They’ve walked red carpets, won Oscars, topped music charts, and embraced fatherhood in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s — proving that being a dad later in life can be just as meaningful, rewarding, and life-changing. Some became first-time fathers in their retirement years — like Steve Martin at 67 — while others expanded already large families — like Mel Gibson at 61. These stories show us that fatherhood doesn’t have an expiration date. Explore 15 celebrity dads who welcomed children later in life, and see what they’ve shared about the experience — captured through 30 powerful photos.
In 2003, at age 58, Michael Douglas and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones (then 33), welcomed their daughter, Carys Zeta Douglas, in Ridgewood, New Jersey. They were already raising their son Dylan, who was nearly 3.. Douglas was entering his third chapter as a father — already a dad to Cameron, his adult son from a previous marriage. In 2010, Douglas reflected on the shift fatherhood brought to his life:
“My career used to be the most important thing, followed by marriage, then children. Now, it’s completely reversed.”
“I never imagined starting a new family at this age, but the joy is real. Still, I wince when I realize I’ll be nearly 75 when my daughter turns 16. I won’t exactly be chasing the boys away.”