IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber announce split after 11 years together

Schreiber, 47, and Watts, 48 were not married but have two children together. In a statement, they announced they were parting "with great love, respect, and friendship."
/ Source: TODAY

After 11 years together, Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber are calling it quits.

In a joint statement that appeared in People magazine, the couple said, "Over the past few months we've come to the conclusion that the best way forward for us as a family is to separate as a couple.

MORE: Angelina Jolie files for divorce from Brad Pitt

"It is with great love, respect, and friendship in our hearts that we look forward to raising our children together and exploring this new phase of our relationship While we appreciate your curiosity and support, we ask the press to be mindful of our children and respect their right to privacy," the statement said.

Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber at the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 2.Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

Schreiber, 47, and Watts, 48, met at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's costume ball in 2005 and began exchanging emails and phone calls, Watts told People at the time.

"And then I made up some excuse to come to New York and the rest is history."

They went on to appear in several movies together, including "The Painted Veil" (2006), "Movie 43" (2013) and this year's "The Bleeder," which is currently playing festivals.

They have two children together, Alexander (Sasha) Pete Schreiber, 8, and Samuel Kai Schreiber, 7. The actors never married, though in 2007, Schreiber jokingly said they had.

Liev Schreiber, Naomi Watts, (front row L-R) Samuel Kai Schreiber and Alexander Pete Schreiber
Schreiber and Watts in 2015 with sons Samuel and Alexander in New York City.Neilson Barnard / Getty Images

MORE: 9 warning signs you may be headed for a divorce

In 2012, Watts told Easy Living Magazine, "We're very much together. We just don't have that [marriage] certificate, and that's OK with both of us. Maybe one day, we'll just wake up and go 'Hey, let's do this.' And maybe not."

Follow Randee Dawn on Twitter.