A Hollywood relationship that endured for nearly three decades and produced two now-adult children has ended.
Jessica Lange- who is currently killing it as the wonderfully sociopathic and Southern Constance on Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story – and partner Sam Shepard, have separated. The Hollywood legend and the Pulitzer Prize winning playwright got together in 1982, and are parents to 26-year-old Hannah and 24-year-old Samuel. Though they never married, Lange and Shepard’s relationship outlasted many entertainment industry marriages.
The couple actually split up two years ago, but did not publicly announce the break-up. A rep for Lange confirmed the split, saying the pair were now “leading independent lives.” It’s unclear why the news came to light now, but Lange’s currently-hot career could be the reason behind renewed interest in her personal life. American Horror Story has been a bit of a sleeper hit for FX, and Lange undeniably steals the production in her performance as the scheming, secretive Constance.
Originally, creator Ryan Murphy said, Lange’s role was meant to be a side-character, and even Lange said she was iffy on committing to the show initially. At a panel in the fall, Lange said:
“[The short commitment] was huge for me! I wasn’t about to commit to, you know, six months. It was cable, rather than network. …I’ve been offered network [shows] before, and determined not to do it, just because I can’t make that kind of time commitment.”
Neither Lange nor Shepard have publicly commented on the split, and Lange’s rep offered no further commentary.
