Two decades after a highly publicized divorce, Ashton Kutcher has publicly praised his former wife, Demi Moore. The acknowledgment came not through a nostalgic interview, but in response to her daring and critically acclaimed performance in the unsettling 2024 film,The Substance.
Kutcher, now 47, described Moore’s work as “extraordinary” and stated he was “so proud” of her Oscar-nominated portrayal of a fading actress grappling with the desperate pursuit of youth. He simply declared, “She killed it,” offering a rare glimpse of genuine admiration for his ex-wife’s artistic achievement.
Their relationship began in the early 2000s, a seemingly idyllic romance that culminated in a lavish Beverly Hills wedding in 2005. Surrounded by 100 guests, the ceremony was described as “beautiful” – a moment of genuine happiness for the couple at the start of their journey together.
However, the marriage ultimately fractured, ending in a painful split in 2011 and a finalized divorce in 2013. The separation was shrouded in controversy, fueled by allegations of infidelity that cast a long shadow over their public image.
Years later, Moore offered a raw and revealing account of their relationship in her 2019 memoir,Inside Out. She detailed a period of experimentation and openness, including shared experiences with a third party, but also revealed how those choices ultimately contributed to the breakdown of their trust.
Moore wrote that Kutcher used their exploration of boundaries as justification for his infidelity, a painful realization that reshaped her understanding of their dynamic. It was a candid admission of vulnerability and a complex exploration of the challenges they faced.
Despite the difficult past, Kutcher has consistently expressed a continued connection to Moore’s three daughters – Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah – from her previous marriage to Bruce Willis. He actively maintained a relationship with them throughout their adolescence, emphasizing his enduring love and support.
He once described the experience of helping raise them as a significant part of his life, stating he would “never stop loving them and respecting them.” This dedication speaks to a level of maturity and a commitment to family that transcends the complexities of his personal life.
Kutcher has openly acknowledged the pain of divorce, calling it a “wholesale f*ing failure.” He emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for one’s mistakes and moving forward with honesty and self-awareness. It was a stark admission of the emotional toll the separation took on him.
Today, Kutcher is married to Mila Kunis, with whom he shares two children. While they’ve largely retreated from the spotlight, they recently made a rare public appearance at the Golden Globes, signaling a continued commitment to their family and a desire for a more private life.
Their recent reclusiveness followed a period of controversy surrounding a former co-star’s legal troubles, a situation that prompted them to issue apologies for letters of support that were perceived as insensitive to victims. It highlighted the challenges of navigating public opinion and maintaining personal values.
Ultimately, Kutcher’s recent praise of Moore’s acting is a testament to her talent and a quiet acknowledgment of their shared history. It’s a moment of grace and respect, demonstrating a willingness to recognize her accomplishments despite the complexities of their past.
