Kim Basinger surprised fans — and her ex-husband — by giving Alec Baldwin a rare public shout-out more than two decades after their highly contentious divorce. The 72-year-old Oscar winner shared a clip from the 1990 film The Marrying Man, where the two first fell in love, marking the movie’s 35th anniversary. Alongside the post, she also acknowledged Baldwin’s birthday, wishing her former co-star health, happiness, and many more years with loved ones.
Baldwin, 68, appeared touched by the unexpected gesture and responded in the comments, thanking her and playfully referencing her role as Vicki Vale from Batman. In The Marrying Man, Baldwin portrayed wealthy fiancé Charley Pearl, who becomes involved with Vicki Anderson, a gangster’s girlfriend played by Basinger. Despite their real-life chemistry, the film struggled critically and financially, earning far less than its production budget.
The movie’s release was also overshadowed by reports of behind-the-scenes tension. An exposé at the time claimed the pair’s demands, Baldwin’s temper, and Basinger’s alleged lateness disrupted production. Baldwin later pushed back against those claims, arguing the controversy was exaggerated and insisting he had never experienced such issues before. He even described the film as one of the biggest missteps of his career. Basinger also denied accusations that she caused delays, calling them completely untrue and criticizing aspects of the production.
The actors married in 1993, but their relationship deteriorated by 2000, with their divorce finalized in 2002. The split led to a lengthy and bitter custody battle over their daughter Ireland Baldwin, which lasted years and attracted widespread media attention — including the release of a controversial voicemail from Baldwin in 2007.
Despite their turbulent past, the recent exchange suggests tensions have eased over time. Ireland even reacted to her mother’s post with a humorous comment referencing her famous parents. Both Basinger and Baldwin have since moved on with their lives — becoming grandparents after Ireland welcomed daughter Holland, while Baldwin went on to marry Hilaria Baldwin and expand his family.
The rare public message from Basinger marked a surprising moment of goodwill, showing that even after one of Hollywood’s most contentious breakups, time has softened old conflicts — and allowed both stars to acknowledge their shared history with warmth.
