Living in Her Shadow

Josh Duhamel is offering a candid reflection on life during his marriage to Fergie, acknowledging the challenges that came with being partnered to one of pop music’s most visible figures at the height of her career.

The actor, known for his work in the Transformers franchise, revisited that period during a recent appearance on Megyn Kelly’s podcast, describing the dynamic as a significant personal adjustment. “She was a massive star at the time, and suddenly you're sort of in that shadow a lot of the times,” he said, framing the experience as more reflective of his own perspective than any issue within the relationship itself.

Duhamel and Fergie first connected on the set of Las Vegas before marrying in 2007. During their decade-long relationship, they welcomed their son, Axl, now 12. Their split in 2017 — finalized in 2019 — came as a surprise to fans, particularly given their continued mutual respect and cooperative approach to parenting.

Fergie, who rose to global prominence as a member of The Black Eyed Peas alongside will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, was at the peak of her solo success during much of their marriage. That level of fame, Duhamel suggested, created an imbalance he had to navigate privately.

Despite the pressures, both have maintained a notably amicable post-divorce relationship. Duhamel is now married to Audra Mari, with whom he shares a young son, Shepherd, and is expecting a daughter. The family resides in North Dakota, reflecting the actor’s preference for a quieter lifestyle away from Hollywood.

Multiple sources close to the former couple have pointed to differing long-term priorities as a central factor in their separation. While Duhamel reportedly wanted to expand their family, Fergie was content with one child. Personality differences — his more social nature contrasted with her reserved disposition — also contributed to their eventual divergence.

Both have emphasized there was no conflict, maintaining mutual respect and a strong co-parenting relationship, with Duhamel praising Fergie as a mother and the sentiment reportedly shared.

Fergie’s step back from The Black Eyed Peas reflects her preference for independence, while Duhamel has described their split as rooted in differing worldviews and his move toward a quieter life outside Los Angeles.