Last night, I was already making plans to write about Penelope Cruz’s pregnancy confirmation (we already knew she was pregnant) and Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Thomas’s pregnancy confirmation (we knew that one too), but then as I was glancing through Page Six this morning, I was floored by some completely new pregnancy/baby information. First shock: Steve Martin is 67 years old (VAMPIRE!!) and married. Second shock: Steve Martin’s wife was pregnant. Third shock: Steve Martin’s wife managed to conceal her pregnancy AND birth and we’re only finding out right now that Steve has become a father for the first time at the age of 67.
Steve Martin’s become a first-time dad at 67, Page Six has exclusively learned. The “It’s Complicated” star and his wife, Anne Stringfield, 41, welcomed a child in December and have been spotted nearby their LA home with the bundle of joy.
“They’ve had a baby, and how they kept it a secret nobody knows,” a source said. “Steve’s very private.”
The source added, “They are thrilled. They worked hard to have the baby.”
The couple married in 2007 at Martin’s home in a surprise ceremony where guests, including Tom Hanks and Diane Keaton were told it was a party.
Martin, meanwhile, has written of his own dad: “My father’s attitude toward my show-business accomplishments was critical. After my first appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live’ . . . he wrote a bad review of me in the newsletter of the Newport Board of Realtors where he was president.”
But Martin wrote in 2008, years after his father died, “In his death, my father . . . did something he could not do in life. He brought our family together.” A rep for Martin declined to comment.
Well, congrats and mazel tov and all of that. Steve always has been incredibly, crazily private so I guess I shouldn’t be so shocked that he managed to keep his wife’s pregnancy and birth such a secret. As for the ages… CB was like “well, at least she’s not 30!” But I think an age difference of 26 years is still kind of… interesting? Let’s go with “interesting”. I hope Elton John sends Steve some roses – now Elton isn’t going to be the oldest dad at the playground.
As for the other pregnancy confirmations – go here to read Hilaria Thomas’s confirmation. We knew she was knocked up already, but it’s still nice they confirmed it. Alec Baldwin is going to be a father again… let’s hope this time goes better. Alec is 54 years old – Hilaria is 28 (side-eye). And Penelope Cruz confirmed her second pregnancy to Hola Mag too. Penelope is 38 years old –Javier Bardem is 43 years old.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
ew.
My thoughts exactly: ew
Ew.
Sorry, but I think this is so irresponsible. That child is assured to lose his father at a very tender age.
But hey, don’t let that stand in the way of acquiring a trophy baby.
You know what! This is a really mean thread! If this man and his wife want children,then good for them, a baby is a blessing and he is so far from wanting a baby trophy! I am thrilled for them, they kept it secret just because people like you would suck all the joy out of it!! Getting older is a fact of life and o e day maybe you will be old enough to realise that he and his wife( not some young girlfriend he knocked up) have had the blessing of a child to nurture! He has the money to support them both and he’s a lovely guy! That should be the focus here! Everyone has the right to have children who bear their name!
Have to agree. Ew to all these guys hooking up with girls 25+ years younger. Seems like the “in” thing now in Hollywood and I wonder if the Alec’s, George’s and Steve’s think it make them look younger because they need to know…it doesn’t.
And, there is new research suggesting that older fathers are more likely to have autistic children and children with other medical issues.
this might be super judgmental of me, but all i have to say is – GROSS.
I’m judgemental too. Steve Martin is going to be 85 when this kid graduates from High School. He will be more like living with grandpa than Dad. If he lives long enough for the kid to graduate high school. Irresponsible.
He’s gonna be 85 anyway, so what’s the problem? My dad died at 47; there’s no guarantee how long any of us will be around to see our kids through childhood.
(BTW, I think “Teen Mom” dispels the myth that only young ‘uns make good parents.)
He’ll be 85 or he’ll be dead. Both are possibilities. And yeah, you could be dead at 45 but the odds of being dead at 85 are much higher.
But the kid will be rich and the mom will only be about 58 so it will all be cool beans.
There is enormous middle ground between being a teen parent and a parent at 67.
One of my closest childhood friends’ Dad was 77 when she was born. 77! He lived well into his 90’s. I remember thinking it was kind of strange because her family looked different from my family, but of course as I grew up I learned that families take on all different shapes, sizes, colors, blends, ages, genders, etc. No big whoop.
Her mother was in her 40’s when her father passed, and she went on to marry another much older gentleman. It wasn’t a money thing since neither of her husbands worked or had any kind of wealth, she just liked (much) older men.
@judyjudy: Are you saying your friend’s parents had a 50yr age difference?!
I think the question is can an 85 year old experiencing all the things that go along with being 85 have the chops to really parent a teenager. I say no.
An untimely death in one’s forties, one’s prime, is a different matter entirely. That’s a tragedy. This is narcissism.
@anotherrandom Yes! Well, almost, maybe 45, 47-ish years? My friend had half-siblings who were older than her mom. They were a nice family though, as crazy as the whole thing was.
Usually, regardless of age, I’ll send out congratulations to the couple because what the hell do I know.
But – I don’t know. Becoming a dad at 67 is problematic for me.
A weak congratulations from these quarters. May you all have good health for a long while.
It’s problematic because men’s sperm starts to develop mutations in their 30s and 40s that are inherited by the child, leading to any number of possible illnesses. By their 60s the odds of an illness occurring are dramatically higher. Heart defects, bipolar disorder, epilepsy..
