Actress Leah Remini demonstrated that modern families can take many forms when she publicly honored her ex-husband Angelo Pagán on his 58th birthday this week, celebrating what she described as "the family we chose to remain."
In an Instagram birthday tribute posted on Tuesday, May 26, Remini, 55, reflected on the evolving nature of family relationships in contemporary society. "In a world where so much feels curated and performative, I have come to appreciate the rare beauty of families that change shape, but never lose the love that is real," she wrote. "Some may not understand it. But I am incredibly proud of the family we built — and even more proud of the family we chose to remain."
Pagán responded to his ex-wife with characteristic humor, quoting Al Pacino in The Godfather Part III: "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in ! You best believe I'm Michael Coleone in this movie!"
The exchange offers a glimpse into the unconventional but functional relationship the former couple has maintained following their divorce, which was finalized in October 2024. Remini and Pagán were married for 21 years and together for 28 years before announcing their separation in August 2024.
The former couple share a daughter, Sofia Bella Pagán, 21, and Pagán has three older sons from a previous relationship: Angelo Jr., Alex, and Nico. The entire family left the Church of Scientology together in 2013, a decision that would later become central to Remini's public advocacy work.
When Remini announced the separation in August 2024, she emphasized that the decision came after careful consideration and that both parties maintained a positive outlook. "This decision came after a lot of thought and care, and as hard as divorce is, we are approaching this with a positive outlook because we know it's what's best for us," she wrote at the time.
The actress acknowledged the difficulty of the transition while highlighting the enduring friendship at the core of their relationship. "We've been best friends for so many years," she stated. "We are still celebrating holidays together, watching our favorite tv shows together, and gathering as a family."
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly in June 2025, Remini provided deeper insight into the factors that led to their separation. She explained that as individuals evolve, the roles within a marriage must also adapt to meet changing needs. "You become friends, but there's more to marriage than that. I saw that Angelo wanted something different," she explained. "When you're giving what you give in a relationship, but it's not what the person wants, it's like, 'So you don't appreciate what I'm doing? Well, I don't appreciate what you're doing because that's not what I want.'"
The King of Queens actress reflected on how their relationship had been shaped by their time in Scientology and the subsequent transformation after leaving the organization. "When I met him, I was in Scientology as a different person. Living in the same household, you're acting out your roles, and if we're not changing those roles as our needs change, you're just growing apart," she said.
When asked whether her departure from the Church of Scientology in 2013 contributed to the breakdown of her marriage, Remini offered a thoughtful response. "I don't know," she confessed. "I just think I was fighting for a life that I never fully had autonomy over. Tomorrow's not promised. I don't know how much time I have left. I didn't want to waste [time]. It's hard to be the breadwinner, a wife and a mother, the one who does all the holidays, and then wants to rub your husband's feet. That's not something that I'm going to do. And it's something he deserves."
The terms of their divorce were kept private, as Remini and Pagán reached a settlement through mediation outside the court system. This approach allowed them to maintain the privacy and dignity they sought while restructuring their relationship.
Remini also revealed that she found support from longtime friend Jennifer Lopez, who finalized her own divorce from Ben Affleck in January 2025. "Right after the divorce, we'd text each other loving messages of support," the actress recalled, highlighting how shared experiences can strengthen friendships during difficult transitions.
The public exchange between Remini and Pagán this week serves as a testament to their commitment to maintaining family bonds despite the end of their marriage. Their approach challenges traditional narratives about divorce and demonstrates that families can successfully navigate major transitions while preserving the relationships that matter most.
