Ben Foster and his wife, Laura Prepon, have surprised many with news of their separation, as the couple has filed for divorce. The details surrounding their decision remain private, leaving fans reflecting on their journey from long-time friends to a married couple with two children.
Here’s a closer look at the timeline of their relationship, their family, and what the separation means moving forward.
What happened to Ben Foster and wife Laura Prepon?
Ben Foster has filed for divorce from Laura Prepon after being married for six years. Citing “irreconcilable differences,” Foster noted their date of separation as September 9, 2023, in court documents obtained by People. The actor requested the enforcement of their 2018 prenuptial agreement, equitable division of their marital assets and debts, and that each party cover their own legal fees.
The couple, both 44, share two children—a daughter born in 2017 and a son born in 2020. Foster and Prepon were friends before they began dating in 2016, becoming engaged shortly after. They married in June 2018, celebrating their union with an Instagram post from Prepon thanking fans for their support. Throughout their marriage, the pair publicly emphasized balancing their careers with parenting.
Prepon, known for Orange Is the New Black and That ’70s Show, previously discussed their parenting dynamic in 2019, sharing that they alternated professional commitments to ensure one parent was always present with their children. Foster, recognized for his roles in X-Men: The Last Stand and Hell or High Water, echoed their shared focus on family during their time together.
This separation marks the end of a partnership that appeared to prioritize family life amid busy careers. Despite the public announcement of their divorce, neither Foster nor Prepon has publicly commented beyond the filings. The court proceedings will address the terms of their separation, including custody and the division of assets, in accordance with their prenuptial agreement.
While the end of their marriage is notable, both Foster and Prepon seem committed to navigating the process privately while continuing to co-parent their two young children.
