Have you ever scrolled through your feed and wondered why some of your absolute favorite celebrities seem to be waiting forever to start a family? It’s a common thought, especially when you see headlines about stars embracing parenthood at an age when many might be thinking about retirement! It’s totally okay, and often, it’s a conscious choice. Take actor Hilary Swank, for example, who welcomed twins at 48. She told Extra that her successful and busy acting career, along with finding the “right partner,” were the key ingredients that needed to come together. And honestly, who can argue with that kind of thoughtful timing?
While women’s fertility naturally declines with age, men, on the other hand, can often have children much later in life, well into their 50s and even beyond. We’ve certainly seen a fair share of Hollywood dads, like John Stamos, George Clooney, or Hugh Grant, becoming first-time fathers in their 50s. That’s already pretty cool, right? But hold on to your hats, because this list isn’t about those guys. We’re diving even deeper into the world of A-list men who decided the “right time” to start a family was when they were hitting their golden years—we’re talking 60s and 70s!
These incredible celebrity dads prove that age really is just a number when it comes to expanding your family and embracing the beautiful chaos of parenthood. They’ve built legendary careers, lived fascinating lives, and then, in what some might call their later acts, decided to embark on one of life’s most profound adventures: raising tiny humans. Get ready to be inspired, surprised, and maybe even a little bit awestruck as we check out which stars became parents much, much later in life.
1. **David Foster Welcomed a Son at 71**Music legend David Foster and his wife, “American Idol” alum Katharine McPhee, definitely turned heads with their nearly 35-year age gap. But if anyone doubted their romance, it certainly hasn’t stopped this power couple one bit. In fact, their relationship was solidified when they tied the knot in June 2019 and then welcomed their first child together, a son named Rennie, in February 2021. Foster was an incredible 71 years old at the time! Talk about proving critics wrong and living life on your own terms.
During an interview with People, Foster candidly shared that he wasn’t really bothered by people questioning their decision to have children. He looked at it from a wonderfully unique perspective, admitting, “I think that I can offer one thing to Rennie even though I won’t be around when he’s 50 or 40 even, or 30 maybe.” That one thing he believes he can offer? “Wisdom from my 72 years on the planet. And maybe that’s not a bad trade-off. I hope so,” he said. It’s a sentiment that speaks volumes about valuing quality of experience over sheer quantity of years.
And it seems Foster is delivering on that wisdom, and then some! He’s not just imparting life lessons; he’s also sharing his incredible musical talents with little Rennie. Fans have been treated to adorable videos on Foster’s Instagram, showing a then 23-month-old Rennie already mastering the drums with impressive rhythm. Beyond his youngest, Foster is also a dad to five much older daughters from previous relationships, four of whom are actually older than his current wife, with his oldest daughter, Allison, born all the way back in 1970. What a full and musical family!
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2. **Alec Baldwin Welcomed His Eighth Child at 64**Alec Baldwin certainly keeps his hands full, especially after welcoming his seventh child with his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, in September 2022. The “Saturday Night Live” star was a very active 64 when their newest arrival, Ilaria Catalina Irena, made her debut. Hilaria shared the joyous news with fans on Instagram, posting a sweet video montage that captured their six other children meeting their new sister for the very first first time. It was a beautiful moment showcasing their ever-growing family.
Their journey into expansive parenthood began in August 2013 with their first child, a daughter named Carmen, just a little over a year after Alec and Hilaria wed in 2012. The family quickly grew from there, with son Rafael arriving in 2015 and a second son, Leonardo, in 2016. When the “30 Rock” star turned 60, the couple welcomed their fourth child, Romeo, in 2018. But they weren’t done yet! The yoga instructor then gave birth to another boy, Eduardo, in 2020.
