Berry and Benet have asked for privacy during their separation

"Eric and I have had marital problems for some time now and have tried to work things out together," she said in a statement.

"However, at this point, I feel we need time apart to re-evaluate our union."

The couple met in 1999 and tied the knot in 2001. This is the second marriage for the Oscar-winning actress.

There had been continuing speculation over the pair's relationship, with allegations that Benet was unfaithful to his wife.

Berry and Benet married in a secret ceremony, which was only revealed two weeks after they had wed.

Since then Berry's profile has risen enormously, through roles in the X-Men films and as a Bond girl in Die Another Day.

In 1999, Berry won a Golden Globe and an Emmy award for her portrayal of Dorothy Dandridge, the first black woman to be nominated for an Oscar.

'Emotional time'

Berry herself went on to become the first black woman to win a best actress Academy Award for her role in Monster's Ball.

During her emotional acceptance speech she thanked Benet for his support, calling him "the joy of her life".

Berry was previously married to now-retired baseball player David Justice, divorcing in 1996.

Benet has a young daughter from a previous relationship with a girlfriend who died 15 months after the birth of their child.