André Murillo is a German-American former professional basketball player who is widely known as the devoted husband of Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Tori Kelly. Born on 18 May 1990 in Bremerhaven, Germany, André built a life shaped by sport, faith, personal struggle, and unwavering love. His story goes far beyond the basketball court. From surviving a near-fatal stabbing to becoming a supportive partner through Tori’s health crisis, André Murillo has shown time and time again that his greatest strength lies in who he is as a person.
Detailed Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | André Christian Murillo |
| Date of Birth | 18 May 1990 |
| Age | 35 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Bremerhaven, Germany |
| Nationality | German-American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (German and American) |
| Height | 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) |
| Parents | Michael Murillo (father), Vera Murillo (mother) |
| Siblings | Michelle Murillo (sister), Terrence (brother) |
| Education | El Toro High School; Concordia University Irvine; Biola University (BA in Biblical Studies) |
| Profession | Former Professional Basketball Player, Basketball Trainer |
| Teams Played | Hamburg Towers, Rostock Seawolves (German Pro A League) |
| Spouse | Tori Kelly (married 20 May 2018) |
| Children | Zayden Michael Murillo (born 11 November 2025) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $800,000 (2026) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Early Life and Family Background
André Christian Murillo was born in Bremerhaven, Germany, to his father Michael Murillo, a former U.S. Army serviceman, and his German mother, Vera Murillo. He grew up with two siblings, a sister named Michelle and a brother named Terrence. At the age of 12, his family relocated to the United States, and André settled in Lake Forest, California, where he spent most of his formative years.
Growing up, André showed a keen interest in multiple sports including basketball, football, and baseball. He attended El Toro High School in Lake Forest, where his natural talent on the basketball court quickly stood out. He earned both the team MVP and Sea View League MVP titles during his high school career, which laid a solid foundation for what was to come in his athletic journey.
Education and College Career
After high school, André enrolled at Concordia University Irvine, where he continued playing basketball at the college level. However, his time at Concordia was cut short due to a life-changing and deeply traumatic incident, which led him to leave the university.
He later transferred to Biola University, a private Christian institution in La Mirada, California. It was here that André turned his life around. He studied Biblical Studies and excelled on the court, recording impressive stats of 15.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in his graduating season. Biola became the place where André rebuilt himself, both spiritually and athletically.
The Stabbing Incident That Changed Everything
One of the most defining moments in André Murillo’s life came in 2009 during his time at Concordia University. He was involved in a serious altercation at a party where he was stabbed, and the injuries were severe. His heart and lungs were both pierced, requiring multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation.
The near-death experience pushed André into a dark period. He admitted in a 2012 interview with Biola University that he turned to drugs in the aftermath, was placed on probation, and was eventually dismissed from Concordia. However, this rock-bottom moment became a turning point. He found his faith, reconnected with his purpose, and transferred to Biola, where his life began moving in a positive direction once again.
Professional Basketball Career
André Murillo turned his college success into a professional career after graduating from Biola University in 2013. In 2014, he signed with the Hamburg Towers in Germany’s Pro A Basketball League. During his time with the Hamburg Towers, he averaged around 9.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, proving himself as a reliable forward in the league.
He later moved to the Rostock Seawolves, another German professional team, where he continued to develop as a player. He also had stints in countries including the Philippines, Spain, and Mexico during his career. Unfortunately, a serious injury in 2019 forced him to retire from professional basketball. Since retiring, André has channelled his knowledge into coaching and basketball training through his own business, Blueboard Inc.
His Relationship with Tori Kelly
André Murillo and Tori Kelly first met in 2016, and the two quickly built a close connection rooted in shared faith and mutual respect. They got engaged in 2017, and on 20 May 2018, they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on a picturesque cliff in Los Angeles, California. Tori later described the day as “the most magical day ever.”
Their path to marriage was not without challenges. Tori Kelly wrote a song called “Change Your Mind” which touched on the early resistance from her parents, including her father’s initial refusal to give his blessing for their relationship. Despite that early friction, the couple moved forward with strength, and their bond has only grown deeper over the years. In a 2018 interview with Us Weekly, Tori described André as her best friend, saying, “It’s so special to have your best friend as a partner and get to do life together.”
Standing By Tori Through Her 2023 Health Scare
In July 2023, Tori Kelly collapsed while out with friends in downtown Los Angeles and was rushed to hospital. Doctors discovered blood clots in her legs and lungs, and the situation was described by those close to the couple as “really serious.” André stepped up immediately, keeping fans informed through social media and offering calm, heartfelt updates about his wife’s condition.
He shared a message on Instagram confirming that Tori was “smiling again” and “feeling stronger,” which brought enormous relief to her fanbase around the world. His composure and dedication during that difficult time showed just how deeply committed he is to Tori. The experience brought the couple even closer together and gave André a very public moment to demonstrate his devotion.
Welcoming Baby Zayden in 2025
After years of marriage and navigating life’s highs and lows together, André Murillo and Tori Kelly entered a brand new chapter of their lives in 2025. In July, Tori announced her pregnancy through a heartwarming video on social media, where she and André were seen holding hands and kissing on the beach while she sang an unreleased song with the lyrics, “I’m ready for what comes next, let’s make a baby.”
On 11 November 2025, the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Zayden Michael Murillo. Tori shared the joyful news on Instagram with a sweet post featuring a photo of Zayden’s tiny feet alongside the family dogs. The couple wrote, “We love you so much, sweet boy.” The arrival of Zayden, born on the memorable date 11.11.25, was celebrated as a true gift for a couple who had already been through so much together.
Conclusion
André Murillo is far more than just a celebrity spouse. He is a man who rebuilt his life after extraordinary setbacks, committed himself to his faith, and built a loving family with one of music’s most celebrated voices. From the basketball courts of Germany to the delivery room in November 2025, his journey reflects resilience, loyalty, and quiet strength. As a husband, a father to baby Zayden, and a man of deep faith, André Murillo has truly written a life story worth knowing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is André Murillo?
André Murillo is a German-American former professional basketball player. He is best known as the husband of Grammy-winning singer Tori Kelly. He was born on 18 May 1990 in Bremerhaven, Germany.
2. When did André Murillo and Tori Kelly get married?
André Murillo and Tori Kelly got married on 20 May 2018. Their intimate ceremony took place on a cliff in Los Angeles, California. They got engaged in 2017 after dating since 2016.
3. Does André Murillo have children?
Yes. André Murillo and Tori Kelly welcomed their first child, a son named Zayden Michael Murillo, on 11 November 2025. Tori announced the birth on Instagram on 16 November 2025.
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