Beloved actor Greg Germann, best known for his iconic role as Richard Fish on the hit legal comedy series Ally McBeal, is reportedly filing for divorce from his wife of 12 years, Martha Champlin. According to TMZ, Germann, 66, submitted the divorce documents on Tuesday, citing the date of separation as March 3, 2024, almost a year ago. The couple, who tied the knot in 2013, does not share any children together. Germann has stated that the divorce is due to "irreconcilable differences" and has requested that the court deny spousal support to Champlin, his soon-to-be ex-wife. Additionally, while the two are splitting their shared home on a 50/50 basis, their other belongings are reportedly separate property, with each retaining full ownership of their personal assets. A representative for Germann has been contacted for comment, but no statement has been released at this time.
Germann, a Houston native, rose to fame in the late 1990s for his role as Richard Fish, the eccentric and memorable co-owner of the Cage & Fish law firm on Ally McBeal. His performance earned widespread acclaim, and in 1999, he and the cast won the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Reflecting on his time on the show, Germann once told Entertainment Weekly that he considered Richard Fish his breakout role. Despite the series being often labeled a "chick show," Germann noted that the label would likely disappear if the cast were predominantly male. This observation highlighted his sharp awareness of Hollywood’s gender dynamics and how they influence how audiences perceive shows. Over the years, Germann has become a recognizable face in television, with notable roles in Grey’s Anatomy, where he played Dr. Tom Koracick from 2017 to 2023, and in Desperate Housewives, CSI, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, among others. His versatility as an actor has allowed him to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles, solidifying his place as a respected talent in the entertainment industry.
Outside of his acting career, Germann is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He serves on the board of directors for The People Concern, a social service agency that assists homeless individuals and survivors of domestic violence. In 2017, he shared a photo of himself and Martha attending a fundraising event for the organization, expressing his pride in supporting such an important cause. "Everyone should be housed, healthy, and safe," he captioned the post, emphasizing his commitment to helping those in need. This dedication to giving back reflects Germann’s compassionate side, showcasing a man who uses his platform to make a positive impact beyond the screen.
Germann’s personal life has also been a subject of interest over the years. Before his marriage to Martha Champlin, he was married to Christine Mourad, with whom he shares a 27-year-old son, Asa Germann, who has followed in his father’s footsteps as an actor. Germann’s latest role is as James Ulster on the crime drama Will Trent, further proving his enduring talent in the ever-evolving world of television. Despite his busy career, Germann has always seemed to prioritize family and social responsibility, traits that have endeared him to fans and colleagues alike.
Interestingly, Germann’s last public acknowledgment of Martha Champlin was in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, he shared a heartfelt post praising her and other educators for their tireless efforts during the crisis. Champlin, an elementary school principal, was working around the clock to help transition her school to virtual learning, a task Germann described as nothing short of heroic. He wrote, "Grateful to all on the front lines during this crisis, educators and teachers among them! My wife Martha is an Elementary School Principal—literally working around the clock from home, along with staff
