Actors Who Left the Women Who Supported Them Before They Were Famous

The journey to stardom in Hollywood is often long and difficult requiring years of persistence and financial struggle. Many actors rely on the emotional and financial support of their partners during these lean years before they achieve global recognition. However the pressures of fame and the changing dynamics of success sometimes lead to the end of these foundational relationships. This list examines several high profile actors who parted ways with the women who stood by them during their early careers.

George Clooney

George Clooney married Talia Balsam in 1989 before he achieved major stardom on the television series ‘ER’. The couple struggled financially during the early years of their marriage as Clooney sought consistent acting work in Hollywood. They divorced in 1993 just before his career took off and he became a global movie star. Clooney remained a bachelor for decades following the split until his marriage to Amal Clooney. He has often spoken about how he was not ready for the commitment of marriage during those formative years of his career.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford married his college sweetheart Mary Marquardt in 1964 long before he became a household name. Marquardt supported Ford while he worked as a carpenter to make ends meet between small acting roles. Their marriage lasted through the production and release of the first ‘Star Wars’ film which catapulted him to international fame. The couple divorced in 1979 as Ford reached the peak of his leading man status. Ford subsequently married screenwriter Melissa Mathison and later actress Calista Flockhart.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp married makeup artist Lori Anne Allison in 1983 when he was an aspiring musician and actor. Allison helped her husband by introducing him to Nicolas Cage who encouraged Depp to pursue acting professionally. The marriage ended in 1985 right as Depp started to gain recognition in the film ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’. He went on to become one of the most famous actors in the world following their separation. Depp has had several high profile relationships and marriages in the years since his divorce from Allison.

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner met his first wife Cindy Silva while they were both students at California State University Fullerton. Silva supported Costner during his early years of struggle including his time working on fishing boats and as a stagehand. The couple married in 1978 and remained together as he rose to fame in films like ‘Field of Dreams’ and ‘Dances with Wolves’. They finalized their divorce in 1994 after sixteen years of marriage and three children together. Costner later married Christine Baumgartner though that relationship also ended in divorce.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman married his first wife Jeanette Adair Bradshaw in 1967 when he was primarily a stage actor. Bradshaw was by his side for over a decade as he worked to establish a presence in the entertainment industry. Their marriage lasted through his early television work on the show ‘The Electric Company’. The couple eventually divorced in 1979 several years before Freeman achieved major cinematic success with films like ‘Street Smart’. He then married Myrna Colley Lee in 1984 and remained with her until 2010.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone married Sasha Czack in 1974 when he was a struggling actor with very little money. Czack worked as a waitress to help support them while Stallone wrote the screenplay for the movie ‘Rocky’. She also served as a photographer and consultant during the early days of his career. Their marriage ended in 1985 after Stallone had become one of the biggest action stars in the world. He later married Brigitte Nielsen and then Jennifer Flavin.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser met Afton Smith at a barbecue hosted by Winona Ryder in 1993 shortly after he moved to Los Angeles. Smith supported Fraser during his rise to fame in the late nineties through roles in movies like ‘George of the Jungle’ and ‘The Mummy’. They married in 1998 and had three sons together during the height of his career. The couple announced their separation in 2007 following a period of professional and personal challenges for the actor. Their divorce was finalized in 2009 and involved significant financial settlements.

James Marsden

James Marsden married actress Lisa Linde in 2000 during the early stages of his rise to fame. Linde was present for the majority of his career growth including his breakout role in the ‘X Men’ franchise. The couple shared two children and were often seen together at Hollywood events for over a decade. Linde filed for divorce in 2011 citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. Marsden has since continued to find success in both television and film projects.

