2024-08-30 21:25:02
Leah Remini and her husband Angelo Pagan have revealed that after almost three decades together, they’re divorcing—and they shared their reasons why.
The former Scientologist wed Pagan in 2003 and in 2004, they had their daughter Sofia Bella Pagan. The couple have been together for 28 years and married for 21 of those. While Remini and Pagan still consider themselves “best friends” they have decided to end their marriage.
The two actors shared a joint statement on Remini’s Instagram and X account (formerly Twitter) which explained their decision. The post on X has since gone viral, being viewed 525,900 times at the time of writing.
Well, here we are. After 28 years together and 21 years of marriage, we have decided to file for divorce.
This decision came after a lot of thought and care, and as hard as divorce is, we are approaching this with a positive outlook because we know it’s what’s best for us.
We… pic.twitter.com/WTovNr7ukl
— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) August 30, 2024
Newsweek emailed a spokesperson for Remini for comment on Friday.
“To put it simply, we both changed, as people do, and we got used to playing roles that didn’t fit us anymore,” the couple wrote. “After a lot of effort and consideration, we’ve decided to take this step, which reflects who we are today. Our bond is still strong—it’s just evolved into something different.”
They added: “We think a marriage that lasted this long and created so many beautiful memories, especially raising our incredible daughter, is something to celebrate. From our perspective, this marriage was a huge success.
“And now, we’re looking forward to creating even more cherished moments—just in a different way.”
The couple said the decision wasn’t an abrupt one as it was the result of “a lot of thought and care.” They added that while they know divorce can be difficult, it is the best decision for the two of them.
According to their statement, they are both proud of how they have managed the situation together.
“Yes, we’re sad, and we’ve got some figuring out to do as we continue to move forward into our new normal—together still in many ways, and apart in some new ones,” the statement read.
“But here’s the thing: we’ve been best friends for so many years. We are still celebrating holidays together, watching our favorite tv shows together, and gathering as a family,” it said.
Vincent Sandoval/WireImage
Remini and Pagan said they wanted to be transparent with people because they have shared their marriage publicly. Their reality show Leah Remini: It’s All Relative aired on TLC in 2014 and ran for two seasons. The show brought cameras into the King of Queens star’s LA home and closely followed Remini as she “juggled her busy career and zany family.”
The family began shooting the show shortly after Remini and Pagan left Scientology. Remini had spent 35 years in the controversial church after her family joined when she was a child and Pagan joined during his relationship with Remini.
The divorce statement continued: “We are sharing this unknown territory with you all as we take our first steps into this next stage of our lives publicly.
“We would love for everyone to have more access to different kinds of relationship stories and not feel so isolated in navigating the changes that millions of couples make every year.
“We hope our journey can inspire others to see that relationships—whether they change or end—aren’t failures. We’ll keep sharing snippets of our lives as we navigate this new chapter. Love, Leah & Angelo.”
Their post has been well received online, with people on X sharing their support.
“Life partners regardless. Wish you both much happiness and fulfillment,” one person wrote.
“Congratulations to both of you for wanting to be happy. Instead of spending the rest of your lives otherwise,” said another.
A third person added: “Divorce is always heartbreaking but this is great perspective. Wishing the best to you both.”
The couple met in 1996 and Pagan proposed to Remini on Christmas Eve 2002. They tied the knot seven months later in July 2003.
