Abby Elliott, the 39-year-old actress best known for her role as Natalie on FX’s critically acclaimed series“The Bear,”filed for divorce from producer and writer Bill Kennedy on Friday, July 18, 2026. The couple, who were married for nearly a decade, listed their separation date as July 8, 2026, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. Elliott is requesting joint legal and physical custody of their two children, 5-year-old Edith and 3-year-old William, along with spousal support and legal fees to be covered by Kennedy.
The couple’s love story began on the set of the 2014 film“Sex Ed,”where Kennedy worked as a writer. They dated for approximately a year and a half before Kennedy proposed in October 2015 with an intimate at-home proposal featuring flowers throughout their apartment. Elliott and Kennedy married in September 2016 in a church ceremony in New England and went on to build a life together that included raising two young children while both pursued careers in entertainment. Kennedy has worked as a producer and writer on notable television shows including“House of Cards,”“Tell Me Lies,”and“The Morning Show,”while Elliott continued her successful acting career that has included appearances on SNL, in major films, and her current role on“The Bear.”
Divorce is never easy, especially when young children are involved, but Elliott’s request for joint custody suggests that both parents are committed to remaining active in their children’s lives. For fans of“The Bear”and Elliott’s career spanning decades of entertainment work, this personal news marks another chapter in what has been a remarkable professional journey. What are your thoughts on celebrity relationships in the spotlight, and do you think the Hollywood meet-cute on set is truly a recipe for lasting love?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
