The decade-long romance between Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson was, for many Hollywood watchers, the definition of a stable, picture-perfect celebrity relationship. From 2006 to 2016, the German-American actress and the Canadian star of Dawson's Creek were inseparable, constantly photographed on red carpets and international trips, seemingly defying the odds of Tinseltown's volatile dating scene. Yet, as of December 11, 2025, their lives have taken dramatically different, yet equally successful, paths, marked by new partners, children, and major career shifts.
Their amicable split in 2016 shocked fans worldwide, but it paved the way for both stars to find new, significant chapters in their personal lives. This deep dive uncovers the true story of their legendary relationship, the surprising reason they never married, and the latest updates on their current, separate worlds in 2025, including Jackson’s recent high-profile separation and Kruger’s engagement.
Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson: Complete Career and Personal Profiles
Both Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson have established themselves as international actors with diverse filmographies, though they came from very different backgrounds.
- Diane Kruger (Born Diane Heidkrüger)
- Born: July 15, 1976, Algermissen, West Germany.
- Early Career: Began as a successful fashion model in Paris, walking for designers like Chanel and Dior.
- Breakthrough Role: Helen of Troy in the epic war film Troy (2004).
- Key Filmography: National Treasure (2004), Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds (2009), and her critically acclaimed, award-winning performance in In the Fade (2017).
- Personal Life: Was married to French actor Guillaume Canet (2001–2006). Has been in a relationship with actor Norman Reedus since 2016, with whom she shares a daughter.
- Current Status: Engaged to Norman Reedus. Continues to star in major international film and television projects.
- Joshua Jackson (Born Joshua Carter Jackson)
- Born: June 11, 1978, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Early Career: Started as a child actor, notably playing Charlie Conway in The Mighty Ducks film series.
- Breakthrough Role: Pacey Witter on the iconic teen drama Dawson's Creek (1998–2003).
- Key Filmography: The Skulls (2000), Fringe (TV Series, 2008–2013), The Affair (TV Series, 2014–2018), and Dr. Death (TV Series, 2021).
- Personal Life: Dated Katie Holmes and Rosario Dawson early in his career. Was married to actress Jodie Turner-Smith (2019–2025), with whom he shares a daughter.
- Current Status: Recently separated from Lupita Nyong'o (Fall 2024) following his divorce from Jodie Turner-Smith. Continues a high-profile television career.
The Truth About Their 10-Year 'Unconventional' Partnership
Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson first met in 2006 shortly after Kruger's divorce from Guillaume Canet. Their relationship quickly blossomed, lasting a full decade, which is an eternity by Hollywood standards. The stability of their partnership was often attributed to their shared commitment to keeping their private life out of the relentless media spotlight. They were known for their bicoastal lifestyle, splitting time between Paris, New York, and Vancouver, which allowed them to maintain a sense of normalcy away from Los Angeles.
However, the biggest question that followed the couple for years was: Why didn't they ever marry? The answer, according to Kruger, was simple and rooted in her previous experience.
Why Marriage Was Never on the Table
Kruger was vocal about her aversion to marriage following her first divorce. In multiple interviews, she expressed that the formality of a wedding ring was unnecessary for their commitment. "I was married, and it didn't work out," she once stated. "I don't believe in marriage anymore, but I do believe in commitment." Jackson echoed this sentiment, suggesting that their decade-long relationship proved that a piece of paper wasn't required to signify their devotion to one another. Their decision highlighted a growing trend among long-term celebrity couples who prioritize partnership over traditional legal bonds, establishing a unique relationship model.
The couple's commitment was evident when Jackson supported Kruger during a particularly dark period. In 2017, after their breakup, Jackson publicly congratulated Kruger on her Best Actress win at the Cannes Film Festival for In the Fade, posting a heartfelt message on social media. This gesture cemented the fact that their split was genuinely amicable and that they remained supportive friends, a rare feat in Hollywood breakups.
Where Are They Now? New Partners, Children, and Fresh Beginnings in 2025
The end of the Kruger-Jackson era in 2016 was not a dramatic collapse but a quiet transition into new life phases. Crucially, the couple did not share any children, which simplified their separation and allowed them to move forward without the complexities of co-parenting.
Diane Kruger and Norman Reedus: The Engaged Power Couple
Shortly after her split from Jackson, Diane Kruger began dating her Sky co-star, Norman Reedus, best known for his role as Daryl Dixon on The Walking Dead. Their relationship developed quickly, and in 2018, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, whose name they have famously kept private to protect her privacy.
In a surprising turn given her previous stance, Kruger and Reedus became engaged in 2021, signaling a new willingness to embrace traditional commitment. The couple and their daughter live a relatively quiet life, often sharing glimpses of their family dynamic on social media, prioritizing their daughter's upbringing and their individual, high-demand careers. Their relationship is a testament to the idea that the right partner can change one's perspective on life's biggest commitments.
Joshua Jackson's Turbulent Romantic Journey to 2025
Joshua Jackson's romantic life since 2016 has been more publicly turbulent. He married actress and model Jodie Turner-Smith in 2019, and the couple welcomed a daughter, Janie, in 2020. Their marriage, however, was short-lived, with Turner-Smith filing for divorce in 2023, which was reportedly finalized in early 2025. The separation was described as amicable, focusing on co-parenting their young daughter.
Following his divorce, Jackson was linked to Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o in late 2023. Their relationship quickly became a major talking point in Hollywood, with the two frequently spotted together, confirming their status as one of the industry's newest power pairings. However, the most recent and fresh update in late 2024 indicated that Jackson and Nyong'o had reportedly gone their separate ways, leaving Jackson focused on his career and co-parenting responsibilities in 2025.
The Legacy: Why Kruger and Jackson Still Matter
The enduring interest in the Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson relationship is not just about nostalgia for a beautiful couple; it's about the maturity of their breakup. Their ability to transition from a decade-long romance to a supportive friendship set a new standard for celebrity splits. They demonstrated that a relationship can end without acrimony, allowing both individuals to thrive in their subsequent personal and professional lives.
Today, both actors are at the peak of their careers, with Jackson starring in major television dramas and Kruger balancing European and American film projects alongside Norman Reedus. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the end of a relationship is simply the beginning of two even more fulfilling, separate journeys.
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