Just when fans thought they might catch a breath, the couple surprised everyone by welcoming their sixth child, a daughter named Maria, via surrogate in 2021, a mere six months after Eduardo’s arrival. And let’s not forget Alec is also a father to an older daughter, Ireland, with his ex-wife Kim Basinger. Though, in a memorable Instagram post meant to be a tribute to his children, he initially seemed to have forgotten to include Ireland. “Seven reasons to carry on during some tough times. I’m not gonna lie, without my family, I don’t know what my life would be,” he wrote. He quickly realized his mistake and, hours later, posted a separate tribute to Ireland. Oops! It just goes to show, even busy dads can have a moment of forgetfulness!
3. **Steve Martin Welcomed His Only Child at 67**For years, we’ve seen Steve Martin play the role of a loving, often frazzled, dad in so many iconic films. From “Father of the Bride” to “Parenthood,” and even famously portraying a father of twelve in “Cheaper by the Dozen,” his on-screen fatherhood was legendary. So, it might come as a genuine surprise to many that this beloved actor didn’t actually welcome any children in real life until he was 67 years old!
Martin and his wife, Anne Stringfield, welcomed their only child, a daughter, in December 2012. But why the long wait? Martin openly shared with AARP The Magazine in 2017 that he felt his earlier years wouldn’t have made him the best father. “I think if I’d had a child earlier, I would have been a lousy father because I would have misplaced my attention on my career,” he candidly admitted. It’s a remarkably self-aware reflection, recognizing that sometimes, you need to find your own footing before you can fully be there for someone else.
Becoming a new dad in his late 60s, however, offered a completely different dynamic, with some distinct advantages. Martin revealed that he now gets to prioritize his family after an incredibly successful and fulfilling career in Hollywood. “Oh, it’s fantastic,” the actor told Daily Telegraph (via Vanity Fair). He elaborated on the joy of it, adding, “You have all the time in the world. You’re all set and secure in life, and you’re not building your career, so you have a lot of time.” It truly sounds like the perfect, peaceful chapter for this comedic genius.
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4. **Jeff Goldblum Had Children at 62 and 65**Is there anything Jeff Goldblum *can’t* do with effortless cool? Apparently, becoming a first-time dad in his 60s is just another item on his impressive list! The “Jurassic Park” actor was 62 years old when he and his wife, Emilie Livingston, who share an age gap of over 30 years, became proud parents to a son named Charlie on Independence Day in 2015. Goldblum, ever the charmer, shared the joyous news with his fans on Facebook.
The good news didn’t stop there for the Goldblum household! They announced they were expanding their family once again, welcoming another boy named River in April 2017. By then, the ever-stylish actor was 65. What’s truly heartwarming is that Goldblum’s age wasn’t seen as a barrier or even a significant factor in the couple’s quest for parenthood. He expressed his feelings with such contentment, telling UsWeekly in 2018, “I feel right on schedule, and I love our two boys,” adding that “Everything seemed to happen perfectly. I appreciate it wildly.”
Goldblum echoed these wonderfully positive sentiments in 2022 during an interview on the “Today” show with hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, when asked about being a father to two young children in his 70s. He delightfully shared, “It’s amazing, it’s revivifying, and makes my relationship with Emilie frankly, enhanced.” And of course, devoted fans of Goldblum can catch glimpses of the actor on daddy duty on his Instagram, where he occasionally posts highlights with his wife and children, including a sweet moment at Charlie’s first piano performance. Seriously, is there anything more Goldblum than that?
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5. **Billy Joel Became a Father Again Well Into His 60s**The “Piano Man” himself, Billy Joel, is still rocking packed arenas across the U.S. at over 70 years old, performing his most entertaining concerts year after year. But when he’s not serenading thousands with “Uptown Girl” or “Piano Man,” he’s fully immersed in the joyful, albeit busy, task of raising two young children with his wife, Alexis Roderick. It’s a beautiful testament to a life lived full of music and family.
Joel became a dad for the second time at 66, when he and his wife welcomed a daughter named Della in August 2015. But their family wasn’t complete just yet! The couple continued to grow their brood, welcoming another daughter named Remy in October 2017, when the iconic singer was 68. Of course, Joel is also a proud dad to an older daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, who was born in 1985 from his marriage to ex-wife, model Christie Brinkley. Just like her famous father, Alexa is also a talented singer and pianist, clearly inheriting those incredible musical genes.
It’s truly a family affair when it comes to music! Alexa and Della even joined their father on stage during his MSG Residency Show in New York City in December 2018. Alexa and her dad beautifully sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” together, while a then-three-year-old Della adorably joined her father for his popular hit, “Don’t Ask Me Why.” Though Della seemed a little shy to sing, one can’t help but wonder if there’s another pop star in the making within the Joel family!
6. **Elton John Didn’t Let His Age Stop Him From Becoming a Father**Sir Elton John, the legendary “Rocket Man” singer, and his husband, David Furnish, embarked on their incredible journey into parenthood when they became first-time parents to a son, Zachary, via surrogate on Christmas Day in 2010. Elton was 63 years old at the time, and while he bravely faced criticism for having a child at his age, he felt deeply that he was at the absolute right stage of his life to embrace parenthood. It takes immense courage to follow your heart in the face of public scrutiny.
He openly addressed the naysayers in an interview with the Mirror, stating, “Look, I’m not an idiot. I was prepared for criticism. I knew people would say that I was too old.” But he continued with conviction, “Something happened to change things, and I went into this with eyes open, knowing exactly what the reaction would be and prepared to take it on…” His resolve was clear, and the outcome incredibly rewarding: “Regardless of everything, I have never been happier and never been more sure we’ve done the right thing.”
John and Furnish further expanded their beautiful family in January 2013, welcoming a second son named Elijah, using the same surrogate. Talking to Hello! (via E! News), John and Furnish shared their overflowing joy about being parents to two boys: “Both of us have longed to have children, but the reality that we now have two sons is almost unbelievable. The birth of our second son completes our family in the most precious and perfect way.” While these star-studded parents are generally very private about their children, Elton did share a heartwarming photo on Instagram in March 2022, showing his two sons smiling brightly while holding Furnish and songstress Lady Gaga’s hands at an event. What an iconic moment for their lucky boys!
7. **George Lucas Had His First Biological Child at 69**The force is strong with George Lucas’s family! The renowned film director and Ariel Investments president Mellody Hobson’s relationship raised a few eyebrows, even surprising their friend Oprah Winfrey, who interviewed the pair for OWN in 2012. When Winfrey asked how they made their relationship work so beautifully, Hobson offered some truly insightful wisdom: “I think it works because we are extraordinarily open-minded people, and we’re open to what the universe brings us. I think we didn’t have preconceived ideas about what a partnership should be, and so we allowed ourselves to discover something that was unexpected.”
The twosome didn’t waste any time solidifying their bond and starting a family. They got engaged the following year and joyously wed in June 2013. Just a couple of months later, in August, the couple welcomed their daughter Everest into the world via surrogate. Lucas was 69 years old at the time of Everest’s birth! While the newborn made Lucas a father of four, Everest holds a special place as the “Star Wars” franchise creator’s first biological child, marking a significant personal milestone for the filmmaking legend.
Prior to Everest, Lucas was already a loving father to three older adopted children: Amanda, Katie, and Jett. He shares Amanda with his ex-wife, Marcia Lou Griffin, whom he was married to from 1969 to 1983. He later adopted Katie and Jett after his divorce. And here’s a fun fact for all you “Star Wars” aficionados: the director actually included his older children in the three “Star Wars” prequels as background characters! Talk about a cool family tradition and a memorable way to be part of cinematic history.
Okay, so we’ve already checked out some seriously inspiring celebrity dads who embraced fatherhood well into their golden years. But hold onto your hats, because we’re not done yet! Get ready to meet seven more iconic figures who prove that age truly is just a number when it comes to expanding your family and experiencing the profound joys of raising children. These legends have lived incredible lives, built massive careers, and then, in what some might call their grand finale, embarked on the most heartwarming adventure of all.
