The summer of 2012 saw some celebrity romances blossom and others fizzle, but even the passionate fling between Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth wasn't enough to unseat Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson as the hottest couple of the season.
Kristen and Robert, dubbed KStew and RPattz by feverish paparazzi and adoring fans, met while filming the first installment of the "Twilight" series in early 2008. Although Robert claimed to have fallen in love with her early on, Kristen was already involved with Michael Angarano, her co-star in the 2004 hit film "Speak."
As soon as she untangled herself from that relationship, she began dating Pattinson, much to the delight of her fans. Stewart is a very private person and is often unwilling to share her personal space with the public, so mum was the word on the budding romance for most of the next four years they were together.
The first film of the "Twilight" series filmed in 2008 with Pattinson playing the part of vampire Edward Cullen and Stewart playing his love interest, Bella. The movie became an instant hit, and was soon followed by the installments "New Moon," "Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn."
As the on-screen romance blossomed, so did the off-screen relationship. By the end of 2008, a steamy "Vanity Fair" photo shoot hinted that the couple might be romantically linked, although they insisted they were just friends. Fortunately, the many "Twilight" red carpets, interviews and events allowed them to claim a platonic relationship.
It may have been the events that actually forced them to stay silent, however, and not just a desire to keep their personal lives to themselves. The pair had clauses in their contracts forbidding them to appear together at public events unless the events were sponsored by or promoting the "Twilight" series.
Stewart kept herself busy while dating Pattinson by starring in films such as "Adventureland," "The Yellow Handkerchief," "The Runaways," "Welcome to the Rileys" and the blockbuster film "Snow White and the Huntsman."
These films followed a long and successful acting career by Stewart that began in 1999 with a bit role in the film "The Thirteenth Year," and included roles in notable films, such as "Panic Room," where she starred alongside Jodi Foster, "Cold Creek Manor," "Catch that Kid," "Undertow" and "Into the Wild."
Her early relationship with Jodi Foster may have been the influence that taught her not only to be successful in Hollywood, but also how to stay fiercely private while living a life firmly planted in the public eye.
Although Pattinson's early career may not have been as successful as Stewart's, he was no slouch either. He started modeling at the age of 12, and later had supporting roles in "Ring of the Nibelungs," "Vanity Fair" and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." Pattinson went on to direct and star in the film "Remember Me," and played a lead role in the hit film "Water for Elephants." His latest film, "Cosmopolis," was released in 2012 during a time of personal strife.
By the middle of the summer of 2012, Stewart and Pattinson decided to start a family together, although there was little talk about a wedding. The couple hinted that eloping might be in their future, but that was not to be.
In late summer, 2012, pictures were leaked to the press showing Stewart locked in an embrace with her "Snow White and the Huntsman" director, Rupert Sanders, and it looked as though that may have sealed the fate of the relationship.
Upon receiving the news, Pattinson immediately moved out of the house they shared together in Hollywood, with Stewart following suit shortly after. They both were in seclusion while their fans went into mourning.
Pattinson finally came out of hiding to promote the film "Cosmopolis," but kept his classy demeanor while staying silent about what was going on with his now-defunct relationship with Stewart. Kristin followed suit, only discussing the relationship with close family and friends.
Although Stewart professed her love for Pattinson, calling the affair with Sanders a mistake, Pattinson was devastated and ended the relationship. Stewart finally realized it was over, and vowed to start a new relationship with Pattinson as friends, saying she couldn't imagine a life without him in it in some fashion.
Despite the cheating by Stewart, this was one Hollywood relationship where neither party bashed each other, and no one was ripped apart by fans. The fact that the fans keep KStew and RPattz in the news and in their hearts throughout it all is a true testament to the couple's classy demeanor.
