitement about potentially sharing his love of music with his daughter as she grows.
Blake regularly shares glimpses of their family life on social media, showing a more personal side of his life beyond his professional endeavors. These posts reveal a man who has found happiness and peace after a difficult period—a loving partner and devoted father who balances his creative and legal careers with family life.
Fatherhood has added another dimension to Blake’s already multifaceted life. The responsibility of raising a child while maintaining two demanding careers requires extraordinary organization and support, which Blake and Mumbi provide for each other.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Blake Anderson Hanley’s estimated net worth ranges from $1-3 million, primarily earned from his music career and potential legal work.
Income Sources
Blake’s wealth comes from multiple streams:
Music Career: Revenue from Ghost Lion’s performances, streaming royalties, merchandise sales, and any recording contracts or licensing deals the band has secured.
Legal Practice: Blake has worked with several legal firms and organizations, focusing on providing legal aid to families in crisis. While public interest law typically doesn’t offer the salaries of corporate law, Blake’s expertise in family law and growing reputation have likely provided steady income.
Assets: The vintage 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC that he owns is considered one of his most valuable assets, with its value conservatively assessed to be at least $10,000.
Comparison with Emily Wickersham
Emily Wickersham has an estimated net worth of around $2 million, earned through her successful acting career, particularly her eight seasons on NCIS. While Blake’s net worth is comparable to Emily’s, his wealth comes from a more diverse set of sources, reflecting his unique career path.
Unlike many people who pursue wealth for its own sake, Blake has consistently chosen work that aligns with his values—whether that’s creating meaningful music or helping families through legal crises. His financial success is a byproduct of his dedication to his passions rather than the primary motivation for his work.
Physical Appearance and Personal Style
Blake stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 centimeters), with a slender build appropriate for his active lifestyle balancing music performances and legal work. His appearance reflects his artistic sensibility—often seen in casual, comfortable clothing that allows him freedom of movement both on stage and in professional settings.
Blake’s personal style tends toward understated and authentic rather than flashy or attention-seeking. Whether performing with Ghost Lion or working in a legal capacity, he presents himself as approachable and genuine, qualities that have served him well in both careers.
Social Media Presence and Public Image
Blake can be followed on Instagram via @blakehansolo, where he occasionally shares updates about his music, his family, and his life. However, Blake doesn’t seem to share his fellow artists’ enthusiasm for social media.
His social media presence is selective and intentional. Rather than documenting every moment of his life, Blake shares only what feels authentic and meaningful—updates about Ghost Lion performances, glimpses of his family life with Mumbi and Muoni, and occasional reflections on his journey.
This measured approach to social media reflects Blake’s overall philosophy about privacy and authenticity. He recognizes the value of connecting with fans and sharing his story, but he’s unwilling to sacrifice his family’s privacy or his own mental health for likes and followers.
Though his personal life remains largely private, his musical and professional endeavors make him an interesting and multi-talented figure. Public perception of Blake is largely positive, with many admiring his ability to excel in multiple areas.
Life Philosophy and Values
Blake Anderson Hanley’s life demonstrates several core values that have guided his decisions and shaped his journey:
Authenticity Over Fame
Despite being married to a famous actress and having opportunities to leverage that connection for his own fame, Blake has consistently chosen authenticity over celebrity. He pursues his music and legal work because they’re meaningful to him, not because they’ll make him famous.
Service and Social Justice
From his choice to work in public interest law to the social justice themes in his music, Blake is committed to making a positive difference in the world. Social justice messages in his musical influences motivated him to work in the public interest, demonstrating how his artistic and professional lives are unified by shared values.
Resilience and Growth
Blake’s journey from divorce and heartbreak to finding love again and building a family demonstrates remarkable resilience. Rather than becoming bitter or defeated, he used his pain as fuel for growth, creating some of his best music and deepening his commitment to helping others through his legal work.
Balance and Integration
Rather than choosing between music and law, Blake has found ways to integrate both passions into his life. This refusal to be limited by conventional career paths reflects creativity and courage—the willingness to forge his own unique path rather than following expected trajectories.
People Also Love to Read This: Mase Net Worth 2025: The Real Story Behind His $8 Million Fortune (And What He Left on the Table)
Current Life in Palm Beach (2025)
As of 2025, Blake Anderson Hanley continues to live in Palm Beach, Florida, with his partner Mumbi O’Brien and their daughter Muoni, who is now five years old. He maintains his dual careers as the frontman of Ghost Lion and as a family law attorney, balancing professional demands with the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood.
Blake’s return to his Florida roots after years in Los Angeles has proven to be exactly what he needed. The supportive community, proximity to family, and the creative environment of Palm Beach have allowed him to thrive both personally and professionally.
Ghost Lion continues to perform regularly at venues throughout Florida and beyond, with Blake’s music evolving to reflect his experiences as a father and partner. His songs now incorporate themes not just of heartbreak and healing, but also of hope, family, and the joy of new beginnings.
In his legal practice, Blake continues to advocate for families facing divorce and domestic violence situations. His reputation in the Palm Beach legal community has grown, with clients appreciating his empathy, dedication, and unique perspective—qualities enhanced by his experiences both as a musician and as someone who has personally navigated the challenges of divorce and rebuilding.
