Kate Mestitz led a completely different career from her famous ex-husband, and the two guarded their relationship's privacy. Their story began in their pre-teens, reaching the marital stage in the late 90s, and finally, divorce in the mid-2010s. Their separation inspired a death wish for Pearce.
Kate Mestitz's former husband, Guy Pearce, took little interest in his scientific school subjects. He was keener on creative expression, favoring his art, drama, and music subjects. He was born to a school teacher, Margaret Anne, and a test pilot, Stuart Pearce, in October 1967.
The Australian native began acting in stage plays as a youngster before landing a regular role in Australia's 1985 soap opera, "Neighbours." Pearce immersed himself in the film and T.V. industry from then onwards, consistently appearing on big screens.
Guy Pearce poses at the 2000 Deauville Film Festival in support of his film "Memento" | Source: Getty Images
Some of his staple roles include Ed Exley in 1997's "L.A. Confidential," alongside Kevin Spacey and Russell Crowe, and Leonard in "Memento," starring opposite Carrie-Anne Moss. And while he received much acclaim for his performances, garnering a large fanbase, Pearce protected Mestitz from the Hollywood spotlight.
The pair still attended several prestigious events together but kept the details of their marriage to a minimum. Things changed when they confirmed their separation, as the public even speculated infidelity was the cause of their split. However, Pearce later cleared the air.
Guy Pearce and Kate Mestitz pose at a pre-screening cocktail party for "The Rover" during the 67th Cannes Film Festival at La Gold Plage on May 18, 2014, in Cannes, France | Source: Getty Images
Guy Pearce Was Married to Psychologist Kate Mestitz for 18 Years
Pearce and Mestitz met as children when they were 12 while studying at Geelong College in 1980. The pair lost contact sometime after but eventually found each other again. It's unclear when they started dating, but they married in March 1997.
Despite the fame brought by her ex-husband's career, Mestitz led and continued to lead a private life. She and Pearce were not "happy, shiny people." Pearce even said other couples avoided inviting them for gatherings because they weren't "much fun" to be around.
Guy Pearce and Kate Mestitz pose as they arrive at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
However, they were emotionally honest with each other and were comfortable spending long periods of time apart. Unfortunately, Mestitz and Pearce separated amicably in January 2015 and only announced their split in October of that year. The former lovers hadn't welcomed any children.
In a public statement, Pearce said he and Mestitz would continue to love and support one another. Considering he felt no one knew him like Mestitz and that they'd "grown enormously" in their relationship, he said the time had come for them to part ways.
Guy Pearce and Kate Mestitz Mutually Decided Not to Have Kids
For Pearce's part, he felt he didn't have the emotional capacity to care for a child. Apart from believing his desire for children was squandered when he had to help raise his sister, Pearce thought there were enough babies in the world, adding:
"Besides, I don't think I would be good for babies. I'd be on and off. I think they need more consistent affection than I would be able to give."
Shining some light on Mestitz's feelings about having kids, he once shared that they would joke about being on the news after throwing their baby out the window. But after mutually deciding against children, they never thought about it again.
Guy Pearce and Kate Mestitz pose as they arrive at the 9th Annual G'Day USA Los Angeles Black Tie Gala at the Hollywood & Highland Grand Ballroom on January 14, 2012, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
People Accused Guy Pearce of Cheating on Kate Mestitz
Only months after their divorce, Pearce found new love with "Game of Thrones" star Carice van Houten. The lovers welcomed a baby boy, Monte, in August 2016. And while some congratulated the actors, others started calling Pearce names for supposedly cheating on his ex-wife.
Fans on social media began calling Pearce out for his supposed infidelity, assuming his relationship with van Houten led to his split from Mestitz. During a 2018 interview with Andrew Denton, Pearce expressed how he found the comments heartbreaking.
He later clarified the reason for his and Mestitz's split, revealing that she was the one who wanted to end their marriage. Having met as children, Mestitz felt a nagging stagnancy in their relationship, as if they were still those 12-year-old youngsters they were when they met.
Guy Pearce and Kate Mestitz are pictured during the 'Memento' Los Angeles Premiere at Regent Showcase Theatre in 2000 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Pearce admitted he felt blindsided by their separation and struggled to believe how Mestitz saw their connection. He acknowledged that they had grown apart, but divorcing his wife of 18 years took a heavy toll on Pearce.
He turned to alcohol to cope and once, in Berlin, contemplated walking into traffic while "drunk enough" to "see what happens." Pearce also used music to channel his anguish, feeling he no longer belonged anywhere after Mestitz exited his life.
However, despite mentally spiraling into such a dark place, Pearce commended his ex-wife for having the courage to be honest about what she wanted. His love and respect for her remained unchanged.
When he spoke of his relationship with van Houten, Pearce confessed that falling in love with her was quick and messy. He added that their romance initially had a "rebound element," but things changed swiftly when their son was born, including his views about fatherhood, as he said:
"I'm actually so grateful for the opportunity to do it because now I can't imagine never having a child. I'm completely besotted by this little boy."
Pearce explained that it was his partner who truly wanted to have children and, in turn, acknowledged that perhaps she inspired that desire in him too. He thought Monte had the prettiness of a baby girl and resembled his mother greatly. Pearce regarded Monte dearly as he said:
"But my son, I want to put him in [my heart], and never let him go."
Pearce also reflected on his relationship with his late father, who sadly passed in 1976. The actor never recalled his dad telling him directly that he loved him, but the late test pilot sometimes said it during unrelated conversations with his mother.
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