Men’s fertility begins to drop dramatically at 41 for a REASON!
+1
Yes.
67 really.
Oh, I love Steve Martin! I agree it is kind of icky, but I want to give him a pass because he seems like a genuinely awesome guy. I like that he keeps his personal life personal and seems to have REAL relationship with women.
(Yes, I know, Anne Heche *shudder*)
You should read what Tina Fey says about how he treated her on SNL and you won’t think he’s so awesome anymore.
Not surprising. Steve Martin seems incredibly untrustworthy….he gives off that “don’t trust me, and don’t be left alone in a room with me” vibe.
What did she say? How did he treat her?
Really? Because they’ve done several things together including Baby Mama, presenting awards, SNL appearances, etc. I think he also spoke when she was given the Twain award. If she had a problem with him, I don’t think he would have been invited to do that.
Link please or fill us in. Were her comments possibly taken out of context? She is a comedian. Didn’t he do special interviews for her in 2011 for her book Bossypants?
Yes, they have done special interviews when bossy pants came out… They seem friendly. Maybe someone else from that area? Everyone always says what a jerk Chevy is….
Congrats, but I just can’t imagine. You’d be 85 when the kid graduates HIGH SCHOOL. You’d (most likely) never get a chance to experience grand children. However, I’m sure he’s legit done EVERYTHING he’s ever wanted to do, and got everything he wanted out of life. He can settle down, not work, not want to travel or anything, and just ENJOY his baby. So, I can see the attraction. I think it would be fun to have Steve Martin as a dad. I hear he’s a WILD AND CRAZY GUY!
you beat me to it Sami! lol 😀
To be fair, lots of people never get to experience grandkids, and it has nothing to do with age. Some people’s kids just never do it. And people die at all ages. We don’t know Steve’s health or family background – maybe his family is pre-disposed to longevity and he’s in great health. I feel better about him having a child then a 20-something wreck (ala Janelle Evans) who’s probably got one foot in the grave already.
Hey, I’m not knocking the guy. Just weighing out the pros and cons of having a child at such an advanced age.
Sami, I wasn’t suggesting you were attacking anyone. There’s a ton of research now that suggests that kids born to older parents actually have a lot of life advantages – they’re less likely to ever experience poverty, less likely to grow up in a broken home, do better in school, have higher self esteem, etc. There are drawbacks to being an older parent, but now researchers are discovering that it comes with a lot of advantages too.
He was a wild and crazy guy – 35 years ago. He’s had health issues since and now has a more serious and sober public persona. He is pretty low key these days.
I guess that’s good – he can save up his energy for running after a toddler at age 70.
mazel!
i’m sure that kid’s gonna be…wait 4 it…’A WILD & CRA-ZY GUY’!
what. 😆
🙂
Or girl. Funny that we don’t know the name or gender. But it’s really their business.
LOVE it.
I say yay for Steve Martin. If they worked hard to realize a dream they had, then that means that this baby will be loved and cherised in the best way possible. They got to be born into a family that desperately wanted them – not all babies are so lucky.
I didn’t know Alec Baldwin’s wife is my age! I feel like a cynic for my first thought being “now she’s set for life.” Alec’s wife was a yoga instructor before she married him, so she wasn’t a wealthy woman – but she’s guaranteed to be now. Maybe they’re legitimately in love and happy, but I’m just being cynical.
Agreed, it may be more obvious in JLo-Casper Smart, since guys make it perfectly clear the value they place on looks and young age, but it’s no less true in these old guys with women one generation younger than they are.
I’m kinda cynical about Alec & Hilarious too. She seems to love the attention she gets, & is usually posing.
Gotta agree. Don’t know what it is about her but she seems so obviously set on being famous. I’m afraid she defines “famewhore” for me. Guess these old guys get what they deserve–they seem to think women in their 20’s and 30’s are the only women worth anything. The funny thing is I think they really think these girls like them for them and not their money and fame.
Tony Randall waited I believe until he was 70 to become a dad…I could be wrong but I know he was very old. A new life is something to be celebrated but yep, 67 is a little too old. But if I’m his kid I think I would always be grateful for my life no matter what.
Sure, but his children were 6 and 7 when he died in 2004, so while they are glad for their lives, I’m sure they wish they had a father around. They will probably barely remember him when they are older
If you’re old enough to draw Social Security you’re too old to procreate.
Omg I luv steve martin hes hilarious. He looks good for his age. I luv that I never hear much about him and that hes extremely private. Congrats on the bambino.
The last picture of Steve makes him look like the crypt keeper. Good luck to the “mature” dads and dads to be. Most importantly, my sympathy to the wives who have signed up for the job.
The “wives” who’ve signed up did so fully aware of what they were getting into and, while I hate to judge, with few exceptions, the women who hook up with these guys are in it for money and for the lifestyle these guys can give them. I’d bet all of them will have several nannies to boot so I’m sure they’ll be fine.
that seems to be a new trend, i’ve heard of quite a few old guys becoming fathers, some even over 75.
His wife is only 40. Most likely he did this for her. So it isn’t like the child will have only old parents. She’s thin and fit, so should be a mom in her fifties that looks like Nancy, McCartney’s wife. Maybe a surrogate was used. The pregnancy no one even knew about in the press and she is a writer with a career, out and about.
