Inside the Drama-Free Divorce of Dermot Mulroney and Prima Apollinaare

Spilling my mocha because Dermot Mulroney just filed for divorce and it’s shockingly drama-free! The Chicago Fire star officially petitioned for the end of his 14-year marriage to Prima Apollinaare on June 23, citing “irreconcilable differences” (court docs via E! News). No separation date was listed, but sources close to the duo swear the split is as peaceful as a spa day—mediators over lawyers, smiles over snarls.

Here’s the caffeine-fueled lowdown: Dermot and Prima share two daughters—17-year-old Mabel and 15-year-old Sally—who are at the heart of this amicable arrangement. Dermot’s seeking joint legal and physical custody, and while the filings request spousal support from Prima (née Tharita Cesaroni until her 2015 name change), insiders say it’s purely procedural advice. “No one is demanding alimony, no one is blocking funds, and the kids are happy,” an insider told E! News, noting both exes have kept things friendly.

Before Prima, Dermot was married to Catherine Keener from 1990 to 2007, and the two share son Clyde, now 26. Back in 2016, the My Best Friend’s Wedding star told The Hollywood News he’s “pretty easy-going” as a dad and prefers his kids explore their passions—just maybe not acting, given the pitfalls of childhood stardom. He doubled down on respect for young performers in a 2022 chat with KTLA: “I really have a lot of respect for how hard actors of all ages work, but especially the dedication of these young actors.”

Of course, Dermot and Prima’s split is part of a broader meltdown in celeb relationships this year. Bachelor’s Grant Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa called it quits three months post-finale, while Love Is Blind’s Lydia Gonzalez quietly filed for divorce from Milton Johnson. Dancing With the Stars partners Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran went their separate ways less than a year after meeting on Season 33. Party of Five alum Scott Wolf and wife Kelley announced their 21-year marriage dissolution, and Fifty Shades star Dakota Johnson reportedly split from Coldplay’s Chris Martin after nearly eight years. Even Olympian Ryan Lochte and Kayla Rae Reid are saying “see ya” after heartfelt Instagram farewells.

E! News reached out for official comments from Dermot and Prima’s reps but got radio silence—probably because nobody needs extra stress when mediators are on speed dial. This split really is the zen garden of Hollywood breakups: calm, collected, and with coffee-sipping exes still on good terms. Whew! I swear my heart rate’s finally returning to normal, but I could spill on this for hours.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, The Hollywood News, KTLA
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed