10 Stars Who Became New Dads at 50+
Daddy or Grandpa?
Some of our favorite male celebrities entered the realm of new fatherhood after turning 50. From Alec Baldwin, to Bruce Willis to Steve Martin, let’s take a look at 10 celebrities who became new dads after turning 50.
◦ Alec Baldwin:
30 Rock star Alec Baldwin and wife Hilaria Baldwin, 29, expect their first child together this summer. And it sounds like the 55-year-old actor can’t wait to embrace new fatherhood again.
“My dream is to be home with the baby,” Alec shared. “Standing in the doorway, saying goodbye to mommy. Mommy is going to work now. Bye mommy, see ya when you come back!”
Alec is already dad to 17-year-old daughter Ireland with ex-wife Kim Basinger.
◦ Bruce Willis:
Die Hard star Bruce Willis, 58, and wife Emma Heming Willis, 35, welcomed daughter Mabel in April 2012.
The actor has three grown daughter – Rumer, 24, Scout, 21, and Tallulah, 19 – with ex-wife Demi Moore. By all accounts, it seems the actor is a laid-back dad to his four daughters.
“I have changed as a man, physically and… we’ll leave spirituality out of it,” Bruce said. “But maturity? Am I much more mature? I don’t know. I still tell the same jokes! I still do mostly the same things. I’m much more gentle with the people in my life and I’m much more tranquil. Things don’t bother me as much anymore as they used to.”
◦ Steve Martin:
Father of the Bride star Steve Martin, 67, and wife Anne Stringfield, 41, welcomed their first child – a girl – in December 2012.
According to the funnyman’s star rep, the two “are new parents and recently welcomed a child.”
◦ Rod Stewart:
Legendary rocker Rod Stewart, 68, and wife Penny Lancaster, 42, are parents to sons Alastair, 7, and Aiden, 2.
The Do Ya Think I’m Sexy? singer has confessed that fatherhood is exhausting in his senior years.
“At my age, a new baby is bloody exhausting, it doesn’t stop but I’m very lucky and proud to have had this happen in my life,” Rod shared. “Knackered or not, Aiden is a beautiful little boy.”
Rod is also dad to six grown children with four different women.
◦ Elton John:
Sir Elton John, 66, and husband David Furnish, 50, are proud dads to two boys: Zachary, 2, and Elijah, 5 months.
Upon the arrival of their second son, the happy couple couldn’t help but gush about the joys of fatherhood.
“We are just overwhelmed with happiness and excitement. Both of us have longed to have children, but the reality that we now have two sons is almost unbelievable,” Elton and David said in a joint statement. “The birth of our second son completes our family in a most precious and perfect way. It is difficult to fully express how we are feeling at this time; we are just overwhelmed with happiness and excitement.”
◦ Paul McCartney:
Sir Paul McCartney, 71, and ex-wife Heather Mills are parents to 10-year-old daughter Beatrice.
The former Beatle says he has developed a “sense of responsibility” while raising his youngest daughter.
“I did a lot, and it was enough,” Paul said of smoking pot. “I smoked my share. When you’re bringing up a youngster, your sense of responsibility does kick in, if you’re lucky, at some point.” He adds, “Enough’s enough – you just don’t seem to think it’s necessary.”
The British hitmaker – who recently married third wife Nancy Shevell in October 2011 – says he smoked “wacky baccy” every day with his first wife Linda. When married to Heather Mills, she said he smoked marijuana as often as most people drink cups of tea.
The ex-Beatle is also dad to four grown children.
◦ John Travolta:
Grease star John Travolta, 59, and wife Kelly Preston, 50, welcomed son Benjamin in November 2010.
“Benjamin is the best gift we could possibly have,” John gushed. “For us it’s been uplifting. Especially when he smiles at me and seems contented in my arms. He’s given the house a renewed spirit and purpose.”
John and Kelly are also parents to 13-year-old daughter Ella. Their son Jett died in January 2009 after suffering a seizure and hitting his head in a bathtub at the family’s vacation home in the Bahamas.
◦ Kevin Costner:
Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner, 58, and wife Christine Baumgartner are parents to three kids: sons Cayden, 7, and Hayes, 4, and 3-year-old daughter Grace.
The Dancing with Wolves star admits that he prays he will be around long enough to raise his three younger children.
“When I see my children, and when I see the people who value me, I know how lucky I am. … And so I give thanks for the life I’ve lived,” Kevin shared. “I want to live forever, and I know I won’t. I’m not afraid of dying. I’m only afraid of one thing: not being able to raise my kids. When I pray, that’s what I pray for—that I be the one who raises Grace, Hayes, and Cayden.”
The actor-singer is also dad to three grown children with ex-wife, Cindy Silva, and 17-year-old son Liam with ex-girlfriend Bridget Rooney.
◦ Larry King:
Broadcast legend Larry King, 79, and seventh wife Shawn Southwick, 53, are parents to two sons: Chance, 14, and Cannon, 13.
The TV and radio host admits he’s more equipped for fatherhood in his later years.
“I’m a better father this time,” he shared. “I have more time to spend with them, and I guess I care more.”
Larry is also stepfather to Shawn’s older son Danny, and dad to three adult children from previous marriages.
◦ Michael Douglas:
Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas, 68, and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, 43, are parents to son Dylan, nearly 13, and 10-year-old daughter Carys.
The Wall Street star admits he wasn’t the greatest father to his first son, Cameron, whom is currently in prison for dealing and possession of drugs.
“I’ve taken blame about being a bad father – if being a bad father is working your butt off trying to create a career at one time,” Michael shared. “When I had Cameron I was early in my career and as opposed to most jobs, making movies takes you all around the world, so you were absentee in that sense.”