When most people hear the name Mark Laita, they immediately think of Soft White Underbelly—the raw, unflinching YouTube channel that gives voice to people society often ignores. But behind the camera, for 25 years, there was a woman quietly keeping their family grounded: Elizabeth Susan, Mark’s wife for a quarter-century.
Elizabeth—affectionately called “Ellie” by friends—wasn’t just along for the ride. She was building her own career, raising two daughters, and somehow managing to navigate the complexities of being married to someone whose work explored the darkest corners of human experience.
Their story isn’t your typical Hollywood romance. It’s messy, it’s real, and honestly? It’s far more inspiring than most celebrity marriages you’ll read about. Even after their divorce, they showed the world that it’s possible to part ways with dignity while keeping family intact.
Who is Elizabeth Susan?
Elizabeth Susan is far more than “Mark Laita’s wife.” Born in September 1963, she’s one of those rare people who refuses to be boxed in:
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Singer – she’s graced stages and built confidence through music
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Actress – a performer with the drive to explore any role
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Motivational Speaker – inspiring people with her experiences
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Teacher – shaping minds and sharing wisdom
She grew up with big dreams and even bigger determination. Elizabeth attended Loyola University Chicago, where she dove into her studies with curiosity and a desire to learn everything she could. That work ethic would follow her into every chapter of life.
When she started her professional entertainment career in 1998, social media wasn’t a shortcut—you had to show up and prove yourself. Elizabeth did exactly that. She built a career that reflected who she truly was, not what the world expected.
One of my favorite things about Elizabeth? She never saw her passions as competing interests. Teaching informed her motivational speaking. Acting strengthened her presence. Singing gave her confidence. And surfing? Well, surfing became a symbol of her courage, especially in her 60s, riding waves most people half her age would fear.
The Marriage That Lasted 25 Years
Mark and Elizabeth’s love story began in the late 1980s, a time when meeting in person was the only option and cell phones were the size of bricks.
Mark was grinding away as a commercial photographer, chasing clients like Apple, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Coca-Cola, and Adidas. Elizabeth, pursuing her own creative dreams, found common ground with Mark’s ambition and vulnerability.
Here’s what made their partnership work for a quarter-century:
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Shared understanding of ambition and creative struggle
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Mutual support for each other’s professional and personal growth
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Raising two daughters while managing demanding careers
Elizabeth wasn’t just a supportive spouse; she was a partner, making sure Mark could focus on his work while nurturing a sense of normalcy at home. Their marriage was proof that partnership means lifting each other up, even when life gets messy.
Mark Laita Wife Divorce: What We Know
On July 31, 2014, Elizabeth filed for divorce from Mark. Their marriage of 25 years officially ended in July 2015.
Here’s what makes their divorce remarkable:
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No public drama – no social media battles, no tabloid leaks
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Respect for each other – they prioritized dignity over gossip
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Focus on their daughters – Alexandra and Olivia were always the priority
While the exact reasons for their split remain private, it coincided with Mark diving deeper into Soft White Underbelly. Documenting addiction, homelessness, and trauma is emotionally intense work—and sometimes, personal growth pulls couples in different directions.
What stands out is how Elizabeth and Mark handled it. They ended their marriage gracefully, demonstrating that love doesn’t always mean staying together, but it does mean showing respect and care for each other’s wellbeing.
Their Daughters: Alexandra and Olivia Laita
Elizabeth and Mark raised two incredible daughters, who reflect the best qualities of both parents.
Alexandra Laita: The Volleyball Star
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Born December 19, 2000, Alexandra stands 6’2” and combines natural talent with relentless discipline.
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She became Player of the Year at Palisades Charter in 2017 and earned her spot on the University of Oregon volleyball team.
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Off the court, Alexandra explores photography and nature, blending Mark’s artistic influence with her own perspective.
Olivia Laita: The Rising Model
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Born June 2003, Olivia pursued modeling in a highly competitive industry.
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Signed with Margaux The Agency in Los Angeles, she builds a career rooted in storytelling, emotion, and professionalism.
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Both daughters maintain strong relationships with their parents, proving that a respectful divorce can foster thriving, grounded kids.
Elizabeth Susan’s Life After Divorce
After leaving Los Angeles, Elizabeth moved to Beaufort, South Carolina. Far from Hollywood, the coastal town offered her space to:
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Reclaim her identity
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Focus on motivational speaking and personal projects
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Surf and embrace new passions
Elizabeth’s post-divorce life is about freedom and authenticity. She’s living on her own terms, showing that reinvention is possible at any stage of life.
Also Read : Charlotte Samco: The Untold Story of Johnny Crawford’s Devoted Wife
Mark Laita’s Current Relationship Status
Since the divorce, Mark has poured himself into Soft White Underbelly, which he describes as taking “literally all of my time.”
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His work is emotionally exhausting, dealing with trauma, addiction, and human suffering.
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In June 2025, he shared the loss of a girlfriend, revealing vulnerability rarely seen in public.
Mark’s focus remains on his daughters, his work, and processing grief—proving that personal fulfillment can exist outside of romantic relationships.
Co-Parenting and Family Dynamics
Perhaps the most inspiring part of their story is how Elizabeth and Mark co-parented with grace:
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Both daughters have strong relationships with each parent
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Despite geographic separation, the family stays close
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Privacy remains a priority, keeping focus on family wellbeing rather than public drama
This is a model of how to handle divorce while preserving family bonds—something few celebrity families manage successfully.
Lessons We Can Learn from Elizabeth Susan and Mark Laita
Their story offers practical, human lessons for all of us:
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Love doesn’t always mean staying together – sometimes growth requires parting ways.
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Respect is key – dignity during divorce protects relationships and family harmony.
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Support your partner without losing yourself – Elizabeth built her life alongside Mark’s, not just behind him.
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Invest in your children – their thriving daughters are a testament to intentional parenting.
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Reinvent yourself fearlessly – Elizabeth’s move to South Carolina and surfing adventures show it’s never too late to live fully.
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Focus on purpose – Mark demonstrates that a meaningful career can provide fulfillment beyond romantic attachment.
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Grace over drama – handling life’s changes with composure creates long-term happiness for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Susan and Mark Laita’s story isn’t a tabloid spectacle—it’s a masterclass in love, respect, and reinvention.
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They built a family and careers while navigating the pressures of creativity and fame.
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They parted ways without bitterness, modeling dignity and emotional intelligence.
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Their daughters are thriving, reflecting the love and guidance of two parents who prioritized family above everything else.
In a world obsessed with celebrity drama, their journey reminds us that the most meaningful relationships are built on respect, support, and authenticity. Elizabeth Susan isn’t just “Mark Laita’s ex-wife.” She’s a woman who followed her dreams, reclaimed her life, and inspired those around her—a story worth celebrating.
