Nieku Manshadi: Elizabeth Lail’s Husband & Pediatric Dentist
Nieku Manshadi is a 42-year-old American pediatric dentist who gained public attention after marrying actress Elizabeth Lail in 2021. He specializes in treating children with special needs.
Early Life and Background
Nieku Manshadi was born on March 27, 1982, in the United States. He comes from a family with Iranian roots, which contributes to his diverse cultural background. His parents, Farzin and Mojgan Manshadi, played a significant role in shaping his values and work ethic, emphasizing the importance of education and dedication to one’s chosen field.
Growing up in an environment that valued academic achievement, Nieku was encouraged to pursue higher education. He has a sibling named Leila Manshadi, who also chose a career in dentistry, highlighting the family’s inclination toward healthcare professions.
Education and Academic Achievements
Nieku’s educational journey began with his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior in 2004. This strong foundation in biological sciences prepared him for his future career in dentistry.
Following his undergraduate education, Nieku continued his academic pursuit at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. There, he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) degree in 2007, marking the beginning of his professional career in dentistry.
Not content with general dentistry, Nieku decided to specialize in pediatric dentistry. He enrolled at Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, where he completed his residency program and earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Pediatric Dentistry in 2009. This specialization allowed him to focus on providing dental care specifically tailored to children’s needs.
Professional Career
Nieku Manshadi has established himself as a dedicated pediatric dentist with a focus on treating children with special needs and those who experience anxiety during dental procedures. His professional approach combines technical expertise with compassion, making dental visits less intimidating for young patients.
Specialization and Expertise
As a pediatric dentist, Nieku is licensed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, which certifies his qualification to provide specialized dental care to children. His expertise extends beyond routine dental procedures, as he is also trained to administer oral conscious sedation to patients who experience anxiety during dental treatments. This skill is particularly valuable when working with children who may find dental visits stressful or frightening.
Nieku’s professional focus on treating children with special needs demonstrates his commitment to inclusive healthcare. By adapting his approach to accommodate the unique requirements of each patient, he ensures that all children have access to quality dental care regardless of their specific challenges.
Professional Positions and Contributions
Throughout his career, Nieku has held various professional positions that have allowed him to apply and expand his expertise. He has worked as an associate pediatric dentist at Carnaval Children’s Dentistry and continues to contribute his skills at several dental practices, including Safari Dental & Orthodontics and Victoria Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.
In addition to his clinical work, Nieku co-founded OrthoDent Management PLLC, an organization dedicated to managing dental practices and enhancing patient care. This entrepreneurial venture reflects his commitment to improving the dental healthcare system beyond his individual practice.
Humanitarian Work
Nieku’s dedication to dental healthcare extends beyond his regular practice in the United States. He has participated in international outreach programs, providing mobile dental care to underserved communities in countries such as Ecuador and the Philippines. These humanitarian efforts demonstrate his commitment to making dental care accessible to those with limited healthcare resources.
By traveling to areas where dental care is scarce, Nieku has contributed to addressing global healthcare disparities. His willingness to use his skills for humanitarian purposes highlights his understanding of healthcare as not just a profession but also a means to make a positive impact on communities in need.
Personal Life and Relationship with Elizabeth Lail
While Nieku Manshadi had maintained a relatively low profile throughout his professional career, his personal life gained public attention when he began dating and eventually married American actress Elizabeth Lail, known for her roles in Netflix’s “You” and as Anna in “Once Upon a Time.”

Meeting and Courtship
Nieku and Elizabeth met in a rather traditional way – at a mutual friend’s party in Williamsburg. As Elizabeth herself described it, “We met the good old-fashioned way – at a mutual friend’s party in Williamsburg.” This chance encounter led to a connection that would eventually blossom into a romantic relationship.
Their relationship developed naturally as they discovered shared interests and values. Despite Elizabeth’s public profile as an actress, the couple managed to maintain a relatively private relationship, keeping many details of their courtship away from the public eye.
Engagement
After dating for some time, Nieku proposed to Elizabeth during a weekend getaway to Montauk, New York, in August 2020. The proposal took place in a romantic setting – on the beach at sunset while they were making s’mores by a bonfire. Adding a sentimental touch to the occasion, Nieku proposed with Elizabeth’s grandmother’s wedding ring, incorporating family heritage into this significant moment.
