Brian Cox, the acclaimed actor best known for his role in Succession, has revealed an unconventional approach to maintaining his 24-year marriage with wife Nicole Ansari-Cox: separate bedrooms.
In a recent interview with The Times, the 79-year-old actor explained that maintaining individual spaces has been fundamental to their relationship's longevity. "By keeping things separate, we are responsible for our own mess," Cox stated. "It's as simple as that."
The couple maintains separate rooms in their U.S. homes and even has separate residences located just nine minutes apart in the United Kingdom. "Her space is very important for her and my space is very important for me," Cox elaborated. "I think if we're thrown together we feel locked together and that's not a good creative relationship… You should be free."
"Nicole gave up a lot for me. It was tricky for her, but she gave up a lot, and I feel that she needs to be honored."
Cox emphasized his deep appreciation for his wife, describing her as "one of the most generous and caring people." He acknowledged that Nicole, a German actress, made significant career sacrifices when she moved to London with him, noting that his career flourished while hers paused.
The couple first met in 1990 when Nicole was captivated by Cox's performance in King Lear, but they didn't begin dating until a chance meeting in New York eight years later. They married in Las Vegas in 2002 and have two sons together, Orson, 24, and Torin, 21. Cox also has two adult children from previous marriages.
As they approach their 25th wedding anniversary—their "silver wedding"—the couple recently collaborated professionally for the first time on the forthcoming film Glenrothan, which marks Cox's directorial debut.