Chris Rock And Wife Malaak Divorce After 19 Years Of Marriage
Chris Rock filed for divorce from wife Malaak Comptom-Rock after 19 years of marriage. The actor-comedian-director confirmed the split through attorney Robert S. Cohen in a statement.
“Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak. This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family.”
Malaak, 45, commented on the marriage as reported in People:
“After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways. Being fortunate enough to lead a life of service by working with those most vulnerable makes me well aware of life’s blessings, even when faced with difficulties.”
Rock-Compton is the founder of styleWorks, a non-profit salon for women who are about to leave welfare and begin work, and is also involved with the Children’s Defense Fund, Safe Horizon and HOPE Worldwide.
Chris, 49, is now promoting his latest film Top Five which he wrote, directed and stars in. He also directed, starred and co-wrote a 2007 comedy, I Think I Love My Wife?, in which the character contemplated adultery.
Malaak and Chris married in 1996 and live in Alpine, New Jersey with their two daughters, ages 12 and 10.
In 2007, Rock shared thoughts on what he liked most about being married.
“The best part is just having a partner. There is no real worst part. I’m not going to say there’s a worst part. I mean, I’m a comedian – comedians like to work alone. So maybe I’m not the ideal guy to be married to, in that sense.”
Chris also commented on day-to-day family life.
“In my normal life, I’m just with my kids most of the time. I’m a writer at heart. Writing is a nerd job. There’s nothing cool about writing. Hemingway, I don’t care who it is.”
According to TMZ, this is not the first time Rock had divorce papers drawn up. In 2006, he was going to file, but he and Malaak worked things out. Word about the latest filing was announced on Dec. 28, but despite the differences between the two, both are concerned about their children.
Malaak added her own statement about the pending change for the couple’s children.
“While recognizing that this is a significant change, my children remain at the center of my life and their well-being is my top priority. It is in this spirit that I sincerely ask that their privacy and the privacy of our family be respected during this transition in our lives.”
Chris Rock, like most comics, uses material from his marriage and personal life, and no doubt, will share personal insights on the pending divorce.
[Image: Zimbio]