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8. **Mick Jagger Has His Eighth Child at 73**Talk about a rockstar life! The legendary Rolling Stone frontman, Mick Jagger, has had a life that’s been, well, anything but quiet. While author Christopher Andersen once claimed Jagger had slept with thousands of women, these days, the almost 80-year-old musician has been happily taken by his partner, Melanie Hamrick, since 2014. Their 44-year age difference might have raised an eyebrow or two, but that’s just part of their unique love story.
What might have been even more surprising to fans was the incredible announcement that the “Satisfaction” singer was going to be a dad for the eighth time at the remarkable age of 73! In December 2016, the couple joyously welcomed their son, Deveraux, into the world. Fast forward to December 2022, and Hamrick shared a heartwarming Instagram post celebrating their son’s sixth birthday, showcasing just how incredibly identical he looks to his rock star dad. It’s truly a mini-Mick running around!
And let’s not forget, Deveraux is just one part of Jagger’s truly expansive family tree. Mick is a proud father to seven other much older children! His first daughter, Karis, arrived in 1970 with Marsha Hunt, followed by Jade in 1971 with his ex-wife Bianca Jagger. Then, between 1984 and 1997, he welcomed four more children—Elizabeth, James, Georgia, and Gabriel—with model Jerry Hall. His seventh child, Lucas, was born in 1999 to model Luciana Gimenez Morad. But wait, there’s more! Jagger is also a grandfather to five grandchildren from Karis and Jade, and he’s even a great-grandfather to Jade’s daughter’s children. Talk about a full house, or in this case, a full dynasty!
9. **Richard Gere Welcomed His Third Child When He Was 70**Richard Gere, the timeless heartthrob, is a devoted father to three children, and his journey into fatherhood has spanned quite a few years! There’s a full 20-year age gap between his oldest and youngest children, which really highlights his long and loving path as a dad. Back in 2000, the “Pretty Woman” star welcomed his son, Homer, with his ex-wife Carey Lowell, whom he was married to for 11 years before their split in 2013.
Fast forward nearly two decades, and Gere once again embraced fatherhood. In 2019, at the age of 69, he and his current wife, Alejandra Silva, welcomed their son, Alexander, into the world. But their family wasn’t quite complete! Page Six reported in November 2019 that Silva was pregnant with the couple’s second child together, and she gave birth to their son in April 2020, at which point Gere was 70 years old. While the couple has yet to publicly confirm the name of their youngest, the joy of a new arrival was undeniable.
Gere and Silva are wonderfully private when it comes to their children, preferring to keep their little ones out of the spotlight. However, the political activist has offered us some sweet glimpses into their family life through snippets on Instagram. While typically blurring the faces of her young children or capturing them looking away from the camera, Silva has shared adorable photos of beach outings with her kids and even a fun trip to a pumpkin patch. It’s clear they cherish their family moments, and Silva is also a proud mom to a son named Albert from a previous relationship, making their blended family even more beautiful.
10. **Al Pacino Was 60 When He Welcomed Twins**The legendary Al Pacino, famed for his iconic roles and intense performances, has never tied the knot, but he’s certainly a dedicated father to three children. In a deeply personal interview with The New Yorker in 2014, Pacino shared a powerful vow: he committed to being present in his children’s lives, a stark contrast to his own father who left him and his mother when he was just a baby. It’s a testament to his desire to break generational patterns and embrace his role fully.
“Having children has helped a lot. I consciously knew that I didn’t want to be like my dad. I wanted to be there. I have three children. I’m responsible to them. I’m a part of their life. When I’m not, it’s upsetting to me and to them. So that’s part of the gestalt. And I get a lot from it. It takes you out of yourself,” he candidly shared. His journey into fatherhood began in 1989 with his first child, a daughter named Julie, whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Jan Tarrant.
