Are Liev Schreiber & Naomi Watts close to splitting up?

Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts at the 2008 National Board Of Review Of Motion Pictures Awards Gala at Cipriani's in New York

Yikes! One of my favorite undercover couples may be on the verge of splitting up! A very, very gossipy “source” close to Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts went to Radar and basically wouldn’t shut up about all of the problems they’re having. Naomi and Liev have two sons together – Alexander (or Sasha) who will be three years old in July, and Samuel (Sammy), who is about 16 months old. Liev and Naomi have been together since the spring of 2005, and although I really thought they were married, it looks like they never did make it official. Naomi admited last year that Liev had given her a ring, but that they weren’t too concerned with getting hitched.

61st Annual Tony Awards At Radio City Music Hall - After Party

As far as Radar’s source, and whether or not this source is just talking out of his or her ass (I think it’s a her, because the source seems to be identifying with Naomi and bashing Liev), I’ll let you be the judge. I think there might be something here, though:

Rumors have been swirling for years about whether Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts are married or not. But it seems that any speculation surrounding their relationship could soon be moot, as a source tells RadarOnline.com exclusively that the New York based couple, who have two sons together, are going through a rough patch.

“Liev is kind of arrogant and snobby,” a source close to the situation tells RadarOnline.com. “And it grates on him that Naomi has the higher profile, bigger, better career and higher earnings.

“Despite the rumors that are out there, they are not married, and they haven’t talked marriage plans in a good two years.”

“They’ve already been through two real relationship crisis’s, in January 2008 when Heath Ledger died and then last Spring/Summer time, and they came extremely close to splitting but they decided to go to couples’ counseling and work it out for the sake of the kids. When Heath died it really rocked Naomi’s world and she totally withdrew. Liev just isn’t the kind of guy who will hold Naomi’s hand to get her through a tough period. Instead he acts like he doesn’t need the relationship and can walk out at anytime. But he better be careful because if he keeps it up he could lose Naomi and I do think that would devastate him.”

“But, it looks like they’re slowly deteriorating, and finding themselves back in a bad place once again. Basically, it’s a total clash of the egos between the two of them. It’s always tough to make a relationship work when it’s between an actor and actress. Both tend to be self-obsessed to a degree, and Naomi and Liev fit that description to a T.”

“Liev would like Naomi to take more of a back seat when it comes to her career, he wants to be the major star and breadwinner and he would like her to be more of a stay at home mom. But Naomi knows that her movie making days are running out fast and she wants to capitalize on her looks and fame while she still can – while she’s still young enough.”

“Plus she loves being an actress, and loves the validation she gets from the fans and the critics. They’re kind of in a no win situation and basically at a stalemate, neither side wants to budge or compromise. I really don’t see how they are going to work this one out and reach a resolution that keeps both sides happy.”

“I know for a fact that if they didn’t have the kids they would of split a long time ago. It seems that now, the only thing holding them together is their two sons, who they both love very dearly. Unfortunately, it seems that they no longer love each other very dearly though.”

[From Radar]

I always wondered how Liev felt about his girlfriend/partner being so devastated at the loss of her former boyfriend. I have no doubt that Naomi was distraught when Heath died, and I also would think that Liev’s ego would take a hit. Still, I like them so much as a couple, and I really want to believe that Liev can handle his girlfriend’s fame and career, and that he’s wants a partnership of equals. Maybe not though.

Quite honestly, my first thoughts when I skimmed the article for the first time was that Liev was screwing around. My first guess was Angelina Jolie – Jolie and Schreiber worked together last year on Salt, but the tabloid gossip about any hookup between them ended pretty quickly. Now, Liev has been on Broadway with Scarlett Johansson the past few months… what do you think? I little ScarJo-Liev action? That would be juicy. And tragic. But juicy!

Here’s Liev and ScarJo. It could be happening:

"A View From The Bridge" Cast Meet And Greet

And here are some cute photos of Liev with his sons, out and about in New York on Friday. Those boys really take after their mom, don’t they?

Liev Schreiber Shows His Softer Side~

Liev Schreiber Shows His Softer Side~

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

35 Responses to “Are Liev Schreiber & Naomi Watts close to splitting up?”

Comments are Closed

We close comments on older posts to fight comment spam.

  1. bite me says:

    those boys are so jolie

  2. lisa says:

    I don’t believe all these “sources”

    Doubt this is true, but if it is I hope they can find a way to stay together if it is what they want. We hear this about lots of couples that are still together.

    Sasha looks like his father to me.. and the baby is just too cute.

  3. Marjalane says:

    Why do I get an “Angelina in training” vibe from Scarlett Johansson?

  4. Hautie says:

    I would think any relationship where you have been together only 5 years and have two small children, will be tested. Daily.

