Blake Anderson Hanley is a multi-talented American figure best known for successfully combining two very different careers, music and law. Born in 1984 in Palm Beach, Florida, he first gained recognition as the lead singer of the indie rock band Ghost Lion, where his soulful voice and meaningful lyrics captured audiences. Over time, Blake made an inspiring transition into law, becoming a respected family and divorce attorney in Los Angeles. While some may recognize him as the former husband of actress Emily Wickersham, his journey goes far beyond that. Blake’s life represents balance, blending creativity, intellect, and compassion as he continues to inspire through both his music and legal service.
Blake Anderson Hanley Profile Summary
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Blake Anderson Hanley |
| Date of Birth | March 2, 1984 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 41 years old |
| Place of Birth | Palm Beach, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Musician, Family & Divorce Attorney |
| Famous As | Lead singer of Ghost Lion, Emily Wickersham’s ex-husband |
| Father | Daniel Hanley (Former Australian footballer) |
| Mother | Denise Hanley (Educator) |
| Sibling | Drew Hanley (Brother) |
| Education | Palm Beach State College; Palm Beach Atlantic University (B.A. in Communication & Media Studies); Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Current Spouse | Mumbi O’Brien (Visual Artist & Costume Designer) |
| Ex-Spouse | Emily Wickersham (Actress) |
| Children | One daughter — Muoni (born May 2020) |
| Religion | Christian (not publicly confirmed) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 10 in (not officially listed) |
| Known For | Dual career in music and law; lead vocalist of Ghost Lion |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $500,000 – $1 million |
| Father’s Profession | Former Essendon Football Club player (VFL) |
| Mother’s Profession | School Teacher |
| Instagram Handle | @blakehansolo |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Early Life and Family Background
Blake Anderson Hanley was born and raised in Palm Beach, Florida, in a supportive and cultured household that valued both education and creativity. His father, Daniel Hanley, was a former athlete who played for the Essendon Football Club in Australia’s Victorian Football League, instilling discipline and determination in his children. His mother, Denise Hanley, was a dedicated educator who encouraged Blake’s love for learning, art, and communication.
Growing up alongside his brother Drew Hanley, Blake developed a strong sense of balance between creative expression and personal responsibility. His upbringing in a multicultural family with Australian roots exposed him to diverse experiences and values that would later shape his dual careers in music and law.
Education and Academic Journey
Blake’s educational journey reflects his deep commitment to personal growth and intellectual curiosity. He began his studies at Palm Beach State College, where he built a foundation in the humanities and communication. Later, he earned a degree in Communication and Media Studies from Palm Beach Atlantic University, an experience that strengthened his creative and analytical thinking.
His academic path took a new turn when he moved to Los Angeles to attend Southwestern Law School, where he pursued his passion for justice and advocacy. While studying law, Blake became Vice President of the Music Law Society, merging his love for music with his interest in legal systems. This blend of creativity and structure would later define his unique professional identity as a musician who understands both melody and meaning, performance and purpose.
Flourishing Music Career
Before entering the legal field, Blake made his mark as a musician. He was the lead vocalist and songwriter for the American indie rock band Ghost Lion, known for its emotional and reflective sound. The group’s music blended indie rock, pop, and lyrical storytelling, creating an atmosphere that resonated with themes of hope, self-discovery, and resilience.
Ghost Lion’s popular songs like “Shot the Sun Down” and “Sinking Stones” showcased Blake’s ability to write meaningful lyrics paired with melodic intensity. His performances were heartfelt and powerful, winning him a dedicated fan base. Although Ghost Lion never became a mainstream sensation, its influence within the indie scene remains strong. Blake’s time with the band demonstrated his artistic depth and ability to connect emotionally with audiences.
Transition from Music to Law
After years of performing, Blake Anderson Hanley made a life-changing decision to transition from the stage to the courtroom. His decision to enter law came from a desire for stability and a deeper sense of service. In 2015, he began working as a Law Clerk at the Inner City Law Center in Los Angeles, where he helped underprivileged families with legal issues.
