Cover Bruce Willis and Demi Moore confirm that it’s possible for exes to stay friends. (Photo: Instagram / @demimoore)
Bruce Willis and Demi Moore confirm that it’s possible for exes to stay friends. (Photo: Instagram / @demimoore)
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Celebrity breakups often end in public meltdowns and petty subtext. But these exes are a breath of fresh air
Celebrity relationships are often as fleeting as pilot season. However, there exists a rare and refined species: The Civil Ex. They’ve been through the red carpet romance, the inevitable breakup headlines and yet miraculously emerged with their sanity and a shared custody schedule intact. No public feuds, no shade thrown in song lyrics, just matching holiday sweaters and a suspicious amount of “family vacation” photos for people who are technically not together.
These exes are the real MVPs of Hollywood parenting. Here’s a toast (organic, of course) to the duos who prove you can uncouple consciously and still share snacks at your kid’s soccer game.
Also read: 9 iconic K-drama mothers you can relate to
1. Demi Moore and Bruce Willis
Once the toast of the ’90s, Demi Moore and Bruce Willis split in 2000 but never let the divorce get in the way of raising their three daughters—or sharing their sense of humour. These exes embody the statement “we’re not together, but we’re still a family”, frequently showing up for each other’s milestones, red carpets and even pandemic quarantines (yes, they locked down together in matching pyjamas).
Demi even attended Bruce’s vow renewal with his new wife, Emma Heming. Most of us can’t even look at our ex’s Instagram story without spiralling—and she’s giving speeches and passing hors d'oeuvres.
Also read: 6 underrated Demi Moore movies you need to appreciate
2. Will Smith and Sheree Zampino
Before Jada Pinkett came into the picture, there was Sheree Zampino, Will Smith’s first wife and mother to Trey Smith. And while tabloids would love some drama, these two remain the picture of grown-up grace. Will has publicly praised Sheree’s parenting and even once called her his “best friend” in raising their son.
Sheree and Jada also get along and have discussed their journey to blended family bliss on Red Table Talk. If that’s not the plot of an Emmy-worthy family dramedy, what is?
3. Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck
Above Ben&Jen met on the set of the box office flop ‘Daredevil’ (Photo: IMDB)
Ben&Jen met on the set of the box office flop ‘Daredevil’ (Photo: IMDB)
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Post-breakup, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have shown up for co-parenting like it’s their full-time job. She’s the grounded supermom baking cookies and walking the kids to school; he’s the Oscar-winning dad who sometimes looks like he just lost a fight with a Dunkin’ order. Together, they’re a surprisingly effective parenting duo.
They’ve been spotted trick-or-treating with the kids, attending school events and even doing casual drop-offs with new partners in tow. These exes prove you don’t need a Batmobile to be superhero parents.
See more: Yes Day: Why parents should attempt Jennifer Garner’s annual tradition
4. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon may not be together anymore, but when it comes to raising their twins, Monroe and Moroccan, they are perfectly in tune. They’ve spent Christmases together, posed for coordinated family photos and maintained a relationship that’s 90 per cent love, 10 per cent cheeky digs and 100 per cent good for the kids. When it comes to parenting, Carey once said they’re like “two peas in a pod”.
5. Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin
Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow taught us what “conscious uncoupling” meant. Though the term initially sounded pretentious, it actually works. The Coldplay frontman and the Goop founder have turned their breakup into a lifestyle brand. They vacation together, dine with their new partners and somehow make co-parenting look like a dreamy Italian art film.
They’ve even called their divorce a success, which is either inspiring or deeply confusing, depending on how your last breakup went.
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6. Ellen Adarna and John Lloyd Cruz
Filipino actors Ellen Adarna and John Lloyd Cruz dated in the mid-2010s and ended up having a son together. They broke up in 2019, but have enjoyed co-parenting. The actress and hotel heiress even said in an interview that Cruz had asked how much their son needed every month, to which she replied PHP10,000 (US$178) because she also had to own up to her responsibilities for him.
The usually private Cruz has openly discussed how fortunate he is in their co-parenting setup. He and Adarna’s husband Derek Ramsay have also spoken up about their mutual respect.
7. Jodi Sta Maria and Pampi Lacson
Award-winning Filipino actress Jodi Sta Maria married Pampi Lacson, son of former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, in 2005, and had a son together. They split in 2011 and officially annulled their marriage in 2024.
Sta Maria and Lacson have what they describe a blended family, and the exes often spend holidays and milestones together, alongside Lacson’s long-time partner, actress Iwa Moto.
8. Alex Rendell and Toey Jarinporn
Thai actors Alex Rendell and Toey Jarinporn dated for three to four years before breaking up in 2016. However, they’ve acknowledged each other as best friends and have remained business partners. They both run EEC Thailand, which helps educate children on sustainability by allowing them to experience marine life, wildlife and indigenous camps.
