Josh Duhamel Opens Up About His Relationship with Audra Mari

LOS ANGELES, CA — Actor Josh Duhamel recently shared insights into his relationship with wife Audra Mari during an episode of Amanda Hirsch’s podcast, “Not Skinny But Not Fat.” Duhamel, 52, acknowledged that their friendship was initially influenced by a significant age gap of 21 years. Mari, 31, reached out to him first, prompting their conversations to evolve from platonic to romantic.

“It was truly platonic for years before that because I was like, ‘No, she’s too young for me. I’m not even going to go there,’” he recalled. The two started direct messaging each other and eventually met through mutual friends, which sparked deeper conversations. They shared common roots from North Dakota, Duhamel noted.

In 2019, Duhamel invited Mari to a barbecue. He confessed that he was captivated by her beauty during that meeting. “But she did come, and I saw her and I was like, ‘Holy s***, this girl’s beautiful,’” he said.

The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in January 2020, and two years later, in September 2022, they exchanged vows. Mari expressed her feelings about marriage in an interview, saying, “Everyone told me that after you get married you feel different… But it’s much different! I feel secure.”

In January 2024, they welcomed their son, Shepherd Lawrence, adding to Duhamel’s family, which includes an 11-year-old son from his previous marriage to singer Fergie.

Duhamel mentioned that their relationship has blossomed beautifully, stating, “I gotta say, things are probably better than they’ve ever been. I’ve got two healthy boys, brand new, 1-year-old. I’m married, working. You know, everything is good.”

As they embrace their new roles as parents, Duhamel and Mari continue to navigate their growing family while balancing their personal and professional lives.