Actors Who Dumped Their Spouses The Second They Got Famous

The trajectory of a Hollywood career often brings unexpected changes to the personal lives of rising stars. Many actors discover that the transition from anonymity to global recognition creates a significant rift between them and their long term partners. While some relationships survive the pressures of the entertainment industry others come to an abrupt end as new opportunities and lifestyles emerge. This pattern of high profile separations often coincides with a performer landing a career defining role or achieving a new level of professional success.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone married Sasha Czack in 1974 during the years when he was struggling to find consistent work in the film industry. The massive success of ‘Rocky’ in 1976 transformed him into an international superstar and cultural icon almost overnight. As his public profile and professional commitments grew his relationship with Czack began to experience significant strain under the spotlight. The couple officially divorced in 1985 after Stallone had firmly established himself as one of the most bankable action stars in the world. He moved on to a highly publicized marriage with Brigitte Nielsen shortly after the legal separation was finalized.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford was married to Mary Marquardt for fifteen years before his rise to fame in the late 1970s. His performance as Han Solo in ‘Star Wars’ brought him a level of worldwide celebrity that few actors ever experience. The sudden shift in his professional status coincided with a period of personal transition and the eventual end of his marriage to Marquardt. They completed their divorce in 1979 just as Ford was becoming the definitive leading man of his generation. He transitioned into a long term relationship with screenwriter Melissa Mathison during the height of his career.

George Clooney

George Clooney married actress Talia Balsam in 1989 when he was primarily known for supporting roles on television. His career reached a new stratosphere when he was cast as Dr. Doug Ross on the medical drama series ‘ER’. The intense filming schedule and his newfound status as a Hollywood heartthrob took a toll on his marriage. He and Balsam divorced in 1993 just as he was beginning his successful transition into major motion pictures. Clooney famously remained a bachelor for many years until he eventually married Amal Alamuddin in 2014.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp was married to makeup artist Lori Anne Allison in the early 1980s before he became a household name. His role on the television series ’21 Jump Street’ turned him into a teenage idol and opened the door to major film projects. The couple decided to end their marriage in 1985 as Depp was navigating the initial wave of his mainstream success. He quickly became one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood and engaged in several high profile relationships with fellow celebrities. His early marriage ended just as he was beginning his journey toward becoming an A-list movie star.

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner married his college sweetheart Cindy Silva in 1978 and they remained together throughout his early career struggles. His professional standing changed drastically with the success of ‘Dances with Wolves’ which earned him multiple Academy Awards. The immense fame and wealth generated by his peak years in the early 1990s created challenges that the couple could not overcome. They announced their divorce in 1994 after sixteen years of marriage and a series of rumors regarding the pressures of his fame. Silva received one of the largest divorce settlements in Hollywood history at the time of their legal split.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise was married to actress Mimi Rogers when his career began its ascent toward legendary status. During their marriage he starred in massive hits like ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Rain Man’ which solidified him as a premier leading man. The couple divorced in 1990 as Cruise reached a point of nearly unparalleled global influence. He immediately began a relationship with Nicole Kidman whom he met on the set of ‘Days of Thunder’. This pattern of high profile marriages and divorces continued to define his public image alongside his cinematic achievements.

Will Smith

Will Smith married Sheree Zampino in 1992 while he was still establishing his transition from music to television. His role on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ made him a recognizable star and prepared him for a massive film career. The marriage ended in 1995 just as he was starring in the blockbuster action movie ‘Bad Boys’. Smith has since spoken about the difficulties of navigating marriage while his professional life was expanding at a rapid pace. He married Jada Pinkett Smith shortly after his first divorce was finalized.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey married Melissa Womer in 1987 when he was still a rising stand up comedian and television actor. His career exploded in 1994 with the back to back releases of ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’ and ‘The Mask’. The incredible demands of his newfound superstardom and the pressure of his professional schedule led to the end of his marriage. He and Womer divorced in 1995 as he became one of the highest paid actors in the industry. Carrey soon entered a brief marriage with his co-star Lauren Holly after the split from Womer.

Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt was married to actress Anna Faris for several years while he was primarily known as a comedic supporting actor. His physical transformation and leading role in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ changed his career trajectory and public perception. The couple announced their legal separation in 2017 after his status as an international action star was firmly established. Many fans were surprised by the split because the pair had been vocal about their relationship in the media. Pratt eventually married Katherine Schwarzenegger after his divorce from Faris was settled.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams married Valerie Velardi in 1978 during the early years of his career as a stand up performer. His role on the television comedy ‘Mork & Mindy’ brought him instant fame and made him a beloved public figure. The pressures of his sudden celebrity and the lifestyle changes that followed contributed to the dissolution of their marriage. They finalized their divorce in 1988 after ten years together and a period of significant career growth for Williams. He married Marsha Garces shortly after the separation and continued his rise as a major film star.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman was married to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw for twelve years before he achieved widespread fame. His career reached new heights in the late 1980s with acclaimed performances in films like ‘Street Smart’ and ‘Driving Miss Daisy’. The couple divorced in 1979 as Freeman was beginning to gain the recognition that would eventually lead to his legendary status. He spent many years building his reputation as one of the most respected actors in the industry following the split. Freeman has since had a long and varied personal life alongside his prestigious professional accomplishments.