Tim Allen

Tim Allen married Laura Deibel in 1984 before his stand up comedy career led to his role on ‘Home Improvement’. Deibel remained his partner through his legal troubles and his subsequent rise to television superstardom. She managed the household while he became one of the highest paid actors in the industry. The couple separated in 1999 and finalized their divorce in 2003 after nineteen years of marriage. Allen married actress Jane Hajduk in 2006 and has been with her since then.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams married his first wife Valerie Velardi in 1978 just as he was beginning his role on ‘Mork and Mindy’. Velardi supported him during his early years in the San Francisco comedy scene and his transition to television fame. Their marriage endured the rapid ascent of his career and the birth of their son. They eventually divorced in 1988 as Williams became a major film star in movies like ‘Good Morning Vietnam’. Williams later married Marsha Garces and Susan Schneider.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock married Malaak Compton Rock in 1996 when he was establishing himself as a premier stand up comedian. Compton Rock founded a non profit organization and was a constant support during his rise to global fame and his time on ‘Saturday Night Live’. The couple remained married for nearly two decades and raised two daughters together. Rock filed for divorce in 2014 and the process was finalized in 2016. He has since been open about his personal growth and the challenges of maintaining a marriage in the spotlight.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey married Melissa Womer in 1987 while he was still a struggling stand up comedian working at The Comedy Store. Womer supported Carrey during the years he spent auditioning for roles and performing small parts in films. Their marriage lasted through his big break on the sketch comedy show ‘In Living Color’. They divorced in 1995 just as he became a massive star with hits like ‘Ace Ventura Pet Detective’. Carrey briefly married his co star Lauren Holly shortly after the divorce was finalized.

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams married Aryn Drake Lee in 2012 after dating for over five years before his major success. Drake Lee was a real estate broker who supported Williams when he was a high school teacher and an aspiring actor. Their relationship spanned his entire rise to fame on the hit medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Williams filed for divorce in 2017 which led to a long and public legal battle over custody and support. He has since moved on to other high profile relationships within the industry.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard married his first wife Lori McCommas in 1989 long before his Oscar nominated role in ‘Hustle and Flow’. McCommas was with him throughout his early career struggles and the couple had three children together. Their relationship was characterized by multiple separations and a remarriage before they finally divorced for the second time in 2007. Howard reached the peak of his fame on the show ‘Empire’ well after their final split. He has been married multiple times since his relationship with McCommas ended.

Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas married Diandra Luker in 1977 when he was primarily known for the television series ‘The Streets of San Francisco’. Luker was the daughter of an Austrian diplomat and supported him as he transitioned into a successful film producer and actor. Their marriage lasted twenty three years and through his Academy Award winning performance in ‘Wall Street’. They finalized a high profile divorce in 2000 which resulted in one of the largest settlements in Hollywood history. Douglas married actress Catherine Zeta Jones later that same year.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood married Maggie Johnson in 1953 when he was an unknown actor trying to find work in Los Angeles. Johnson supported him during his early years at Universal Pictures and through his breakthrough role on the television show ‘Rawhide’. Their marriage was complicated by Eastwood’s numerous public affairs and outside relationships during his rise to fame. They eventually separated and finalized their divorce in 1984 after more than thirty years of marriage. Eastwood has since had several long term partners and a second marriage to Dina Ruiz.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro married actress Diahnne Abbott in 1976 around the time he achieved legendary status in ‘Taxi Driver’. Abbott appeared in several of his films during the early years of his most acclaimed work. The couple remained married for twelve years before divorcing in 1988 as his career continued to reach new heights. De Niro later married Grace Hightower in 1997 and stayed with her for over two decades. He is known for keeping his private life away from the media despite his immense fame.

Jude Law

Jude Law married actress Sadie Frost in 1997 when his career was beginning to gain international momentum. Frost was already an established figure in the London social and acting scene and helped Law navigate his early success. They had three children together before the marriage ended in divorce in 2003. Law became a major tabloid fixture and a leading man in films like ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ during this time. He has since had several other high profile relationships and children with various partners.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor met production designer Eve Mavrakis on the set of the television show ‘Kavanagh QC’ in 1995. They married shortly after and she supported him as he became a global star through the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy. The couple was married for twenty two years and raised four daughters together. McGregor filed for divorce in 2018 after beginning a relationship with his ‘Fargo’ co star Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The split was widely publicized and marked the end of one of the longest marriages in Hollywood.