Elizabeth later shared details of this special moment, saying, “We were at our little bonfire during sunset on the beach making s’mores when Nieku proposed with my grandmother’s wedding ring.” This thoughtful gesture reflected the couple’s appreciation for family connections and traditions.
Wedding
Nieku and Elizabeth exchanged vows on April 24, 2021, at Hasbrouck House in Stone Ridge, New York. This venue held special significance for the couple as it was where they had spent their first anniversary together. As Elizabeth explained, “It felt right returning to a place from our story and sharing it with those we love.”
Their wedding took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly influenced their planning and guest list. Instead of the large celebration they might have had in different circumstances, the couple opted for an intimate gathering with only 22 guests, consisting of close family and friends. Most guests were vaccinated, and those who weren’t were encouraged to test and quarantine before attending.
Elizabeth commented on their pandemic wedding planning, saying, “We planned everything with COVID in mind! I think we could have easily invited 200 people had it been another time. We decided not to wait, and just invite family to keep it safe for everyone. We were also the only guests on property, which gave us peace of mind to be in our own little bubble.”
Despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic, the couple created a meaningful celebration that reflected their relationship and values. The intimate nature of the wedding allowed them to share their special day with their closest loved ones in a safe and personal way.
Married Life
Since their wedding, Nieku and Elizabeth have continued to maintain a relatively private married life. While Elizabeth’s career keeps her in the public eye to some extent, the couple has chosen to keep many aspects of their relationship away from media attention.
A year after their wedding, they returned to Hasbrouck House to celebrate their first anniversary, continuing to honor the significance of this location in their relationship. This gesture demonstrates their appreciation for the meaningful places and moments in their shared history.
Physical Attributes and Personal Traits
Nieku Manshadi stands at 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighs approximately 143 pounds (65 kg). He has black hair and dark brown eyes. Beyond these physical characteristics, Nieku is known for his dedication to his profession and his compassionate approach to pediatric dentistry.
His choice of specialization in pediatric dentistry, particularly focusing on children with special needs, reflects his patient and caring nature. Working effectively with children requires not only technical dental skills but also the ability to create a comfortable and reassuring environment, suggesting that Nieku possesses these interpersonal qualities.
While maintaining a low public profile before his relationship with Elizabeth Lail, Nieku has been described as someone who views his work not merely as a career but as “an opportunity and privilege to make dental visits enjoyable for kids and their parents.” This perspective demonstrates his service-oriented approach to his profession.
Professional Achievements and Net Worth
Throughout his career as a pediatric dentist, Nieku has achieved significant professional success. His specialized training, combined with his dedication to providing quality dental care to children, has established him as a respected practitioner in his field.
Career Milestones
After completing his education and specialized training, Nieku obtained licensing from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, allowing him to practice as a pediatric dentist in the United States. This credential recognizes his expertise in providing dental care specifically tailored to children’s needs.
His co-founding of OrthoDent Management PLLC represents another professional milestone, demonstrating his interest in improving dental practice management and patient care on a broader scale. This venture shows his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to advancing his field beyond his individual practice.
Nieku’s international humanitarian work, providing dental care in underserved areas of countries like Ecuador and the Philippines, stands as another significant achievement. These efforts highlight his commitment to using his professional skills to make a positive impact globally.
Financial Success
According to various sources, Nieku Manshadi has an estimated net worth of approximately $3 million. This financial success is the result of his years of education, specialized training, and dedicated work as a pediatric dentist.
His financial status has allowed him to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while continuing to pursue his professional goals and humanitarian interests. Despite his substantial net worth, Nieku is reported to prefer maintaining his privacy rather than embracing a celebrity lifestyle, which aligns with his generally low-key approach to public attention.
Cultural Background and Identity
Nieku Manshadi has Iranian heritage, which adds a multicultural dimension to his identity. As the son of Farzin Manshadi, who is of Iranian descent, Nieku represents the successful integration of diverse cultural influences in American society.
While specific details about how his Iranian heritage has influenced his life and career are not extensively documented in public sources, cultural background often plays a significant role in shaping values, perspectives, and life choices. The emphasis on education and professional achievement that characterized Nieku’s upbringing may reflect cultural values transmitted through his family.
