9 Celebs Who’ve Experienced Gray Divorce, from Meryl Streep to Kevin Costner

Celebrities Experiencing “Gray Divorces”

 

In the landscape of celebrity relationships, a notable trend has emerged: the “gray divorce.” This term describes divorces involving couples where both partners are over the age of 50. These separations are becoming increasingly common, influenced by factors such as empty nest syndrome and a diminishing stigma around divorce. Hollywood has not been immune to this shift, leading to several high-profile splits recently. Here, we dive into the journeys of nine celebrities who have navigated the complexities of gray divorces.

 

1. Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness
2. Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness shared a nearly three-decade-long marriage following their meeting on the set of the Australian TV series Corelli in 1995. They announced their divorce in September 2023, emphasizing the importance of their shared family priorities and mutual respect during this challenging transition.

2. Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner

The journey of Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner began in 1996, but it was not until 2004 that they tied the knot. After a lengthy relationship and three children together, Baumgartner filed for divorce in April 2023, highlighting “irreconcilable differences.” Costner’s team requested privacy as they navigated the emotional fallout of this separation.

 

3. Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello

Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello’s marriage, though brief compared to others on this list, ended in July 2023 after nearly a decade together. Vergara later disclosed that their differing desires around having children played a significant role in their split.

 

4. Meryl Streep and Don Gummer

After a remarkable 45-year marriage, Meryl Streep and artist Don Gummer announced their separation in October 2023. The couple had remained private throughout their union, and Streep’s representative confirmed they had been living apart for over six years before making their separation public.

 

5. Valerie Bertinelli and Tom Vitale

Valerie Bertinelli’s earlier marriage to rock star Eddie Van Halen was followed by over a decade with financial planner Tom Vitale. They married in 2011 but faced challenges, leading to Bertinelli filing for legal separation in November 2021. By November 2022, she joyfully declared her divorce finalized.

 

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver’s story began in 1977, culminating in their marriage in 1986. However, a public scandal forced them to confront deep issues, resulting in their divorce being finalized in December 2021 after years of separation.

 

7. Bill and Melinda French Gates

The world-renowned Gates couple’s partnership spanned nearly three decades before they announced their divorce in May 2021. Despite their separation, they emphasized their commitment to co-parenting and their philanthropic work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, even as they ultimately charted separate paths.

 

8. Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus

Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, who married in 1993, experienced ups and downs over the years, including multiple divorce filings. Ultimately, the couple announced their split in April 2022, expressing mutual respect and love even as they prepared to create their individual paths moving forward.

 

9. Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito

Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito, who have been a couple since 1971, announced a separation in 2012 only to reconcile briefly. They separated again in 2017 but remain legally married, exemplifying a modern relationship definition that prioritizes friendship and family despite the romantic split.

 

These celebrity gray divorces highlight the evolving nature of relationships, demonstrating that love can take many forms throughout life. Did any of these splits catch you off guard? Are there other famous couples you know who parted ways later in life? Share your thoughts in the comments.