Ryan Phillippe admits he needs frequent breaks from Reese


Ryan Phillipe says that he likes to spend time away from his wife of seven years, Reese Witherspoon, because she nags the shit out of him, but that he loves and misses his children dearly. At least that’s what I read between the lines of his recent interview:

Flags of Our Fathers star Ryan Phillippe hasn’t worked with wife Reese Witherspoon since 1999’s Cruel Intentions (they met on set), but, he says, it’s better that way.

“Sometimes I think it’s a little cleaner to, at least at this stage in our lives, keep that stuff separate,” he tells Interview magazine in its new issue. “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.”

Phillippe, 32, says he’ll never get used to working away from Witherspoon and their kids Ava, 7, and Deacon, 3. “That’s a difficulty that I don’t know if I will ever totally come to terms with. But I think I commit sometimes even further to a role because it leaves me less time to think about those things that make me feel sad, like not being around my children.”

Immersing himself in his role, he says, serves as “a shield or a protective blanket that keeps me from having to deal with the reality. If I can’t see my kids, and I’m in another time zone, I really have to live and eat and breathe the work around the clock, because that keeps me sane.”

Asked if he distances himself from Witherspoon when they talk on the phone, he says, “At times, yes. But because she does the same work, she completely understands.”

The couple makes sure that if one parent is making a movie, the other will remain at home with the kids. “That’s one of the ways we keep the balance,” Phillippe says.

But, he admits, “There are obstacles in every family. … It’s never going to be perfect – you just try to do the best you can and to create a life that is positive and full for them.”

Of course he’s being quite reserved and is probably following Reese’s lead of revealing just enough information that it’s interesting, but not particularly telling. That seems to be the best way to conduct yourself when you’re a celebrity. Reese must have laid into him after he admitted to Rolling Stone that his life’s dream is to smoke pot and lay on the beach all day. That’s a far cry from the loving, thoughtful father he comes off as here. Those Rolling Stone journalists must make celebrities feel like they want to party.

Reese and Ryan were said to be having trouble at the premiere of Flags of our Fathers, because a paparrazo overheard them arguing and they looked kind of pissed off at each other in photos taken at the time.

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9 Responses to “Ryan Phillippe admits he needs frequent breaks from Reese”

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  1. Angelika says:

    I’m sorry but I’ve been saying for one or two years that these two are clearly gonna divorce sooner or later! They never look happy, they always seem to have troubles and Ryan obviously can’t deal with Reese’s success.. Now his new movie even only debuted at #3.. This simply isn’t gonna work out! Of course I’m not an expert and I don’t know them in person, and their family looks absolutely adorable and I only want the best for them, but.. this simply doesn’t seem like it’s gonna last! And such interviews certainly won’t make it any better!

  2. Christina White says:

    I’ve always like R & R, I hope they make it!

  3. frewtloop says:

    Yeah I hope they make it too because I think if they were lesser people (like many in Hollywierd) they would have split a long time ago. Full marks to them for making it work as long as they have.

  4. Viv says:

    Ryan’s just pissed because his ugly half makes more movies than he does; when he decides to exercise discretion in choosing which films to act in, maybe he’d be happy when it goes blockbuster. I’m not a total Reese hater. I admire Reese Witherspoon for bagging a hottie like that. Other than that, she um… has cute kids?

  5. Daisy says:

    So a married couple had a spat and seemed pissed off at each other? If that were the criteria for determining who is going to get divorced, my husband and I would have split many, many years ago.

    ALL couples argue; all couples get angry. That doesn’t mean a thing. It’s how they choose to resolve those arguments that matter. They both seem to be devoted to giving their children a good upbringing in a stable environment, and while it’s not “exciting,” it’s commendable. Good for them for being responsible for their kids.

  6. vdantev says:

    Yeah it must be tough being married TO A SUCCESS!!

  7. cmoody says:

    Wow. So a man with no talent at all married to a woman capable of great things doesn’t like to spend time with said woman. Hmmm. Big surprise. They only got married because of the pregnacy right? Cause I see no other reason for her to be married to a man with all the likeability and talent of a cinder block.

  8. Angelika says:

    Though I expected it, as all of you could read in my posts, I’m still shocked:

    Reese’s and Ryan’s rep today announced that the actors have split =(

    It’s so sad when a marriage ends.. Especially when two such adorable kids are involved..

    http://perezhilton.com/topics/reese_witherspoon/we_never_saw_this_one_coming_20061030.php

  9. Sadie says:

    I will do anything to make wild crazy kinky love with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!