'Problem Child' Star Michael Oliver Files For Divorce After 3 Years Of Marriage

'Problem Child' Star Michael Oliver Files For Divorce After 3 Years Of Marriage

Home / Exclusive / 'Problem Child' Star Michael Oliver Files For Divorce After 3 Years Of Marriage

By Mike Walters on November 19, 2022 at 6:00 AM EST

'Problem Child' star Michael Oliver is pulling the plug on his marriage, just 3 years after marrying his wife Magnolia Ponce.

According to legal documents, obtained by The Blast, the former child star filed for dissolution of marriage in Los Angeles County Courts.

If you have been living under a rock, Oliver starred in the hit movie 'Problem Child' as an adopted little boy named 'Junior' who terrorized his new family. The movie starred comedian John Ritter.

In the filing, the actor lists his full name -- Michael Joshua Ponce Oliverius -- and says he was married to his wife on June 4, 2016. Interestingly, Michael says he has been separated from Magnolia since August 2019. It's unclear why he decided to pull the trigger on his divorce years after being apart from his former wife.

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'Problem Child' Star Says He Is Enjoying 'Private Life' Outside The Business

'Problem Child' Star Michael Oliver Files For Divorce After 3 Years Of Marriage
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The former couple has no minor children, and the actor says the split was caused by "irreconcilable differences." At this point, it's unclear if the ex-couple has a prenuptial agreement, but Oliver is asking the court to terminate its ability to award either one of them spousal support.

If you are thinking, "What happened to that guy?" -- join the club. Well, turns out he vanished after filming 'Problem Child 2' only to resurface for the sitcom 'Drexell's Class' in 1991 and played a minor role in 'Forrest Gump.'

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"After having been thrust into the spotlight as a child, I appreciate some peace and quiet," Oliver told People in an interview the year before he was married. Adding, "I am grateful and always will be for the experiences. I'm actually quite happy with my life the way it is today. I have a decent job. I work hard. I have a beautiful girlfriend. We have three cats and a hamster. It's a nice, quiet existence. I like it."

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'Problem Child' Star Michael Oliver Reflects On The Death Of Co-Star John Ritter

'Problem Child' Star Michael Oliver Files For Divorce After 3 Years Of Marriage
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Unlike many child stars like him, Oliver is living a normal happy life away from the industry -- but still embraces the past of his 'Problem Child' franchise. As you know, his co-star John Ritter died suddenly from a heart issue, and the actor reunited with castmates to pay tribute to the comedian.

"It's so awesome to be able to reconnect, [they're] just great people to work with," he said of the group. Adding, "I really wish that I had more time to spend with John before what happened. It's heartbreaking. I miss the hell out of him."

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'Problem Child' Star Michael Oliver Files For Divorce After 3 Years Of Marriage
Instagram
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Unfortunately, it wasn't always easy for the child star, considering he was sued by Universal over money issues with 'Problem Child 2.' According to reports, a talent fee of $80,000 was negotiated from him to appear in the movie, but right before shooting started -- his mother allegedly held him out to get $500,000. Universal was apparently forced to cough up the money, considering they would be out of pocket $4 million if Oliver was to back out. At the time, Oliver's mother was called a "professional stage mother" and ultimately a jury decided his family must return $170,000 of the performance fee.

The actor's wife has yet to respond to the divorce, the case is ongoing.

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