Hilary Swank, Chad Lowe to file for divorce

Oscar-winning actress, husband announced separation in January

Laura Rauch / AP

Hilary Swank and husband Chad Lowe have decided to divorce but their publicist declined to elaborate on the reason for the split or specify when court papers will be filed.

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updated 3:33 p.m. ET May 26, 2006

NEW YORK - Two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank will file for divorce from actor-husband Chad Lowe, People magazine reports.

"Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe have jointly decided to divorce," an attorney for the couple, Jeffrey A. Bernstein, told the magazine in a story posted on its Web site Friday. "They continue to be friends and have the utmost respect for one another."

Bernstein confirmed to The Associated Press that the couple would divorce, but declined to elaborate on the reason for the split or specify when court papers will be filed.

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A spokesman at Innovative Artists, the agency that represents Lowe, said there was no comment from the actor.

A call to Swank's manager, Troy Nankin, was not immediately returned Friday.

Swank, 31, and Lowe, 38, who have no children, announced they were separating in January after eight years of marriage. At the time, the couple appeared to retain some hope of reuniting.

"Hilary and Chad have decided to separate, but they are hopeful they'll be able to get through this tough time," Nankin then said in a statement.

Swank famously forgot to thank a tearful Lowe while accepting her best actress Oscar in 2000 for "Boys Don't Cry." Last year, Swank won again for "Million Dollar Baby" — this time, thanking Lowe.

She will next star in "The Black Dahlia," Brian De Palma's adaptation of James Ellroy's novel.

Lowe, who is the brother of actor Rob Lowe, won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of AIDS patient Jesse McKenna on the TV series "Life Goes On" in 1993.