Old men who become fathers creep me out. Apart from the myriad of health risks the advanced age of the father poses for their children, I don’t think it’s great for a 10 years to have a 77-year old father.
I agree. I read somewhere that children born to dads in their 60s are like 8 times more likely to be autistic than kids born to dads in their 20s or 30s. Not saying his kid will be, but it’s definitely something they’ll have to watch out for.
The health risks are actually significant and I don’t know why this isn’t more part of the public awareness. If the father is over 40, the risk of his child having schizophrenia is equal to the risk of older women/down’s syndrome. I think men want to be in denial and not acknowledge that they have a biological clock. Doesn’t one of Michael Douglas’ children with CZJ have developmental issues as well?
@Ann
I agree. When an ‘older’ couple has problems getting pregnant, it’s often assumed that the woman’s age is the only issue. Sometimes it is, but often the father’s age is a major factor too. Now, there’s no denying that age is much more important in female than in male fertility, but so many people nonchalantly assume that men can procreate at any age. In theory they can, but there are often significant risks attached, risks which are often ignored while women are bombarded with all the supposed dangers of ‘leaving it too late’.
@ Ann
I had no idea! All my life, I’ve heard about the female side but never about the male. Thanks for a heads-up on my next procrastination research project!
I’d rather have a smart and interesting Dad who is 67 than any number of idiot 20 year olds who will be seeing their grandchildren by the time they’re 35.
Word!
Steve is older than I’d want, BUT I too am tired of seeing children with no daddies, baby daddies, daddies with no way to support them, no way to teach them anyting much less how to get and hold job, support a family, maintain a household, treat women and survive in society.
I’m pretty sure Steve will be there for his child, support him and make sure he doesn’t propagate poverty and more of the same.
I agree.
So many kids today are born to parents who don’t want them, or resent them or just don’t care about them. Is it better to be born to young parents who do a lousy job?
Even if Steve Martin only lives to see the child grow to 20, the child will get 20 years with a father who loved them, gave them a stable home and can provide them with security after his death. If you asked a child currently suffering neglect or abuse or in foster care if they’d prefer 20 years with a great dad or their current situation, most people will already know the answer.
The length of parenting doesn’t speak to the quality of the parenting.
I agree.
So many kids today are born to parents who don’t want them, or resent them or just don’t care about them. Is it better to be born to young parents who do a lousy job?
Even if Steve Martin only lives to see the child grow to 20, the child will get 20 years with a father who loved them, gave them a stable home and can provide them with security after his death. If you asked a child currently suffering neglect or abuse or in foster care if they’d prefer 20 years with a great dad or their current situation, most people will already know the answer.
The length of parenting doesn’t speak to the quality of the parenting.
Yup. Nobody’s situation for being a parent is perfect — even for the families that look perfect on paper. If every single “qualifier” for being a parent had to be met, the world would quickly have negative population growth.
I’ve been told on more than one occasion that I have no business having a family of my own — so I’m not going to point fingers at anyone else who is able to provide a stable, loving home for their child.
The news last night. A married couple found passed out on each other in the front seats of their car at an intersection, drunk and high. A three-month old baby was found in the back seat.
So many children have bad parents or absentee fathers. My friend’s was a workaholic, never paid much attention to the kids. My boss had an alcoholic father. It was horrible. Her mom, who was the head of the family in every way, died. My boss from 18 on has had to worry about her father, get control of his money to dole out since he squandered most of it, have him live with them at times.
Steve’s wife is much younger and I think this child will be so loved. His age is far from
Ideal, but the child will have a great life.
Point, it’s not age it’s maturity that matters.
kelsey Grammar isn’t doing anything to promote older parents!
If you have kids, grow up and put them 1st.
Someone has a fear of death.
I once briefly dated a much older man (broke up with him for a good reason– what was I thinking?) who went into a panic when he was about to become a grandfather and got this bright idea that this was a grand time for him to get married and have more babies. I think he really expected me to go all “Ooooooh! Babies!” I dumped him.
His desire to have babies had little to do with love and family, and everything to do with his need to prove his masculinity and virility. He did not want to feel old. He was also in a weird, icky competition with his son. In other words: garden variety immaturity.
This man ended up dying of a heart attack at 54. If he had succeeded in bagging a trophy wife and had his trophy baby (he failed) that baby would have lost its father before it was in nursery school.
I am never sure what the outcry is over older parents. Barring serious health complications for the kid, I have to ask…why are *you* so offended?
Yes, he’s old. He will be old when the kid is young. He will be ancient when the kid graduates high school, if he lives that long.
Are we to suppose that the child–who we apparently are feeling bad for, having to suffer through life with an old parent–would prefer NOT TO BE BORN rather than to have an older parent? Is that really preferable?
Because if I had the choice to never be born or to be born to an old parent, I’m choosing birth.
I wonder what Tony Randall’s kids would say? “Hey dad, you died on us! I wish we had never been born!” Or, “thanks, Dad, for bringing us into this world, where we live a life of love and privilege, secure in the knowledge that our parents loved each other and wanted us very much. It’s a shame you couldn’t spend more time with us, but we are grateful for your life and for ours.”
The kid will be cared for financially. The kid is loved and wanted, born to parents who presumably love each other. And we’re all grossed out by this?
No one is guaranteed a future. A kid might be born to a 30 year old man who dies before his kid goes to kindergarten.