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman married actress Lesley Manville in 1987 when he was an emerging talent in the British acting scene. Manville supported him during the filming of ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ and shortly before he moved to the United States. Their marriage ended in 1989 only three months after the birth of their son. Oldman went on to become one of the most respected actors of his generation with numerous iconic roles. He has been married five times in total with each relationship occurring during different phases of his fame.

William Shatner

William Shatner married Gloria Rand in 1956 when he was a young actor working in Canadian television and theater. Rand supported him as he moved to New York and eventually Los Angeles to pursue a film career. Their marriage lasted through the production of the original ‘Star Trek’ series which defined his career. The couple divorced in 1969 just as the show was coming to an end. Shatner has been married three more times since his first marriage to Rand.

Patrick Dempsey

Patrick Dempsey married his manager Rocky Parker in 1987 when he was just twenty one years old. Parker was twenty seven years his senior and played a significant role in guiding his early career in films like ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’. Their marriage lasted seven years before they divorced in 1994. Dempsey later found massive success as a television star on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and married Jillian Fink. He has often credited his early experiences with helping him navigate the industry later in life.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba married his first wife Hanne Norgaard in 1999 when he was still struggling to find consistent work in the United States. Norgaard moved with him from the United Kingdom and supported his ambitions to become a professional actor. Their marriage ended in 2003 around the time he landed his breakout role as Stringer Bell in ‘The Wire’. Elba has since become an international superstar and has been married two more times. He remains a father to their daughter and has maintained a private personal life.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie married his childhood sweetheart Sheletta Chapital in a secret ceremony in 2014. The couple had known each other since they were seven years old and she supported him throughout his education and early acting career. They had four children together as Mackie became a prominent figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However the couple quietly divorced in 2018 after only a few years of marriage. Mackie has kept the details of their separation private to protect his family.

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba Gooding Jr. married his high school sweetheart Sara Kapfer in 1994 before he won his Academy Award. Kapfer was by his side as he transitioned from small roles to becoming a leading man in Hollywood. Their marriage lasted for twenty years and they raised three children together. Kapfer filed for legal separation in 2014 and Gooding Jr. filed for divorce in 2017. The actor has since faced various personal and legal challenges in the public eye.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker met Keisha Nash on the set of the film ‘Blown Away’ in 1994. Nash supported Whitaker as he moved into directing and won an Academy Award for ‘The Last King of Scotland’. They were married for over twenty years and were considered one of the most stable couples in Hollywood. Whitaker filed for divorce in 2018 citing irreconcilable differences. The split was amicable and they continue to co parent their children.

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Jean Claude Van Damme married Maria Rodriguez in 1980 when he was still living in Belgium and training in martial arts. Rodriguez supported his move to the United States where he worked various odd jobs before finding fame. Their marriage ended in 1984 as he began to land his first significant roles in action films. Van Damme has been married five times to four different women including a remarriage to Gladys Portugues. His career has been marked by both massive commercial success and personal turbulence.

Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas married Spanish actress Ana Leza in 1987 before he moved to Hollywood to pursue an American career. Leza helped him learn English and supported him during the filming of his early English language movies. Their marriage ended in 1996 as Banderas became an international superstar and met Melanie Griffith. He also collaborated frequently with Salma Hayek Pinault in various film projects during this era of his career. The divorce settlement was notable for the significant financial support awarded to Leza.

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo married actress Yelba Osorio in 1994 when he was gaining fame for his one man shows and film roles. Osorio was part of his early journey as he broke barriers for Latino actors in the entertainment industry. Their marriage lasted only two years and ended in 1996 as his career continued to expand. Leguizamo later married Justine Maurer in 2003 and has remained with her since then. He has frequently written about his personal life and heritage in his various stage productions.

Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe married his first wife Yumiko Watanabe in 1983 before he became a global star. She supported him during his early years in Japan and through his successful battle with leukemia in the late eighties. Their marriage lasted for over two decades but ended in a public and difficult divorce in 2005. This occurred just as Watanabe was gaining massive international acclaim for ‘The Last Samurai’. He later married actress Kaho Minami but that marriage also ended in divorce.