Then, in 2001, “The Godfather” actor welcomed twins, Anton and Olivia, with actor Beverly D’Angelo. Though they never married, the couple dated from 1997 to 2000, and Pacino was 60 years old when his twins arrived. While he generally keeps his life with his children very private, his daughter Olivia occasionally shares heartwarming posts about her famous father on Instagram, beautifully proving just how much of a significant part he is in their lives. In April 2021, she celebrated his 81st birthday with a touching message, writing, “Happy 81st to not only my inspiration but my best friend and the best father I could ever ask for I love you.” It’s clear his commitment paid off in the most loving way.
11. **Warren Beatty Had His Youngest Child When He Was 63**For a long time, Hollywood icon Warren Beatty was famously known for his captivating romantic relationships with a glittering array of stars, including Cher, Madonna, and Elle MacPherson, to name just a few. He was the quintessential Tinseltown bachelor. However, everything beautifully shifted for him in the early 90s when he settled down with the incredibly talented actor Annette Bening, and their journey into parenthood began with the arrival of their first child in 1992.
Their family grew steadily, and the couple welcomed three more children over the years. Their youngest daughter, Ella, was born in 2000, making Beatty 63 years old at the time. It’s clear that becoming a father has been one of the most cherished roles in his life, and he often gushes about his kids with immense pride and affection. Speaking about his wife and children to People in 2016, the actor shared a wonderfully unique analogy: “We are married for 25 years now, and we have these four, what I like to call eastern European countries that we negotiate with, and we send ambassadors, and we negotiate, and they’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me – they, and her.”
Annette Bening echoed these deeply loving sentiments, expressing her shared pride: “We’re really proud of our children. So we brag about them when we can.” It’s truly heartwarming to see such a strong and supportive family unit. In fact, their daughter Ella is following in her parents’ impressive acting footsteps! Her Instagram reveals that she graduated from The Juilliard School and has announced she will be joining the cast of Season 2 of Ryan Murphy’s FX anthology “Feud: Capote’s Women.” What an exciting next chapter for the Beatty-Bening family legacy!
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12. **Hugh Hefner Had His Last Son at 65**The legendary Playboy founder, Hugh Hefner, who passed away in September 2017 at the age of 91, was certainly known for his flamboyant bachelor lifestyle and being constantly surrounded by beautiful women at his famous Playboy Mansion. It might surprise some, then, to learn that Hefner was married three times during his lifetime, with his first two wives welcoming two children each. He truly had a family side to his public persona.
His first marriage was to his childhood sweetheart, Mildred Williams, whom he wed in 1949, just four years before he launched Playboy magazine. Together, they welcomed a daughter named Christie in 1952 and a son, David, born in 1955. After Hefner and Williams divorced in 1959, he continued dating for many years before settling down for the second time in 1989 with Playboy Playmate Kimberley Conrad. Despite their significant 36-year age difference, that didn’t stop them from expanding his family further.
In 1990, at the age of 64, Hefner became a dad for the third time when Conrad gave birth to their son, Marston. The very next year, in 1991, they welcomed another son named Cooper, making Hefner 65 years old. Although that marriage didn’t last, ending in divorce in 2010, Hefner did marry for a third time in 2012, to Playboy Playmate Crystal Hefner, and they remained together until his passing. Interestingly, two of Hefner’s children followed in his entrepreneurial footsteps, working for the Playboy enterprise: his eldest daughter, Christie, admirably ran Playboy for over 20 years, stepping down in 2009, and his youngest son, Cooper, also served as chief of global partnerships before leaving in 2019. It seems the family business truly ran deep!
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13. **Nick Nolte Had a Daughter at 66**The incredibly talented actor Nick Nolte, recognized for his powerful performances in films like “The Thin Red Line” and “Warrior,” entered another wonderful chapter of fatherhood when he was 66 years old. In October 2007, he and his wife, Clytie Lane, welcomed their second child, a daughter named Sophia. Nolte was already a proud dad to a much older son, Brawley, born in 1986, from his previous marriage to Rebecca Linger, making Sophia his second child.