I wish the Martin family every happiness.
You make perfect sense. I’m somewhat in the middle on this. I do think 67 is pushing it to be a first time father. It’s going to be a little bit harder for him to have the same “experiences” a younger father has with his children – playing and activities, sports etc. With being close to 70, he may even have health issues in a few years time (of course this is speculation, Steven Martin might be perfectly healthy and live til he’s 100). On the other hand, I’ve seen so many young 20 year olds have kids who should NOT be having kids at all. One of my close friends had her first child last year at the age of 34. I think that’s the way to do it. Her and her husband did so much for their lives, are financially secure, and emotionally ready for a child. I look at my one cousin who had her first child at the age of 26 (from a one night stand no less, not a loving commited relationship live Steve Martin and his wife have), and her life has been nothing but a struggle since. She wanted a baby so desperately that she couldn’t see all the responsibility that comes with a child. Even her sister has said that if she had waited a few more years, she would have been more emotionally and financially ready to have a child, regardless of whether she was in a relationship or not.
And then unforunately, we as women have to worry about being able to get pregnant to begin with if we choose to wait til our 30s/40s to have kids.
I say kudos to you, littlestar. I had my children at 32 and 34, after marriage, grad school, career, home ownership, etc. This was my plan, modeled after my mother’s life, and I must say, it has been working out well.
Please don’t over generalize people in these situations. You can’t paint this kind of thing with such a broad brush. I was also 26 when I had my first child and I was financially stable and in a perfectly content situation. I am still able to have a social life and am a happy, responsible mom. On the flip side, I know a woman who is 43 with two kids under five that is constantly ignoring her youngest to watch tv, read, take naps, etc. and shipping them off to the babysitters night after night to go out and party. Like someone said in an earlier comment, older doesn’t always mean more mature. That being said, I am sure that Steve Martin’s baby will have a great life and a great relationship with his dad despite him being older than most.
@beesknees – I was not generalizing people in my comment. I was looking at the situation from my own personal experiences. Just because I think my 26 year old cousin was too unstable with life & too young to have a child doesn’t mean I think ALL 26 year olds shouldn’t have kids.
Completely agree with you CPS! Best of luck to them and I wish them every happiness 🙂
Well, if both parents are older, out of shape so less energetic, ill health, financial worries, it can be a burden on children. I have seen interviews of children with both parents older.
This child will have a mother reasonably aged and no financial worries and a father who has a wide variety of interests, so will expose their child to a lot. Who knows, maybe he will be like Betty White at 92, beyond active and interesting. Maybe not.
I don’t know that this thread is an outcry over older parents, if you mean older as people who are over 40. That’s become very common and I don’t know too many people who spend time clucking over it, and I don’t think that’s the issue here.
Steve Martin is 67. That is *VERY* old to be having a child. It just is – that’s a fact.
That’s not to say he shouldn’t have done it. But to not remark on it would be a bit odd.
Now in Steve’s situation, even if he dies in the next ten or fifteen years, which is very possible, the child will be provided for well. So that’s a plus. And I’m sure the child is wanted and loved – another plus.
Like I said earlier, I hope everyone is happy and healthy and has a good many years together.
Really it’s a moot point whether or not the kid would ‘ask’ to be born. There isn’t some heavenly waiting room where spirit babies hang around bemoaning the fact that their parents didn’t conceive. Frankly I think it’s selfish to bring a child into the world when you’re at an age to think you may only be around for a short amount of time. You place the burden of raising it on the younger parent and potentially give a young child the gift of grief and loss. Nice work old dad.
I don’t see a problem here. There is enough money, a younger mom, and if he wanted a child, then he should have one. He knows he probably won’t see the child grow up, but he wants to enjoy having one now. Mom will finish the parenting after he’s gone.
As an older person myself, I get pretty tired of the prevailing attitude that anyone over 60 is disgusting. Keep the “ewwwws” to yourselves, please.
The ewwwws are NOT for older people in general. They are directed at this particular situation.
I understand that. But somehow the “ewwws” always show up when an older person gets married, has sex, becomes a parent, or does anything other than rock toothlessly on the front porch.
To Syko and older ladies and gents-if you’re still scrumping then I applaud you. Nothing “eww” about it.
Kids are not lifestyle accessories. The argument that he wanted one, so he should have one incredibly de-values life.
It’s not all about him and what he wants – or what it takes to keep a wife over 20 years younger. The dude’s 68 (his birthday is in a couple of weeks). He gets petulant at the least thing backstage at events. How do you think he’ll be around a toddler or a ball of energy kid -if it turns out healthy?
He and the wife basically argued here that Dads don’t matter. I beg to differ. Ask any man how important Dads are.
Congratulations! Babies are always a good thing.
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. I hope these older dads are well educated in the increased odds that their kids will have schitzophrenia, autism and other birth defects. It strikes me as so narcissistic for these guys to re write their history thru the younger wife and late in life kid. It’s the new mid life crisis. And as far as Hilaria goes, I seem to recall Alec raving about how she was so cut off from media and pop culture that she didn’t even know who he was. Funny that she’s been on a morning show and is now special correspondent to Extra. What a pretty little liar…and if she’s 28 I’m the Queen of England.
@Sirsnarksalot;
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should
Totally agree! just becasue you can F#cK at 11 doesn’t mean you should. Just because you can have a baby at 15 doesn;t mean you should.