Blake’s journey from musician to attorney was not easy, but it was guided by empathy and purpose. His ability to understand human emotions, a skill sharpened through songwriting,g became a powerful asset in handling sensitive legal matters. Later, he joined Fine Law PC and Bruce Law Firm, where he focused on family law, divorce cases, and domestic violence. His story reflects a rare combination of artistry and compassion applied to helping others rebuild their lives.
Legal Career and Achievements
Today, Blake Anderson Hanley is a respected family and divorce attorney based in Los Angeles. He specializes in cases involving custody disputes, domestic violence, and marital settlements, where his empathy and communication skills stand out. His approach combines professionalism with humanity, offering clients understanding and guidance during difficult times.
Blake’s work in law reflects his commitment to community and justice. His success as an attorney proves that reinvention is possible, that creativity and compassion can thrive even in structured fields. Through his legal work, he continues to touch lives, demonstrating that his impact extends far beyond music.
Marriage to Emily Wickersham
Blake Anderson Hanley’s personal life gained public attention when he married actress Emily Wickersham on November 23, 2010, in an intimate ceremony on Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. Their wedding, attended by close friends and family, was a celebration of love and simplicity. Blake’s brother, Drew Hanley, officiated the ceremony.
The couple shared nearly eight years of marriage before separating in 2018, keeping their relationship and divorce extremely private. Emily is widely recognized for her role as Special Agent Eleanor Bishop on the hit CBS series NCIS. Despite their split, Blake and Emily handled the transition with mutual respect, focusing on maintaining their privacy and dignity.
Who is Emily Wickersham?
Emily Wickersham is an American actress best known for playing Special Agent Eleanor Bishop on the popular TV series NCIS. She was born on April 26, 1984, in Kansas, Missouri, and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Over her career, she has appeared in films like Gone and I Am Number Four and TV shows such as The Sopranos and NCIS: New Orleans. Emily gained widespread fame for her role on NCIS, where she appeared from 2013 to 2021. After leaving the show, she chose to focus on her personal life and family, especially raising her son, Cassius, with her partner James Badge Dale.
Second Marriage – Mumbi O’Brien and Family Life
Following his divorce, Blake found love again with Mumbi O’Brien, a talented visual artist and costume designer. Their relationship blossomed quietly, based on mutual respect and creative connection. The couple later married in a private ceremony, continuing Blake’s preference for a low-profile personal life.
In May 2020, they welcomed their daughter Muoni, whose name means “peace.” Becoming a father transformed Blake’s outlook on life, reinforcing his belief in balance and purpose. His family now forms the center of his happiness, and his bond with Mumbi and Muoni reflects love, creativity, and stability.
Career Balance – Music and Law
Blake Anderson Hanley’s career beautifully bridges the gap between two contrasting worlds: music and law. Though he now focuses primarily on his legal practice, he continues to merge creativity with advocacy by helping artists and musicians navigate legal challenges. This unique niche allows him to remain connected to his artistic roots while using his legal expertise to protect others’ rights.
He has also expressed interest in returning to music in some capacity, possibly through collaborations or personal projects that reflect his artistic growth. Blake’s ability to maintain both passions shows that reinvention does not mean letting go of one’s first love; it means evolving with it.
Challenges and Turning Points
Blake’s life has not been without challenges. His marriage and divorce brought public attention that tested his desire for privacy. Likewise, his career change from music to law required courage, patience, and determination. Critics doubted his decision to leave a creative profession, but Blake proved that adaptability and resilience could lead to success.
Through self-belief and hard work, he overcame these doubts and built a new identity grounded in service and integrity. His journey stands as an example of courageous reinvention, showing that it’s never too late to change paths and start anew.
Social Media Presence
Blake stays connected with his followers through his Instagram handle @blakehansolo, where he shares moments from his personal and professional life. His posts often feature glimpses of his family, daughter, and artistic projects, as well as reflections on life and justice.
Unlike many public figures, Blake uses social media thoughtfully, celebrating life’s simple moments rather than chasing publicity. His presence online mirrors his personality: authentic, kind, and quietly inspiring.
Financial Profile and Net Worth
Blake Anderson Hanley’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $1 million, built from his music career and his successful legal practice. His income streams include music royalties, live performance earnings, and consistent legal work in family law.
