Naomi Watts has been spotted in New York City just days after her former partner Liev Schreiber was rushed to hospital with a concerning health scare. The actress appeared makeup-free and somewhat downcast during her first public outing since news broke of Schreiber's medical emergency.
Health Scare Prompts Hospital Visit
Liev Schreiber, 58, was admitted to a New York hospital on Sunday after experiencing what was described as a "concerning headache." According to his representative, the actor spent the night in hospital on doctor's orders and underwent extensive testing throughout Monday.
Medical staff eventually cleared Schreiber to return to work, and he has since been discharged from hospital. His representative emphasised that the hospital visit was undertaken "out of an abundance of caution" and confirmed that the Ray Donovan star has been given the all-clear to resume filming his current project.
Watts Makes Low-Key Appearance
The following day, Watts emerged in New York looking careworn as she took her rescue dog Izzy for a walk. The 57-year-old actress opted for a casual ensemble, eschewing her usual red carpet glamour for a comfortable dark grey boyfriend-fit sweater, Free City sweats, and camel-toned slippers.
Watts appeared subdued as she navigated the late-autumn chill, her mood potentially reflecting concern for her former partner despite their separation nearly eight years ago. The sighting marked her first public appearance since Schreiber's hospitalisation became public knowledge.
History of Health Issues
This isn't the first time Schreiber has experienced health issues related to headaches. In 2024, he revealed he was diagnosed with transient global amnesia (TGA), a rare, benign condition characterised by sudden memory loss that resolves within 24 hours.
The condition struck while he was performing in 'Doubt: A Parable' on Broadway, creating what he described as "the worst nightmare that an actor could possibly ever experience." Schreiber recalled being unable to remember his co-star's name or his lines during the episode.
At the time, doctors assured him the condition was brought on by migraines and would likely not recur. Medical scans later confirmed there was no brain bleed and that his brain appeared "perfectly fine."
Amicable Co-Parenting Relationship
Despite parting ways in 2016 after eleven years together, Watts and Schreiber have maintained an exceptionally friendly relationship centred around co-parenting their two children: Sasha, 18, and Kai, 16.
Their bond remains so strong that they even went into self-isolation together during coronavirus lockdowns to ensure their children could spend time with both parents. Schreiber's current wife, Taylor Neisen, also joined their pandemic bubble.
The goodwill between the former partners extends to celebrating each other's new relationships. When Watts married Billy Crudup two years ago, Schreiber publicly shared his warm congratulations. Similarly, Watts enthusiastically commented "We love baby Hazel!!" when Schreiber and Neisen announced the birth of their daughter last year.
The couple exchanged vows in summer 2023 at the same Montauk mansion where Schreiber had previously lived with Watts, further demonstrating the ongoing harmony between all parties.
Schreiber's Career and Personal Life
Schreiber has been filming an untitled Apple TV+ thriller in Philadelphia, based on Lars Kepler's bestselling novel Killer Instinct. A source revealed the actor felt "embarrassed" by the attention his hospital visit generated, concerned that it made him appear "weak" at the height of his career.
However, the source also noted that Schreiber is grateful to be feeling better, describing the pain he experienced as "intolerable" and expressing appreciation for the medical team that treated him.
Meanwhile, Watts recently starred in Ryan Murphy's television shows 'All's Fair' and 'Feud: Capote vs. the Swans,' though she opted for comfort over glamour during her New York outing this week.
The actress has previously revealed that both of her children with Schreiber have developed an interest in acting, admitting she harbours "mixed feelings" about them entering the performing arts world.