Just because you can drink, smoke and party and have a baby doesn’t mean you should.
Just because you can get free pre-natal medical doesn’t mean you should.
Just because you can father a child without the means or committment to raise them doesn’t mean you should.
Just because you can have a cute baby in HS doesn’t mean you should.
As for defects, young mothers, alcohol, drug abuse, poor prenatal care etc… are just as dangerous…
Have always adored Steve Martin — from SNL thru his movie career. He’s had some hard-knocks in his relationships thru the years & deserves happiness. What was that movie he co-starred in with Meryl Streep & Alec Baldwin?? Totally different type of role for him but he did an excellent job. Loved him as Vinnie in My Blue Heaven.
Me too Spinner!
I ADORE Steve Martin. I’ve read all of his books and I saw a TV segment where he shared his AMAZING art collection.
He’s such a renaissance man-talented comic, actor, writer and very intelligent guy.
I’m very very happy for him and his lady. He seems like such a compassionate guy-I bet he’ll be a great dad 🙂
I hear you Kitten. Let’s not forget what an incredible musician he is as well. He is definitely a well rounded guy.
And don’t forget: he’s an extremely accomplished musican-the banjo.
He has albums out. He’s seriously talented at so many things, that is’ just crazy.
BUt what a BORE in interviews-i would not say pretentious, but just very affected! with his ‘art collecting, dahling’….really really boring, like a drawn out NPR interview type of boring-that sounds ‘all serious’ but actually does not have much depth to it.
Yes lrm & spinner! We tried to get tickets to see him play banjo live a few years ago but it sold out 🙁
Is there anything he can’t do? What a great guy. Shop Girl was a great book-had so much heart.
I never heard the NPR interview but I saw that there were complaints. This article here pretty much summarizes how I feel about the people bitching:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2010/12/03/131750301/steve-martin-isn-t-predictable-enough-this-is-why-we-can-t-have-nice-things
Also, I love that Martin admitted that he might have been boring but stuck to his guns, saying that we live in a culture that celebrates “celebrity” over “art”. So yeah, he’s still a winner in my book 🙂
The movie is “It’s Complicated”. I love the dance scene where Meryl is across the room and Steve makes hand motions as if to reel her in on a fishing line.
I think this will be one lucky child to have Steve Martin for a dad.
Yes, Susie!! Thank you!!
…and lucky child, indeed.
Also, shop girl, that is based on his book-he starred in it with Claire Danes…older wealthy guy wooos young gal who works in a high end department store. Well done film…..
Along with ALL of his classic comedies…planes, trains and automobiles, etc.
Oooooh…Shop Girl. Forgot about that one. Loved it!! How about All Of Me with Lily Tomlin? He ended up marrying the blond villain from that movie, which ended in divorce.
Well, my first thought was – I hope that kid is going to be OK. I have read a little bit about fathers who are very old when the baby is conceived and born and even if the mom is younger, there can be harmful effects of “old sperm” so to speak.
Guess we shall see.
And I agree with some posters above who say “gross” – he is going to be in his 80’s when this kid is 20!
Hey, at least the kid will be rich.
After what i read and seen from this guy…He wasnt very lucky with women, had the idea he would die alone, but now has a loving Family.What’s NOT 2 congrats?he coud care less about ur comments.Me think Steve finally really happy..No comment on his age,tho.
My dad was 61 when I was born now he is 90 and still a complete douche. Steve is probably gonna be a great dad
I don’t know. Better late than never?? I absolutely ADORE Steve Martin! He has given me many laughs in this lifetime so it’s hard for me to throw any shade here.
Um..apparently you’ve never had a sick parent or lost a parent. Even older people with sick, elderly parents have a hard time seeing that decline. You’ve just trivalized the kid’s life with that comment of “oh, well, better late than never…” Yeah, if you don’t have to experience it yourself. A kid is not a life style accessory,
The dude’s 68 (his birthday is in a couple of weeks). This is incredibly selfish.
Alec Baldwin’s wife is 28?! What a coincidence, so am I! *cough*
The story mentioned they “worked hard” to have a baby. They were married 6 years ago when she was only 35. They likely had fertility issues beyond any age issue and have tried for years. I think from that perspective I could see not wanting to give up. The child will be well looked after.
Their fertility issues may have been purely to do with age – HIS age. She may have been only 35, but he was 61. That’s old – probably too old – to be trying for your first child. Men’s biological clock may be less exacting than women’s, but it definitely exists.
Think of how disappointed his nieces and nephews must be.
For all they know he was planning to give all his money to charity
I love him! I’m so happy for he & his wife! I had read he married a few years ago. I’m sure this little one is a bundle of joy!!!! Congrats!!!
It would have been a shame if those genes would have been lost. Congrats Steve!
Apparently neither Alec nor Steve actually watched their own movie since they don’t seem to have learned anything.
Age doesn’t matter. There is NO guarantee your parents will still be there at ANY age. Be happy & grateful if they are but seriously, stop judging.
CB I love the side-eye…you are awesome!
Lots of ageists comments here. Oh noes, won’t someone think of the children.
I’ll be in the corner with Sam, Robyn, Jayna & JL.
Lots of disablity bias too. The comments saying “OMG, kids of older parents are more likely to have autism/schizophrenia/birth defects!!!”
First of all – it assumes that being disabled or having a condition is a fate worse than death. Guess what – plenty of people have autism, mental illness or other issues and lead fulfilling, awesome, great lives. Steve Martin is a wealthy man; even if he has a child with a condition, that child will have amazing care and treatment and will likely be just fine.
It also raises a lot of other issues. Is it okay for a person with a chronic condition to have a child if the condition increases the chances that the parent could die young? I have a friend who is pregnant now after going through some brutal cancer treatments years ago. Her cancer could come back at any time and she’s at a higher risk of dying prematurely. Should she not have a child because she might die? It’s ridiculous.
It’s not disability bias to point out that the age of the father is a risk factor for schizophrenia and autism as well as other birth defects. By the same token drinking and smoking while pregnant are risk factors. And being rich is no guarantee that a child with special needs will get the love and care they need. It’s challenging being a parent of a child with special needs and not every one is up to the task. Money doesn’t “make it all better”.
Advanced paternal or maternal age is a risk factor, not a “disability bias”.
But that’s not you said upthread: you said “just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” Do you not think that Steve and his wife are not aware of the risks? If they went through IVF or some other technology, the doctors certainly spoke to them. And you haven’t addressed why those risks should deter anyone – believe it or not, there are those among us who believe that conditions like schizophrenia and autism are not barriers to a great life. You’re acting as though having a child with one of those issues is a terrible thing, when in reality they can be managed quite well.
And you didn’t address my question – should your same standard also apply to people with conditions of their own, who are more likely to die before their children are grown? or what about young couples who carry the potential to pass along genetic diseases? Should they all be discouraged from childbearing because the “risk” they pose is too great? You’re not answering any of this stuff.
I don’t think simply saying that older men are more likely to have disabled kids is a disability bias. It’s just stating the facts. You may not like this fact, but it’s true.
I’m standing in the corner with you guys-if there’s room for Kitten.
What I said, Sam, is that just because you can doesn’t mean you should. And that doesn’t mean no one should or could handle the risks. But not everyone can. A lot of people assume that since the technology is there that its the same as having a child at 25 and its not. There is nothing I said that should be interpreted to say that special needs kids shouldn’t be born. Only that some people may not be able to handle it. And saying that “they have loads of money” means they can handle I is patently false. I have several friends with children who are special needs. Some do great an others, not so much. It’s hard. And it’s harder to parent when you are older. That’s just fact. I’m sorry if you misunderstood what I was saying.
Sirsnarksalot: I get what you mean, but it still comes off as bias. let me explain: you say having a special needs kid is hard. And yes, it can be. But why are you assuming that Steve Martin and his wife aren’t educated about this? That they know the risks and figured out that they can handle them and went ahead anyway? You’re premising your argument on the idea that they don’t already know the risks and did this blindly. Some couples can totally handle a special needs kid and do just fine; others don’t. It’s wrong to single out older couples, or any type of couples, for their “risk.” Risk exists all over. Some people are riskier because of age, some due to genetics, some because they drink/smoke/do drugs, whatever. It’s nobody’s business to try to deter people from having the family they want by appealing to “your child might have a disease!” Because it trades in stereotypes and fears that are often unfounded.
Thank you! My father died at 38. OH NOES, people…that means he was selfish for having me at 26 when he wouldn’t be alive to see me graduate from middle school! Does anyone realize how incredibly STUPID that sounds? Well, it sounds just as stupid to say the same things about Steve Martin & his child. His age isn’t what matters…being a good parent is.
As far as the disability stuff goes: I think I’ve had a pretty great life, even with treatment-resistant epilepsy & multiple other health issues. My daughter also has epilepsy (a milder form that responds well to meds.) We are stronger together, and if other people are creeped out by our different abilities, that’s THEIR problem.
I am going to get in line with you guys. I really like what @Cool Phos. Shimmer said about choosing to be born to an older parent or not at all. I adore Steve Martin, read everything he has written and have met him at a book signing so I am biased in his favor. I had my children in my late 30s because I did not find the man I loved until then. We can’t always plan our lives according to others timelines.
Seriously! How can you judge him unless you’ve walked in his shoes? He found someone he wanted to start a family with and it happened later in life…so what? Does that mean he shouldn’t get to have a family of his own? Young people can have kids with birth defects too, sure the risk is lower, but it can happen.
Congratulations to Steve and Anne!
I love this guy. A lot of people don’t know he is a Grammy winner and rightly so. He is am amazing musician.
If it were a woman becoming a mother for the first time in her 60s, the condemnation would be swift and powerful.
I’m just saying.
Also, people judged the HELL out of me when I had a son at 19 (openly derided me, family ostracized me, etc), so I don’t see why men/older parents should be exempt.
I agree. Even women in their late forties and early fifties are trashed when they have babies, usually with lots of medical intervention. I think it’s kind of selfish to have children when you’re that age but why is it so wrong for women to do it? What a double standard!
Sorry you were given a hard time about having your baby at a young age. My daughter in law (she and my son are not married, but I hate the term “baby momma”) had my grandson when she was 21, which isn’t really that young, but her family really gave her a hard time, especially her racist Dad. He told her he was ashamed of her having a “half-breed” and would write on her Facebook page “Still Pregnant? Have an Abortion” and other mean things. In other words, he is a real b@stard.