In the context of his relationship with Elizabeth Lail, their marriage represents a union that bridges different cultural backgrounds and professional worlds – his Iranian-American heritage and medical profession with her American background and acting career.
Public Perception and Media Presence
Unlike his wife Elizabeth Lail, who works in the public eye as an actress, Nieku Manshadi has maintained a relatively low media profile throughout most of his life. His public recognition primarily stems from his relationship and marriage to Elizabeth rather than his professional work.
Limited Media Exposure
Before his relationship with Elizabeth became public, Nieku lived and worked outside the spotlight, focusing on his career as a pediatric dentist. Even after their relationship gained media attention, he has continued to maintain a relatively private presence, with limited appearances in media coverage.
This preference for privacy is consistent with his professional background in healthcare, where confidentiality and discretion are valued traits. His choice to remain somewhat removed from the celebrity culture that surrounds his wife’s profession reflects a personal decision to maintain boundaries between his professional life and public exposure.
Relationship with Elizabeth Lail
The public’s interest in Nieku increased significantly when his relationship with Elizabeth Lail became known. As an actress with roles in popular shows like Netflix’s “You” and “Once Upon a Time,” Elizabeth has a substantial public following, which naturally extended some attention to her partner.
Their relationship has been portrayed positively in media coverage, with their wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic described as intimate and meaningful despite the limitations imposed by health concerns. The couple’s approach to planning a wedding during challenging circumstances has been presented as thoughtful and responsible.
Comparative Analysis: Celebrity Relationships
The relationship between Nieku Manshadi and Elizabeth Lail offers an interesting case study in celebrity-non-celebrity partnerships. Unlike relationships where both partners are in the entertainment industry, their union bridges the worlds of healthcare and entertainment.
Professional Contrast
Nieku’s career as a pediatric dentist represents a stark contrast to Elizabeth’s work as an actress. While her profession involves public performance and media attention, his work requires privacy, confidentiality, and a different kind of interpersonal skill focused on patient care rather than public engagement.
This professional contrast may provide balance in their relationship, with each partner bringing different perspectives and experiences to their shared life. Elizabeth’s public-facing career and Nieku’s more private professional work create a complementary dynamic that allows them to support each other in different ways.
Privacy Management
Many celebrity couples face challenges in managing privacy and public attention. Nieku and Elizabeth appear to have established boundaries that allow them to maintain a relatively private personal life while acknowledging the public interest that comes with Elizabeth’s career.
Their wedding exemplifies this balanced approach – while they shared some details about their special day with publications like Brides magazine, they kept the ceremony itself small and intimate, prioritizing personal meaning over public spectacle. This approach suggests a thoughtful negotiation of the tensions between public interest and personal privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nieku Manshadi meet Elizabeth Lail?
Nieku Manshadi met Elizabeth Lail at a mutual friend’s party in Williamsburg. As Elizabeth described it, they met “the good old-fashioned way” through social connections rather than through professional networks or dating apps. This chance meeting led to their relationship and eventual marriage.
What is Nieku Manshadi’s profession?
Nieku Manshadi is a pediatric dentist licensed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He specializes in treating children, particularly those with special needs, and provides oral conscious sedation to patients who experience anxiety during dental procedures. His work includes both regular clinical practice and humanitarian outreach to underserved communities.
When did Nieku Manshadi and Elizabeth Lail get married?
Nieku Manshadi and Elizabeth Lail got married on April 24, 2021, at Hasbrouck House in Stone Ridge, New York. Their wedding was an intimate ceremony with only 22 guests due to COVID-19 restrictions. The venue held special significance for the couple as it was where they had spent their first anniversary together.
What is Nieku Manshadi’s educational background?
Nieku Manshadi earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California, Davis, in 2004. He then obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, in 2007. He completed his specialization in pediatric dentistry at Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, earning a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in 2009.
What is Nieku Manshadi’s ethnicity?
Nieku Manshadi has Iranian heritage. His father, Farzin Manshadi, is of Iranian descent, giving Nieku a multicultural background that combines Iranian and American influences.

Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies