“Ryan Phillippe Makes Rare Public Comment About Ex Reese Witherspoon — Credits Her for Son Deacon’s Work Ethic in Heartfelt Tribute”
Ryan Phillippe is opening up in a way fans rarely see — by publicly praising his ex-wife, Reese Witherspoon, during a candid reflection about their children.
Speaking at a J.Crew event in New York City, the Cruel Intentions star was asked about his son Deacon Phillippe’s rising career in entertainment. Phillippe couldn’t help but point out that Deacon’s discipline and drive come straight from his Oscar-winning mother.
“He’s got his mama’s work ethic. He absolutely does,” Phillippe told reporters.
It was a moment of affection and respect that stood out, especially since Phillippe seldom comments on Witherspoon in public. Fans of the former couple — who divorced in 2008 after nearly a decade of marriage — were quick to notice the warmth behind the rare compliment.
Co-Parenting With Pride
Phillippe, 51, shares two children with Witherspoon: Ava, 26, and Deacon, 21. Both are carving out their own creative paths. Ava has leaned into artistic pursuits while Deacon is branching into acting, recently landing a role in the upcoming Prime Video series Motorheads, where he stars alongside his dad.
Phillippe admitted that both of their children reflect elements of their parents. He pointed out that Ava shares many similarities with him, while Deacon clearly channels his mother’s determination.
“Deacon has always been focused. He’s professional, he’s on time, he works hard,” Phillippe said. “That’s his mama’s influence, no doubt.”
Navigating Hollywood’s Spotlight
The comments also arrive amid ongoing conversations about “nepo babies” in Hollywood. Phillippe addressed those concerns by noting that while children of celebrities often get a closer look at the industry, talent and dedication still matter. By crediting Reese for shaping Deacon’s strong character, Phillippe underscored that success comes from more than just family connections.
A Rare Tribute to Reese
While both actors have kept their co-parenting relationship largely private since their split, moments like this highlight the mutual respect they continue to share. For Reese, whose own career spans from rom-com classics to her Oscar-winning role in Walk the Line and her Emmy-winning work on Big Little Lies, instilling discipline in her children seems to be a legacy she’s proud to pass down.
For Phillippe, offering public recognition of that influence signals a rare but powerful show of appreciation. Fans online have praised his openness, noting that it demonstrates the kind of co-parenting dynamic many admire.
Looking Ahead
As Deacon’s career unfolds, he has the benefit of guidance from both parents. With his father actively mentoring him on set and his mother’s work ethic ingrained in his daily life, he seems poised to forge his own path while honoring both legacies.
For now, Ryan Phillippe’s remark serves as a touching reminder: even years after divorce, shared pride in their children remains a lasting bond between him and Reese Witherspoon.
