Australian actress and musician Danielle Spencer has spoken with striking honesty about the complex emotions surrounding her divorce from Hollywood star Russell Crowe, confessing to feelings of profound guilt for 'breaking up the family'.
The Weight of Ending a Family Unit
In a revealing interview on the Stellar podcast Something To Talk About, the 56-year-old reflected on the 2018 finalisation of her divorce from the Gladiator star after 15 years of marriage. Spencer described the split as 'really sad', particularly because of their shared history and two children.
'Me kind of breaking up the family – and it felt very much like I was driving that – so I had to deal with my almost sense of guilt that I was fracturing the family,' she told host Sarrah Le Marquand. She was quick to add that she had necessary reasons for the separation, stating firmly, 'I wouldn't have done it if I didn't think it needed to happen.'
Navigating a 'Difficult' Post-Split Journey
While Spencer confirmed she and Crowe are now on excellent terms, successfully co-parenting their sons Charlie, 22, and Tennyson, 19, she was keen to dispel any notion of an easy transition. She shared that the period following their initial separation in 2012 was filled with challenging moments.
'There were days and moments where obviously things were not fine, were tense, we were unhappy and it's sad,' she admitted, emphasising she didn't want the public to assume it was all 'smooth sailing'.
A 'Full Circle' Musical Reunion
In a poignant development, the former couple are set to share the stage once more. It was revealed in September that Spencer will open for Crowe at his Indoor Garden Party event at Sydney's Enmore Theatre on December 20.
This collaboration harks back to the very foundation of their relationship. 'Russell and I connected through music in the early days of knowing each other,' Danielle explained to news.com.au. 'We've performed together countless times over the years. It seemed like a lovely full circle moment.'
Crowe himself expressed enthusiasm for the joint performance during an appearance on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, referring to Spencer as his 'former paramour' and confirming she would open the show. He highlighted that their amicable relationship is a source of happiness for their children, quoting them as saying, 'Dad, that's really excellent.'
The pair, who married in 2003 and separated in 2012 before their divorce was legally concluded six years later, have evidently forged a respectful and supportive friendship centred on their family and shared creative passions.
