Carlos Tarajano was the first husband of actress Kelly Rutherford. He was known for his banking career. Despite their lavish wedding, their marriage was short-lived due to his health struggles. He passed away at 33 in 2004.
Carlos Tarajano is widely known as the first husband of the American actress Kelly Rutherford.
Kelly Rutherford is an acclaimed actress who has appeared in various television shows and soap operas, including Generations, Melrose Place, and Gossip Girl.
In this article, let’s have a look into the life of Kelly Rutherford’s ex-husband, Carlos Tarajano.
Quick Bio
| Name | Carlos Tarajano |
| Gender | Male |
| Famous as | Kelly Rutherford’s Ex-Husband |
| Date of Birth | December 20, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Puerto Rico |
| Age (at time of death) | 33 years |
| Date of Death | November 2, 2004 |
| Parents | Not known |
| Spouse | Kelly Rutherford |
| Nationality | Venezuelan |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Children | None |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
Who was Carlos Tarajano?
Carlos Tarajano was the ex-husband of Gossip Girl actress Kelly Rutherford. Born on December 20, 1970, in Puerto Rico, Carlos belongs to a Cuban heritage.
Carlos spent his early life in Spain, Mexico, and Venezuela. He lived a life away from the spotlight and public media.
There is not much information present about the early life of Carlos Tarajano and details such as his parents and siblings are not available.
He mainly rose to prominence after his marriage to Kelly Rutherford. Unfortunately, their relationship did not last long and ended next year.
Carlos Tarajano died on November 2, 2004, at the age of 33.
Educational Background
Carlos Tarajano lived in New York for almost eleven years and attended college in Boston.
Apart from this, there is no specific information available about Carlos’ educational background. The institutions he attended and the degree he earned remain unknown.
Professional Career
Carlos Tarajano was known for his remarkable career in the banking sector and made significant contributions to the industry.
He was a successful bond trader and vice-president of one of the largest banks in the world before experiencing a cardiac arrest that led to significant challenges in his life.
Marriage to Kelly Rutherford
Carlos Tarajano and Kelly Rutherford got married in a lavish, media-covered church wedding in Beverly Hills in June 2001.
Their relationship began with dating for a year before they tied the knot on June 30, 2001. It was love at first sight when Carlos and Kelly met in a restaurant.
Carlos presented Kelly with a stunning engagement ring featuring a three-carat emerald-cut diamond, elegantly accompanied by tapered baguette diamonds on either side.
According to the New York Times, the bride wore a Carolina Herrera dress on her wedding day and 140 guests danced to salsa music in the Sunset Room of the Beverly Hills Hotel.
The marriage was marked by challenges, as Carlos Tarajano was diagnosed with a serious heart condition shortly after the wedding.
Despite his recovery, the couple eventually divorced, with Kelly Rutherford filing for divorce.
The couple remained married for approximately 6 months, from June 30, 2001, to January 11, 2002.
Who is Kelly Rutherford?
Kelly Rutherford is a celebrated American actress, known for her versatile performances in various television shows.
Born on November 6, 1968, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, she has left a significant mark on the entertainment industry.
Kelly is mainly recognized for her portrayal of Lily van der Woodsen in the widely acclaimed series “Gossip Girl.”
Her role of Lily earned her worldwide recognition and she appeared in all six seasons of this series.
In addition, Kelly has played characters such as Stephanie “Sam” Whitmore on “Generations,” Megan Lewis on “Melrose Place” (1996- 1999), and Dixie Cousins on “The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.”
In her personal life, Kelly has been married twice. Her first marriage was with Carlos Tarajano, from June 2001 to January 2002.
She later got married to Daniel Giersch from August 2006 to June 2010. During this marriage, Kelly welcomed two children, a son named Hermes and a daughter named Helena.
How Did Carlos and Kelly’s Relationship End?
Carlos Tarajano and Kelly Rutherford’s relationship ended due to significant challenges that arose after Carlos was diagnosed with a serious heart condition after their marriage.
Despite Kelly Rutherford’s initial support during his recovery, their marriage faced strain. Carlos claimed that Kelly became more distant during this time.
Ultimately, their relationship ended with Kelly Rutherford filing for divorce on January 11, 2002.
Carlos Tarajano’s Net Worth
According to the available sources, there is no information present about the net worth of Carlos Tarajano.
On the other hand, his ex-wife, Kelly Rutherford has an estimated net worth of $1 million. This value is mainly attributed to her successful acting career in the entertainment industry.
Some sources even state a higher net worth amount for Kelly Rutherford; however, the exact figure remains unknown.
Carlos Tarajano’s Death
Carlos Tarajan suffered an untimely death on November 2, 2004, at the age of 33.
The cause of Carlos Tarajano’s death was not officially released, but many believe that he passed away due to his heart condition.
Carlos Tarajano faced significant health challenges. He faced a cardiac arrest in 2001 that led to a decline in his cognitive abilities and a difficult rehabilitation process.