Now in his late 70s, Nolte shares an exceptionally close bond with his young daughter, Sophia. Their connection is so strong that they even had the unique opportunity to work together in the 2018 film “Head Full of Honey,” where Sophia beautifully portrayed Nolte’s granddaughter. Talking to People about this truly joyful experience, Nolte shared how much he cherished seeing her natural knack for acting: “What you saw in that film was a relationship between a father and a daughter, and you don’t really get it in real life because parents have a little bit of love and a little bit of a disciplinarian attitude that kind of shuts down that ‘I love you’ kind of thing. We got some intimacy that’s just going to be precious for our memories.”
His enthusiasm was so palpable that in that same interview, Nolte openly gushed about how wonderful the experience was and expressed his keen desire to work with his daughter again in the future. It’s a beautiful testament to their bond and her emerging talent. And, just like with Sophia, Nolte also had the pleasure of working with his son Brawley when he was a child. Brawley notably starred alongside his dad in the 1996 movie “Mother Night” and again in 1997’s “Affliction.” Clearly, the acting bug runs strong in the Nolte family across generations!
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14. **Robert De Niro Became a Dad Again at 79**Okay, prepare for a bombshell announcement that truly had everyone talking! At the remarkable age of 79, the legendary actor Robert De Niro became a father for the seventh time. This incredible news came to light when he and his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, welcomed a daughter in April. The reveal was actually quite serendipitous and wonderfully casual; De Niro corrected a reporter for ET Canada in May who asked him about his six kids, with the “The Irishman” actor simply responding with, “Seven, actually.” Talk about a mic drop!
With the cat well and truly out of the bag, the iconic actor later revealed on CBS Morning that he and Chen had indeed welcomed a daughter, whom they named Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, and even shared an absolutely adorable photo of their newborn. It was a picture that melted hearts and confirmed the joyous arrival. For those wondering about the timing, De Niro shared with Page Six at the *About My Father* premiere that the pregnancy was “planned,” adding, “How could you not plan that kind of thing?” He truly approached this new chapter with thoughtful intention.
De Niro’s expansive journey into fatherhood spans decades and includes children with three other women. His parenthood story began during his marriage to his first wife, Diahnne Abbott, lasting from 1976 to 1988, when he adopted her daughter, Drena, born in 1971. The former couple then welcomed their son, Raphael, in 1976. After their divorce, De Niro dated actor Toukie Smith, and the pair welcomed twins, Julian and Aaron, in 1995. He then remarried his second wife, Grace Hightower, in 1997. The following year, they welcomed a son named Elliot, and in 2011, their daughter Helen was born via surrogate, before their separation in 2018.
De Niro truly adores fatherhood, and his wisdom on the subject is as profound as his acting. Giving some words of insight about being a dad, he shared with Access Hollywood, “Sometimes I don’t think people really know what being a good father is, you know you have a responsibility, but it’s a mystery, it’s a lot of excitement but scary, and you do your best.” It’s clear that despite the years and the growing family, Robert De Niro is definitely a pro at being a dad, always striving to do his best and guide his children with love.
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What an incredible roster of celebrity dads! These stories aren’t just about famous faces; they’re powerful reminders that life’s most profound joys—like building a family—can blossom at any age. From legendary musicians to iconic actors and visionary filmmakers, these men have shown us that waiting for the ‘right time’ can lead to deeply fulfilling, unexpected, and utterly beautiful chapters in life. They’ve defied conventional timelines and, in doing so, have not only enriched their own lives but also offered a wonderfully diverse tapestry of what modern fatherhood can look like. So next time you hear a celeb welcoming a baby later in life, remember these inspiring dads who proved that the heart knows no age when it comes to love and family!
