Chef's Widow

Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe have separated. The couple's rep released a statement to TMZ Monday morning that says "We are saddened to announce that Reese & Ryan have decided to formally separate. They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time."

Sources tell TMZ Witherspoon has contacted celebrity divorce lawyer Robert Kaufman, who has represented Jennifer Aniston, Roseanne and Lisa Marie Presley.

Sources say Witherspoon spoke with Kaufman about divorcing Ryan Phillippe, her husband of seven years. The couple has two children. They met at Witherspoon's 21st birthday party.

As for why Witherspoon contacted Kaufman, we're told it was not triggered by one event. Rather, one connected source says it was "cumulative."

Divorce papers have not yet been filed.

Honestly this really depresses me. I always thought Reese & Ryan were the cutest couple. Seven years in Hollywood is like 49 years in real life. I bet he cheated. He is too attractive not to cheat.


Here are some Quotes about Marriage and Family Life from Reese & Ryan:

Reese, about Ryan: "I'm lucky to find a person to share my life, and the best friend I'll ever have...I don't think I can imagine a better guy than the one I've ended up with."
Source: IMDB.com

Ryan, about Reese: "The person I trust most in this world is Reese, definitely. She's that pure-hearted a person, and that honest. And I would never suspect her of any wrong...Things like my baby and my wife are a lot more important to me than being in one of the top ten grossing movies of all time."
Source: IMDB.com

Ryan Phillippe on keeping mystery in marriage: "I'd never write anything off completely, but I just feel like there's something to be said for the individuality and mystery of doing things on your own."
Source: People.com

Ryan Phillippe on Life and Family: “Home life’s great, man. The kids are great, happy and healthy. I’ve reached this sort of wonderful precipice. I’ve been in this business for a long time at my age, I’ve just turned 30, and I feel like my wife’s career is going incredibly well, my kids are happy and healthy in schools, we’ve both been able to buy a house for our parents, respectively, in the places they live. And now I’m ready to work on my stuff, my career. I feel like everything’s taken care of. I’m just in a really good place.”
Source: Movies.about.com

Reese, about dual careers and marriage: "Marriage and family come before everything. You don't want to make a movie at the cost of your relationship."
Source: Us Weekly, September 6, 2004, page 47.