Lessons from Blake’s Journey
Blake Anderson Hanley’s life offers several valuable lessons:
1. It’s Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams: Blake didn’t start seriously pursuing music until his thirties, proving that it’s never too late to follow your passions.
2. Heartbreak Can Be Transformative: Rather than letting divorce destroy him, Blake used his pain to create meaningful art and build a better life.
3. You Don’t Have to Choose Just One Path: Blake successfully balances music and law, demonstrating that we can pursue multiple passions if we’re willing to work hard and manage our time effectively.
4. Authenticity Attracts the Right People: By being genuine and vulnerable in his music and life, Blake found a partner in Mumbi who appreciates him for who he truly is.
5. Service to Others Brings Meaning: Whether through music that helps people feel less alone or legal work that helps families in crisis, Blake finds purpose in serving others.
Blake vs. Emily: Life After Divorce Comparison
| Aspect | Blake Anderson Hanley | Emily Wickersham |
|---|---|---|
| Current Location | Palm Beach, Florida | Los Angeles, California |
| Career Focus | Music (Ghost Lion) + Family Law Attorney | Acting (left NCIS in 2021) |
| Relationship Status | With Mumbi O’Brien | With James Badge Dale |
| Children | Daughter Muoni (born 2020) | Son Cassius Wickersham Dale |
| Social Media | Limited presence (@blakehansolo) | Active on Instagram |
| Post-Divorce Path | Returned to Florida roots, pursued law career | Continued acting, then focused on motherhood |
| Public Profile | Private, focused on work and family | Relatively private but more visible |
Like Hanley, Wickersham has clearly moved on and has achieved her own happy ending. She is now dating James Badge Dale, an actor best known for several films, including “The Departed,” “World War Z,” and “13 Hours”. Both Blake and Emily found new love and started families with new partners, demonstrating that divorce, while painful, can lead to new chapters of happiness and fulfillment.
Final Thoughts
Blake Anderson Hanley’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and the courage to forge an unconventional path. From his early days writing songs in Palm Beach to his marriage to a Hollywood actress, through heartbreak and healing to finding new love and fatherhood, Blake has consistently chosen authenticity over artifice and meaning over fame.
His dual careers as a musician and attorney might seem contradictory to some, but they reflect the full complexity of who Blake is—an artist who uses music to explore human emotions and a professional who uses legal skills to help people through their darkest times. Both roles are expressions of his fundamental desire to connect with others and make a positive difference in the world.
As he continues to balance performances with Ghost Lion, his family law practice, and raising his daughter Muoni with Mumbi, Blake demonstrates that it’s possible to build a rich, multifaceted life that honors all aspects of who you are. His journey from Hollywood heartbreak back to his Florida roots is ultimately a story about coming home—not just geographically, but emotionally and spiritually—to the place and people where he truly belongs.
Blake Anderson Hanley may have first gained attention as Emily Wickersham’s husband, but he has long since established his own identity as a talented musician, dedicated attorney, loving partner, and devoted father. His legacy won’t be defined by a famous marriage but by the music he creates, the families he helps, and the authentic, purposeful life he continues to build.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Blake Anderson Hanley’s primary profession?
Blake Anderson Hanley successfully balances two careers: he is the lead vocalist and songwriter for the indie rock band Ghost Lion, and he also works as a family law attorney specializing in divorce and domestic violence cases. He currently practices law in Palm Beach, Florida, while continuing to perform and write music with his band. This dual career path allows him to express his creativity through music while making a tangible difference in people’s lives through his legal work.
2. How long were Blake Anderson Hanley and Emily Wickersham married?
Blake Anderson Hanley and Emily Wickersham were married for approximately eight years. They wed on November 23, 2010, in an intimate ceremony on Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys, with Blake’s brother Drew officiating. Their marriage ended in divorce in December 2018. Both have maintained respectful privacy about the reasons for their separation and have since moved on to new relationships and started families with new partners.
3. Does Blake Anderson Hanley have any children?
Yes, Blake Anderson Hanley has one daughter named Muoni, born in May 2020. Her name means “peace,” reflecting the joy and tranquility she brought to Blake’s life after his divorce from Emily Wickersham. Blake shares his daughter with his current partner, Mumbi O’Brien, a visual artist and costume designer. Blake frequently shares his love for fatherhood on social media and has joked about potentially forming a family band with Muoni one day.
4. What is Ghost Lion’s most famous song?
Ghost Lion is best known for their song “Wrong Guy,” though the band has released several well-received tracks including “Shattered Glass,” “Path,” and “Wolves” from their debut EP “Dim Echo” (released in November 2016). Their music blends indie rock with tropical influences and explores themes of loneliness, faith, love, and existential questions. Blake’s songwriting is characterized by emotional honesty and vulnerability, with many songs addressing themes of stepping out of hiding and overcoming personal struggles.
5. What is Blake Anderson Hanley’s net worth in 2025?
Blake Anderson Hanley’s estimated net worth ranges between $1-3 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from multiple sources, including revenue from his music career with Ghost Lion (performances, streaming royalties, and merchandise), his work as a family law attorney, and various assets including a vintage 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC. While public interest law doesn’t typically offer the high salaries of corporate law, Blake’s dual careers and growing reputation in both music and legal circles have provided him with financial stability and success.
