King Kong Star Naomi Watts Confirms Marriage to Billy Crudup
Star of the silver screen, Naomi Watts, 54, confirmed her marriage to long term partner, Billy Crudup, 54.
This comes after rumours that the couple had wed due to being spotted near their home in New York dressed in classic wedding attire and donning matching rings. They confirmed their marriage via Instagram, sharing a loved-up snap from the day. The picture shows the newlyweds on the steps of the courthouse, captioned “Hitched!”. Watts looked elegant in a white Oscar de la Renta Sweetheart Water Lily Guipre dress, whilst Crudup opted for a sleek navy suit, keeping it casual by abandoning a tie.
Stars of hit franchises and cult classics
Naomi Watts has starred in numerous modern cult classics, such as the Divergent series (2014-16), Ring (1998), Mulholland Drive (2001), and Twin Peaks (1990) but, perhaps her most iconic role was as Ann Darrow in King Kong (2005). An already well-established franchise, the 2005 film marked the eighth film to make King Kong canon – as well as the second remake of the namesake 1933 film, after the first released in 1976. Watts can be seen on the film’s poster, which was splashed across billboards worldwide.
Due to its sheer popularity and success, the King Kong franchise has inspired a range of other media including video games, novels, attractions, comic books, merchandise, and even online casino games. In King Kong Cash Jackpot King, for example, players are transported to the jungle, complete with ancient totems, as King Kong himself sits upon his throne (though, in true King Kong style, he doesn’t sit still for long), allowing players to immerse themself in the world of Kong.
Fellow actor and husband Billy Crudup is no stranger to fan-favourite franchises either, with roles in The Morning Show (2019-), Alien: Covenant (2017), and Mission: Impossible III (2006). Crudup is also known for roles in cult classics like Almost Famous (2000), the latter of which has returned to headlines recently due to the failed Broadway adaptation. In the movie, Crudup plays Russell Hammond, a role taken on (albeit short-lived) by Supergirl’s Chris Wood in the Broadway show.
After premiering in November 2022, the show announced just one month later that it would close in January 2023. This was likely a combination of the struggling Broadway scene, and the fact that it was dampened with poor reviews and concerns about Wood’s attendance. Many of the reviews agreed that Wood’s acting did not measure up to Crudup’s characterisation of Russell Hammond, leaving Crudup’s iteration the one audiences will remember.
Relationship timeline
The two first met on the set of Netflix’s Gypsy (2017), where they were both cast in starring roles – ironically, the two star as husband and wife, Jean and Michael Holloway. After this, rumours began to circulate debating their relationship status. They made their first red carpet appearance in 2022 at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. The couple sparked proposal rumours earlier this year, when Watts was spotted boasting a diamond on her ring finger.
Amongst the celebrities congratulating the couple on their nuptials include Gwyneth Paltrow and Justin Theroux.