Who Is Jarel Portman? Inside the Life of Traylor Howard’s Talented Husband

Have you ever heard the name Jarel Portman and wondered, “Who is this guy married to the actress from Monk?” Well, you’re not alone.

Jarel Portman may not be a big Hollywood star, but his life is full of interesting stories. He’s a successful businessman, a passionate musician, and yes — the husband of actress Traylor Howard, known for her roles in Monk and Two Guys and a Girl.

In today’s article, we’ll explore everything about Jarel Portman — his early life, career, love story with Traylor Howard, his music, family, and more. So, if you’re curious about the man behind the name, let’s begin!

Jarel Portman Quick Bio

Jarel Portman’s Early Life and Family Background

Jarel Portman was born on May 14, 1962, in Atlanta, Georgia, into a very well-known family. His father, John C. Portman Jr., was a world-famous architect and real estate developer. If you’ve ever seen a beautiful hotel or big office tower in the city, there’s a chance his father helped design it.

Jarel’s mother is Joan (or Jan) Newton, and he grew up with five siblings — four brothers and one sister. Their names are Jae, John Calvin III, Jeffrey Lin, Michael, and Jana Portman. The Portman family was big, busy, and full of creativity. They lived in a unique house called Entelechy, which became a special place filled with art, design, and family memories.

Growing up in a house where ideas and projects were always happening helped shape Jarel into the creative person he is today.

Jarel Portman’s Education and Childhood

Jarel didn’t grow up like everyone else. He was homeschooled for part of his childhood in South Carolina, where he spent quiet days learning at home. Later, he moved back to Atlanta and joined Lovett School, a well-known private school in the area.

At Lovett, Jarel was not just a student — he was active in sports. He played basketball and baseball, showing early signs of being a well-rounded and driven person.

After high school, he chose to study something practical. He went to Florida International University and earned a degree in hotel management. But he didn’t stop there. He continued his education at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, one of the top business schools for international leadership. This helped prepare him for the world of real estate and business.

Jarel Portman’s Career in Real Estate and Business

Even though his father was already a big name in real estate, Jarel didn’t jump in right away. Instead, he started at the bottom. In 1985, he worked as a hotel staff member at Hyatt in San Francisco, earning only $11,000 a year. To make extra money, he even sang in a local bar at night — something that shows how hardworking and creative he is.

Eventually, in 1987, Jarel moved to Los Angeles and joined his father’s company. He later became the Managing Director of Portman Holding, where he led important real estate projects. He focused on building Portman House, a group of luxury serviced apartments.

He didn’t stop there. Jarel later founded JPX Works, his own real estate company. This company works on special city projects, especially in Atlanta. His job includes:

• Finding the best places to build,

• Working with partners and teams,

• And making sure every building looks great and works well.

Even though Jarel came from a successful family, he built his own path with hard work, smart thinking, and a love for beautiful buildings.

Jarel Portman’s Music Career and Songs

Not many people know this, but Jarel Portman is also a musician. He can play the guitar and keyboard and has even released several songs and albums.

Music was always part of his life. Back when he worked at the hotel, he would sing in small bars to make ends meet. That love for music never went away.

Jarel has released three albums so far:

• Supersonic (2017)

• Coyotes Asleep on Our Lawns (2019)

• Isnotis (2020)

Some of his most popular songs include:

• Wish I Could Break

• Runaway Blues

• Brown Eyes

• The Architect

• Eyes Open Wide

His music is soft, thoughtful, and emotional — perfect for relaxing or thinking deeply. You can listen to his songs on Spotify, Apple Music, or SoundCloud. Fans love how he mixes real emotions with smooth tunes.

Jarel Portman and Traylor Howard’s Love Story

One of the sweetest parts of Jarel Portman’s life is his relationship with Traylor Howard, the actress we all loved as Natalie Teeger in Monk.

Jarel and Traylor first met in 2004. They became good friends and slowly grew closer. After about seven years of friendship, they decided to get married. On January 1, 2011, they tied the knot in a private ceremony with just close family and friends.

Traylor had been in a few relationships before. She had even dated Ryan Reynolds and George Clooney and was married twice — to Cameron Hall and Christian Navarro — before finding lasting love with Jarel.

Their story is simple but beautiful. They were friends first, then life partners — and now they live a peaceful, loving life together.

Jarel Portman’s Children and Family Life

Jarel and Traylor have a son together named Julien Portman, born in 2012. He’s their only child together, and they keep him out of the spotlight to give him a normal life.

