The last time we covered Busy Philipps she was discussing how she was adjusting to living without some of her things. I didn’t realize she might also be referring to her husband of 15 years, Marc Silverstein. On Friday, Busy announced on her podcast, Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best, that she and Marc were separated over a year ago and opted not to release a joint statement. The fact that they spilt is not a huge surprise if you read Busy’s memoir. We know that Busy got fed up with Marc when it came to raising kids and gave him an ultimatum. In 2016, they’d grown so apart Busy asked Marc for a divorce. In both instances, they worked though their issues. It seems like this time it’s over. The bright side is, it also appears like things are amicable and they are co-parenting well for their children Birdie, 13, and Cricket, eight.
Busy Philipps and Marc Silverstein are calling it quits after almost 15 years of marriage.
Philipps, 42, announced their separation on Friday’s episode of her podcast Busy Philipps Is Doing Her Best, stating that she and Silverstein, 50, parted ways in February 2021.
“It’s been a really long time that Marc and I have been separated, and our kids know, our families know, our friends know,” Philipps told cohost Caissie St. Onge.
“We couldn’t even think about putting one of those statements out. It made us sick, both of us, truly ill,” she said. “You can only do what’s right for you and your family, whether or not you have a public-facing life or you just post on Facebook or whatever.”
In the end, they opted to remain quiet to ensure the privacy of their children. “It’s a journey. Jour-ney. It’s been a journey,” Philipps said.
When St. Onge commented that Philipps and Silverstein are “the least separated separated people” she’s ever seen, Philipps agreed.
“Well, we love each other very much,” she said. “And we have these beautiful kids together. And there are a lot of things that really work about our relationship.”
Busy, Marc and the girls moved from Los Angeles to New York during the pandemic in the latter half of 2020. That is a huge amount of upheaval. They were in New York less than a year before she and Marc split, if they’ve been separated a year. Busy said they moved around a bit while in New York, trying to find a place to live as well. Part of that was probably the split itself, but it sounds like a lot in a short amount of time. It was smart not to make a public statement about the separation. Keeping it private allowed things to settle down first.
Even though there hasn’t been a mention of ‘divorce’ yet, this is probably the end for Busy and Marc. I don’t have an opinion on if they should be together or not. I’ve mentioned that I used to go to tapings of Busy Tonight when it was still on the air. I bumped into Marc a couple of times. We didn’t have a meaningful exchange or anything, he was next to me once when I was getting a drink at the bar, and he was getting Busy something. Or I passed him in a hall. He was a perfectly pleasant. But there was one night post show that stuck with me. It had not been a great taping. Not terrible but one of the early shows when Busy hadn’t found her groove yet. We, the audience, were trickling out, and Busy stood up from her couch, alone on set. She looked disappointed. Marc walked on set with a reassuring face and opened his arms. Busy lowered her head and walked into them. He held her and she rested on him in a way that people who pull comfort from each other do. Neither said a word to each other and yet I could make out the entire conversation with just their body language. I was always taken by their connection in that moment. I’m not saying I hope they stay together, but I hope they stay friends, because I believe Busy when she said they still love each other.
Photo credit: Avalon Red and Backgrid
I read hers and Jessica Simpsons’ biography back-to-back and while not everyone talks about their significant other in the same way, even if they’re blissfully happy, there was something “missing” from how she wrote about her husband. It’s hard to pinpoint or put words to it. Of course they were together longer than Jessica and her husband but it just stood out to me.
I’m happy for them that they managed to keep this private.
I listened to the audio version of her biography and there was just something about how she spoke about Marc that seemed off – like co-dependent but also not fully all in? Not sure how to explain it, also it’s been a while. But agree – something seemed off.
Marriage is really hard. And they seem to me to maybe just be better friends and co-parents. I think for some couples kids and the trials of middle age can really be a challenge and can cause a lack of intimacy that they used to have as romantic partners. Not to mention the challenges of the pandemic. That’s the vibe I’m getting from this. They probably do still love each other, just not the same way as when they were young and child free.
Eh. I don’t get the ‘we still love each other’ sentiment that a lot of these couples put out. I always wonder if it is just for the sake of the kids. I have never known a couple divorcing in real life that felt that way. I’ve known couples (family members) who kind of reach an understanding years later. Like they can attend grandchildren’s birthdays and such.
