Josh Duhamel Embraces His Relationship with Audra Mari Despite Their Age Difference

For actor Josh Duhamel and his wife Audra Mari, the 21-year age difference is simply a number. Recently, during a guest appearance on the podcast “Not Skinny But Not Fat,” Duhamel reflected on their nearly three-year marriage and dismissed concerns surrounding their age gap.

Duhamel, who is 52, was candid about how he initially viewed their relationship. He revealed that he considered it to be platonic for a long time. In his words, “It was truly platonic for years,” recalling a moment when he decided not to pursue romantic feelings for her. This far-sighted view changed when he invited Mari to a casual backyard barbecue. He quickly realized their compatibility and remarked, “She’s more mature than I am. That’s how we started dating.”

Growing Closer Over Time

The couple started their relationship in 2018 and tied the knot in 2022. Together, they are raising their one-year-old son, Shepherd. As Duhamel navigated the challenges of Hollywood fame and family life, he has often turned to humor to address their age difference. Last Halloween, the pair cleverly poked fun at this gap by dressing up as their respective characters: Duhamel portrayed oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall, while Mari channeled Anna Nicole Smith, known for her controversial marriage to Marshall.

Choosing the Outdoors Lifestyle

In a surprising move, Duhamel recently relocated his family away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles to a scenic cabin in Minnesota. This decision represents a lifestyle change aimed at prioritizing family time and personal connections over Hollywood’s fast pace. He shared insights about this change, emphasizing the joy of creating lasting memories. As he explained, “I think it’s really about the memories that we make as a family. My parents love coming out here. My wife’s parents love hanging out here.”

The actor remarked on the importance of letting their children experience nature. He stated, “L.A. has many good things, but it’s good for him to get his hands dirty and come out into the woods and help dad with whatever.” Duhamel also shares an 11-year-old son named Axl with his ex-wife, singer Fergie, and emphasized the benefits of outdoor experiences for both of his sons.

Emphasizing Family and Learning

Speaking about their life in Minnesota, he highlighted the value of teaching children self-sufficiency. He mentioned, “Shepherd is 15 months, he’s going to be doing the same thing. I think these experiences contribute to their growth. We’re 40 miles from anything; we have to fend for ourselves. These kids need to learn how to do this stuff, and they’re not going to get to do that in L.A.” These lessons help cultivate resilience and adaptability in young children.

The Benefits of a Remote Lifestyle

Since moving to Minnesota, Duhamel has discovered the advantages of a quieter, off-grid lifestyle. He expressed the life-changing influence it has had on his well-being: “Something happens as soon as I get out here; my blood pressure drops. It’s not about my phone or anything else other than ensuring we have what we need to survive.” In a world dominated by technology, Duhamel finds solace in the simplicity of rural living.

The actor recounted a recent challenge when their septic tank froze, underlining the nature of their self-reliant approach. “We couldn’t just call someone to fix it. It’s just us, so we got to figure it out.” He appreciates these hurdles as they reinforce his connection with the environment and support teamwork within his family.

Returning to Basics

Duhamel believes that living in a more rustic setting encourages prioritization of essential needs. He commented, “I think it’s those kinds of things that I really like about it because it’s back to the basics. It’s making sure you’ve got enough food, water, and warmth. From there, we just start to have fun, appreciating the luxuries we often take for granted.”

A Lasting Partnership

As Duhamel continues to navigate his personal life alongside professional commitments, his relationship with Audra Mari remains strong. Their ability to find joy amidst their differences speaks volumes about their partnership. Duhamel’s candid discussions about family life and their journey together suggest a couple committed to creating a fulfilling life, both as individuals and as a family.

With their commitment to prioritize children and family, Duhamel and Mari showcase how love and shared experiences can transcend challenges, including age differences. As they continue to embrace both life and nature in their Minnesota home, their future together seems bright.