Breakups are never easy—but when kids are involved, the emotional stakes are even higher. Add fame into the mix, and suddenly, private matters become public discussion. Despite the challenges of co-parenting under a microscope, several celebrity ex-couples have found ways to make it work—for the sake of their children.

Here’s a look at a dozen former celebrity couples who share children and have managed to co-parent with grace, commitment, and care—some of whom you may not have even realized were once together.

Laurence Fishburne and Gina Torres

Laurence Fishburne and Gina Torres tied the knot in 2002. Five years later, they welcomed their daughter, Delilah. During their marriage, Torres also played the role of stepmother to Fishburne’s children from a previous relationship. They separated in 2017 but have continued to focus on their family’s well-being.

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom

Model Miranda Kerr and actor Orlando Bloom may have parted ways, but their commitment to co-parenting remains strong. The two share a son, Flynn. Kerr is now married to Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel, while Bloom shares a daughter with singer Katy Perry. Despite new relationships, both parents emphasize the importance of raising Flynn in a loving, supportive environment.

Video: Celebrities Who Had Kids with Their Exes

Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen

British actors Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen met in 1995 and had their daughter, Lily, in 1999. Although they split in 2002, the pair have remained close friends. Their ability to maintain a strong friendship after their breakup has played a huge role in their successful co-parenting journey.

Anna Faris and Chris Pratt

Anna Faris and Chris Pratt ended their marriage in 2017 but continue to co-parent their son, Jack, with mutual respect. Faris shared in a podcast interview that she and Pratt made a conscious effort to prioritize their son’s happiness. They even agreed to live within five miles of each other until Jack finishes sixth grade, ensuring stability and accessibility for their child.

Kimberly Stewart and Benicio del Toro

Kimberly Stewart, daughter of legendary musician Rod Stewart, and actor Benicio del Toro never officially dated. However, in 2011, they welcomed their daughter, Delilah. Despite not being in a relationship, both parents have made efforts to stay involved in their daughter’s life.

Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger

Michelle Williams and the late Heath Ledger began dating after filming Brokeback Mountain in 2004. A year later, they had a daughter, Matilda. After Ledger’s tragic passing in 2008, Michelle has continued to raise Matilda with love and support from close family friends. Matilda’s godparents include actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Busy Philipps.

Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid

Hollywood stars Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid were married in 1991 and had their son, Jack Quaid, in 1992. The couple divorced in 2001. Today, Jack is following in his parents’ footsteps with a growing career in acting, including a debut in The Hunger Games in 2012.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony were married for a decade and are parents to twins, Emme and Maximilian. While co-parenting has had its challenges, Lopez has publicly stated that she and Marc remain friends and are united in their dedication to their children’s emotional well-being. Their approach centers on making sure the kids always feel loved and supported.

Vanessa Marcil and Brian Austin Green

Actors Vanessa Marcil and Brian Austin Green met on set in 1999, got engaged in 2001, and welcomed their son, Kassius Lijah, in 2002. They separated shortly after in 2003. Though they had their share of public differences, both have remained involved in their son’s life over the years.

Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman

Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman share two daughters, Olive and Frankie. Though their marriage ended, Barrymore has said that when you have kids, you’re never really separated from your co-parent. The two maintain a close co-parenting relationship, even celebrating holidays and events together with their children. Barrymore also shared that she and Kopelman’s wife, Allie Michler, get along well and even go trick-or-treating together.

Video: Drew Barrymore & Ex-Husband Will Kopelman Get ‘Cheeky’ At Daughter Frankie’s Graduation!

Meg Tilly and Colin Firth

Actress Meg Tilly and Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth were together from 1989 to 1994. During their time together, they lived in Canada and welcomed a son named William in 1990. Although they eventually parted ways, both continued to be active in their son’s upbringing.

Catherine Keener and Dermot Mulroney

Catherine Keener and Dermot Mulroney got married in 1990 and had a son, Clyde, in 1999. Clyde has since pursued a career in music. Although the couple divorced in 2007, they have both remained involved in their son’s life.

Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa

Model Amber Rose and rapper Wiz Khalifa share a son, Sebastian. Despite no longer being together, they have become an example of modern co-parenting done right. Amber has emphasized that the focus is always on their child—not on past feelings. She’s even remained friendly with Wiz’s current partner, Aimee Aguilar, and says the communication between them helps everyone stay connected for Sebastian’s sake.

Final Thoughts

It is not easy to navigate breakups—especially when children and public scrutiny are involved. But as these celebrity ex-couples prove, it is possible to separate romantically while still showing up fully as parents. By setting aside differences and focusing on their children’s emotional health, they’ve rewritten the narrative around celebrity co-parenting.

Whether they were married for years or never officially together, these stars have shown that commitment to family does not end when a relationship does. In fact, for many, that commitment only grows stronger with time.

For more stories about parenting, relationships, and life beyond the spotlight, check out our other popular articles.