Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor have decided to go their separate ways after being married for 17 years. The two released a joint statement to confirm the news on Friday. The former couple, however, promised to co-parent their kids Ella Olivia and Quinlin Dempsey.
'Heat, Vision And Jack'
The pair first met on the set of "Heat, Vision and Jack" which was directed by Stiller. Upon seeing Taylor, who played the role of a sheriff, the actor admitted it was love at first sight. The "While You Were Young" star previously shared that they started hanging out as friends before they took their relationship to the next level.
A year after their first encounter, Stiller and Taylor tied the knot on an island in Hawaii. The celebrity couple were immediately blessed with their first baby, Ella Olivia, who is now 15. Four years later, the "Marcia Brady" actress gave birth to a baby boy who is now 11 years old.
Aside from living an almost perfect life as a family, the celebrity pair were also commended for regularly doing things together. In fact, Stiller and Taylor even co-starred in "Zoolander" and "Zoolander 2." Aside from that, the couple announced their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle in 2012.
Hence, their split came as a shocker to their fans and colleagues from the entertainment industry.
17 years of Marriage
Stiller and Taylor have been married for 17 years before their relationship fell apart.
Despite their decision to end things between them, the estranged couple vowed to remain close friends for their two children. The actors ended their statement by asking the press to respect the privacy of their family in this difficult time.
Reports stated the actors have not been spotted together since April. Last year, Stiller shocked the media when he announced he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014.
The actor reportedly underwent surgery before he was declared cancer-free after two years of medication.
Stiller even encouraged all men to get tested after reaching their 40s. In the midst of his fight against cancer, the actor and his then-wife shared the secret to their happy marriage was making each other laugh. Stiller and Taylor's relationship was made even stronger by their shared commitment to their craft.
Although the reason for their split was not revealed, Stiller previously admitted his marriage with Taylor had its ups and downs. Rumor has it that the actor's behavior could also be the reason for the sudden divorce.