Agreed, FHMom. I never understand when celebs put out statements about how they still have so much love for each other and are best friends, but are divorcing. If the love and friendship between them is that strong, why is divorce an option lol? Even if it’s an amicable split, most couples only stay communicative for the sake of their children and that’s it.
I totally get it. Not strictly the same as we were engaged but not married, but I very much still love my ex and he would say the same. We still spend time together with our daughter, he is still coming on my family holiday with our daughter etc and we still confide in and support each other. I think sometimes you just both know it’s over, and there can be a reason without there being ‘fault’. Not suggesting it’s always true when celebs say it, it’s probably often a PR amd ‘for the kids’ kinda thing but it definitely is possible to feel like that.
I was married to my ex husband for 15 years. We have three (now grown) daughters together. He and I absolutely still love each other and always have. It’s been 12 years since we divorced, and we still spend every holiday together. He’s buddies with my husband and I adore his fiance.
My husband and I have been separated for over 5 years, we are still married because it is financially easier for us to remain that way until we decide to divorce…but we live in different houses and I have a boyfriend. We co-parent our children effectively, have family dinner every week, and go on family vacations once a year or so. We still love one another and we are very good friends, but we are not compatible as spouses anymore. I think it is possible to have this type of relationship, although it is unusual. Some celebs may have figured out how to do this as well, but I mostly think that celebs think it sounds good for PR. I will say that it requires a lot of work and grace on behalf of either partner and of any other people in the lives of the exes…but it’s good for our kids and frankly, good for me. 🙂
Aw, this is sad. I like how they decided to handle it, though. Good to know things are okay between them.
I can recall a few stories on here in the past in which Busy was discussing what an unsupportive partner her husband was. He kinda sounded like a jerk, so I hope this is a positive for her and her kids.
Yah Case I’ve read her talking about that too. I have a preschooler and a kindergartener and I cannot *imagine* doing this with someone who didn’t put in a full amount of effort? I would be furious! But on the upside, I think if you feel like you’re really in it together it’s very bonding. To have someone there for all the suffering and exhaustion and small moments of joy.
I think you can still love each other but not be “in love” with each other. Maybe being separated but not going through a divorce makes it easier to say that. Then only divorce years later when you are more emotionally detached. Of course I say this as someone who never has been divorced so maybe I don’t know sh*t. I’ve had friends that have been open about still loving the spouse who wanted out and just never went through the I hate him stage though.
Pretty sure on DeuxMoi that she’s had a boyfriend openly for a while so I’m guessing she’s emotionally moved on. I used to follow her on IG and based on the shaky marriage vibes I got from that I’m not surprised they’ve split.
Lots of couples reach a place where they still love each other, but are no longer IN love with each other. It is sad when people grow apart, instead of together.
It is sad. It’s a terrible life to live to be betrothed to someone who is not supportive and loves you unconditionally. I have lived that and done that and it’s a horrible experience and existence, essential for children to watch up and see as their form of a normal “marriage”.
Though I did gush about the taping story and how he came to her defense. Not exactly defense but support, was supportive. That’s it!!
That’s a lovely story about the taping, thanks for sharing. For the kids’ sake, I hope things stay low drama.
Busy was a great follow when she was an LA mom eating salads in the car. She’s far too much for me now, but I wish her well.
I kind of like that they just dealt with it privately and didn’t make a big fuss with a statement. It did sound like they were struggling in their relationship, so hopefully they will remain friends and good co-parents.
She also said she had an emotional affair boyfriend for a while during the marriage when it hit some rough spots. Something about her I find really exhausting. Their marriage reminds me of Kristen and Dax where they constantly talk about how much work it is. Hopefully they are better off now.
Hi Hecate,
Sorry for the correction, but just so you know, Busy’s older child is non-binary.
This doesn’t come as a surprise to me, based on how she described their relationship in her book. It somehow seemed like they were always one foot out the door with each other.
I respect that they didn’t make one of those goofy statements and just dealt with it amongst themselves. I’m sure it wasn’t a secret but it’s nice that they kept that privacy while they figured out their next moves.