Cameron Mathison and his wife, Vanessa Arevalo, have announced their decision to divorce after 22 years of marriage. The couple shared the news just days after their wedding anniversary, emphasizing their mutual respect and commitment to their children.
"After 22 years of marriage, we have made the difficult decision to part ways," the General Hospital star and his wife said in a joint statement on Instagram. "We enter this new chapter with deep love, kindness, and respect for each other. We hold gratitude in our hearts for the wonderful years we shared together."
The couple, who wed on July 27, 2002, have two children: son Lucas, 21, and daughter Leila, 18. They made it clear that their children remain their highest priority, stating, "Our children have been and will continue to be our highest priority, and we will forever share in our devotion and love for them."
The announcement came shortly after Cameron Mathison posted a series of summer photos on Instagram, capturing moments with his children. Vanessa left a supportive comment under the post, despite not appearing in the photos.
Mathison, 54, who has played Drew Cain on General Hospital since 2021, recently discussed personal changes in his life, including becoming an empty nester as his daughter prepares to leave for college. "Last few weeks before I'm an official empty nester," he captioned the Instagram post, hinting at the upcoming transition.
In a June appearance on Cheryl Burke's Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast, Mathison shared insights into past challenges in their marriage, particularly during his time on Dancing With the Stars. He expressed concerns about partnering with pro dancer Edyta Śliwińska, given the timing and circumstances. "Vanessa was a trooper," he said, acknowledging the difficulties they faced during that period.
Vanessa, 57, has also been on a personal journey, described by Cameron as a "self-exploratory phase" in a recent interview with Us Weekly. He noted her renewed interest in playing bass and revisiting her modeling career. "She's really on a self-exploratory kind of phase right now, doing a lot of really cool stuff for her," he said.
Despite their separation, both Cameron and Vanessa emphasized their continued friendship and mutual respect. "We remain friends, and both wish the best for one another. We sincerely appreciate your respect for our family's privacy during this transition," they stated.
The couple's journey together began in New York City in 1998, where they met while working as models. They sparked a romance the following year, leading to their marriage in Vail, Colorado, in 2002. Cameron, known for his role as Ryan Lavery on All My Children from 1998 to 2011, has maintained a prominent career in daytime television.
In 2022, Vanessa made a guest appearance on General Hospital, an experience she described as a dream come true. Cameron shared his pride and nervousness about her role, highlighting the support they provided each other.
The announcement of their divorce comes five years after Cameron revealed his battle with kidney cancer. Diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in September 2019, he underwent surgery to remove the tumor and was later declared cancer-free. Throughout this ordeal, Vanessa remained a steadfast supporter, exemplifying their enduring bond.