5 Shocking Revelations About Andy Stewart, Martha Stewart's Ex-Husband, And His Life Today

Andrew 'Andy' Stewart, the man who was married to lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart for nearly three decades, has recently stepped back into the spotlight not for his own distinguished career as a publisher, but for his and his current wife's shocking public statements regarding his first marriage. As of December 22, 2025, the narrative around the private life of the former power couple remains a topic of intense fascination, fueled by a recent documentary that prompted Stewart’s ex-husband to break decades of silence. The story of Andy Stewart is one of a successful publisher, a Yale Law graduate, and a quiet life post-divorce, now juxtaposed with the explosive claims of a "painful and abusive" past. This article delves into the full, updated biography of Andrew Stewart and the five most compelling revelations about his life today, his career, and the enduring shadow of his high-profile first marriage.

Andrew Stewart: Complete Biographical Profile

Andrew Stewart, affectionately known as 'Andy,' is a renowned publisher, avocational naturalist, and nature photographer. He is best known to the public as the first and only husband of Martha Stewart, with whom he shares a daughter, Alexis Stewart.

• Full Name: Andrew Stewart
• Date of Birth: February 8, 1938
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York
• Parents: George Stewart and Ethel Gilbert Stewart
• Education: Bachelor of Arts with honors, University (Source: Prabook, specific university not detailed in snippet, but met Martha at Barnard and attended Yale Law School)
• Career: Publisher, Lawyer (did not practice), Avocational Naturalist, Nature Photographer
• Key Companies: Co-founder of Stewart, Tabori & Chang; Publisher Emeritus of Fieldstone Publishing
• First Marriage: Martha Stewart (m. 1961; sep. 1987; div. 1990)
• Second Marriage: Robyn Fairclough (m. 1993; divorced)
• Current Marriage: Shyla Nelson Stewart (m. 2016)
• Children: Alexis Gilbert Stewart (Daughter, born 1965)

The Shocking New Allegations: 'Painful and Abusive' Marriage

The most significant recent development in the life of Andrew Stewart centers on a public statement made by his current wife, Shyla Nelson Stewart, in response to a new documentary about Martha Stewart. In a social media post, Shyla Nelson Stewart defended her husband, revealing a side of the marriage to Martha that had previously been kept private. She stated that prior to his "happy chapter" with her, Andy had "some dark ones, including a painful and abusive marriage to Martha (as in, Martha Stewart)." This claim was a rare, public break of silence, suggesting that the former couple's separation and subsequent divorce in 1990 was more tumultuous and damaging than previously known. The statement emphasized that Andrew had "quietly moved on and forward with his life," but felt compelled to address the "public relitigation" of their marriage. The implication is clear: while Martha Stewart has become an American icon, the personal cost of that journey for her former husband was significant, leading to a decades-long estrangement where the two have not spoken.

From Yale Law to a Publishing Empire

While much of the public's interest in Andrew Stewart is tied to his famous ex-wife, his own professional life is notably distinguished, particularly in the world of publishing.

The Genesis of Stewart, Tabori & Chang

After attending Yale Law School, Andrew Stewart chose a career in publishing instead of law. His most significant professional venture was the co-founding of the publishing house Stewart, Tabori & Chang (STC) in 1981. He established the company alongside two former Harry N. Abrams executives, Lena Tabori and Nai Chang. STC quickly became known for publishing beautiful, high-character books specializing in cooking, interior design, and other lifestyle topics—a niche that ironically paralleled the rise of his then-wife's brand. The company was eventually purchased by Abrams Books, solidifying its place in publishing history.

The Current Chapter: Fieldstone Publishing

Today, Andrew Stewart continues his work in the literary world as Publisher Emeritus of Fieldstone Publishing, a company where his current wife, Shyla Nelson Stewart, serves as the President and CEO. Fieldstone Publishing focuses on unique and character-driven books, allowing Stewart to blend his professional expertise with his personal passion for nature and photography. The couple reportedly splits their time between their homes in Lake Champlain, Vermont, and Pasadena, California, embracing a life away from the intense media scrutiny that once defined his existence.

The Three Marriages of Andrew Stewart

Andrew Stewart’s life has included three significant marriages, each marking a distinct chapter in his personal journey.

1. Martha Stewart (1961–1990): The marriage began while Martha was still in college and Andrew was a Yale Law student. They were a formidable couple who worked together in the early days of Martha’s catering business. The marriage produced their only child, Alexis Stewart, but ended in a separation in 1987 and a divorce in 1990, followed by the recent, shocking revelations of abuse.
2. Robyn Fairclough (1993–Divorced): Three years after his divorce from Martha, Andrew married Robyn Fairclough, who was Martha's former assistant and reportedly 21 years his junior. This marriage also ended in divorce, though the exact timeline is less public.
3. Shyla Nelson Stewart (2016–Present): Andrew married Shyla Nelson in 2016. Shyla, a publisher herself and the CEO of Fieldstone Publishing, has been a vocal supporter of her husband, particularly when defending his character against the backdrop of the recent documentary. Their union represents the "happy chapter" that Andrew Stewart is currently living.

The Enduring Legacy of Daughter Alexis Stewart

Andrew and Martha Stewart's only child, Alexis Gilbert Stewart, remains a key entity in the family's narrative. Born in 1965, Alexis has carved out her own career as an American television and radio host presenter. The relationship between Alexis and her parents has been described as complex. Martha herself once characterized her relationship with Alexis as "difficult," though she maintained they were very close. Despite the complicated dynamics and the decades-long estrangement between her parents, Alexis Stewart’s life and career serve as a tangible link between the two, connecting the publishing world of her father, Andrew Stewart, and the lifestyle empire of her mother, Martha Stewart.

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