Ed Burns shares his thoughts on life after the kids have left home with Christy Turlington.

Ed Burns Shares Marriage Insights

Ed Burns attributes the success of his marriage with Christy Turlington to what he calls the “two-week rule.” The actor and director, currently immersed in his work on *The Family McMullen*, a sequel to the 1995 film *The Brothers McMullen*, emphasizes that despite his busy life, he made a promise to never be apart from Turlington for more than two weeks.

Burns and Turlington, who tied the knot in 2003, have two children together, Grace McKenna, now 22, and Finn, 19.

“We made this agreement early on because our careers involve quite a bit of travel,” he shared. “The two-week rule meant neither of us could be away for more than that. Sometimes we even had to decline projects that required us to be apart longer.” He admitted that, as empty nesters now, they don’t strictly follow this rule but still prefer not to take on long-distance jobs.

In his sequel, Burns explores themes of family love and the challenges that come with it, set against a Brooklyn backdrop. He believes that strong communication is crucial, whether it’s between spouses or family members. “It’s really about keeping humor in the mix, especially during tough times within the family,” he added.

*The Family McMullen* revisits Barry, whose journey involves navigating life after losing his father, now focusing on his grown children as they return home. Burns remarked that he doesn’t personally draw from his life for his work, although there are commonalities, such as the playful teasing he receives from his kids. “If they wanted to come back home, we’d welcome them,” he said.

Despite the transition to an empty nest being “amazing,” Burns reflects on how it’s provided an opportunity for growth. “I miss seeing my kids, sure, but it’s been a really productive phase for me,” he noted, mentioning he’s been writing more than ever, with a new novel set to release soon.

Burns expressed gratitude for the support he received early in his career, especially from Robert Redford, whom he interviewed years ago. During a final attempt to make things work, he pitched *The Brothers McMullen*, which eventually led to its screening at Sundance, where it won the Grand Jury Prize.

Even three decades later, Burns prefers creating smaller, character-driven stories rather than blockbuster-style productions. “Those were the films that inspired me when I was young,” he explained, noting how the city continues to influence his storytelling. “People’s conversations and interactions spark my imagination.”

As for what he hopes audiences take from his latest film, he stresses, “Having a close-knit family is a true blessing, something we shouldn’t overlook.”