Actor Josh Duhamel, 53, recently addressed the 21-year age gap between himself and his wife, Audra Mari, 32, during an appearance on the The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler podcast. Duhamel noted that the reality of the age difference became particularly clear to him when he realized his wife is the same age as his younger sister, Cassidy.
The Moment the Age Gap Became Real
The realization occurred while Duhamel was reviewing an old photograph of himself holding his sister as an infant. According to Duhamel, he was 21 years old when Cassidy was born. After comparing the photo of his sister to his current wife, he realized the two women are “literally like months apart in age.”
“I looked at the photo and I looked at my wife and I said, ‘You and Cassidy are exactly the same age,’” Duhamel told host Ryan Sickler. He jokingly remarked that he is “officially too old” for his spouse. When asked by Sickler if the age difference constitutes a “highlight or a lowlight,” the host quipped that it might be a “highlight” for Duhamel and a “lowlight” for Mari.
Did you know?
Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari, a former beauty pageant queen, were married in 2022 after dating for approximately three years. The couple shares two children: son Shepherd, born in January 2024, and daughter Rocca, born in April.
From Platonic Origins to Marriage
The couple’s relationship did not begin as a romance. During a May 2025 interview on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, Duhamel admitted that he initially kept their interactions “platonic” specifically because of the 21-year age gap. He eventually decided to pursue a romantic relationship after realizing that Mari was “more mature” than him.
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Co-Parenting and Family Dynamics
In addition to his children with Mari, Duhamel is the father of 12-year-old Axl Jack, whom he shares with his ex-wife, singer Fergie. The former couple was married from 2009 to 2019. Despite the separation, Duhamel has maintained a positive co-parenting relationship with the Black Eyed Peas singer.
“We both have the same priority and that’s raising a good son,” Duhamel stated during a 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari been together?
The couple dated for approximately three years before getting married in 2022.
How many children does Josh Duhamel have?
Duhamel has three children: Axl Jack (with ex-wife Fergie) and Shepherd and Rocca (with current wife Audra Mari).
Why did Duhamel initially hesitate to date his wife?
Duhamel stated that he initially kept the relationship platonic due to their 21-year age gap, but changed his mind after observing her maturity.
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