Hiroyuki Sanada

Hiroyuki Sanada married actress Satomi Tezuka in 1990 when he was a prominent star in Japan. Tezuka supported his career for seven years and they had two children together. The couple divorced in 1997 as Sanada began to take on more international roles in Hollywood and British cinema. He has since become one of the most recognizable Japanese actors in global media with roles in ‘The Last Samurai’ and ‘Shogun’. Sanada has focused primarily on his acting career and maintains a low profile regarding his personal life.

Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen married Zing Ci Leung in 1993 before he achieved the height of his international martial arts fame. Leung was with him during his early transition from a stuntman to a leading actor in Hong Kong cinema. Their marriage was short lived and ended in 1995 just as his career began to surge. Yen later married Cissy Wang in 2003 and has often credited her with his continued success. He is now considered one of the most influential action stars in the world.

Jet Li

Jet Li married martial artist Huang Qiuyan in 1987 while they were both rising stars in China. Qiuyan had been a teammate of Li since childhood and supported him during his early film successes like ‘Shaolin Temple’. The couple moved to the United States together but divorced in 1990 as Li focused on his international career. He subsequently married actress Nina Li Chi in 1999 and has remained with her. Li has since become a global icon for his contributions to the martial arts genre.

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan married Reena Dutta in 1986 in a secret ceremony because their families belonged to different religions. Dutta was a pillar of support during his early years and even worked as a producer on his Academy Award nominated film ‘Lagaan’. Their marriage lasted for sixteen years before they announced their separation in 2002. Khan later married Kiran Rao in 2005 though that marriage also ended in 2021. He remains one of the most influential and successful actors in Indian cinema history.

Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan married actress Amrita Singh in 1991 when he was just starting his career and she was an established star. Singh supported him through a decade of professional ups and downs before he achieved major stardom. They had two children together before finalizing their divorce in 2004. Khan has since become one of the leading actors in Bollywood and married actress Kareena Kapoor in 2012. He continues to be a prominent figure in the Indian film industry.

Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik Roshan married his childhood sweetheart Sussanne Khan in 2000 just as his debut film became a massive success. Khan was his partner for years before his fame and remained by his side as he became a superstar. Their marriage lasted thirteen years and they were often cited as an ideal couple in the media. They announced their separation in 2013 and finalized their divorce the following year. Despite the split they remain close friends and co parent their two sons together.

Ben Kingsley

Ben Kingsley married his first wife Angela Morant in 1966 when he was primarily a stage actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Morant supported him throughout the first decade of his career as he built his reputation in the theater. They had two children together before their marriage ended in 1976. Kingsley achieved worldwide cinematic fame several years later with his titular role in the film ‘Gandhi’. He has been married four times in total and continues to be a prolific actor.

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman married Anne Byrne in 1969 shortly after his breakout role in ‘The Graduate’. Byrne was with him during the transition from a struggling New York actor to a major Hollywood star. She supported his career as he won his first Academy Award for ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’. The couple divorced in 1980 after eleven years of marriage and two children. Hoffman married Lisa Gottsegen later that same year and has remained with her for over four decades.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere was in a long term relationship with painter Sylvia Martins during his early years as a theater and film actor. Martins was a steady presence as Gere rose to fame with movies like ‘American Gigolo’ and ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’. Their relationship ended in the mid eighties as Gere became one of the most famous men in the world. He later had high profile marriages to supermodel Cindy Crawford and actress Carey Lowell. Gere currently focuses much of his time on humanitarian work and his family.

Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum married Patricia Gaul in 1980 during the early stages of his film career. Gaul appeared with him in the film ‘The Big Chill’ which was a significant moment in his rise to prominence. They divorced in 1986 just as Goldblum achieved major success with the movie ‘The Fly’. He then married his co star Geena Davis in 1987 though that marriage also ended in 1990. Goldblum has since found a new wave of fame and married Emilie Livingston in 2014.