    Add to it the whole successful actor/actress thing and having to deal with the tabloids. Who are constantly looking for salacious story. Things would get a little tricky when the relationship hits a rough patch.

    And this so call “friend” needs a foot to their butt for commenting about it.

  5. Ann says:

    What’s up with all these men whose egos can’t take it when their women make more money or are more recognized for their work?
    So they feel less of a man if that’s the case?
    Why should a woman always take a step back to let the man shine?

    It’s still like in the 50’s.

  6. crash2GO2 says:

    Beautiful boys. If it’s true, I’m sorry to hear it. I’ve always liked them as a couple and this makes it sound like Liev is kind of an ass.

  7. canadianchick says:

    He’s talented but he’s fug, I’d be surprised if Scarjo or Angie hit the sack with him-recall whom they have at home. Poor kids, hope they are getting more counselling as a couple but sounds like the ego clash may win out. What’s Naomi been in lately? She’s also very talented.

  8. mslewis says:

    What “successful career” are you talking about? When was the last time Naomi had a hit movie? Liev? Not recently for either. So, who exactly has the best career? Neither!! As for who earns the most money . . . Naomi can’t command more than a million or so per film and neither does Liev. They aren’t exactly A-List and in demand. Liev does tons of voice over work for documentaries on PBS and is a well respected Broadway actor. That’s it. Neither is more famous than the other.

    And to even suggest that Angelina Jolie had an affair with him during “Salt” is just mean and nasty. Liev said their children played together on set during the filming and he laughed because Sasha and Shiloh looked like twins to him. That’s just evil to even mention.

    Also, Liev has been less than thrilled with Scarlet during their Broadway run. He doesn’t think she has enough talent for the stage. Besides, the run is almost up.

    I have no idea if this rumor is true but I hope not for the sake of those little boys. If the parents are having ego problems, perhaps they can think about the effect a breakup would have on Sasha and Kai and come to their senses.

    P.S.: This “source” sounds like one of Naomi’s girlfriends.

  9. ela says:

    It is so ridiculous!!

    Naomi does not have the bigger career. Naomi and Liev are character actors.

    And your comments about Jolie and Scarjo are really lamentable… a sexy and evil woman who destroys a lovely couple…sure…puaggg

    Leave Scarjo and Jolie alone, Scarjo is married and Jolie is with Brad.
    —————————
    A rep for Schreiber responded by calling the story “ridiculous” and false.”
    http://www.gossipcop.com/radar-off-on-liev-schreiber-and-naomi-watts-relationship/

  10. Ally says:

    The guy is a charisma vacuum. He should be glad any woman looks at him, let alone a Naomi Watts (and there, I think he was a total rebound, “I want to have kids now” guy for her).

    He fugly. He was excruciating to watch in that “Manchurian Candidate” movie.

  11. suz says:

    I am calling bullshit on Radar because this is the third or fourth time in 2 weeks that I’ve seen a supposed “released statement” from some moron or another with the absolutely retarded “would of” or “could of” construction (instead of “would’ve,” etc). COME ON.

  12. stinabelle says:

    I’m sorry, I can’t get past “crises’s.”

  13. Gwen says:

    I really hope this is just gossip! But since it seems to be the year of celebrity cheating, I am fully expecting it to be true 🙁

  14. Iggles says:

    Wow, those kids are super blonde! They do resemble Naomi alot, but I see a lot of Liev’s features too.

  15. snowball says:

    Holy hell, copy an article and unleash the Kraken!

    Eh, I don’t know what to believe. It’s true, couples go through stagnant periods here and there regardless of their occupations or whom they work with. I doubt St. Angie or ScarJo would be cheaters themselves at the moment anyway, if Liev was doing someone, it wouldn’t be either of them.

    They seem like sort of a quiet couple. I’m sure Naomi grieved a great deal for Heath, but I don’t think Liev was as cold as this story made him out to be.

    He’s like Gerard Butler, you either find him really hot or you think he looks sort of like a drunk gopher.

    As for what they’ve got coming up:

    Naomi:
    Dream House (2011) (filming)
    Untitled Comedy (2010) (filming)
    You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger(2010) (post-production)
    Fair Game (2010)(completed)

    3 more in development

    Liev:
    Salt
    an Untitled Comedy he’s filming right now
    One project in development

  16. OXA says:

    I do believe that he has an enormous ego. From seeing/reading the few interviews he has granted he seems like an arrogant douche with delusions of grandeur and little sense of humor. It is sad if he is destroying the family over his insecurities and inability to accept her success.

  17. Victoria says:

    Man those boys are SO CUTE and they do look like mom!

  18. Nicky says:

    There is a very nice photo of them by Buzz Foto over the week end and she is smiling…

  19. meme says:

    Liev is a great actor and a nice looking man. As for Naomi, I didn’t know she still had a career.

