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Billy Crudup and Claire Danes Share Cordial Reunion at NYU Gala
Former couple Billy Crudup and Claire Danes had a friendly encounter at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts Gala on Monday, demonstrating amicable relations years after their separation. The actors, both alumni of NYU, attended the prestigious event held at Cipriani South Street in New York City.
Friendly Exchange Two Decades After Split
Video footage captured Watchmen actor Billy Crudup, 56, approaching Claire Danes, 45, at her table. According to reports and eyewitness accounts, the Homeland star warmly greeted her former boyfriend, rising to embrace him during the event. This interaction suggests a respectful and comfortable rapport between the exes nearly twenty years after they ended their romantic involvement.
The pair appeared relaxed and engaged in conversation, as captured in circulating videos. Crudup was seen leaning in to hear Danes speak over the ambient music, both smiling throughout their exchange.
Attendees Without Spouses
Both Crudup and Danes seemingly attended the gala without their respective partners. Crudup, a 1994 graduate of NYU’s Master of Fine Arts in acting program, is currently married to actress Naomi Watts, 56, since 2023. Danes has been married to actor Hugh Dancy, 49, since 2009.
Past Relationship and Controversy
Crudup and Danes were romantically linked from 2003 to 2007. Their relationship began amidst considerable public attention and controversy. Crudup’s transition to dating Danes involved his separation from his then-girlfriend, actress Mary-Louise Parker, 60, who was reportedly seven months pregnant at the time.
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Fashion and Style at the Gala
Claire Danes made a striking appearance at the gala, wearing a long emerald green gown complemented by a stylish cropped black blazer. Her blonde shoulder-length hair was styled elegantly, and her makeup subtly enhanced her natural beauty.
Billy Crudup opted for a classic suave look, donning a navy suit with a white button-down shirt. He sported his signature salt and pepper hair slicked back and a neatly trimmed grey beard.
Honoring Winnie Holzman
Sources indicate Danes was present at the event to pay tribute to Winnie Holzman, the creator of the popular 1994-1995 ABC series My So-Called Life, which starred Danes in a breakthrough role. Crudup was also seen greeting Holzman during the evening.
Relationship Origins and Retrospective Comments
Danes and Crudup’s initial connection formed while collaborating on the 2003 film Stage Beauty.
Mary-Louise Parker, known for her role in Weeds, previously shared details about Crudup ending their eight-year relationship to be with Danes in 2003 while she was pregnant with their child.
Parker and Crudup share a son, William Atticus Parker, now 21 years old.
Parker later had an on-again/off-again relationship with Jeffrey Dean Morgan, 58, Crudup’s Watchmen co-star. They were briefly engaged after working together on Weeds but ended their relationship the following year.
Parker’s Reflections and Danes’ Perspective
In a 2023 interview, Parker offered a gracious response when questioned about Crudup’s marriage to Naomi Watts, stating, “I wish them well.”
She elaborated, “I honestly of course wish them every happiness because that’s my son’s father. So I’m happy for them. I’m happy they found each other.”
Parker addressed this period of her life in her 2015 memoir, Dear Mr. You. In the same year, Danes also publicly discussed the controversial romance and the subsequent backlash she faced.
Danes admitted in a Howard Stern interview, “I was just in love with him. And needed to explore that and I was 24… I didn’t quite know what those consequences would be.”
Reflecting on the intense scrutiny, she said, “That was a scary thing… That was really hard. I didn’t know how to not do that. It’s OK. I went through it. We’re friendly — we’re friends.”
Later Relationships and Current Lives
Following Crudup and Danes’ separation, there were reports suggesting Danes had moved on with British actor Hugh Dancy, her future husband.
Danes and Dancy married in 2009 and have since welcomed three children: sons Cyrus, 12, Rowan, six, and a 19-month-old daughter.
Real Estate News
Recent reports indicate that Danes and Dancy sold their New York City townhouse for nearly $10 million. Their West Village residence, initially listed for $9.75 million in August, was purchased in 2012 for $6.9 million when Danes was expecting their first child.
The New York Times reported last summer the couple sought a larger home to accommodate their growing family.
According to their real estate agent, Tamer Howard, the family will remain in downtown Manhattan.
Crudup and Watts’ Relationship
Billy Crudup also found love again with Naomi Watts. They reportedly met while working on her 2017 Netflix series Gypsy.
This relationship began a year after Watts ended her 11-year partnership with actor Liev Schreiber, 57.