Actresses Who Dropped Their Non-Famous Partners Because They “Outgrew” Them

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex married producer Trevor Engelson long before she became a household name due to the legal drama ‘Suits’. The couple spent several years together but eventually divorced after her professional life shifted toward international stardom. Reports suggested that her increasing fame and the distance created by her work schedule led to the end of their marriage. She eventually transitioned away from acting and joined the British Royal Family.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez was married to Ojani Noa during the early stages of her rise to movie stardom. He worked as a waiter before she became a global sensation in films like ‘Selena’. Their union lasted less than a year as her career trajectory accelerated beyond their shared life in Los Angeles. She eventually moved on to higher profile relationships as her presence in the entertainment industry grew.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian was a teenager when she eloped with music producer Damon Thomas. At the time she had not yet achieved the massive reality television fame found on ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’. As she began to establish her own brand and public persona the relationship became strained. She eventually filed for divorce as she pursued a much larger role in the media landscape.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence dated David Huene before she became an Academy Award winning actress and a star of ‘The Hunger Games’. Their relationship began while she was still a relatively unknown performer in the industry. As her career exploded and she became one of the most famous women in the world the two decided to go their separate ways. She has since moved on to other high profile partnerships and married within the art world.

Sofía Vergara

Sofia Vergara married her high school sweetheart Joe Gonzalez when she was still living in Colombia. The couple had a son together before she moved to the United States to pursue an acting career. As she found massive success on the sitcom ‘Modern Family’ her lifestyle changed significantly from her early years. They ultimately divorced as she transitioned into one of the highest paid actresses on television.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde was married to Tao Ruspoli for eight years starting when she was just nineteen years old. He is a member of an aristocratic Italian family but maintained a relatively low profile compared to her burgeoning Hollywood career. As her fame grew with roles in ‘House’ and various films the couple realized they had drifted apart. She eventually ended the marriage to seek a different path in her adult life.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor married Conrad Hilton Jr. who was the heir to the Hilton hotel empire but not a film star. The marriage took place while she was already a major star in movies like ‘Father of the Bride’. Their union lasted only a few months as she found his lifestyle and behavior incompatible with her life. She went on to have many more famous marriages as her legend in Hollywood grew.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz dated video producer Carlos de la Torre for several years during the early nineties. This relationship took place before she became a massive star following her breakout role in ‘The Mask’. As she transitioned into being a leading lady in Hollywood the relationship reached its natural conclusion. She then began a series of relationships with other celebrities and professional athletes.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga was in a long term relationship with Luc Carl during her early years as a struggling musician and actress. He was a bartender and club promoter in New York City while she developed her unique persona. Once she achieved global stardom with her music and roles in projects like ‘American Horror Story’ the dynamic of their relationship changed. They eventually ended their on and off romance as her career reached unprecedented heights.

Britney Spears

Britney Spears famously married her childhood friend Jason Alexander in a quick ceremony in Las Vegas. This occurred while she was at the peak of her early pop culture dominance and acting in ‘Crossroads’. The marriage was annulled almost immediately as her team and family intervened in her personal affairs. It remains one of the most famous instances of a star briefly returning to her roots before moving on.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore married bar owner Jeremy Thomas when she was only nineteen years old. This brief marriage happened as she was rebuilding her career and establishing herself as a leading actress. The relationship lasted only a few weeks before she decided to end it and focus on her professional growth. She later went on to produce and star in massive hits like ‘Charlie’s Angels’.

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera married music executive Jordan Bratman when she was already an established star with film credits like ‘Burlesque’. While he was successful in the industry he did not share the same level of public fame as his wife. After several years and a child together she filed for divorce noting that they had both changed. She has since focused on her career and new family life.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer dated furniture designer Ben Hanisch during the time she was becoming a major movie star in ‘Trainwreck’. Their relationship was public but he was not a part of the entertainment world. As her schedule became more demanding and her fame continued to rise the two eventually split. She later married a chef and continued her successful career in comedy and film.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña was in an eleven year relationship with Keith Britton who worked as a CEO. This relationship spanned the period where she transitioned from a working actress to a star in ‘Avatar’ and ‘Star Trek’. The couple eventually announced their split after over a decade together. She moved on and married an artist shortly after the long term relationship ended.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman dated Nathan Bogle during a period when she was already a well known actress in films like ‘V for Vendetta’. He was a co-founder of a fashion brand but lacked her level of international celebrity. Their relationship ended as she continued to pursue high profile roles and academic interests. She eventually married a choreographer she met on the set of ‘Black Swan’.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway was in a long term relationship with Italian businessman Raffaello Follieri during her rise to fame. She starred in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ while they were together. The relationship ended abruptly amid his legal troubles and her own professional evolution. She has since married an actor and designer while winning an Academy Award.

Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth dated British model and musician James Rousseau for several years. This was during the time she was establishing herself as a fashion icon and actress in ‘Superman Returns’. As her career path changed and she moved into different circles the relationship came to an end. She eventually found partners within the film industry who shared her professional background.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore was married to musician Freddy Moore before she became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. She even kept his last name as her professional stage name throughout her career. As she rose to fame in films like ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ the marriage dissolved. She later entered much more high profile marriages with other major actors.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon married talent agent Jim Toth after she was already an established Oscar winner. While he was a powerful figure in the industry he was not a public figure like her first husband. Their marriage lasted over a decade but they eventually announced their divorce as they grew apart. She continues to lead a massive media empire and star in shows like ‘The Morning Show’.

Kaley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco was engaged to addiction specialist Josh Resnik before she became one of the highest paid actresses on ‘The Big Bang Theory’. Their relationship ended before they made it to the altar as her fame reached its peak. She has since had other high profile marriages and relationships within the celebrity world. Her career continues to thrive with projects like ‘The Flight Attendant’.

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley dated rugby player Ben Volavola during her time starring in the ‘Divergent’ series and ‘Big Little Lies’. While he was a professional athlete he did not have the same level of Hollywood recognition as the actress. She eventually ended the relationship stating that she needed to be on her own path. She has since been linked to other high profile figures in different industries.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson was in a long term relationship with David Otunga who was a reality star and wrestler. This relationship lasted throughout her transition from ‘American Idol’ contestant to an Academy Award winning actress in ‘Dreamgirls’. After many years together they went through a public split as their lives moved in different directions. She has since achieved EGOT status and hosts her own talk show.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey married music executive Tommy Mottola during the early years of her legendary career. He was instrumental in her success but the relationship was often described as controlling. As she found her own voice and starred in films like ‘Glitter’ she sought independence. Their divorce allowed her to take full control of her image and professional choices.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson was secretly married to René Elizondo Jr. for many years during the height of her fame. He was a songwriter and dancer but stayed mostly out of the public eye. When the marriage was finally revealed it was through their divorce proceedings. She has since moved through several high profile relationships as she continues her legacy in entertainment.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas dated Aseem Merchant during her early years in the modeling and acting world in India. This was long before she became a global icon and starred in the American series ‘Quantico’. As she achieved massive success in Bollywood and then Hollywood the relationship became a part of her past. She is now married to a world famous musician and actor.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson dated Will Adamowicz while she was a student at Brown University and a star of ‘Harry Potter’. He was a fellow student and did not have a career in the limelight. Their relationship eventually ended as her professional obligations and international fame made a quiet life difficult. She has continued to balance her acting career with her activism.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart was in a relationship with actor Michael Angarano before the massive success of the ‘Twilight’ series. While he was a working actor he did not experience the same level of global scrutiny as she did. As her life changed overnight due to the franchise the relationship ended. She has since become one of the most respected actresses of her generation.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh was married to businessman Dickson Poon early in her career in Hong Kong. At the time she actually retired from acting to focus on her marriage. After the marriage ended she returned to the screen and became an international action star. She recently became the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Gong Li

Gong Li was married to tobacco tycoon Ooi Hoe Seong for many years. This marriage occurred while she was already one of the most famous actresses in Chinese cinema. Their lives often took them to different parts of the world due to their respective careers. They eventually divorced and she continues to be a major force in international film.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek Pinault dated businessman César Conde before she married into one of the wealthiest families in the world. This occurred during her established career as a star in films like ‘Frida’. As her social and professional circles evolved she eventually met her current husband. She now balances her acting career with her roles in high fashion and philanthropy.

Julianna Margulies

Julianna Margulies was in a long term relationship with actor Ron Eldard for over a decade. They were together during her breakout years on the television show ‘ER’. Despite their long history they never married and eventually split as her career entered a new phase. She later found success in ‘The Good Wife’ and married a lawyer.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch was married to psychologist Lara Embry during the height of her fame on ‘Glee’. Their relationship was a significant part of her life as she became a household name. However the couple eventually decided to divorce after a few years of marriage. She has since continued her prolific career in television and theater.

Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin was married to Matt Moline before her reality show ‘My Life on the D-List’ became a massive hit. He was a computer technician and not part of the entertainment industry. Their divorce became a plot point in her career as she became more famous for her stand up specials. She has since had several other relationships while maintaining her career in comedy.

Courteney Cox

Courteney Cox dated music promoter Ian Copeland during the early years of her career. This was long before she became an international superstar on the sitcom ‘Friends’. As her fame skyrocketed the relationship eventually came to an end. She went on to marry and divorce a fellow actor and is now in a long term relationship with a musician.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock was married to television personality Jesse James who was famous in the niche world of custom motorcycles. This was during her continued reign as one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars. Their marriage ended after his public infidelity came to light following her Academy Award win. She has since focused on her family and continued her success in films like ‘Gravity’.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry married professional baseball player David Justice early in her career. While he was a star in his own right he was not a part of the Hollywood acting world. Their marriage ended as she became an increasingly prominent figure in the film industry. She eventually became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts was married to singer Lyle Lovett for a brief period in the early nineties. While he was a respected musician he lacked the massive movie star status that she held at the time. Their marriage was a major tabloid topic until they eventually decided to split. She has since found a long term partnership with a cinematographer.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz was in a long term relationship with musician Nacho Cano during her early years in Spain. This was before she moved to Hollywood and became an Academy Award winning actress. As her career became international she eventually ended the relationship. She is now married to a fellow world famous actor from Spain.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy was in a relationship with Eoin Macken who is an actor and filmmaker but far less famous than her. They were together as she rose to prominence with ‘The Witch’ and ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. As she became a global fashion icon and a top tier actress the relationship ended. She has since married a musician in a private ceremony.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson was married to musician Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes for several years. While he was a rock star he was not a movie star like his wife became after ‘Almost Famous’. Their marriage eventually ended as her career continued to evolve and she sought a different lifestyle. She has remained a major star and entrepreneur in the years since.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley dated actor Del Synnott during the beginning of her career in the United Kingdom. This was before she achieved global recognition in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise. As she became a major Hollywood leading lady the couple decided to go their separate ways. She later married a musician and continued her success in prestige films.

Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger was in a relationship with Simran Singh during her early years in the industry. This occurred before she became an Academy Award winner for her roles in films like ‘Cold Mountain’. As her fame reached new heights the relationship eventually concluded. She has since navigated several high profile romances while maintaining her status in Hollywood.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson was married to journalist Romain Dauriac for a few years during her continued success in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While he was successful in his field he did not share her level of global celebrity. The couple eventually divorced as their professional and personal lives moved in different directions. She has since married a well known comedian and writer.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston dated actor Daniel McDonald during the early years of her career before finding massive success. This relationship took place before she was cast in ‘Friends’ and became a global icon. As her career trajectory changed dramatically the relationship eventually reached its end. She went on to have some of the most talked about marriages in entertainment history.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman was married to Robert Abbott during the early stages of her career in the eighties. This was before she became a household name through her iconic role in ‘Pulp Fiction’. As she transitioned into a major film star the marriage dissolved. She has since had several high profile relationships with both actors and prominent businessmen.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow was in a relationship with Bryan Fugate during her younger years before achieving major fame. This was long before she won an Oscar for her work in ‘Shakespeare in Love’. As she became a leading figure in Hollywood and a lifestyle mogul the relationship ended. She has since been part of several famous power couples.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson was in a long term relationship with musician Alex Greenwald during her rise to the A-list. They were together when she won her Academy Award for ‘Room’ and joined the Marvel franchise. Despite their long history the couple eventually ended their engagement as her career reached new heights. She has since focused on her work as an actress and director.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o dated television host Selema Masekela during a period of her continued success in films like ‘Black Panther’. While he was a public figure he lacked the international movie star status of the actress. The relationship eventually ended with her expressing a need to focus on her personal growth. She remains one of the most respected and sought after performers in the industry.

Elizabeth Hurley

Elizabeth Hurley was married to businessman Arun Nayar for several years during her established career. He was a successful entrepreneur but lived a much more private life than his wife. Their marriage eventually ended as they drifted apart due to their different professional circles. She has continued to balance her work in film and television with her fashion business.

Courteney Cox

Courteney Cox was in a relationship with music promoter Ian Copeland during her early days as a working actress. This occurred before she landed her career defining role on the hit show ‘Friends’. As the show became a cultural phenomenon and her life changed the relationship concluded. She has since remained a prominent figure in television and film production.

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