For fans who adored J.D. in Scrubs and Yelena Belova from Black Widow, you’ll be sad to know that Zach Braff and his girlfriend, Florence Pugh, have called it quits after a three-year whirlwind relationship. Although sources reveal that the couple have been finalizing their split privately for some time, news of the breakup has come to light recently.
In the limelight, everything you do makes front-page headlines. Having a bad day, a public argument with your spouse or a less-than-savory picture taken of you can mean the difference between attracting new fans and losing thousands overnight. More specifically, Braff and Pugh have commented on feeling the public pressure to lead “perfect” lives and maintain a picturesque romantic relationship. However, behind closed doors, Braff and Pugh felt the distance between them growing, and the looming aura of a breakup hung in the air.
Pugh recently described her relationship with Braff as fun, spontaneous and full of life. Although Braff is 21 years Pugh’s senior, their interests, mannerism, quirks and sense of humor blended into a beautiful and elegant mesh of talent and laughter. Now that Braff and Pugh have made their split public, Pugh remarks how she felt the need to keep her romantic life private for fear of ridicule from fans.
Pugh also commented that her need to keep her split private came as a result of fear of individuals relishing the idea that she and Braff were no longer connected romantically. For some, hearing bad news about their beloved actors and superstars brings them joy. To the average individual, it’s difficult to imagine how a simple breakup with a long-term partner can garner so much attention, both negative and positive. Moreover, Pugh wants to compartmentalize her working career and personal life into distinctive categories, keeping fans and overzealous reporters at arm’s length.
Pugh described public opinions about her relationship with Braff as a chaotic mess of negative comments surrounding the couple’s age gap. Although love knows no boundaries, outsiders believed Pugh was using Braff’s notoriety for personal gain and career success, not love. For this reason, it’s no wonder that Braff and Pugh secretly separated behind closed doors before revealing the information to their adoring fanbase.
