Long after the dust settled from their tumultuous split, Kim Basinger has revealed insights about her current relationship with ex-husband Alec Baldwin, showcasing how time has seemingly healed old wounds.
Speaking to Variety on February 25, 2025, Basinger, who starred alongside Baldwin from 1993 to 2002, stated emphatically, "Alec and I have a great relationship." This comment is significant, as it is her first interview about Baldwin and their dynamic since her last major public statements on the topic over two years ago.
The former couple shares daughter Ireland Baldwin, now 29, with whom they both have navigated the choppy waters of co-parenting following their divorce. "I have great respect for where he is today, and his family," Basinger added, referencing Baldwin’s current wife, Hilaria, and their seven children.
While the two do not engage much during holidays or family gatherings, Basinger emphasized the importance of communication: "You know, we don’t spend Christmases and holidays or see each other very much. But we talk. He'll pick up the phone and call me, and we have a very genuinely cordial and I think loving relationship in a lot of ways, just because we share a daughter." This perspective reveals how their shared connection through Ireland has played a pivotal role in maintaining their relationship.
Despite the warmth of her comments, Basinger did not shy away from acknowledging Baldwin's struggles. "He’s been through a lot lately," she remarked, indirectly referring to Baldwin’s recent legal troubles surrounding the shooting incident on the set of the film Rust, for which the involuntary manslaughter charges were dismissed last July. The backdrop of Baldwin’s turmoil perhaps adds another layer of complexity to their dynamic.
About Hilaria, Basinger had nothing but praise. "She seems to have a great handle on [Baldwin’s struggles]. So more power to her," she expressed, indicating her respect for Baldwin's current family life and the balance they have achieved amid past challenges.
Basinger’s perspective on her relationship with Baldwin has evolved over the years. Back in 2016, during a previous interview, she stated they were "cool now," touching on the fact after so much public drama, it was about making things easier for their daughter: "Divorce is hard on a kid, no matter how you cut it. And ours was very public and nasty." Indeed, as they have matured, Baldwin and Basinger appear to be working hard to create stability for Ireland.
This newfound peace between Baldwin and Basinger may come as relief to those familiar with their once fiery custody battles following their split. For years, the couple fought publicly over the well-being of their daughter until both sides eventually seemed to arrive at some level of peace.
Reflecting on their past, Basinger acknowledged the ups and downs they experienced together. Having initially met when they both were rising stars, the couple found themselves increasingly at the center of tabloid attention during their marriage. The source of their conflicts resulted not only from personal differences but also external pressures, attributable to fame and public scrutiny.
At present, Baldwin has not publicly commented on Basinger's recent remarks, but the actor has gained visibility through his new reality show, The Baldwins, featuring his life with Hilaria and their brood. This visibility contrasts sharply with Basinger’s approach, as she prefers to steer away from the spotlight and maintain her privacy.
Basinger’s reflections come from her years of experience and life lessons learned since her divorce. She appears to prioritize her mental and emotional well-being among the changes life demands, stating, "It’s the only thing that's kept me above water — emotionally, physically, in every sense of the word. It just keeps me going. I love acting."
The evolution of their relationship speaks volumes about the healing power of time. Both actors have faced their battles and triumphs, and now, standing on the other side of their tumultuous history, they can appreciate the good they had together — for the sake of their daughter and their own personal growth.