Liev Schreiber gushed about Naomi Watts just days before the pair announced their separation.
The Ray Donovan actor, 48, talked about the supposed secret to their long-term relationship while the couple attended the premiere of their film The Bleeder at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month.
“It’s all about patience, and we got lucky enough to work together,” he told Us Weekly exclusively on September 10. “I think just being kind, patient and having quiet nights in together is the best for us.”
Schreiber and Watts, 47, who never tied the knot, play a married couple in the Philippe Falardeau–directed drama. “It was great, I had someone to run lines with, there’s clearly a level of familiarity and that really helped us,” Schreiber told Us.
“I was excited about Naomi playing this part,” he added. “She’s a gutsy actress, and she’s been plugging away at her comedy, so I was excited to see her play Linda, when she came out of the makeup chair with the fake boobs, the leopard tights and the red wig, I knew she was going to be great.”
A week later, on September 18, Schreiber would attend the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles — taking along their 9-year-old son, Sasha, not Watts. On Monday, he and the British actress confirmed to Us that they are splitting.
“Over the past few months we’ve come to the conclusion that the best way forward for us as a family is to separate as a couple. It is with great love, respect and friendship in our hearts that we look forward to raising our children together and exploring this new phase of our relationship,” their joint statement read. “While we appreciate your curiosity and support, we ask the press to be mindful of our children and respect their right to privacy.”
Schreiber and Watts began dating in 2005. They are also parents of son Samuel, 7.
