Chris Rock Files for Divorce From Wife Malaak Compton-Rock, Couple Has "Been Living Separate Lives"

Chris Rock and his wife Malaak Compton-Rock are ending their marriage, amicably.

The two are parents to two daughters, ages 12 and 10. News about their split was confirmed on Sunday, three days after Christmas. 

"Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak". "This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family."

"After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways," Compton-Rock, 45, said in a statement to People magazine. "Being fortunate enough to lead a life of service by working with those most vulnerable makes me well aware of life's blessings, even when faced with difficulties."

"While recognizing that this is a significant change, my children remain at the center of my life and their well-being is my top priority," she added. "It is in this spirit that I sincerely ask that their privacy and the privacy of our family be respected during this transition in our lives." 

Rock, 49, who stars in the recently-released comedy film Top Five, which he also directed and wrote, met his wife in 1993. She is the founder and executive director of the non-profit organization styleWORKS, which helps women make a successful transition from welfare to the workforce.

The Emmy-winning actor and comedian and his wife had wed in 1996 at the posh Oxon Hill Manor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Two years later, the New York Daily News reported their marriage was on the rocks. The pair denied the report.