Josh Duhamel's Initial Hesitation Over 21-Year Age Gap with Wife
Hollywood actor Josh Duhamel has openly discussed his initial reservations about pursuing a relationship with his now-wife Audra Mari, primarily due to their significant 21-year age difference. The 53-year-old Transformers star, who married the 32-year-old former Miss USA contestant in 2022, revealed these candid thoughts during a recent podcast appearance.
The Barbecue That Changed Everything
Duhamel detailed on The Skinny Confidential podcast that he first invited Mari to a barbecue at his home without romantic intentions. "I wasn't even inviting her because I wanted to date her, because she was too young for me, to be honest," the actor confessed. "I'm not going to be that dude."
However, his perspective shifted dramatically when Mari arrived. "She comes to the door and I'm like: 'Holy s***. [She's] so beautiful,'" Duhamel recalled. More importantly, he observed her interacting with children at the gathering in what he described as a "really wholesome" manner that reminded him of his North Dakota roots.
From Platonic Friendship to Marriage
"I remember her taking care of these kids at the party, making sure they had enough [to eat] and I was like that reminds me of home and the kind of girl I want to really be with," Duhamel explained. This experience led him to reconsider his initial stance, thinking "maybe she's not too young."
The couple's relationship developed gradually from what Duhamel described as "truly platonic for years" on another podcast appearance. He eventually realized "she's more mature than I am," paving the way for their romantic connection.
Family Dynamics and Co-Parenting
Duhamel and Mari now share two-year-old son Shepherd, while Duhamel also parents 12-year-old Axl with ex-wife Fergie (Stacy Ferguson). The actor emphasized that all family relationships remain positive, noting that he and Fergie "have a great relationship" and that "she and Audra [also] have a great relationship."
Reflecting on his previous marriage to the Black Eyed Peas singer, Duhamel acknowledged their differences while speaking kindly of his ex. "We're just very different. She and I just have different views of the world, and that's OK," he stated, adding that Fergie is "a great mom, very kind, very non-confrontational."
Building a Life Together
The couple, who tied the knot in Fargo, North Dakota in September 2022, split their time between their home state and Los Angeles. When announcing their pregnancy in 2023, Fergie publicly supported the couple, commenting on social media: "I am truly happy for you guys. Axl can't wait to be a big brother."
Duhamel's journey from hesitation to embracing his relationship with Mari highlights how initial concerns about age differences can evolve when genuine connection and shared values emerge, ultimately leading to a strong family foundation built across blended relationships.
