Josh Duhamel Reflects on Marriage to Superstar Fergie
Actor Josh Duhamel has offered a frank and introspective look back at his marriage to singer Fergie, acknowledging the unique challenges of being wed to a global superstar. In a recent appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, the 53-year-old Transformers star discussed the "big adjustment" required when his then-wife's fame far eclipsed his own.
The Shadow of Superstardom
"It was a huge shift because suddenly I was - she was a massive star at the time so it was a big adjustment for me if I'm being honest," Duhamel revealed. The actor, who met Fergie on the set of the television dramedy Las Vegas in the early 2000s, admitted that being in her "shadow" was difficult at times.
Duhamel and Fergie, whose real name is Stacy Ann Ferguson, tied the knot in 2007 and remained married for a decade before announcing their separation in 2017. Their divorce was finalized two years later in 2019. Throughout their marriage, they welcomed one son together - Axl, now 12 years old.
Ego and Adjustment
The actor was remarkably candid about his own feelings during the marriage, stating that his misgivings about their fame differential were "probably my own ego more than anything." He added, "I don't think it bugged her as much as it probably did me. But she was a massive star at the time, and suddenly you're sort of in that shadow a lot of the times."
Despite these challenges, Duhamel emphasized that Fergie remained "a very normal person at the end of the day" and praised her as a "good mom." He also noted that they have maintained "a great relationship" following their divorce.
Amicable Co-Parenting and New Beginnings
Remarkably, the former couple has established what appears to be an exemplary co-parenting relationship. Duhamel revealed that Fergie even gets along well with his new wife, Audra Mari, 32, whom he married in 2022. "She and my wife actually get along great," he noted during the interview.
The actor and his current wife have since relocated to their native North Dakota, seeking distance from the Hollywood spotlight they both grew up in. Together, they have a two-year-old son named Shepherd and are expecting a baby girl. Duhamel expressed profound happiness with his current situation, stating, "I'm extremely happily married now to my wife Audra."
Reasons Behind the Split
Sources close to the former couple have provided additional insight into why their marriage ultimately ended. According to an insider who spoke exclusively with the Daily Mail, fundamental differences in life goals played a significant role.
"Josh really wanted to have more children and Fergie was really content with having one and it was a big tipping point in their marriage," the source revealed. The insider also noted personality differences, describing Duhamel as "more of a social butterfly" while characterizing Fergie as "a bit more reserved and quiet."
Despite these differences, the source emphasized that "there's zero bad blood between them and they both speak very highly of one another." This sentiment was echoed by Duhamel himself during a recent appearance on The Skinny Confidential podcast, where he described Fergie as "wholesome" and "a great mom, very kind, very non-confrontational."
Different Paths and Personal Growth
In a 2023 interview on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Duhamel elaborated further on the reasons for their separation. "I think we kind of outgrew each other and had very different interests," he explained. The actor revealed that as he grew older, he developed a stronger desire to return to his home state of North Dakota - a move that "was not for her."
Duhamel also discussed his discomfort with Hollywood culture, stating, "I just missed the simplicity of who I really am, you know? I'm just not a guy who is comfortable going to red carpets. Doing all the Hollywood stuff. Hollywood and LA and that whole lifestyle can suck the soul out of you if you're not careful."
He contrasted this with his current marriage, gushing about his wife Audra Mari: "She's so great for me because we are both hardcore North Dakotans who love lake life, love family and love kids."
Fergie's Independent Spirit
Another source provided insight into Fergie's personality and why the marriage may not have suited her long-term needs. "Fergie is an incredible mother and they co-parent so well, and family for her is super important, but she thrives much better by herself, able to do what she wants to do," the insider explained.
The source even drew parallels to Fergie's departure from the Black Eyed Peas, suggesting she "thrives better when by herself, when she can do a lot more for herself and not be stuck in an environment where she feels emotionally or creatively held back."
Throughout his various interviews, Duhamel has consistently emphasized his desire for peace and harmony among all parties. "I just want peace. I don't want any infighting between anybody and they've thankfully been very civil in the way they've approached this whole thing," he stated, referring to the relationship between Fergie and his current wife.
The actor's reflections offer a rare glimpse into the complexities of celebrity marriages, particularly those where one partner's fame significantly overshadows the other's. Despite the challenges, Duhamel and Fergie have managed to maintain a respectful and functional relationship focused on their shared priority: their son Axl.
