The real reason Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman split

The real reason Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman split, After separating in 2003 and divorcing in 2005, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman spent a fair amount of time reflecting on their marriage, and why it failed. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, just months after the divorce was final, Thurman shared some of her thoughts.

Winfrey asked about possible infidelity on Hawke’s part, specifically touching on betrayal. “There was some stuff like that at the end,” Thurman revealed (via People). “We were having a difficult time, and you know how the ax comes down and how people behave and how people express their unhappiness. Our marriage failed. I should take full responsibility for the failure of my own marriage.”

Hollywood gossip rags pondered if infidelity occurred while Hawke was shooting a film in Montreal toward the end of their relationship. When asked about it directly in a 20/20 interview in 2006, Hawke was straightforward. “Uma and I did not split up over anybody’s infidelity,” he said. “We had a lot of problems before I ever went to Montreal.”

In later interviews, Hawke would admit that his “life fell apart” after the divorce and he fell into a depression, per People. He also revealed what helped him persevere: “Work. Theater. My kids,” he said. “That’s the wonderful thing about children is they just need you every day. It gives your life balance. Meaning your whole life isn’t just about yourself.”