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Legendary comedian Earthquake is engaged! The stand-up icon, known for his decades of sold-out shows and critically acclaimed Netflix specials, recently proposed to Rashida Miller, a highly successful Los Angeles-based realtor with Chicago roots. The two have known each other for over a decade, but as fate would have it, their love story took time to unfold.
The couple first met thirteen years ago at the Laugh Factory, where Earthquake was immediately drawn to Miller. However, the timing wasn’t right. “He asked me to dinner that night, and I wasn’t able to make it,” Miller recalled. “We exchanged numbers, but he’s not really a chaser, so by the time he hit me back, I was already dating someone else.”
Years passed, and life moved on—until 2019, when Miller reached out to her contacts for support as her niece battled leukemia. She started a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses, and Earthquake was among those who donated. That small but meaningful act of kindness reignited their connection, and by February 2020, their timing finally aligned. “I had just gotten out of a relationship and prayed to God about what I really wanted. Two weeks later, he called, invited me to dinner, and we’ve been together ever since.”
For Earthquake, there was never a doubt that Miller was the one. “If I had met her earlier in life, all the other women? Probably wouldn’t have dated them,” he shared. “With her, we don’t need anything else to enjoy each other’s time. We just are.”
Beyond celebrating their love, the couple is using this moment to give back in a meaningful way. Instead of accepting wedding gifts, they are launching the Stroman Foundation, named after Earthquake’s given name, Nathaniel Stroman. The foundation will focus on helping families impacted by the devastating Altadena fires and supporting veterans transitioning into civilian life—a cause that deeply resonates with Earthquake, who served in the military for nine years.
“It really hurts me when people say they love the troops, but then you see so many veterans struggling,” he said. “They fought for this country, but they’re out here homeless, still paying taxes, and struggling to get proper healthcare. It shouldn’t be that way.” Through the Stroman Foundation, Earthquake and Miller hope to provide housing assistance, financial support, and career training for veterans.
While Chicagoans haven’t seen Earthquake since July 2022, when he last performed at The Chicago Theatre, fans won’t have to wait much longer. He recently announced that he is preparing for a new Netflix special produced by Dave Chappelle, set to be filmed later this year. In addition to stand-up, he hinted that fans can expect new film and television projects on the horizon.
Their wedding is set to be a star-studded affair, planned by Slomique Hawrylo, the creative force behind Love Is Blind and Married at First Sight. And while wedding planning is in full swing, Earthquake is staying busy with his many projects.
As Earthquake and Miller prepare for this next chapter, their story is a reminder that when it’s meant to be, love always finds a way.
Stay tuned for more entertainment updates from Chicago News Weekly! We'd love to hear what do you think of their love story and their decision to give back.