I hope she unfriended him and I mean in her life. It’s bad enough to be so cruel to his own daughter, but no child needs to be subjected to that kind of hatred starting even before being born. Both of this baby’s parents need to protect him from this person if he is still in their lives.
My son is biracial too — I think that was also an unspoken part of the “problem.”
I hope your daughter in law managed to come to terms with the icky family dynamic and put them behind her. She could do better! What a terrible father.
I never understand that attitude: “I was ostracized so others should be too” instead of “I was ostracized, I know what it feels like, which is why I don’t think others are deserving of it.”
Age is not an automatic indicator of whether someone will be a good parent or not. I assume from your story that you know this so why perpetuate that misconception?
Very odd stance to take given your past experience.
Perhaps I should have been more clear — I DON’T think it’s okay for everyone to be ostracized. I think it’s really no one’s business as long as the parents are good parents.
What frustrates me is the sexist double standard. Why are men immune to that treatment yet women aren’t?
I say congrats to the couple. Why do we hate people who take their time and have children, yet let 13/14 years old get knocked up like its no big deal. This couple are financially secure, his wife is much younger than him and if she wanted a baby and tried like hell to have one then Congrats!!! Screw our society that thinks its okay to push out three kids before 18 but condemn those who wait until they have their career, a good financial situation and the right partner.
I’m sorry, but who are you talking to who thinks that is “okay” or “not a big deal”. It most certainly is to everyone I’ve ever talked to.
Are you kidding? In what universe do you live where people seriously think it’s “okay” and “no big deal” to have a kid at 13/14?
If anything, teen moms are one of the last sub-groups in American society that it is totally socially acceptable to mock, judge and humiliate. Go look at the comment section of any story anywhere about teen parents or about 16 and Pregnant or Teen Mom or ANYTHING really dealing with teen parenthood.
I did not say its okay to have a kid 13/14 but with shows like 16 and pregnant and the media getting behind them…That’s the land I’m talking about….re-read what I said before you throw shade
Yeah, let’s re-read.
“Screw our society that thinks its okay to push out three kids before 18 but condemn those who wait until they have their career, a good financial situation and the right partner.”
Our society DOESN’T think it’s “okay” to “push out three kids before 18.” I’ve never met anyone who thinks that’s okay. Quite the opposite. People who do that (read: women/girls) are openly condemned/mocked.
Unless you’ve had a parent that’s older than standard, I don’t think there’s a place for people to judge. My father was 53 when I was born. He passed when I was 23, at 76 years old. I was aware that my father was older than all of my friend’s dads, and understood that I wouldn’t have him around as long as they would, barring illnesses or accidents, etc. And that sucks, but he’s my dad and I wouldn’t trade him for a younger one.
The average life expectancy is going up, up, up, people….for many reasons.
It’s expected to reach 100 in the very near future….
I don’t think society or individual minds have caught up to this reality, so they buy into the current/past reality, with no room for changes.
SOMEONE is causing those stats to go upward-in fact, more than one person….
Technological medical advancements, anti ageing and longevity research, superfoods, lifestyle changes, etc etc are absolutely re setting the biological clock.
Be open to it, people. Things do change.
For all the people dogging those who don’t believe in evolution, it seems many of these same people think evolution is something that ‘happened’ like a static event, in the past, and is now ‘over’.
Newsflash: It’s not. It’s ongoing, dynamic and we will, as humans, change biologically.
Yes, humans change, but evolutionary changes happen over a span of thousands of years, if not tens or even hundreds of thousands of years.
Lifespans have increased due mainly to dramatically improved medical care. Antibiotics alone have saved millions who would otherwise have died of communicable diseases. It’s possible that at some point in the distant future our ‘fertility clocks’ will lengthen in proportion to our increased lifespan, but we’re nowhere near that point yet.
We might be living longer but are we living better? There’s no great achievement in keeping in individual alive to 100 if they’ve been living in a bedridden, dependent state for the last 10+ years.
This is no longer true, obesity is ensuring that up-coming generations will not out live their parents generations.
Congrats to them, and kudos on keeping everything so private, that’s amazing.
It’s a big age difference and I personally wouldn’t want to have a baby at that age, but I imagine he’ll be a good dad, and I’m sure the kid will be loved and well cared for.
+1
I identifiy with him on quite a bit, mainly the whole issue with fatherly approval and whatnot!
Good for him!
When did Steve Martin morph into Andy Warhol??
I love love love Steve Martin!! He’s the real definition of a man, in my little encyclopedia. 🙂 My 16 year old boy and I watch his movies and never get tired of them.
Awww, the best movie of his (in my opinion) is “The Jerk” LOVE that movie!
I’m sorry, but I think its kind of selfish to become a dad at 67. Can you imagine being in the 4th grade and having a dad who is 76? I mean, what if he gets alzheimer’s? I just don’t think that’s someone at a young age should have to deal with. And even if Steve doesn’t get that disease, it’s not like he’ll be able to play sports with his kid.
My father has a physical disability and was never able to play sports with any of us. He was still a great dad.
My dad is 14 years older than my mom. They married when he was 32 and she was 18. I was born on his 40th birthday. Everyone always thought he was my grandpa. He is the most bad assed father ever. I never thought he was too old for anything and neither did he. Now that he is 70 its a different story. But to read all of you judging him for having a baby at an advanced age, no wonder he kept that private.
I am not one of the ones judging him. I am happy for them.