While his former wife, Emily Wickersham, has an estimated net worth of around $6 million, Blake has built his wealth independently. His financial journey reflects stability, independence, and steady growth, emphasizing substance over fame.
Current Projects and Future Aspirations
Blake continues to expand his work in law while supporting the artistic community through legal advocacy for musicians and creatives. His unique understanding of both industries positions him as a bridge between art and justice.
He also hints at exploring new music projects in the future, combining his legal insights with artistic storytelling. Blake’s long-term vision includes continuing to help others while staying true to his creative identity, proving that one can live a life full of purpose and multidimensional success.
Personality and Lifestyle
Blake Anderson Hanley is known for his calm, thoughtful, and disciplined personality. His dual career paths reflect his intellectual curiosity and emotional intelligence, showing how creativity and logic can coexist harmoniously.
In his personal life, Blake values privacy, balance, and family, often choosing meaningful connections over fame. His lifestyle is modest yet fulfilling, focused on personal growth, professional service, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Legacy and Influence
Blake’s life and career leave a strong impression on those who aspire to follow multiple passions. His journey from indie musician to respected attorney proves that identity is not limited to one profession or path.
Through his music, Blake inspired emotional honesty; through his law career, he offers compassion and guidance. His legacy is defined not by fame but by authenticity, reinvention, and service to others, qualities that will continue to inspire future generations.
Conclusion
Blake Anderson Hanley’s biography tells the story of a man who redefined success on his own terms. From performing as the lead singer of Ghost Lion to becoming a respected attorney and devoted father, his journey is marked by creativity, resilience, and growth.
His ability to evolve personally and professionally shows the power of balance between passion and purpose. Whether in the courtroom or behind a microphone, Blake continues to prove that authenticity and hard work can harmonize beautifully, leaving a legacy rooted in inspiration and humanity.
(FAQs)
1. Who is Blake Anderson Hanley?
Blake Anderson Hanley is an American musician and attorney, best known as the former lead singer of the indie rock band Ghost Lion and for his marriage to actress Emily Wickersham. Beyond fame, he has built a respected career as a family and divorce lawyer, blending creativity with compassion in his professional life.
2. When and where was Blake Anderson Hanley born?
Blake was born on March 2, 1984, in Palm Beach, Florida, USA. Growing up in a supportive and cultured family, he was influenced by both athletic discipline and artistic creativity. His upbringing encouraged him to explore diverse interests that later defined his unique career path.
3. What band was Blake Anderson Hanley part of?
Blake was the lead vocalist and songwriter for the band Ghost Lion, an indie rock group known for its emotional storytelling and unique sound. Songs like “Shot the Sun Down” and “Sinking Stones” highlight his expressive voice and lyrical depth, earning the band a loyal following.
4. How did Blake Anderson Hanley transition from music to law?
After years in the music industry, Blake decided to pursue a more stable and service-oriented path by studying law. He attended Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles and later specialized in family and divorce law. His empathy, creativity, and communication skills helped him excel as an attorney.
5. Who is Blake Anderson Hanley married to now?
Blake is currently married to Mumbi O’Brien, a visual artist and costume designer. The couple shares a strong creative bond and leads a private, family-focused life. Together, they have a daughter named Muoni, born in May 2020, whose name symbolizes peace.
6. Was Blake Anderson Hanley married to Emily Wickersham?
Yes, Blake married Emily Wickersham, best known for her role as Eleanor Bishop on NCIS, on November 23, 2010. Their intimate wedding was held on Little Palm Island, Florida, but after nearly eight years together, the couple quietly divorced in 2018, maintaining mutual respect and privacy.
7. What is Blake Anderson Hanley’s net worth?
Blake’s estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 and $1 million, earned through his work as a musician and family law attorney. His financial stability reflects years of hard work and independence, showing that success can be built on both passion and professionalism.
8. What makes Blake Anderson Hanley’s story inspiring?
Blake’s life is inspiring because he shows how one can successfully balance artistic passion and professional purpose. From performing on stage to advocating in court, he embodies resilience, adaptability, and authenticity. His journey proves that real fulfillment comes from growth, balance, and living with intention.
