Ben StillerandChristine Taylorare back in the public eye.
TheMeet the Parentsactor, 56, revealed in an interview last month that he and his wifegot back togetherduring the pandemic, after separating nearly five years ago.
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Stiller and Taylor’sromantic relationshipwas rekindled after the couple decided it would be best if he moved back in with her and their two kids during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it would be the only way he’d be able to see their children during lockdown.
“Then, over the course of time, it evolved,” Stiller toldEsquirein February. “We were separated and got back together and we’re happy about that.”
“It’s been really wonderful for all of us,” he continued. “Unexpected, and one of the things that came out of the pandemic.”
Stiller and Taylor are parents to daughterElla Olivia, 19, and son Quinlin Dempsey, 16.
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In May 2017, the couple released ajoint statement to PEOPLEannouncing their separation after 17 years of marriage.
Although Stiller and Taylor had announced their separation, they continued to support one another and their family in the public eye,attending events with their kidsand at one point, holding hands during an outing to see thePretty Womanmusical in 2018.
“I think we have a respect for the ways that we’re similar and the ways we’re different. And I think accepting that, you can really appreciate someone more because you’re not trying to get them to change for you,” Stiller also toldEsquire, touching on how his relationship with Taylor progressed over the last two years.
“Once you accept that, you save a lot of energy,” he added."‘This is something that works for me; this is something that doesn’t work for me.’ If you have that trust level with your partner, you know that me saying ‘I don’t like doing that thing’ is not me saying ‘I don’t likeyou.’ "
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After news of their reunion became public, a source told PEOPLE that the pairdidn’t date anyone elseduring their time apart.
“They are the kind of couple that friends hoped would get back together,” said the source. “They were never estranged. Ben just had such a busy career for years. It drove them apart a bit. They didn’t spend much time together. But when they did, it was always obvious that they loved each other.”
“Even after they decided to separate, they spent time together just the two of them,” the source continued. “They always had fun and enjoyed hanging out. They never even dated other people after they separated.”
Added the insider: “When the pandemic hit, they decided to live together with their kids. They were always very close with their kids. Both are amazing parents.”
source: people.com
