Ian Ziering and wife Erin Ludwig call it quits after 9 years of marriage

Ian Ziering and his wife, Erin Ludwig, are going their separate ways.

The "Sharknado" actor took to Instagram on Halloween to announce "with a heavy heart" that he's separating from his wife after nine years of marriage.

"It is with a heavy heart that I tell you Erin and I are splitting up," he said. "With our hectic work schedules we could not be busier, and over the last few years have grown apart. She is one of the most incredible women I have ever met and the best mom to our kids."

The former "Beverly Hills, 90210" star went on to slam any sensationalization of his breakup with Ludwig, 34, and made it known that any stories that happen to come out about their split are false.

"It has come to my attention that things are being written and said to sensationalize a situation that is simply not sensational," Ziering, 55, declared. "Any quote attributed to me is completely false and solely meant by haters to undermine our intention to continue to get along, protect and raise our daughters, and be examples of successful co-parents. We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time as we focus on what is important to us, our girls."

Ziering and Ludwig share daughters Mia Loren, 8, and Penna Mae, 6. They first started dating around Labor Day 2009 and got married in May 2010 in a star-studded Newport Beach wedding.

Ian Ziering was previously married to Nikki Ziering from 1997 until 2002.