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum married Jenna Dewan after they met on the set of the film ‘Step Up’ early in his career. He eventually became a massive star with leading roles in franchises like ‘Magic Mike’ and ’21 Jump Street’. The couple announced their separation in 2018 after nearly a decade of marriage and several years of Tatum being an A-list actor. Their split came at a time when Tatum was focusing on expanding his career into producing and directing. They have remained committed to co-parenting their daughter while pursuing their separate professional paths.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper married actress Jennifer Esposito in late 2006 when he was still working toward leading man status. His career began to take off with significant roles in television and film during the following year. The marriage was very brief and ended with a divorce filing only four months after the wedding ceremony. Cooper soon became a global superstar following the massive commercial success of ‘The Hangover’. He has since focused on his work as an actor and filmmaker while maintaining a very private personal life.

Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner was in a long term relationship and briefly married to Sonni Pacheco as his career reached its highest point. His involvement in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as Hawkeye brought him a level of fame he had not previously experienced. The couple married in 2014 but Pacheco filed for divorce less than a year later citing irreconcilable differences. The legal proceedings were heavily scrutinized by the media due to Renner’s high profile status in Hollywood. He has since prioritized his career and his role as a father following the quick end of the marriage.

James Marsden

James Marsden married Lisa Linde in 2000 as he was beginning to gain recognition for his work in the ‘X-Men’ film series. He spent the next decade appearing in several successful romantic comedies and blockbuster films. Linde filed for divorce in 2011 after eleven years of marriage and two children together. The separation occurred as Marsden was continuing to land major roles in both television and film. He has remained a steady presence in Hollywood while navigating life as a single father and working actor.

Ryan Phillippe

Ryan Phillippe married Reese Witherspoon in 1999 when both were considered rising stars in the film industry. His fame peaked with roles in popular movies like ‘Cruel Intentions’ and ‘Gosford Park’ during their early years together. The couple announced their separation in 2006 after seven years of marriage and two children. Phillippe struggled to maintain the same level of career momentum as his wife following their divorce. He has continued to work in various film and television projects while managing his public image as a former teen idol.

Jude Law

Jude Law married actress Sadie Frost in 1997 when he was just starting to make a name for himself in the industry. His career exploded after his Oscar nominated performance in ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ turned him into a global star. The couple divorced in 2003 as Law became one of the most in demand leading men in Hollywood. The split was followed by several high profile relationships that were frequently discussed in tabloid media. Law has remained a prominent figure in the film industry while balancing his complex personal life.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor was married to production designer Eve Mavrakis for over twenty years before their high profile split. He met Mavrakis while working on a television project early in his professional journey. His fame grew immensely over the years with roles in ‘Star Wars’ and various acclaimed independent films. The couple separated in 2017 and McGregor eventually moved on to a relationship with his co-star Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The divorce was finalized in 2020 after a long legal process that drew significant media attention.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba was married to Hanne Kim Norgaard in the late 1990s as he was trying to establish his acting career. His breakout role as Stringer Bell on ‘The Wire’ brought him critical acclaim and opened doors to major film roles. The marriage ended in 2003 just as he was becoming a recognizable face to American audiences. Elba has since achieved international superstardom and has been married two more times. He remains one of the most successful and respected actors in the world today.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard married Lori McCommas in 1989 and they had a long and turbulent relationship as his career developed. He achieved mainstream success and an Academy Award nomination for his performance in ‘Hustle & Flow’. The couple divorced and remarried before eventually ending their relationship for good during his peak years of fame. Howard has since been involved in multiple marriages and high profile legal battles regarding his personal life. His career has remained active with a starring role on the hit series ‘Empire’.

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba Gooding Jr. married his high school sweetheart Sara Kapfer in 1994 before he won an Academy Award. His career reached its pinnacle with his win for ‘Jerry Maguire’ which made him a household name. The couple remained together for many years until Kapfer filed for legal separation in 2014. They eventually finalized their divorce in 2017 after more than two decades of marriage. Gooding Jr. has faced various personal and legal challenges in the years following the end of his long term relationship.

