Justin Cassotta is a 42-year-old elevator technician from Los Angeles, California, best known as the ex-husband of actress Taylor Dooley (Lavagirl). Born November 14, 1982, he built a career with ThyssenKrupp Elevator and Amtech Elevator Services. He married Dooley in 2016, and they had two children—Jack Alexander (2016) and Adaline Joan (2019)—before separating in August 2021.
Who Is Justin Cassotta?
You won’t find Justin Cassotta chasing cameras or posting on social media. His name surfaces primarily because of his marriage to Taylor Dooley, the actress who played Lavagirl in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D.
Justin was born on November 14, 1982, in Los Angeles, California. Despite growing up in Hollywood’s backyard, he never pursued fame. Instead, he chose a practical career path that prioritised stability over spotlights.
His story reveals something many people miss—sometimes the most interesting lives happen away from public view.
Early Life and Education
Justin attended Valencia High School and graduated in 2001. His teachers described him as focused and disciplined. He wasn’t the loudest student, but he was reliable.
After high school, he attended California State College, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. The specific field remains private, but his education laid the groundwork for technical work in infrastructure.
His upbringing taught him values that shaped his adult life—hard work, humility, and responsibility. These weren’t just words. They became his blueprint.
Professional Career in Elevator Services
While his ex-wife worked in entertainment, Justin built a career most people never think about. He worked with ThyssenKrupp Elevator, one of the world’s most prominent elevator companies. His job involved maintenance, repairs, and safety compliance.
Think about it—every time you ride an elevator, someone like Justin ensures it works safely. Around 2022, he joined Amtech Elevator Services, continuing his technical career.
His work doesn’t make headlines. But it matters. Buildings function because of people like him. His career reflects his personality—steady, reliable, essential.
Meeting Taylor Dooley
The turning point in Justin’s life came when he met Taylor Dooley. She was already known for playing Lavagirl in the 2005 film that became a cult classic.
The couple first met when Taylor was 21 years old. Their connection wasn’t built on Hollywood glitz. They shared values—privacy, family, authenticity. In 2016, they tied the knot in a private ceremony, deliberately avoiding media attention.
Their wedding symbolised something bigger than a celebrity union. It represented two people choosing normalcy in an abnormal world.
Family Life and Fatherhood
Their first child, Jack Alexander Cassotta, was born on November 23, 2016. Three years later, they welcomed their daughter, Adaline Joan Cassotta, on March 22, 2019.
Justin took fatherhood seriously. He wasn’t the type to hire nannies and disappear. He showed up. Friends described him as hands-on, present, devoted.
The couple worked to give their children a normal upbringing. They kept the kids off social media. They protected them from public scrutiny. Family time mattered more than photo opportunities.
Separation and Life After Marriage
The couple announced their divorce in August 2021. The news surprised fans who saw them as stable.
They kept the reasons private. No public fights. No tabloid drama. Just a quiet dissolution that showed maturity. Even after separating, he continues to be present and active in his children’s daily lives.
Taylor married Nicholas Poppin in August 2023. Meanwhile, Justin maintained his low profile. He focused on co-parenting and his career.
Current Life and Privacy
Where is Justin Cassotta now? He’s still living in California, keeping a low and private lifestyle. He still works in the elevator services industry, doing what he’s always done—working hard and providing for his family.
He doesn’t attend red carpets. He doesn’t make public statements. His Instagram handle is @jcassotta, but his account is private. Only close friends and family see his posts.
This isn’t hiding—it’s choosing. He could capitalise on his ex-wife’s fame. Instead, he lives authentically.
Physical Appearance and Personal Details
Justin stands about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs roughly 68 kilograms (150 pounds). He has dark brown hair and blue eyes. His appearance reflects someone who values health without obsessing over it.
Born on November 14, 1982, he is 42 years old in 2025. His zodiac sign is Scorpio—known for loyalty, determination, and intensity. These traits match his life choices.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of 2024, his estimated net worth is approximately $500,000. This isn’t celebrity wealth, but it’s solid.
His income comes from years in the elevator industry. This figure is drawn from his career earnings and other financial ventures. He lives modestly—no flashy cars or designer clothes.
Compare this to Taylor’s estimated $3 million net worth. The difference is stark. But Justin never seemed to care about matching Hollywood earnings. He cared about stability.
Relationship with Taylor Dooley
Taylor Dooley was born on February 26, 1993, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. She became famous at age 12 playing Lavagirl. Her career brought attention, but she later took a hiatus to focus on family.
Justin supported her career behind the scenes. He didn’t seek credit or recognition. Unlike many celebrity spouses, Cassotta never capitalised on his wife’s fame.
Their relationship showed you can connect to Hollywood without becoming Hollywood. He remained himself throughout their marriage.
Co-Parenting After Divorce
Co-parenting successfully requires communication, respect, and putting children’s needs first. Justin and Taylor mastered this.
They don’t air grievances publicly. They don’t use their children as pawns. Both parents stay involved in Jack and Adaline’s lives.
This maturity sets an example. Divorce doesn’t have to destroy families. It can reshape them into something healthier.
Why Justin Cassotta Matters
His story matters because it’s real. You don’t need fame to have significance. Justin Cassotta is a prime example of someone who finds value not in fame but in family, stability, and purpose.
He represents thousands of people connected to celebrities who maintain dignity. He shows that saying “no” to attention takes strength.
In a world obsessed with visibility, Justin chose invisibility. That’s not weakness—that’s wisdom.
Lessons from His Life
Choose your values. Justin prioritised family over fame. That choice shaped everything else.
Work matters. His technical career might not sound glamorous, but it’s essential. His career choice reflects the importance of the unsung heroes who keep essential services running.
Privacy is power. Controlling your narrative means limiting access. Justin understood this instinctively.
Divorce doesn’t mean failure. His separation from Taylor was handled with grace. Both moved forward without bitterness.
Quick Facts About Justin Cassotta
- Full Name: Justin Cassotta
- Birth Date: November 14, 1982
- Age: 42 years old (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
- Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs)
- Profession: Elevator Technician
- Companies: ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Amtech Elevator Services
- Ex-Wife: Taylor Dooley (married 2016, divorced 2021)
- Children: Jack Alexander Cassotta (born 2016), Adaline Joan Cassotta (born 2019)
- Net Worth: Approximately $500,000
- Education: Valencia High School (2001), California State College
- Instagram: @jcassotta (private account)
FAQs
Is Justin Cassotta still married to Taylor Dooley?
No. They separated in August 2021. Taylor remarried Nicholas Poppin in August 2023.
What does Justin Cassotta do for work?
He works as an elevator technician with Amtech Elevator Services, previously with ThyssenKrupp Elevator.
How many children does Justin Cassotta have?
He has two children with Taylor Dooley—son Jack Alexander (born 2016) and daughter Adaline Joan (born 2019).
Where does Justin Cassotta live?
He lives in California, maintaining a private lifestyle away from public attention.
What is Justin Cassotta’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is approximately $500,000 as of 2024-2025.
Final Thoughts
Justin Cassotta won’t be remembered for blockbuster movies or chart-topping songs. He’ll be remembered—if at all—as Taylor Dooley’s ex-husband.
But that misses the point entirely.
His life demonstrates that success has multiple definitions. Fame isn’t the only metric. Stability, integrity, and presence count too.
He chose a life most people wouldn’t notice. That choice deserves respect.