Dennis Quaid

Dennis Quaid married actress P.J. Soles in 1978 when he was just beginning to establish himself in Hollywood. Soles was already known for her roles in ‘Carrie’ and ‘Halloween’ while Quaid was still looking for his big break. Their marriage lasted five years and ended in 1983 as Quaid’s career began to take off. He later married Meg Ryan in 1991 and their relationship became one of the most famous in Hollywood during the nineties. Quaid has been married four times in total throughout his long career.

Sean Penn

Sean Penn was in a significant relationship with actress Elizabeth McGovern in the early eighties before he became a household name. They were engaged to be married after meeting on the set of ‘Racing with the Moon’. The relationship ended as Penn’s fame and reputation for being an intense young actor grew in the media. He later married Madonna in 1985 and then Robin Wright in 1996. Penn is known for his acclaimed acting career as well as his political and social activism.

Billy Bob Thornton

Billy Bob Thornton married his first wife Melissa Lee Gatlin in 1978 when he was still an aspiring musician and actor. Gatlin supported him during his early struggles to find work in the entertainment industry. Their marriage ended in 1980 well before Thornton achieved major fame with ‘Sling Blade’. He has been married six times in total including a highly publicized marriage to Angelina Jolie. Thornton has since won an Academy Award and continues to work in both film and television.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne married Hajna O. Moss in 1985 when he was still establishing himself as a versatile character actor. Moss was with him as he took on significant roles in films like ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Boyz n the Hood’. They had two children together before their marriage ended in 1992. Fishburne achieved global superstardom shortly after the split with his role as Morpheus in ‘The Matrix’ trilogy. He later married actress Gina Torres and remained with her until 2018.

Wesley Snipes

Wesley Snipes married April Dubois in 1985 when his acting career was just beginning to gain momentum. Dubois supported him during his early film roles and the birth of their son. Their marriage ended in 1990 just as Snipes was becoming a major action star and leading man. He went on to star in numerous box office hits including the ‘Blade’ franchise throughout the nineties. Snipes married Nakyung Park in 2003 and has five children in total.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson married Robyn Moore in 1980 when he was a relatively unknown actor in Australia. Moore supported him through his early success in ‘Mad Max’ and his eventual transition to Hollywood superstardom. The couple was married for twenty six years and had seven children together. They announced their separation in 2006 and finalized a record breaking divorce settlement in 2011. Gibson has since had other high profile relationships and remains a significant figure in the film industry.

Kelsey Grammer

Kelsey Grammer married his first wife Doreen Alderman in 1982 before he became famous for playing Frasier Crane. Alderman was by his side as he started his career on Broadway and eventually landed his role on ‘Cheers’. Their marriage was brief and they divorced in 1990 despite having a daughter together. Grammer went on to lead one of the most successful sitcoms in television history for over a decade. He has been married four times and has frequently discussed his personal life in the media.

David Duchovny

David Duchovny was in a long term relationship with actress Perrey Reeves in the early nineties before ‘The X Files’ became a phenomenon. Reeves supported him during the first few seasons of the show as it grew into a global cult classic. Their relationship ended in 1995 just as Duchovny was becoming an international sex symbol and television star. He married actress Téa Leoni in 1997 and they remained together for seventeen years. Duchovny has since continued to find success as an actor and author.

Tom Arnold

Tom Arnold married his first wife Roseanne Barr in 1990 during the peak of her television show’s success. While both were in the industry Barr was the established star who gave Arnold a major platform on her sitcom ‘Roseanne’. Their marriage was a constant focus of tabloid attention until they divorced in 1994. Arnold used the exposure to launch his own film and television career with roles in movies like ‘True Lies’. He has been married four times and remains active in the comedy scene.

His Majesty King Charles III

His Majesty King Charles III married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 when he was the Prince of Wales. While he was born into royalty his public persona and global celebrity status grew significantly during their marriage. Diana supported him through his official duties and the couple became the most famous pair in the world. Their marriage was famously turbulent and ended in a widely publicized divorce in 1996. He later married Camilla Parker Bowles who is now Queen Camilla.

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