Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber Update: Possible Reason Why The Hollywood Couple Split

Hollywood couple Naomi Watts and Liev Schrieber announced their split after 11 years together on Monday, with the couple's long-distance relationship cited as a reason.

While Watts raised their two children, Alexander (Sasha), 8, and Samuel, 7, in New York, Schreiber worked on his TV series in California, "Ray Donovan." The actor admitted to TV Week it was hard to see his partner.

“That has been one of the things that have been really, really hard for Naomi and I. To find time for each other and to make time for each other,” Schreiber, 48, said three days before their breakup was announced. “I think that is what makes a successful relationship.”

The split came as a shock to most fans, especially because the former couple posed in selfies together days before they broke up. They were affectionate with each other at the Toronto International Film Festival in early September.

“Over the past few months we've come to the conclusion that the best way forward for us as a family is to separate as a couple. It is with great love, respect, and friendship in our hearts that we look forward to raising our children together and exploring this new phase of our relationship,” the couple told Entertainment Tonight Online in a joint statement Monday. “While we appreciate your curiosity and support, we ask the press to be mindful of our children and respect their right to privacy.”

The Oscar-nominated actress, 47, has been keeping busy with work. Watts was photographed with a large smile on her face on the set of her Netflix show, “Gypsy,” which is filming in New York City. In between takes, she smiled with crew members and took phone calls, Us Weekly reported Monday. She wore a white blouse, maroon skirt and long gray coat for the episode.

The duo had been together since 2005. They never married.

Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella