For decades, Jodie Foster meticulously guarded her private life, creating a formidable barrier between her public persona as a two-time Academy Award-winning actress and her personal world. Central to that world for nearly 15 years was her partnership with film producer Cydney Bernard, a relationship that, while intensely private, shaped a significant chapter of her life and resulted in the family she cherishes. Their story is not one of Hollywood scandal but of a quiet, committed partnership that evolved into a profound and enduring co-parenting bond, publicly celebrated in one of the most memorable awards show speeches in recent history.
The relationship between Jodie Foster and Cydney Bernard represents a unique chapter in Hollywood history, one defined by discretion rather than publicity. It was a partnership that thrived far from the flashing cameras and intrusive questions that have followed Foster since her childhood acting career. Their journey together, from a movie set meeting to building a family and ultimately redefining their connection, offers a compelling look at love, privacy, and the modern family structure.
How Jodie Foster and Cydney Bernard Met
The story of their long-term relationship began in 1993 on the set of the period drama Sommersby, in which Foster starred opposite Richard Gere. Cydney Bernard was working on the film as a production coordinator, a behind-the-scenes role crucial to the logistical success of a major motion picture. It was in this professional environment that their connection was first forged. While the exact timeline of their romance is not publicly documented—a testament to their shared commitment to privacy—it is widely understood that their relationship began shortly after the film's production.
Bernard, a respected figure in the film industry, had a career that complemented Foster's. Her work as a producer and production manager on films like L.A. Story, Bean, and The Client meant she understood the intense demands of Hollywood, providing a foundation of shared experience. This mutual understanding likely contributed to the strength and longevity of their partnership, allowing them to navigate the pressures of Foster's global fame together and away from public scrutiny.
Building a Family Away from the Spotlight
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Jodie Foster and Cydney Bernard's relationship was their decision to build a family. Together, they welcomed two sons: Charles "Charlie" Bernard Foster, born in 1998, and Christopher "Kit" Bernard Foster, born in 2001. In a move that underscored Bernard's integral role in their family unit, both boys were given her last name.
True to form, Foster and Bernard went to great lengths to protect their children from the media circus. They raised their sons in a relatively normal environment, shielding them from paparazzi and public events. The identity of the boys' biological father has been a subject of intense media speculation for years, but Foster has never publicly revealed it, stating that she would tell her sons when they turned 21. This unwavering commitment to their privacy was a joint effort, a pact between two mothers dedicated to giving their children a grounded upbringing.
Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, while their romantic relationship was an open secret in Hollywood, Foster never publicly commented on it. She was occasionally photographed with Bernard, but she consistently deflected any questions about her personal life and sexuality. Their partnership was defined by its quiet stability, a stark contrast to the often-turbulent relationships of other Hollywood A-listers.
"My Heroic Co-Parent, My Ex-Partner in Love"
The veil of privacy was elegantly and emotionally lifted at the 70th Golden Globe Awards in 2013. While accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award, Jodie Foster delivered a powerful, rambling, and deeply personal speech that served as her public coming out, though she humorously noted she had been "out" to her friends and family for a thousand years.
In this landmark moment, she directly addressed Cydney Bernard, who was seated in the audience with their two sons. Her words finally gave public voice to the depth and complexity of their relationship, even years after they had romantically separated. Foster referred to Bernard as "one of the deepest loves of my life, my heroic co-parent, my ex-partner in love but righteous soul sister in life."
The speech was a masterclass in nuance and heartfelt honesty. She continued, expressing her gratitude and pride in their shared creation: a family built on love and respect. "I am so proud of our modern family," she declared. "Our amazing sons, Charlie and Kit, who are my reason to breathe and to evolve, my blood and soul. And Cyd, I am so proud of our modern family." This public acknowledgment was not just a confirmation of a past romance but a celebration of their evolution into a successful and loving co-parenting team. It was a defining moment that offered the world a glimpse into the profound bond that transcended a traditional romantic partnership.
Navigating Separation and Co-Parenting
Jodie Foster and Cydney Bernard ended their romantic relationship around 2008, after nearly 15 years together. However, their separation did not signify the end of their family. Instead, it marked a transition into a new phase of their connection, one focused entirely on their roles as parents. Their ability to navigate this change with grace and mutual respect is perhaps the most revealing aspect of their relationship.
Long before terms like "conscious uncoupling" became part of the popular lexicon, Foster and Bernard were living it. They continued to be a constant presence in each other's lives and, more importantly, in the lives of their sons. They were frequently seen together at school events, family vacations, and holiday celebrations, demonstrating a united front. Their approach prioritized stability and love for their children above all else, ensuring that the family unit remained strong and intact despite the change in their personal dynamic.
This model of co-parenting has been a quiet inspiration. It showcases a deep and abiding friendship that forms the bedrock of their family. Foster's Golden Globes tribute was the ultimate testament to this success, framing their story not as a breakup but as a beautiful and enduring evolution.
Life After Their Relationship
In the years following their separation and Foster's public acknowledgment, both women have moved on to new chapters. In 2014, Jodie Foster married photographer and actress Alexandra Hedison. Their marriage has been, in keeping with Foster’s nature, a private and happy one. Cydney Bernard has maintained her characteristically low public profile, continuing her work in the film industry away from the glare of the spotlight.
What remains undeniable is the lasting impact of the relationship between Jodie Foster and Cydney Bernard. For over a decade, they built a life and a family on their own terms, fiercely protecting it from public intrusion. When the time came to speak about it, it was done with immense love, respect, and gratitude. Their story is a powerful example of a partnership that transformed but never truly ended, leaving a legacy of family, friendship, and an unbreakable bond.
   
