Guy Pearce Admits Ex-Wife Kate Mestitz Was ‘the Greatest Love’ of His Life, but He’s Since ‘Moved on’

Guy Pearce is opening up about his deepest relationships and how they’ve shaped his life.

In a candid interview with The Guardian published on January 18, *The Brutalist* actor, 57, reflected on his most meaningful romantic connection, naming his ex-wife Kate Mestitz as “the greatest love” of his life.

“My ex-wife, Kate, was the greatest love of my life,” Pearce shared, referring to the Australian psychologist he married in 1997. Their marriage lasted 18 years before they amicably parted ways in 2015.

Pearce added, “I’ve moved on from her now, and the greatest love of my life is my son, Monte,” whom he welcomed in 2020 with his partner, actress Carice van Houten.

Pearce also admitted that his divorce from Mestitz marked one of his greatest personal regrets. “I felt like I failed in my marriage,” he explained. “At the time, it was devastating, but I’ve come to terms with it.”

The former couple met as teenagers at Geelong College in Australia and kept their relationship largely private throughout Pearce’s rise to fame.

In a 2015 statement to The Sydney Morning Herald, Pearce announced their split, saying, “Kate and I will always love and support each other and remain best friends.”

He added, “No one knows me like Kate, and our mutual respect is something I’ll always cherish.”

Pearce has since built a new chapter with *Game of Thrones* actress Carice van Houten, 48. The couple now reside in Amsterdam with their son Monte.

Fatherhood has deeply impacted Pearce. He shared with The Independent, “Someone told me after Monte was born, ‘Your heart now lives outside your body,’ and it’s true. I’m more emotional than I’ve ever been.”

Pearce reflected, “For years, I could easily cry for roles. After years of therapy, I became calmer, but it made crying for scenes harder. Since Monte, I cry over everything.”

Guy Pearce continues to embrace both his past and present, finding joy in fatherhood while cherishing the meaningful relationships that have shaped him.