Justin Theroux Says Ex Jennifer Aniston Is 'Still Very Dear' to Him: 'I Feel Protective’

Mar. 15, 2025

Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston on June 23, 2014 in New York City.

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 23: Actors Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston attend “The Leftovers” premiere at NYU Skirball Center on June 23, 2014 in New York City.

Justin Therouxsays ex-wifeJennifer Anistonis still “very dear” to him six years after their divorce.

TheBeetlejuice Beetlejuicestar recently spoke withThe Timesabout the upcoming film and opened up about his previous relationship with Aniston, 55.

The former couple began a romance in 2011 and got engaged the following year. Three years later, theytied the knot in a backyard ceremonyin August 2015. Theyannounced their splitin early 2018.

Since their divorce, the pair have maintained aclose friendship. Theroux reaffirmed their close bond in the interview.

“She is still very dear to me,” the 53-year-old actor said of his friendship with theFriendsstar.

“Of course, yeah, I feel protective,” theMulholland Drivestar said. “But she batted back criticism, as well she should.”

Justin Theroux on April 23, 2024 in New York, New York.Lexie Moreland/WWD via Getty

Justin Theroux at the Dr. Barbara Sturm VIP Dinner held at Torrisi on April 23, 2024 in New York, New York.

Lexie Moreland/WWD via Getty

“All I can say is… Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day,” Aniston,who has shared her personal IVF story in the past, wrote on her Instagram Stories at the time.

“I hope she will not need to turn to IVF as a second option,” Aniston continued. “Becauseyou are trying to take that away from her, too.”

Aniston opened up toAllurein November 2022 about herpast infertility struggles and IVF attempts.

Jennifer Aniston on February 23, 2016 in Hollywood, California.Mike Windle/Getty

ennifer Aniston Celebrates Her 55th Birthday with Sweet Montage Looking Back at Life Moments: ‘Grateful’

Mike Windle/Getty

Theroux is now engaged toNicole Brydon Bloom. TheLeftoversactor proposed in late August in Italy. Bloom, 30,showed off her striking engagement ring on the red carpet forBeetlejuice Beetlejuice’s premiereduring the Venice Film Festival.

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Beetlejuice Beetlejuicepremieres in theaters on Friday, Sept. 6.

source: people.com