You may know Bruce Oppenheim as the ex-husband of actress Cybill Shepherd, but there’s much more to his story. He once lived a life close to Hollywood lights, but over the years, he quietly stepped away from fame. Today, many people wonder what happened to him. Where is he now? What does he do? And how did his life change after marrying — and divorcing — a famous star?
In this article, we’ll walk you through Bruce Oppenheim’s journey — from his early days as a charming chiropractor, to his high-profile marriage, and then to his quiet life away from the spotlight. Let’s explore the real story behind the man who once stood beside a Hollywood icon.
Who Is Bruce Oppenheim?
Bruce Oppenheim is a chiropractor who once treated many well-known people in Los Angeles. He wasn’t an actor or a singer, but his connection to the entertainment world grew strong when he started dating Cybill Shepherd.
He was known for his skills in chiropractic care, and that’s actually how he met Cybill. She was dealing with pain while working on her hit show Moonlighting, and Bruce was the one who helped her feel better. That professional connection soon turned into a romantic one — and the public began to take notice.
Thanks to Cybill’s fame, Bruce suddenly found himself in the spotlight too. But even during those years, he always seemed more private than public.
Bruce Oppenheim and Cybill Shepherd’s Love Story
Bruce and Cybill’s love story started in a surprising way. Cybill was working hard on Moonlighting, a popular TV show at the time. She had back pain and terrible headaches, so she went to see a chiropractor. That chiropractor was Bruce Oppenheim.
What started as simple medical visits quickly turned into something more. They fell in love — fast. Their relationship got serious quickly, and soon, they were expecting twins.
Fans were curious about their romance, especially since Cybill was a big star at the time. People wanted to know more about the quiet man who had won her heart. For a while, they were seen as a strong couple — both successful in their own ways.
A Wedding Full of Tradition and Surprise
In March 1987, Bruce and Cybill got married in a beautiful and unique wedding ceremony. It wasn’t your usual Hollywood-style wedding. Instead, they chose a traditional Oriental theme for the day. The wedding was held at Cybill’s home in San Fernando Valley, and it was small and private.
Cybill wore a colorful kimono over silk pajamas, which made her stand out in a special way. Bruce also wore a black silk kimono and pajamas to match the theme. Their wedding photos showed a couple that looked happy, peaceful, and ready for the next chapter of life.
During the ceremony, Cybill announced that she was pregnant with twins. That moment made the wedding even more memorable for the guests.
The Birth of the Twins
Later that same year, in October 1987, Bruce and Cybill became parents to Molly Ariel and Cyrus Zachariah. Becoming a father was a big change for Bruce. In fact, he later admitted in a speech that he never thought he would have children. But once they arrived, his heart opened.
Being a father to twins brought joy but also new responsibilities. For Bruce, it meant balancing life between his growing family and his work as a chiropractor. For Cybill, it was about raising kids while staying in the public eye.
Even though their relationship didn’t last, both parents stayed close to their children — and their bond with Ariel and Cyrus remained strong through the years.
Divorce and Moving On
Unfortunately, Bruce and Cybill’s marriage didn’t last long. In January 1989, they announced their separation. Just a few weeks later, Cybill filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Their twins were only a year old at the time, and the breakup came as a shock to many fans. In her later memoir, Cybill shared that she was emotionally drained during that period. She said she gave up on the marriage, mostly due to stress from work and life.
After the divorce, Bruce stopped talking to Cybill, and their communication became limited. Cybill once said she hoped he would open up again someday — especially for the sake of their children.
Life After Divorce
After the split, Bruce Oppenheim did something many public figures don’t — he quietly stepped away from the spotlight. He didn’t give interviews, he didn’t chase fame, and he didn’t try to stay in the news.
Instead, Bruce focused on his private life and continued working as a chiropractor. He stayed in California and kept raising his children, though mostly behind the scenes. He rarely appeared at public events and chose a calm, quieter lifestyle.
For someone once known as a “celebrity husband,” Bruce proved he was more interested in living a grounded, peaceful life — far from cameras and gossip headlines.