  20. longtallsally says:

    It’s great how the writers here use questions for headlines, that’s real strong journalism. It’s something that wasn’t as prevalent before, and now it’s being used all the time here. Implying rumours and half-truths to increase page views is wonderful, keep up the good work.

  21. Tia C says:

    “Liev is kind of arrogant and snobby,” a source close to the situation tells RadarOnline.com. “And it grates on him that Naomi has the higher profile, bigger, better career and higher earnings.”

    I went to college with Liev back in the 80s. We weren’t close, but we had friends in common. That description sounds like how he acted then. I kind of assumed he had grown up and gotten nicer, and he probably has, but I do remember he gave off the impression of being “arrogant and snobby.”

    Having said that, I really dislike these stories where it’s “maybe they’re going to break up” etc. Let’s make it a story when it actually happens, not beforehand. I guess the gossip rags wouldn’t have as much content if they waited for facts.

  22. Kim says:

    I Hope its not true . I find it interesting that the tabloids are always saying certain couples are breaking up or having an affairs i.e Brad and Angie, Kate and Tom , JLo and Mark, Justin and Jessica etc.Yet they are blindsided when couples they claimed were happy announce they broke up months before they made announcement like Tim and Susan, Kate and Sam Mendez, Noah W and Tracy, etc

  23. archiepelago says:

    LOL. This story seems absurd and to sneakily throw in the idea of affairs with Angelina or Scarlett at the end, now that’s genius. I can see why you write most of the items over here Kaiser as you really do know how to stir up the boards. Kudos to you. I LOVE how Angelina has become the new Kevin Bacon. It’s like six degrees over here and the mere mention of her name always gets results.

  24. Bee says:

    I’ve had mixed feelings about Naomi ever since I saw video of her physically fighting with the paparazzi (she grabbed some guys camera, was running around, and was screaming at the other paps) when she was very pregnant with her second son. I know the paps can be horrible, but she should’ve known better than to get physical with them while pregnant.

  25. Taya says:

    I hope these are just rumors.This is the one celebrity couple that I actually like and hope that they do stay together.

  26. jeannified says:

    I am not at ALL surprised that they are on the verge of splitting up. I NEVER thought that Naomi had gotten over Heath Ledger. As a matter of fact, he was the one who broke up with her, wasn’t it? If not, then she probably only broke up with him, because he wouldn’t commit to her. I ALWAYS thought that Liev was just a rebound. I am surprised that their relationship has gone on for as long as it has, and that they actually have to kids together. However, she is an “older woman,” who wanted kids, so that aspect doesn’t surprise me…especially since Heath didn’t want that with her.

  27. PB&J says:

    Oh no! I love these guys. Both so intelligent and talented.

  28. Orangejulius says:

    I never understood what she saw in him in the first place. Thank God the kids look like her.

  29. lin234 says:

    Bee- really? I’ve never heard that before. I’ve never been pregnant but perhaps her hormones were all over the place? Seems kind of dangerous to do something like you described while being pregnant.

    I’ve never really liked her as an actress. I am normally oblivious to most quirks actors or actresses have but I’ve noticed she can’t seem to keep her mouth closed for any scene. Her two front teeth are always showing.

    (Sidenote- ever since I read on here about Kristen Stewert’s lip-biting, I can’t help but notice it every time she does it. Ugh)

    But regardless of that, I hope this rumor isn’t true. She’s worked so hard for her career and it’s not like she achieved success early on, she should get the most out of it as she can. If he looks at the long term picture, the profession she has chosen will force her to retire sooner rather than later while he still has a lot of years left (in hollywood years of course).

  30. onyx says:

    not to sound bitter or jaded, but take it from someone who experienced the Liev-factor, he is not exactly well endowed, doesn’t always tell his partners about a certain STD that he’s had for most his life (until afterwards), definitely dabbled in same sex encounters (not that there is anything wrong with that) and thinks he is God’s gift to humanity. makes me wonder how low her self-esteem is.

  31. Moomoo says:

    ^ D: Onyx you saucy minx!

    This is why I have an obsessive-compulsive thing with skimming over every single comment.

  32. Bee says:

    @lin234 the video of her screaming and running around like a madwoman was ridiculous. I was seriously worried about the health of her baby. Luckily he looks like a very happy and healthy little boy.

  33. Dannni says:

    Word is that Liev isn’t even enjoying working with Scarlett so don’t go putting that far falsehood out there.

  34. Aitch says:

    well right after Naomi, Heath and Michelle Williams made a baby. that must have crushed Naomi.
    Liev was full of praise for ScarJo during the run of their play.

  35. Jerry says:

    You night be right, Aitch. Poor Naomi must have been totally crushed when Heath and Michelle had a baby so soon after her break-up from Heath. Now there is a new rumor that Liev might soom dump Naomi. It would be just horrible if Naomi’s heart was crushed a second time!