Justin Cassotta became a familiar name to entertainment fans after his marriage to actress Taylor Dooley, who won hearts as Lavagirl in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl. While Taylor built a career in front of the camera, Justin took the opposite path and stayed almost entirely out of the public eye. That contrast is exactly what makes people curious about him. This article breaks down his background, his marriage, his career, and where he stands today, using verified details rather than guesswork.
Quick Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Justin Cassotta |
| Date of Birth | November 14, 1982 |
| Age (2026) | 43 years old |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| High School | Valencia High School (graduated 2001) |
| Occupation | Elevator services professional |
| Known For | Ex-husband of actress Taylor Dooley |
| Spouse | Taylor Dooley (married 2016, separated August 2021) |
| Children | Jack Alexander Cassotta (b. November 2016), Adaline Joan Cassotta (b. March 2019) |
| Employers | ThyssenKrupp Elevator; later Amtech Elevator Services |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $500,000 |
Early Life and Education
Justin Cassotta was born on November 14, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, a city built around the entertainment industry. Despite growing up close to Hollywood’s glamour, he never pursued acting or public work of any kind. His upbringing appears rooted in everyday middle-class values rather than celebrity culture.
He attended Valencia High School and graduated in 2001. He then went on to earn a college degree, though the exact institution and major have not been widely documented. This steady, education-first path set the tone for the practical career he would later build.
Career in the Elevator Industry
Before meeting Taylor Dooley, Justin worked for ThyssenKrupp Elevator, a major company in the elevator and escalator maintenance business. The role required technical skill and consistent, hands-on problem-solving rather than public visibility, which suited his low-key personality well.
In 2022, he transitioned to Amtech Elevator Services, continuing in the same field. His career has remained stable and unremarkable in the best sense of the word: steady income, dependable work, and no interest in leveraging his connection to a Hollywood actress for personal branding or promotion.
Marriage to Taylor Dooley
Justin met Taylor Dooley when she was around 21 years old, several years after her breakout role as Lavagirl. The two dated quietly for years before getting engaged in 2014. They married in a private ceremony in May 2016, avoiding the large public weddings common among celebrity couples.
Taylor has spoken about how Justin brought calm and stability into her life at a time when she was still adjusting to adulthood after a childhood spent in Hollywood. Their relationship largely stayed out of tabloids, which reflected both partners’ shared preference for privacy over public attention.
Children and Family Life
Justin and Taylor welcomed two children during their marriage. Their son, Jack Alexander Cassotta, was born in November 2016, and their daughter, Adaline Joan Cassotta, arrived in March 2019. The couple made a consistent effort to shield their kids from social media exposure and public scrutiny.
Even after the marriage ended, both parents have prioritized co-parenting over conflict. Justin continues to play an active role in his children’s lives, and reports describe him as a hands-on, dependable father who values family time above public recognition.
Separation From Taylor Dooley
In August 2021, Justin and Taylor announced their separation after roughly five years of marriage. There were no dramatic statements or public disputes. Fans mostly noticed the change when Taylor began removing wedding photos from her social media accounts.
Both parties handled the split with notable maturity, avoiding public blame and focusing instead on their children’s well-being. Justin never commented publicly on the separation, staying consistent with the private approach he has maintained throughout his adult life. Taylor has since moved forward and remarried.
Where Is Justin Cassotta Now?
As of 2026, Justin Cassotta lives a quiet life in California, balancing his career in elevator services with raising his two children. He keeps a low social media presence, using a private Instagram account rather than a public one built for followers or attention.
His estimated net worth sits around $500,000, built entirely through steady employment rather than any entertainment income. Outside of work and parenting, he reportedly enjoys jazz music and attending live concerts, a personal interest that gives a small glimpse into his life beyond the “celebrity ex” label.
Conclusion
Justin Cassotta’s story stands out precisely because it avoids the usual celebrity-adjacent drama. He built a stable career, raised two children, and handled a high-profile divorce with quiet dignity. His life proves that staying grounded and private can be its own kind of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Justin Cassotta?
Justin Cassotta is an American elevator services professional best known as the ex-husband of actress Taylor Dooley, who played Lavagirl in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl.
How old is Justin Cassotta?
Justin Cassotta was born on November 14, 1982, making him 43 years old in 2026.
Does Justin Cassotta have children?
Yes. He has two children with Taylor Dooley: son Jack Alexander Cassotta, born in November 2016, and daughter Adaline Joan Cassotta, born in March 2019.
When did Justin Cassotta and Taylor Dooley divorce?
The couple announced their separation in August 2021 after about five years of marriage.
What does Justin Cassotta do for a living?
He works in the elevator services industry, having worked for ThyssenKrupp Elevator before moving to Amtech Elevator Services in 2022.
