Guy Pearce Opens Up on Love, Loss, and Life in the Netherlands

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – Actor Guy Pearce, known for his roles in films like “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” and “LA Confidential,” recently opened up about his personal life, career, and reflections on love and loss in an interview with The Guardian. The 57-year-old actor, who lives in the Netherlands with partner Carice van Houten and their son Monte, shared candid insights into his fears, regrets, and passions.

Born in Cambridgeshire, England, and raised in Australia, Pearce rose to fame in the 1990s with standout performances in critically acclaimed films. He won an Emmy for his role in the 2011 TV adaptation of “Mildred Pierce” and has starred in blockbusters like “Iron Man 3” and “The King’s Speech.” His latest film, “The Brutalist,” is set to hit UK cinemas on January 24.

Pearce revealed that his greatest love was his ex-wife, Kate Mestitz, whom he married in 1997. “My ex-wife, Kate, was the greatest love of my life, but I’ve moved on from her now,” he said. “The greatest love of my life is my child, Monte.” The couple divorced in 2015 after 18 years of marriage, a split Pearce described as his “biggest disappointment.” He added, “I felt like I messed up my marriage. I don’t feel that way anymore, but at the time I was devastated.”

Despite the end of their marriage, Pearce and Mestitz remain close. “Kate and I will always love and support one another and be the best of friends,” he said in a statement at the time of their separation. “No one knows me like Kate does.”

Pearce has since moved on with Dutch actress Carice van Houten, best known for her role as Melisandre in “Game of Thrones.” The couple welcomed their son, Monte, in 2016. However, van Houten recently clarified on Instagram that she and Pearce are no longer romantically involved. “He and I are great friends and love each other very much, but we haven’t been a ‘couple’ for years,” she wrote.

In the interview, Pearce also shared lighter moments, including his love for mixed martial arts (MMA) and his guiltiest pleasure: watching Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). “Mixed martial arts are so violent, it’s like watching a car accident,” he said. When asked about his celebrity crush, Pearce named Kate Bush, calling her “incredible.”

Pearce reflected on his personal growth, admitting to a fear of confrontation and anxiety that plagued his early years. “I spent the first 25 years of my life just trying to survive human interaction,” he said. Despite his success, Pearce values anonymity over fame. “I would choose anonymity,” he said. “Fame can be overwhelming.”

As he looks to the future, Pearce remains focused on his son and his craft. “The greatest love of my life is my child, Monte,” he said. “I’m proud of the life we’ve built together.”