Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe Split

Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe Split

By Associated Press
Mon Oct 30, 11:01 PM

LOS ANGELES - Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, who started the year on an Oscar-winning high, are ending it on a low note: The couple have separated.

"We are saddened to announce that Reese and Ryan have decided to formally separate," publicist Nanci Ryder said in a statement issued Monday on behalf of the couple.

"They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time," the brief statement concluded. Ryder said she could not elaborate on the split.

Witherspoon, 30, and Phillippe, 32, have two children, 7-year-old Ava and 3-year-old Deacon. The couple, who co-starred in the 1999 movie "Cruel Intentions," married that year.

In March, Witherspoon won a best-actress Academy Award for her role as June Carter Cash in 2005's "Walk the Line." Phillippe co-starred in the best-picture winner, "Crash," and is starring in Clint Eastwood's latest film, the World War II drama "Flags of Our Fathers."

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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Bill's Comment: I thought that they would be a couple that would last. Ms. Witherspoon also, to me, seems to be one of the most genuine individuals you could ever meet. I did hear a while ago that they were having problems (like any other couple), but I guessed that they tried their best. I feel for their children the most. I host that the Paparazzi will respect their wish and keep their distance. I am sure that the dirt will be heard on one of those shows like "Entertainment Tonight" and "The Insider" sooner than later.