Back in July 2024, the entertainment world got a shock when Cameron Mathison revealed he and his wife of 22 years, Vanessa Mathison, were calling it quits. Fans were left reeling as the couple who seemed so picture-perfect decided to part ways. Here at Closer, we’re diving deeper into their relationship and the factors that may have led to their split.

The Story of Cameron and Vanessa: From Meeting to Marriage

Let’s rewind to 1998, when Cameron and Vanessa first crossed paths at a gym. It wasn’t love at first sight, but by the following year, they were officially dating. Fast forward to July 2002, and the couple tied the knot, beginning what would be a 22-year-long marriage filled with love, family, and, as it turns out, some challenges along the way.

Vanessa has been a well-known name in the modeling world for years, gracing the covers of countless magazines. She also dipped her toes into acting, making appearances on shows like Ally McBeal and General Hospital. But life took a turn when she decided to step away from modeling after having kids. In 2008, she openly shared her thoughts on taking a break, saying, “I haven’t modeled since I got pregnant with Leila, so it’s been just over two years. No plans to go back. I did it for 18 years, I enjoyed it so much and I had so many opportunities to travel that I would have never had and met wonderful people, but I think 18 years is long enough.”

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However, Vanessa revealed in 2018 that she was ready to return to the modeling world, sharing some stunning photos on Instagram and tagging fellow L.A. models. Clearly, she wasn’t done shining in the spotlight just yet.

Family Ties: Do Cameron and Vanessa Have Kids?

Of course, Cameron and Vanessa have built a beautiful family together. They welcomed their first child, son Lucas, in 2003. Three years later, in 2006, daughter Leila joined the family, completing their little brood. These children have undoubtedly been the center of their world for years, and their well-being remains a top priority as they navigate this new chapter in their lives.

Who Is Cameron Mathison's Estranged Wife Vanessa? — Michael Tran/Getty Images

Cameron Reflects on Marriage Before the Split

Just a week before the split was made public, Cameron opened up about their marriage while promoting his new show Beat the Bridge. He spoke candidly to Us Weekly, sharing, “It’s like a new chapter for everybody in our life. We’re just trying to figure it all out. But she’s really on a self-exploratory kind of phase right now, doing a lot of really cool stuff for her. And she’s learned the bass and she’s back to her modeling days and she’s traveling and doing things, and I’m really encouraging that. And yeah, we’re just trying to figure it all out.”

Announcing the Split: A Mutual Decision

In a heartfelt Instagram post at the end of July 2024, Cameron announced the split from Vanessa. The couple shared a joint statement that read, “After 22 years of marriage, we have made the difficult decision to part ways. We enter this new chapter with deep love, kindness, and respect for each other. We hold gratitude in our hearts for the wonderful years we shared together. Our children have been and will continue to be our highest priority, and we will forever share in our devotion and love for them. We remain friends, and both wish the best for one another. We sincerely appreciate your respect for our family’s privacy during this transition.”

An insider shared with Closer in August 2024 that Vanessa “doesn’t wish him any ill will.” The source added, “If it wasn’t for the kids, they might have broken up many years ago. Cameron always had a wandering eye for the ladies, and the two have been going their separate ways for a year.”

A few days after publicly revealing their split, Cameron took to Instagram with a reflective post about moving forward. He wrote, “With the right mindset and guidance… pain, grief, confusion, fear, and disbelief… can all be our best teachers. Grateful for all the beautiful things in my life, as well as for the challenges and difficulties. I don’t know what this next chapter holds for me, but I’m approaching it with gratitude, acceptance, and the determination to be positive and to benefit others every chance I get.”