James Marsden, known for his roles in the X-Men film series and Westworld, stars as a slain US President in the new conspiracy thriller series Paradise. The show, available on Disney Plus and Hulu, revolves around an elite group of individuals living in a fabricated community.
The series kicked off with a three-episode premiere that delves into the mystery surrounding the murder of US President Cal Bradford. It’s revealed that he acknowledged having adversaries who wished him dead, sparking a frantic search for his assassin.
But what about Marsden’s life outside of his acting career, including his well-known ex-wife and children?
Westworld Season 1 – James Marsden as Teddy, Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores (Image: ©2016 Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO® and all related programs are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.)
Marsden began his acting journey with TV shows like Saved by the Bell: The New Class, Touched by an Angel, and Party of Five before landing more dramatic roles in Disturbing Behaviour and Ally McBeal.
His breakthrough came with the role of Cyclops in the X-Men film series, appearing in four films, including a cameo in X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Marsden has since become a familiar face in comedy and family films such as Hairspray, Enchanted, 27 Dresses, and Superman Returns. After making guest appearances in Modern Family and 30 Rock, Marsden featured in independent films like Robot and Frank, Small Apartments, Bachelorette, and As Cool as I Am, reports .
James Marsden’s career enjoyed a revival with his role as the sentient android Teddy Flood in HBO’s hit series Westworld and as Tom Wachowski in the Sonic film franchise.
He has since taken on the role of President Cal Bradford in the Disney+ and Hulu series Paradise.
James Marsden’s unlikely friendship after mockumentary
James Marsden and Ronald Gladden on Jury Duty (Image: Amazon Freevee)
Off-screen, Marsden found himself forming an unexpected bond during the filming of the mockumentary Jury Duty, where he played alongside Ronald Gladden. Despite the show’s premise being a fake court trial, the two struck up a genuine friendship.
Marsden opened up to PEOPLE about the experience: “It was really important to me, I was like, ‘I can’t end this and then go, ‘Hey bud, that was fun, see ya’.
“If we’re really celebrating the guy, then we got to stay pals. And he’s such a purehearted human being – I’d want to be friends with him anyway.”
In the mockumentary, Marsden portrayed an exaggerated version of himself, coming across as obnoxious and reluctant to participate in the trial after unsuccessfully trying to dodge jury duty.
Ronald Gladden shared his emotional journey with Marsden: “I was loving James one minute and then I was hating him the next, but then he’d bring himself back,” he said. “So during that whole process it was just a rollercoaster, the best way I can describe it.”
Upon discovering the trial was a hoax, Ronald felt immense relief and was glad to learn that Marsden was not the person he portrayed in the mockumentary.
Who is James Marsden’s famous ex wife?
James Marsden and Lisa Linde were married for 11 years (Image: Getty)
James Marsden’s former marriage to actress Mary Elizabeth “Lisa” Linde was quite the romance, having begun in the 90s. The duo exchanged vows on July 22, 2000, and were blessed with two children – Jack, born in 2001, and Mary, born in 2005.
Lisa is the daughter of Dennis Linde, a celebrated songwriter for music idols like and The Chicks. She made her own mark in the entertainment industry through roles in Days of Our Lives, Pacific Blues, and The Darkling.
In September 2011, Lisa sought a divorce from the Westworld actor, citing irreconcilable differences.
Marsden got candid about the impact of his divorce in a Men’s Health interview in 2018, sharing, “My life hasn’t been filled with sorrow and deep struggle.”
“When the divorce happened, it was the first time I felt I lost my equilibrium… It was scary and sad and made me pull everything into focus. I needed to focus on what was important.
“So that’s who I am now because of that. I know regrets can be catalysts for good things.”
“It’s sad and heartbreaking. I was separating not only from my wife but also my kids and the bonds of home and family.
“Those are things you’re painfully reminded of every day. It’s like, ‘[Expletive], what lesson is this? What’s to come from this?'”
After their split, James Marsden entered into a relationship with Brazilian model Rose Costa. She later gave birth to a son, William Luca Costa-Marsden in December 2012.
“Those are things you’re painfully reminded of every day. It’s like, ‘[Expletive], what lesson is this? What’s to come from this? ‘”.
Following their separation, Marsden sparked a new relationship with Brazilian model Rose Costa, with whom he has a son, William Luca Costa-Marsden, born in December 2012.
How many children does James Marsden have?
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 25: James Marsden attends the Sonic The Hedgehog Family Day Event on January 25, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
James Marsden has three children – Jack aged 23, 19-year-old Mary and William Luca aged 12. The actor has also taken his children to many film premieres, including Sonic 2 in 2022.
Jack has previously worked as a model, and now describes himself as a producer, musician and engineer on .
James has revealed that his daughter is interested in acting, saying: “A little bit. My daughter has [interest], but my boys, not yet. Not so far.
“My daughter is…a very, very talented young lady, and so we’ll see. We’ll see. I wouldn’t discourage them for sure.”
Speaking of fatherhood, James said: “Of all my achievements in life, being a father is the one thing I’m most proud of. It is the most fulfilling. I’m always self-deprecating, but I don’t have a problem saying that I am a great dad.”