Jodie Foster, a two-time Academy Award-winning actress, has long been celebrated for her remarkable contributions to cinema, with iconic roles in films like The Silence of the Lambs and Taxi Driver. Yet, beyond her professional achievements, her personal life offers a compelling story of love, partnership, and enduring friendship with Cydney Bernard, a film producer and production manager. Their relationship, which spanned over 15 years, evolved from a deep friendship to a romantic partnership, and eventually into a lifelong bond as co-parents and best friends. This article explores the stages of their relationship, the challenges they faced, and the remarkable connection that continues to define their modern family as of April 2025.

The Beginning: From Colleagues to Friends

Jodie Foster and Cydney Bernard first crossed paths in 1993 on the set of Sommersby, a period drama where Foster starred as Laurel Sommersby, and Bernard served as a production coordinator. At the time, Foster was at the peak of her career, having just won her second Oscar for The Silence of the Lambs in 1991. Bernard, born on March 30, 1953, in Los Angeles, came from a family with ties to the entertainment industry—her father, Thomas Joseph Bernard, was an actor known for The Ruggles, and her brother, Dustin Bernard, also worked as a production manager. With her experience in film production, including projects like The Client (1994) and Bean (1997), Bernard was a seasoned professional who thrived behind the scenes.

Their initial connection was professional, but it quickly blossomed into a deep friendship. Both women valued privacy, a trait that would define their relationship in the years to come. Foster, who had been in the public eye since she was three years old, was particularly guarded about her personal life, especially after traumatic experiences like the 1981 incident involving stalker John Hinckley Jr. Bernard, a naturally private person who preferred working behind the camera, shared Foster’s desire for discretion. This mutual understanding allowed them to build a foundation of trust and companionship, setting the stage for a deeper bond.

From Friendship to Love: A Quiet Romance

By the mid-1990s, Foster and Bernard’s friendship had evolved into a romantic relationship, though they kept it largely out of the public eye. For nearly 14 years, they maintained a low profile, even as speculation about Foster’s sexuality grew among fans and media. The couple was occasionally spotted together, wearing matching Tiffany eternity rings, but they never confirmed their relationship publicly during this time. This secrecy was a deliberate choice, reflecting their shared commitment to protecting their personal lives from Hollywood’s relentless scrutiny.

Despite their efforts to remain private, their bond was evident to those close to them. They moved in together in West Hollywood, creating a stable home environment that would soon welcome children. In 1998, Foster gave birth to their first son, Charles “Charlie” Bernard Foster, followed by their second son, Christopher “Kit” Bernard Foster, in 2001. Both children were conceived through anonymous sperm donors, and while rumors circulated that the father might be Randy Stone, a close friend of the couple, Foster and Bernard never disclosed his identity. Foster has mentioned in interviews that she plans to reveal the paternity to her sons when they turn 21, though as of 2025, this information remains private.

Throughout their relationship, Bernard played a significant role in Foster’s life, both personally and professionally. As a production manager, Bernard often worked on projects involving Foster, providing a sense of continuity and support. Foster, in turn, found in Bernard a partner who understood the demands of her career while offering a safe space away from the spotlight. Their love was built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to creating a nurturing environment for their children, even as they faced external pressures.

Challenges and Separation: A Test of Their Bond

After 15 years together, Foster and Bernard’s romantic relationship came to an end in 2008. The breakup, which shocked some fans who viewed them as a forever couple, was reported by outlets like Daily Mail and E! News. While the reasons for their split were never publicly disclosed, sources suggested that Foster had developed feelings for writer and producer Cynthia Mort, whom she met while filming The Brave One in 2007. According to a Daily Mail insider, Bernard was unaware of any issues until Foster announced her new relationship and moved out.

The separation could have marked the end of their connection, but Foster and Bernard chose a different path. They prioritized their roles as co-parents to Charlie and Kit, ensuring that their children remained the focus of their family dynamic. Despite the romantic split, their friendship endured, a testament to the depth of their bond. In May 2013, they were spotted sharing a warm embrace during a coffee meet-up in Los Angeles, and later that year, in November, Foster was seen helping Bernard move furniture in Santa Monica. These public moments of affection and support highlighted their commitment to maintaining a positive relationship.

Foster publicly acknowledged Bernard’s importance in her life during her 2013 Golden Globes acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award. In a rare moment of vulnerability, she 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, my confessor, ski buddy, consigliere, most beloved BFF of 20 years.” She also expressed pride in their “modern family,” emphasizing the love and respect that continued to define their relationship as co-parents.

Co-Parents and Best Friends: A Modern Family

Since their breakup, Foster and Bernard have exemplified what it means to be co-parents and best friends. They have been actively involved in raising Charlie and Kit, often seen together at family events and public appearances. At the 2016 AMD British Academy Britannia Awards in Beverly Hills, they attended with their sons, presenting a united front. Charlie, now 26 as of 2025, has pursued acting and attended Yale University, while Kit, 23, graduated from Princeton University with a degree in chemistry and works as a research associate. Foster has noted their differing personalities, describing Charlie as “super-charming, super-spontaneous” and Kit as a “hyper-focused scientist” who is unlikely to pursue acting.

Foster’s commitment to shielding her children from the pressures of fame mirrors the protective environment she and Bernard created together. In a 2007 interview with Psychologies Magazine, Foster shared, “I have a psychological need to create a really safe, normal life for them [my kids], because if there was anything I missed in my childhood, that was it.” Bernard, who stepped away from her production career after the birth of their children to focus on family, played a crucial role in providing this stability.

Their co-parenting journey has not been without challenges, particularly given the public scrutiny Foster has faced throughout her life. Yet, their ability to maintain a close friendship has allowed them to navigate these difficulties with grace. Foster’s 2013 Golden Globes speech, where she also came out publicly, was a pivotal moment in acknowledging their shared history. She celebrated their “amazing sons, Charlie and Kit, who are my reason to breathe and to evolve,” underscoring the centrality of their family bond.

A New Chapter: Foster’s Marriage to Alexandra Hedison

Following her split from Bernard, Foster began dating Alexandra Hedison in 2013, and the couple married in a private ceremony in April 2014. Hedison, a photographer and former actress, has been a supportive partner, often accompanying Foster to events like the 2024 Emmys and 2025 Golden Globes, where Foster won awards for True Detective: Night Country and Nyad. In her acceptance speeches, Foster has consistently referred to Hedison as “the love of my life,” highlighting the strength of their relationship.

While Foster’s marriage to Hedison marked a new chapter in her romantic life, it did not diminish her connection with Bernard. The two have continued to co-parent harmoniously, demonstrating that love can evolve into different forms without losing its depth. Bernard, now 72, has largely retreated from the public eye but remains an integral part of her sons’ lives. Her estimated net worth of $500,000 reflects her successful career in film production, though she has not been active in the industry in recent years.

Reflections on a Lasting Bond

The story of Jodie Foster and Cydney Bernard is one of resilience, love, and transformation. From their early days as friends on a film set to their years as romantic partners, they built a life together that prioritized privacy, family, and mutual support. Their decision to remain best friends and co-parents after their breakup reflects a rare maturity and commitment to their shared values. As Foster noted in her 2013 speech, Bernard remains her “righteous soul sister,” a title that encapsulates the enduring nature of their bond.

Their journey also challenges conventional narratives about relationships, showing that love can transcend romantic boundaries to become a lifelong friendship. For Foster, who has navigated the complexities of fame since childhood, Bernard provided a grounding presence during some of her most formative years. Together, they created a modern family that continues to thrive, with Charlie and Kit as the heart of their legacy.

As of April 2025, Foster and Bernard’s story remains a powerful example of how relationships can evolve while retaining their core essence. Their ability to transition from lovers to co-parents and best friends is a testament to their strength, mutual respect, and unwavering dedication to their family. In a world often defined by fleeting connections, their enduring bond is a reminder that true love—whether romantic, familial, or platonic—can withstand the test of time.