While Hollywood is full of celebrity couples who met on red carpets or movie sets, the love story of David Sanov and Alison Sweeney is refreshingly different. Sanov may not be a household name like his famous wife, but his story is equally compelling. He is the retired California Highway Patrol officer who has been married to the Days of Our Lives and Hallmark Channel star for over two decades .
Their relationship is a testament to the power of childhood connections and lasting friendship. From growing up as family acquaintances to reconnecting as adults, David Sanov and Alison Sweeney have built a marriage that has stood the test of time in an industry known for short-lived romances. This article explores everything you need to know about David Sanov, from his career in law enforcement to his enduring marriage with one of television’s most beloved actresses.
Quick Facts About David Sanov
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Sanov |
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1972 |
| Age | 52 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of California, Irvine (Class of 1994) |
| Profession | Retired California Highway Patrol Officer (27 years of service) |
| Spouse | Alison Sweeney (married July 8, 2000) |
| Children | Benjamin Sanov (born 2005), Megan Sanov (born 2009) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $250,000 – $500,000 |
| Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
Early Life and Background
Childhood in Los Angeles
David Sanov was born on October 4, 1972, in Los Angeles, California . Growing up in the Golden State, Sanov had a relatively normal childhood. He attended high school and later enrolled at the University of California, Irvine, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1994 .
A Musical Connection
Interestingly, Sanov’s family had a unique connection to the entertainment world—though not in the way you might expect. His father was a professional violinist who played for feature-film soundtracks . This profession would prove to be a pivotal detail in his life, as it created an unexpected link to his future wife.
David Sanov’s father and Alison Sweeney’s mother, both professional violinists, worked together on movie soundtracks, making their families longtime friends and acquaintances . This family friendship meant that David and Alison knew each other from a very young age, setting the stage for their eventual romance.
Career and Professional Life
A Dedicated Law Enforcement Career
David Sanov chose a path of public service, dedicating his professional life to law enforcement. He served as an officer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for an impressive 27 years before retiring in 2022 .
His career was marked by dedication and professionalism. As a CHP officer, Sanov’s responsibilities included ensuring highway safety, responding to emergencies and accidents, issuing citations, and conducting traffic stops . His salary reflected his rank and experience—in 2020, public records show he earned $236,179 annually as a CHP officer .
Retirement Celebration
When Sanov retired from the force in the fall of 2022, it was a significant milestone for the entire family. His wife Alison Sweeney spoke enthusiastically about the occasion on The Kelly Clarkson Show, saying:
“It is a big deal to retire. We’re pulling people out of the woodwork to come be a part of this event. There’s a lot of surprises we’ve planned for [Dave]. He’s so excited” .
The retirement marked a new chapter for David Sanov, allowing him to spend more time with his family and pursue personal interests after nearly three decades of service.
A Brief Hollywood Appearance
While Sanov never pursued a career in entertainment, he did make a small cameo on his wife’s show. He appeared as a police officer on Days of Our Lives, playing a character who stopped Lucas Horton on his way to marry Sweeney’s on-screen character, Sami Brady . It was a fun nod to his real-life profession and a memorable moment for fans of the show.
Personal Life and Marriage
A Childhood Friendship Rekindled
Perhaps the most romantic aspect of David Sanov’s story is how he met and reconnected with his wife. Because their parents were professional colleagues, Sanov and Alison Sweeney knew each other as children. Sweeney has even admitted that she had a crush on him when they were kids .
However, as they grew older, life took them in different directions. Sweeney began her acting career on Days of Our Lives, while Sanov attended college . They lost touch for about four years.
Their paths crossed again at a party hosted by their parents . Sweeney took the initiative and invited Sanov to her 21st birthday party. As she later recounted on the Live Your Days podcast:
“We had such a great time, and we had so much fun getting to know each other again as grown-ups. And the rest is history” .
The Wedding
After dating for nearly three years, David Sanov and Alison Sweeney married on July 8, 2000 . Their wedding was a beautiful beachside ceremony, made even more special by the fact that Sweeney’s mother and Sanov’s father performed a violin duet during the service . It was a full-circle moment that honored the family connection that had brought them together in the first place.
The Secret to a Lasting Marriage
In a world where celebrity marriages often fizzle out, David Sanov and Alison Sweeney have defied the odds. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in July 2025 . What’s their secret?
According to Sweeney, the couple has always been honest with each other about their expectations and goals. She told Fox News:
“We came into the marriage really honest with each other about what we wanted from life and who we were as people. We grew up together, and grew together, and learned together, and have always been respectful of each other and our differences” .