Mike Myers

Mike Myers was married to actress Robin Ruzan for twelve years during the height of his comedic fame. He achieved massive success with the ‘Austin Powers’ and ‘Shrek’ franchises which made him an international star. The couple announced their divorce in 2005 as he was continuing to dominate the box office. Myers eventually remarried and has maintained a relatively private life outside of his occasional film roles. His early career success was shared with Ruzan before the demands of Hollywood led to their split.

David Duchovny

David Duchovny married actress Tea Leoni in 1997 as he was starring in the hit series ‘The X-Files’. His fame grew as he transitioned into other successful television projects and film roles. The couple experienced several public separations before finally divorcing in 2014 after seventeen years of marriage. Duchovny has continued to work steadily in the industry while managing the public interest in his personal life. Their marriage was one of the most talked about relationships in Hollywood during the late 1990s.

Tim Allen

Tim Allen married Laura Deibel in 1984 during his early years as a stand up comedian. He became a massive star with the television series ‘Home Improvement’ and the ‘Toy Story’ films. The couple divorced in 1999 after fifteen years of marriage as Allen was one of the biggest names in comedy. He remarried several years later and has continued to have a successful career in both television and film. His first marriage ended just as he was reaching a new level of professional longevity.

Kelsey Grammer

Kelsey Grammer was married to Camille Donatacci for thirteen years during his long run on the series ‘Frasier’. He became one of the highest paid actors in television history and achieved legendary status in the sitcom world. The couple divorced in 2011 in a very public and contentious legal battle that was featured on reality television. Grammer remarried shortly after the divorce was finalized and has remained active in the industry. His personal life has often been a topic of public fascination alongside his professional success.

Tobey Maguire

Tobey Maguire married jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer in 2007 after several years of dating. He had already achieved worldwide fame as the star of the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy when they wed. The couple announced their separation in 2016 after nine years of marriage and two children. They have remained on good terms and continue to co-parent while pursuing their individual interests. Maguire has shifted his focus to producing and more selective acting roles in recent years.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa was in a long term relationship with Lisa Bonet for many years before they officially married in 2017. His career reached new heights with his role as Aquaman in the ‘DC Extended Universe’ films. The couple announced their separation in 2022 citing a desire to grow in different directions. Their split came after nearly two decades together and was a surprise to many of their fans. Momoa has remained one of the most popular action stars in Hollywood following the end of the marriage.

Bill Hader

Bill Hader married filmmaker Maggie Carey in 2006 as he was starting his career on ‘Saturday Night Live’. He became a fan favorite and eventually transitioned into a successful career as a leading man in both comedy and drama. The couple filed for divorce in 2017 after eleven years of marriage and three children. Hader has since won multiple awards for his work on the series ‘Barry’ which he also created. He has navigated his newfound A-list status while maintaining a focus on his professional growth.

Patrick Dempsey

Patrick Dempsey was married to Rocky Parker for several years early in his career as a young actor. He experienced a massive career resurgence when he was cast as Dr. Derek Shepherd on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. The couple divorced in 1994 well before he achieved his status as a television heartthrob. Dempsey eventually married Jillian Fink and has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His early marriage is often overlooked in favor of his later fame and long term relationship with Fink.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser married Afton Smith in 1998 after they met at a party hosted by Winona Ryder. His career reached its peak with the massive success of ‘The Mummy’ franchise and several other leading roles. The couple announced their divorce in 2007 after nine years of marriage and three sons. Fraser faced several personal and professional challenges in the years following the split before his recent career comeback. He has been open about the difficulties he experienced during that period of his life.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock married Malaak Compton-Rock in 1996 as he was becoming one of the most famous comedians in the world. He starred in several films and produced highly acclaimed comedy specials during their nearly twenty years together. The couple announced their separation in 2014 and finalized their divorce in 2016. Rock has since used his personal experiences as material for his stand up routines and film projects. He remains a powerful voice in the entertainment industry while navigating life as a single man.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence married Patricia Southall in 1995 just as his career was reaching a new level of success. He was the star of a hit sitcom and several blockbuster movies including ‘Bad Boys’. The marriage was short lived and ended in divorce only two years later in 1997. Lawrence has been married once more since then and has continued to work in the industry. His personal life was often in the headlines during the peak of his fame in the 1990s.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy married Nicole Mitchell in 1993 after a long term relationship that began in the late 1980s. He was already one of the biggest movie stars in the world with hits like ‘Beverly Hills Cop’. The couple divorced in 2006 after twelve years of marriage and five children together. Murphy has remained a major figure in Hollywood and has been involved in several other high profile relationships. His divorce from Mitchell was one of the most discussed celebrity splits of the decade.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro married his first wife Diahnne Abbott in 1976 just as he was becoming a major film star. During their marriage he won an Academy Award for ‘The Godfather Part II’ and starred in ‘Taxi Driver’. The couple divorced in 1988 after twelve years of marriage and two children. De Niro went on to have several other long term relationships and high profile marriages. He has maintained his status as one of the most respected actors in cinematic history throughout his personal transitions.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage married actress Patricia Arquette in 1995 when both were established performers in the industry. His career reached a new height with his Academy Award win for ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ shortly after the wedding. The marriage was notoriously rocky and the couple spent much of their time living separately before divorcing in 2001. Cage has since been married several more times and has remained a prolific actor in a variety of film genres. His personal life has often been a topic of media interest due to his unique personality and career choices.

Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum was married to actress Patricia Gaul for six years during the early part of his professional journey. He achieved massive fame with roles in blockbusters like ‘The Fly’ and ‘Jurassic Park’ in the years following their split. The couple divorced in 1986 just as Goldblum was becoming a recognizable leading man. He has since been married twice more and has become a beloved cultural icon. His early marriage is rarely discussed in comparison to his later career achievements and public persona.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen married Donna Peele in 1995 but the marriage lasted only a few months before they filed for divorce. He was already a famous actor but his personal life began to overshadow his professional work during this time. The couple split just as Sheen was entering a period of significant public scrutiny and lifestyle changes. He eventually married several more times and starred in the hit series ‘Two and a Half Men’. His personal struggles and high profile relationships have been a constant fixture in the media for decades.

Billy Bob Thornton

Billy Bob Thornton was married to Pietra Dawn Cherniak in the early 1990s before his breakout success. He became a major star and won an Academy Award for the film ‘Sling Blade’ which he also wrote and directed. The couple divorced in 1997 as Thornton was becoming one of the most sought after talents in Hollywood. He famously married Angelina Jolie shortly after his fourth divorce was finalized. Thornton has remained a respected actor and musician while navigating his complex personal history.

Matt LeBlanc

Matt LeBlanc married Melissa McKnight in 2003 during the final seasons of the hit television series ‘Friends’. He was one of the highest paid television actors in the world and a global celebrity at the time. The couple announced their separation in 2006 only three years after the wedding. LeBlanc transitioned into a starring role on the series ‘Joey’ and later ‘Episodes’ following the split. He has maintained a relatively private life while continuing his successful career in the television industry.

Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas was married to Ana Leza in Spain before he made his move to Hollywood. His career exploded in the United States with roles in films like ‘The Mambo Kings’ and ‘Philadelphia’. The couple divorced in 1996 as Banderas was becoming one of the most popular leading men in American cinema. He immediately married actress Melanie Griffith after meeting her on the set of the film ‘Two Much’. Banderas has since enjoyed a long and successful career in both Spanish and English language films.

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman married actress Lesley Manville in 1987 as he was beginning to gain international recognition. His fame grew with intense performances in films like ‘Sid and Nancy’ and ‘Prick Up Your Ears’. The couple divorced in 1990 just as Oldman was moving to the United States to pursue bigger opportunities. He has since been married several more times and has won an Academy Award for his work. Oldman remains one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation.

Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck married actress Jacqueline Ray in 1971 while he was still a struggling actor in television commercials. His life changed completely when he was cast as the lead in the series ‘Magnum, P.I.’ which became a massive hit. The couple divorced in 1982 during the height of his fame as a television superstar. Selleck eventually remarried and has continued to have a long and successful career in the industry. He has remained a popular public figure for several decades following his initial rise to fame.

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig married actress Fiona Loudon in 1992 before his career reached the level of international superstardom. The couple had one daughter together before finalizing their divorce in 1994. Craig spent the next decade building his reputation as a serious actor before being cast as James Bond. His role as the iconic secret agent made him one of the most famous men in the world. He eventually married actress Rachel Weisz and has maintained a very private personal life despite his massive fame.

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe married Danielle Spencer in 2003 after a long and on again off again relationship. He was already a major star with an Academy Award win for ‘Gladiator’ when the couple wed. The demands of his international career and the intense public interest in his life created challenges for the marriage. They announced their separation in 2012 and finalized their divorce several years later. Crowe has continued to work as a leading man in a variety of successful film projects since the split.

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams married Aryn Drake-Lee in 2012 after several years of dating while he was an aspiring actor. He achieved widespread fame for his role as Dr. Jackson Avery on the long running series ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. The couple announced their separation in 2017 in a split that led to a very public legal battle over custody and support. Their relationship had begun well before Williams became a household name and a prominent activist. He has remained a regular on television while pursuing various entrepreneurial and philanthropic interests.

Share your thoughts on these high profile celebrity breakups in the comments.