But the family doesn’t stop there. Traylor has two other children from her past relationships — Penn and Miles. While these are not Jarel’s biological children, he helps raise them like his own.

They enjoy a quiet family life in Atlanta, away from Hollywood’s bright lights. They are often described as a down-to-earth and loving couple who care deeply about family, home, and each other.

Jarel Portman Height, Age, and Personal Details

Let’s talk a bit more about Jarel Portman himself — how he looks and where he is in life today.

As of 2025, Jarel Portman is 63 years old. He was born on May 14, 1962, so he recently celebrated another birthday with his family. He stands tall at 6 feet 4 inches (that’s about 193 cm), which makes him much taller than most people. He has a slim and athletic build, likely from his active youth playing sports.

He has brown eyes, brown hair, and usually keeps a clean, classic look. Even though he stays out of the spotlight, fans who follow him online know that he looks calm, confident, and kind.

What Does Jarel Portman Do Today?

Jarel Portman still stays busy, but he’s not the kind of person who shows off his success. These days, he continues to run his real estate company, work on new projects, and help shape parts of Atlanta’s city life. His company, JPX Works, focuses on modern buildings that mix comfort and creativity.

Along with real estate, Jarel sometimes shares his music projects online. While he may not tour or perform live often, he’s still passionate about writing songs and making music that touches people’s hearts.

He’s also a proud husband and father, spending most of his time with his wife, Traylor Howard, and their children. They live a peaceful life, choosing privacy over publicity, which many fans admire.

Jarel Portman Net Worth and Lifestyle

With so many years of hard work in both business and music, it’s no surprise that Jarel Portman’s net worth is impressive. As of 2025, he is estimated to be worth around $5 million. Most of this comes from his success in real estate, especially through his company and his family business.

His wife, Traylor Howard, has a net worth of about $2 to $3 million, thanks to her work in television and movies. Together, they live a comfortable life. But they don’t flash their wealth. They enjoy simple pleasures like family time, music, and home life — not red carpets and headlines.

They’ve built a life full of love, creativity, and success — all without being in the spotlight all the time.

Jarel Portman’s Albums and Where to Listen

If you’re curious to hear Jarel Portman’s music, you’re in luck. His songs are available on popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.

Here are the albums he has released so far:

• Supersonic (2017)

• Coyotes Asleep on Our Lawns (2019)

• Isnotis (2020)

Some of his most loved songs include:

• Wish I Could Break

• Eyes Open Wide

• Brown Eyes

• Runaway Blues

• The Architect

• Demand It

• Fine

His music is known for its soft sound and deep feelings. It’s the kind of music you play when you want to relax, think, or enjoy a quiet evening. Fans describe his songs as honest, smooth, and full of soul.

Fun Facts About Jarel Portman

Here are a few simple but fun things that make Jarel Portman even more interesting:

• He started his working life making only $11,000 a year.

• He once sang in bars just to make ends meet.

• He didn’t rely on his father’s success — he made his own.

• He can play both guitar and keyboard.

• He runs a real estate company and also writes emotional songs.

• He keeps a low public profile, even though his wife is a celebrity.

• He loves good design, music, and quiet family time.

These facts show how down-to-earth and talented he really is.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Jarel Portman really?

He’s not just the man married to a famous actress. He’s a man who has built a life with passion, talent, and heart. From hotel worker to real estate developer, from bar singer to music artist, Jarel’s journey is inspiring.

He stays away from fame, but his quiet strength, creative work, and family values make him someone worth knowing. His story reminds us that you don’t need to be loud to be successful — sometimes, the most interesting lives are the ones lived quietly.

If you ever wondered about Traylor Howard’s husband, now you know: Jarel Portman is talented, hardworking, and full of heart.

(FAQs)

How old is Jarel Portman, and when is his birthday?

Jarel Portman is 63 years old in 2025. His birthday is on May 14, 1962.

Does Jarel Portman have any kids?

Yes, Jarel has one son named Julien, born in 2012. He also helps raise two more kids from his wife, Traylor Howard’s, past relationship.

What is Jarel Portman’s net worth?

Jarel Portman has a net worth of about $5 million. He earns from real estate and music.

When did Jarel Portman marry Traylor Howard?

Jarel and Traylor got married on January 1, 2011. They’ve been together for over 14 years now.

What is Jarel Portman doing in 2025?

In 2025, Jarel lives in Atlanta. He works in real estate, makes music, and enjoys a quiet family life with Traylor and the kids.