Bruce Oppenheim’s Second Marriage to Jenilee Harrison
After his divorce from Cybill Shepherd, Bruce Oppenheim gave love another chance. This time, he found happiness with Jenilee Harrison, an actress known for her roles in Three’s Company and Dallas.
Bruce and Jenilee began dating in the early 1990s. After two years together, they got married in 1993. This marked a fresh start for Bruce — a quiet new chapter without the Hollywood attention he had faced before. Even though Jenilee was also a public figure, the couple mostly kept their relationship private.
They didn’t have any children together, but Jenilee became a stepmother to Bruce’s twins, Ariel and Cyrus. She was often seen supporting the family and enjoying time with the kids. It seemed like a calm and steady family life.
Bruce and Jenilee’s Life Together
Bruce and Jenilee built a peaceful life in California. In 1995, they bought a beautiful home in Tarzana for around $875,000. They didn’t just live there — they made it better. The couple worked on major renovations and added their own personal touch.
Years later, they sold the house for nearly $2.9 million, showing how much work and love they had put into it. After that, they bought a small ranch in Agoura Hills and also a home in the Sherman Oaks area.
These homes gave them privacy and comfort, far away from cameras and interviews. Bruce Oppenheim seemed happy with this simple, grounded life — something he clearly preferred over fame.
The End of His Marriage to Jenilee
Even though Bruce and Jenilee shared many years together, their marriage also came to an end. In February 2022, Bruce Oppenheim filed for divorce from Jenilee Harrison in Los Angeles County.
The reason for the separation wasn’t shared publicly, and both stayed silent about it. Just like with his first divorce, Bruce didn’t speak to the media. He chose peace and privacy over drama.
Their quiet split didn’t make big headlines, but it did mark another major change in Bruce’s personal life. Still, he remained focused on his family, his children, and his own healing.
What Is Bruce Oppenheim Doing Now?
So, where is Bruce Oppenheim now?
As of 2025, he is believed to still live in California and continues to keep a low profile. He may still be working as a chiropractor, though he does not appear in the news or social media. His life is far from the Hollywood lights that once followed him.
Bruce is someone who clearly values privacy. He rarely attends public events, and when he does, it’s usually for something deeply personal — like family celebrations. He seems to have chosen peace over publicity.
In a world where many people chase fame, Bruce Oppenheim took the opposite path — and that’s what makes his story unique.
Ariel’s 2019 Wedding
One of the few times Bruce Oppenheim was seen in public again was at a very special event — the wedding of his daughter, Ariel.
In October 2019, Ariel married Eliza Ladensohn in Palm Desert, California. The wedding was filled with joy and love, with around 100 guests in attendance. It was also a rare moment where Bruce and Cybill Shepherd came together for their daughter.
Both parents gave emotional toasts at the wedding reception. Bruce shared that he never thought he would have children, but called Ariel and Eliza a true blessing in his life. His words were full of love, honesty, and humor — and many guests were touched by his speech.
It was a beautiful reminder that even after everything, family stays at the heart of Bruce’s world.
Bruce Oppenheim’s Family in the Headlines
Though Bruce lives a quiet life, one moment did bring his family into the spotlight again — this time involving his son Cyrus.
In 2010, Cyrus was involved in a legal issue. While flying back to the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a pre-law student, he was accused of stealing from two passengers’ carry-on bags. The event happened on a United Airways flight.
Cyrus was arrested and charged with two misdemeanor counts of theft. His lawyer called the charges “serious but minor.” The story made headlines for a short time, but Bruce and Cybill handled it quietly.
Even during this tough moment, Bruce stayed out of the public eye, showing once again how he values privacy and family above all else.
Final Thoughts
Bruce Oppenheim’s life after fame is not about headlines or red carpets — it’s about staying true to himself.
He may have once been known as Cybill Shepherd’s ex-husband, but his story is more than just a chapter in someone else’s life. He built a meaningful career as a chiropractor, raised twins, found love again, and lived life on his own terms.
Today, Bruce continues to live quietly, far from the fame he briefly touched. But through all the changes — marriage, divorce, parenthood, and public attention — he remained calm, grounded, and private.
And maybe, in a world full of noise, that’s the most powerful kind of life one can live.
