Thus far, 2011 is shaping up to be a less-than-stellar year for love.
After a highly publicized two-year romance, Hollywood’s most commitment-shy heartthrob George Clooney and girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis have called it quits.
“We are not together anymore. It’s very difficult and very personal and we hope everyone can respect our privacy,” the pair said in a joint statement on Wednesday.
50-year-old Clooney began dating the 32-year-old Italian model at the 2009 Venice Film Festival. There was no visual sign of trouble between the lovebirds, who were photographed as recently as last week looking happy and in love while sharing a romantic dinner in Italy.
Though the media buzzed with rumors of wedding bells in their future, Clooney shot down the speculation in January when he appeared on “Piers Morgan Tonight.” The actor, who was married to actress Talia Balsam for three years, said he had no interest in tying the knot a second time.
I was married, so I gave it a shot,” Clooney said. “I’ve proven how good I was at it, and I just…I’m allowed one.”
Conversely, Canalis recently told an Italian magazine that she hopes to walk down the aisle one day, US Weekly reports.
“I am a firm believer in marriage,” she told the mag.
“In the future I will be married, but for the time being I am happy as I am,” she says. “I don’t need anything to confirm how happy I am.”
Whether or not marriage was the driving force behind the split, fans are left mourning the loss of another beautiful Hollywood couple in what’s turning out to be the summer of heartbreak.
Take a look at the other stars who’ve gone their separate ways this year.
