Brooke Shields Reflects on Finding Freedom Away from Ex-Husband Andre Agassi's Spotlight

Brooke Shields It Felt Good to Be Smaller Than Ex Husband Andre Agassi

Brooke Shields. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Brooke Shields, 58, recently looked back on her marriage to Andre Agassi, more than twenty years after it ended. In an interview with AARP Magazine for its April/May 2024 issue, the actress shared her thoughts on her relationship with the former tennis star, which lasted from 1997 to 1999.

"It felt nice to feel smaller than someone else, especially with Andre being so famous and the number one player in the world," Shields shared.

The couple got married during Agassi's peak fame, despite his tennis performance starting to decline. Agassi confessed to using crystal meth around this period and even failed a drug test, but managed to have the results dismissed by falsely claiming he unknowingly took the drug.

However, Shields acknowledges that Agassi played a significant role in helping her distance herself from her mother and manager, Teri.

"It was a change that I really needed. I couldn't find the strength to break away from my mother Teri by myself," she shared. "I kept going back to her."

Brooke Shields It Felt Good to Be Smaller Than Ex Husband Andre Agassi

Brooke Shields and Andre Agassi. SGranitz/WireImage

Shields mentioned in a 2023 interview with People that she is grateful to Andre for helping her separate from her mother in a loving way, as her therapist still reminds her to this day.

They also bonded over their early journeys to fame. Shields started her acting career at the age of 11, while Agassi left school in ninth grade to focus on becoming a professional tennis player.

Shields mentioned that they both understood the journey of becoming well-known, whether in a positive or negative light, at a young age.

When they were seen together in public, Agassi would sometimes steal the spotlight. As Agassi made his comeback in tennis and eventually won the 1999 French Open, everyone was focused on the talented American player.

"He always had a lot of bodyguards with him wherever we went," she mentioned. "I could relax because that lifestyle wasn't familiar to me. Whenever we reached events, he would be the first one to step out of the car."

Brooke Shields It Felt Good to Be Smaller Than Ex Husband Andre Agassi

Brooke Shields and Andre Agassi. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Shields has been married to director and producer Chris Henchy since 2001. They share two daughters, Rowan, 20, and Grier, 17.

It appears that Shields has found a great match and a supportive father figure in Henchy.

"He always makes me laugh," she shared. "I think deep down, I always knew that I needed someone stable and down-to-earth. And he's an amazing dad. He never misses a basketball game or volleyball game. Plus, the kids adore him as well."

Agassi married fellow tennis star Steffi Graf in 2001, and the two have son Jaden, 22, and daughter Jaz, 20.

Editor's P/S:

Brooke Shields's reflection on her marriage to Andre Agassi offers a nuanced perspective on their relationship. While Shields acknowledges Agassi's role in providing a sense of security and helping her break away from her overbearing mother, she also highlights the challenges of being overshadowed by his fame. The article sheds light on the complexities of their bond, which was both a source of support and a reminder of the public scrutiny that came with their status.

Shields's current marriage to Chris Henchy appears to have provided her with a sense of stability and balance that she lacked in her relationship with Agassi. Henchy's down-to-earth nature and unwavering support have created a home environment that fosters Shields's growth and well-being. The contrast between her two marriages highlights the importance of finding a partner who not only supports one's ambitions but also provides a sense of security and equality. aspirations but also provides a secure and loving foundation.