Steve Guttenberg Files for Divorce After 6-Year Marriage Crumbles

Steve Guttenberg Calls It Quits on 6-Year Marriage

Steve Guttenberg, the beloved star of ‘Police Academy’ and ’80s screen icon, has filed for divorce from his wife of six years, news anchor Emily Smith. The 66-year-old actor officially submitted the paperwork on Friday, April 4, in Los Angeles, marking the end of what seemed to be a stable Hollywood union.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Guttenberg cited the all-too-familiar ‘irreconcilable differences’ as the reason behind the split. In an unusual move that’s raising eyebrows among celebrity watchers, the actor didn’t specify a separation date, instead writing ‘TBD’ (to be determined) on that line of the filing.

Financial Details Already Lined Up

Like many Hollywood couples with foresight, the pair had a prenuptial agreement in place that will govern how their assets and any debts will be divided. This pre-planning should help streamline what can often become a messy process for celebrity divorces.

In his filing, Guttenberg has agreed to pay spousal support to Smith, a detail that suggests the split might be relatively amicable despite the ‘irreconcilable differences’ cited. He’s also requested that both parties handle their own legal fees moving forward—another indication that this might not become the drawn-out divorce drama we’ve seen from other Hollywood breakups.

From Blind Date to Marriage to Divorce

The couple’s love story began like many modern romances—on a blind date. They were set up by WCBS-TV’s Scott Rapoport back in 2014, and their connection was strong enough to lead to an engagement in December 2016. By January 2019, they were exchanging vows in an intimate ceremony in Malibu.

Unlike many celebrity marriages that quickly produce children, Guttenberg and Smith did not have any kids together during their six-year union. This will likely simplify the divorce proceedings, as child custody arrangements often become the most contentious aspect of celebrity breakups.

Divorce Amid Natural Disaster

Adding another layer of complexity to this situation, the divorce filing comes during an already challenging time for the actor. Less than three months ago, Guttenberg’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood was threatened by the devastating Palisades wildfire that destroyed thousands of homes in the area.

While his home narrowly escaped the initial blazes, Guttenberg has been actively involved in community relief efforts. “At this time I have the choice of sitting down and walking or standing up and doing what I can. I choose to stand and fight. And help,” the actor told People magazine, showing his character during crisis.

Sources close to the situation revealed that Guttenberg has been working alongside neighbors whose homes also survived, banding together to clear brush, extinguish smoldering fires, and combat flying embers—all while dealing with personal turmoil behind closed doors.

Not His First Divorce

This marks the second marriage to end for Guttenberg, who was previously married to model Denise Bixler from 1988 to 1992. That relationship coincided with some of his biggest career highlights, including roles in the ‘Police Academy’ franchise, ‘Cocoon,’ and ‘Three Men and a Baby’ that cemented his status as one of the most recognizable faces in ’80s cinema.

While Guttenberg has maintained a relatively low profile in recent years compared to his heyday, he’s continued working steadily in film and television. His personal life, however, has generally stayed out of the tabloid spotlight—until now.

What’s Next for the ’80s Icon?

As Guttenberg navigates both personal heartbreak and natural disaster, fans of the actor are left wondering what this new chapter holds for the star. Will he throw himself back into his work? Might we see a career resurgence fueled by life’s changes?

While representatives for both Guttenberg and Smith have yet to release official statements about the split, the actor’s recent community-focused actions during the wildfire crisis suggest a resilience that will likely carry him through this difficult personal transition.

For now, Steve Guttenberg joins the growing list of celebrities navigating the end of a marriage in the public eye—but is doing so with the same quiet determination that has characterized much of his decades-long career in Hollywood.