But having said that, a man at 40 having his first child and people thinking he was grandfatherly seems a little much unless your dad was an older-looking man. Look at all the celebrity moms at 39, 40. Julianne Moore gave birth to her daughter at 41. She’s now 51 and looks 41. LOL My co-worker, a beautiful, younger Julianne Moore lookalike, age 43, just had her second child. Her first at 39. The woman was back to a size 2 within a couple of months. She was thin her whole pregnancy, just with a big belly.
Sixty-seven and 40, that’s 27 years difference in the age your dad was when you were born and the age Steve is with his new baby. Huge difference.
Liam Neeson, Seal, on and on were in their 40s when they were first-time fathers. They were far from old-looking men. Liam was in his prime at 43 when his first son was born. Rob Roy movie period of time. Talk about a hunk. (He still is, just a more mature hunk.) Ben Affleck became a father for the third time at 39 or 40.
Grandfatherly looking these men? LOL nope.
.
If it was a 67 year old albeit famous and wealthy woman with a 41 year old man – how many people would be saying “ew”.
A lot?
Maybe try replacing Demi Moore’s name with Steve Martin’s. Though I do like him and who cares what age he is…
Just saying. I hate ageism. Especially against women.
I never comment, but reading some of the comments here about older parents really compels me to put out my side of the story.
My own parents married very late, had children at a very late age. Large age gap between my mother and father. My mum could get away with it, but my people often mistook my dad as my grandad.
I’m now 20. Looking back, would I say that my parents were irresponsible/ immature/ selfish for conceiving children so late?
No, never. With older age there come pro’s as well as con’s. The obvious con’s are that I know my friends will see their parents live far longer. The concept of losing them makes me sad of course, but it makes me far happier that the time we have spent with them has been beautiful, and fantastical in many senses. Quality over quantity! The other main con would be that the age difference meant that my mum was very behind the times, not as lax as others parents… However this I put down more to her cultural differences (pakistani muslim) than her age.
The pro’s however, are plenty! My parents have been more mellow, and accepting of change, I suppose because their older age makes them wiser. Having spent most of their life, they definately understood the importance of spending time with their family, and unlike other kids, we spent alot of time together. Due to their age and wisdom, I suppose, they take alot of things in their stride and share values with us that are important and unique and beneficial. One of the best things is that we get to tap into this massive treasure box of knowledge and memories and experience, hearing amazing stories of what ‘it used to be like’, and interesting anecdotes that really stay with you.
Obviously for other people it might look like a sad, unfortunate situation, that somehow older parents are an ‘infliction’ upon their children. This is not the case, it has been very natural and normal for us, we haven’t known anything different.
Yes we have older parents. I dont know whether you would like to call them irresponsible, selfish, unfair. But i do know that we are healthy, responsible, stable, successfull, well-achieving kids and that their old-age and wisdom had a hand in that outcome.
Yes yes yes. Thanks for sharing!
I think Hilaria is a solid 30-32 age range…she does not look 28
I looove Steve Martin! Congrats to the happy family! And I think Steve is one of the very few left in Hollywood that hasn’t become too jaded by fame over the years. He is definitely a true renaissance man who has stayed classy. I personally don’t think age makes a difference. 🙂
We decry the age disparity often, and in some cases it’s a Dazed and Confused thing. But I think, in others, it’s truly that they have a maturity connection. (as in, Steve wasn’t ready enough for kids before due to arrested development stemming from an angry dad, blah blah)
You forgot the part where Steve Martin has a (secret! sort of) career as a Bluegrass playing banjo player. I’m not kidding: it was on PBS. He was good too!
I believe he also played at one of the 4th of July shows last year, and he IS great!
He still does. I saw him on Jimmy Fallon last year, and I guess he is highly regarded in that music genre, not just a hobby. He was putting out a new album, I think, and he already had Grammys for his music they mentioned.
Who knows? Maybe he froze his sperm?
Two things I have noticed about the comments:
1) No mention of Rod Stewart. He was 66 with his most recent child.
2) No mention of ‘Father of the Bride II?’ Really? That has become his real life story pretty much lol!!
hahaha! yes!
Oh for Christ’s sake, relax everyone. My father was 60 when I was born and, although it was difficult to lose him while still in my 20s, he was a fabulous man and a phenomenal father. We had the happiest of families – much happier than many of my friends who had “age appropriate” fathers. Was it ideal? No! But how many fathers bring perfection to the table? It appears that this child, like me, was created out of love and will have two supportive parents – having that for even a shorter time than most is a gift. It’s not as if Steve Martin is out clubbing til all hours or screwing around on his wife. I send best wishes to all three of them.
Btw, what is Alec Baldwin wearing on his head?
Just curious…
I’m willing to bet the kid will be well-loved and well-cared for, so congrats!
Now Alec’s kid…well, hopefully he’s matured.
Not something I would ever consider doing, but congrats to them both. I think he will make a great father. My sister and I were shocked when we found out he had no children because he has played the role of a father so often!
I hope his physical and mental health remains strong. IDK, working in a geriatric ward where many of the patients are physically able bodied but suffer from things like dementia and Alzheimer makes me a little nervous about all this. Anyway, most do not end their old-age lives like this.
I’m almost 50 and too old to have another baby and I’d rather eat rat poison than ever be pregnant again but I’d have Steve Martin’s baby, you know, if I were half his age because, otherwise, he wouldn’t want me.