The couple also practices a unique annual tradition. Every year on their anniversary, they give each other evaluations. They each list three things they would change about their partner and three things they truly appreciate . This practice of open communication has helped them stay connected and address issues before they become problems.
Family and Children
David Sanov and Alison Sweeney are parents to two children. Their son, Benjamin Edward Sanov, was born on February 25, 2005, and their daughter, Megan Hope Sanov, arrived on January 12, 2009 .
Sweeney has spoken warmly about what a hands-on father Sanov is. When their daughter was born, she told People that fatherhood came naturally to her husband and that they worked as a team when it came to parenting responsibilities . The family resides in Los Angeles .
Benjamin has even gotten a taste of his mother’s profession. He worked on the set of Sweeney’s 2023 Hallmark film A Zest for Death: a Hannah Swensen Mystery . As of 2025, he is attending Baylor University in Waco, Texas, studying mechanical engineering, while their daughter Megan turned 16 in January 2025 .
Net Worth and Financial Success
While David Sanov may not have the Hollywood salary of his wife, he has built a respectable career in law enforcement. His net worth is estimated to be between $250,000 and $500,000, accumulated through his long service as a CHP officer . In contrast, his wife Alison Sweeney has an estimated net worth of $9 million from her decades of acting, hosting, and authoring work .
It’s worth noting that some online sources make wildly inaccurate claims about Sanov’s wealth, suggesting he is a tech entrepreneur worth millions . These claims are not supported by credible sources and contradict information from reputable publications and public records. The reliable information indicates that Sanov was a dedicated public servant who earned a good living as a CHP officer.
Interesting Facts About David Sanov
- He shares a unique connection with his wife: Their parents were both professional violinists who worked on film soundtracks, which is how Sanov and Sweeney first met as children .
- He has no social media presence: Unlike many celebrity spouses, Sanov keeps a very private life and does not maintain public social media accounts .
- He rode a motorcycle: In 2010, Sanov owned a Honda Magna 750cc motorcycle .
- He played basketball in high school: Before pursuing a career in law enforcement, Sanov displayed athletic prowess by participating in high school basketball and other sports .
- He supports law enforcement charities: After his retirement, Sanov and his wife remain active in supporting the CHP 11-99 Foundation, a nonprofit that provides emergency assistance to California Highway Patrol employees and scholarships for their children .
Current Activities and Life After Retirement
Since retiring from the California Highway Patrol in 2022, David Sanov has been enjoying a quieter life with his family in Los Angeles . His retirement has given him more time to pursue hobbies he enjoys, including fishing and biking .
The couple’s children are growing up, with Benjamin attending college and Megan finishing high school. David and Alison continue to support each other’s endeavors and are often seen together at events. When Alison celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in July 2025, she shared her joy on social media, writing:
Conclusion
David Sanov‘s story is a reminder that Hollywood love stories aren’t always about glitz and glamour. Sometimes, they’re about childhood connections, family ties, and two people choosing to grow together over decades. As a retired California Highway Patrol officer, Sanov built a career of service and dedication. As a husband and father, he has been a supportive partner and hands-on parent.
His 25-year marriage to Alison Sweeney stands as proof that relationships built on friendship, honesty, and mutual respect can thrive—even in the spotlight of Hollywood. The couple’s commitment to open communication and their willingness to invest in their relationship have kept their bond strong through the years.
David Sanov may have retired from law enforcement, but he continues to play a vital role in his family’s life. His story is a beautiful example of how a simple, devoted life—one focused on family and service—can be just as meaningful and newsworthy as any celebrity tale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is David Sanov?
David Sanov is a retired California Highway Patrol officer and the husband of actress Alison Sweeney, known for her roles on Days of Our Lives and Hallmark Channel movies .
2. How did David Sanov and Alison Sweeney meet?
They met as children because their parents were friends and fellow violinists who worked on film soundtracks. They reconnected as adults at a party and began dating after Sanov attended Sweeney’s 21st birthday party .
3. When did David Sanov and Alison Sweeney get married?
They were married on July 8, 2000, and celebrated their 25th anniversary in July 2025 .
4. What does David Sanov do for a living?
David Sanov was a California Highway Patrol officer for 27 years before retiring in 2022 .
5. How many children do David Sanov and Alison Sweeney have?
They have two children: son Benjamin (born February 2005) and daughter Megan (born January 2009) .
6. What is David Sanov’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $250,000 and $500,000, accumulated through his career in law enforcement .
7. Does David Sanov appear in movies or TV shows?
He made a small cameo appearance on Days of Our Lives as a police officer, but he has never pursued a career in entertainment .
