Al Pacino shares how fatherhood profoundly enhanced his acting, inspiring performances and restoring vitality in his artistry.
Al Pacino, Oscar-winning actor and star of The Godfather, recently revealed how becoming a father influenced his craft over the decades, explaining that his children brought new depth and inspiration to his performances. Speaking in a candid interview, Pacino reflected on how fatherhood, especially later in life, improved his approach to acting and provided profound motivation both on and off screen, offering real insight into how fatherhood impacted Al Pacino’s acting career.
Influence of Children on Al Pacino’s Acting Journey
Al Pacino’s experience with fatherhood is deeply personal. Now 85, he became a father for the fourth time at 83 and attributes notable improvements in his work to his children. He told E! News’ Will Marfuggi in an interview,
“A lot of my work had a little improvement because of them.”
—Al Pacino, Actor
Pacino is father to Julie Marie, 35, with Jan Tarrant; 24-year-old twins Anton and Olivia with actress Beverly D’Angelo; and two-year-old Roman, with Noor Alfallah. Discussing how his eldest daughter Julie influenced his Oscar-winning portrayal in “Scent of a Woman,” Pacino described immersing himself in the character of a blind man and drawing inspiration from Julie’s natural performance when she was just three years old. He elaborated,
“I was playing a blind man and I remember my oldest daughter was at the time 3,”
—Al Pacino, Actor.
“I visited blind institutions and they were great to me.”
—Al Pacino, Actor.
Recalling his preparation, Pacino shared,
Image of: Al Pacino
“I said to my daughter, ‘Hey, Julie, do a blind person. Can you do a blind person for me?’”
—Al Pacino, Actor. He was struck by her effortless portrayal:
“She did it and I thought, ‘Wow, I can’t do this because kids are geniuses.’ They have that genius and she was blind and she just did it, no preparation, nothing.”
—Al Pacino, Actor.
Fatherhood Bringing Vitality and Motivation
Beyond artistic inspiration, Pacino spoke about the renewed energy and joy fatherhood has brought, particularly with his youngest son Roman. He shared with the BBC in October,
“I want to be around for this child. And I hope I am,”
—Al Pacino, Actor.
“I hope I stay healthy, and he knows who his dad is, of course.”
—Al Pacino, Actor.
Pacino described the unique connection he shares with Roman, relishing even the simplest moments together, whether in person or during video calls. He found special fulfillment in their interactions, saying,
“Everything he does is interesting to me. So, we talk. I play the harmonica with him on the other video thing, and we have made this kind of contact. So, it’s fun.”
—Al Pacino, Actor.
The relationship with his young son also brought a sense of vibrancy to Pacino’s later years, as he continues to find pleasure in his personal and professional life, especially while filming recent projects such as “The Ritual.”
Renewed Passion for the Craft Despite Challenges
Al Pacino’s enthusiasm for acting remains strong, fueled by the rewards of his work and the enjoyment he derives from recent film experiences. Of working on “The Ritual,” he said in his E! News interview,
“I loved it and it was a privilege to have this opportunity,”
—Al Pacino, Actor. Acknowledging the difficulties inherent in filmmaking, he added,
“You never think that until afterward because it’s such a struggle doing films—it’s not easy work. But at the same time, it’s great.”
—Al Pacino, Actor.
He described a newfound excitement about going to set, something not always present in his career:
“I looked forward to going in. It’s difficult when you don’t look forward to going to work. I’ve had those experiences, yes, but I had [fun] on this one.”
—Al Pacino, Actor.
By weaving together the joys and responsibilities of parenting with his dedication to the craft, Pacino demonstrates how deeply his family has impacted his continued artistic growth.
Becoming a Father Later in Life: Stories from Fellow Icons
Al Pacino’s transformative journey as an older parent echoes a notable trend among celebrities who embrace fatherhood late in life, finding that their children reshape their outlook on both family and professional success. These stories highlight not only shifts in personal fulfillment but also new perspectives on the demands of creative pursuits and legacy.
Robert De Niro Embraces Paternal Responsibility
Oscar-winner Robert De Niro became a father for the seventh time at 79, welcoming daughter Gia Virginia Chen De Niro with Tiffany Chen in April 2023. De Niro is also father to Drena De Niro and Raphael De Niro with Diahnne Abbot, twins Julian and Airyn with Touki Smith, and Elliot and Helen Grace with Grace Hightower. Reflecting on parenting, De Niro told Access Hollywood,
“you know you have your responsibility.”
—Robert De Niro, Actor. He candidly added,
“it’s a mystery, it’s a lot of excitement. But it’s scary and you do your best.”
—Robert De Niro, Actor.
Jeff Goldblum Finds Joy as a Later-in-Life Parent
Jeff Goldblum and wife Emilie Livingston welcomed their first son, Charlie Ocean, when the actor was 62, and son River Joe two years later. In 2022, Goldblum described parenting at age 70 as revitalizing, marveling at his wife’s adaptability and the roller-coaster nature of raising young children. He shared enthusiastically on TODAY,
“challenging and it’s sometimes maddening and very volatile. As you know, at 3 and 5, 5 and 7, they can be like feral creatures unleashed. Oh yeah, and sweet and amazing. It’s great.”
—Jeff Goldblum, Actor.
Mick Jagger’s Rock ’n’ Roll Fatherhood
Mick Jagger, frontman of the Rolling Stones, became a father for the eighth time at age 73 with ballerina Melanie Hamrick, welcoming son Deveraux in 2016. He also fathers Karis Hunt Jagger, Jade Sheena Jezebel Jagger, Lizzy Scarlett Jagger, Georgia May Ayeesha Jagger, James Leroy Augustin Jagger, Gabriel Luke Beauregard Jagger, and Lucas Maurice Morad Jagger with previous partners. The grandfather and great-grandfather reflected,
“It’s very hard to be a good father, it doesn’t matter what your profession,”
—Mick Jagger, Musician, admitting,
“I think it’s very hard to be a good parent. It’s a lot of work—you need a lot of time. I see my children on the road, but they behaved so badly [laughs] because they have everything open. And I see their behavior and I think, Oh, they’re just behaving like me.”
—Mick Jagger, Musician.
He also observed the impact of a rock lifestyle on younger children:
“They get into this rock ‘n’ roll routine,
—Mick Jagger, Musician,
And I think, ‘Oh my god, 6 and you’re already doing it.’”
—Mick Jagger, Musician.
Ronnie Wood: Family and Music in Harmony
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, now a grandfather of six, fathered twin girls, Gracie Jane and Alice Rose, with wife Sally Humphreys days before his 69th birthday. Sally remarked to Hello!,
“Ronnie and I are so happy with life,”
—Sally Humphreys,
“We’re very grateful for everything we have.”
—Sally Humphreys. The twins enjoy their father’s studio time, as Sally described,
“They wear their little ear defenders and he lets them press all the buttons on the sound desk…The girls definitely have him wrapped around their little fingers.”
—Sally Humphreys.
Rod Stewart’s Expansive Family Connections
Rod Stewart welcomed sons Alastair Wallace Stewart and Aiden Patrick Stewart with Penny Lancaster in his 60s. The artist met his daughter Sarah Streeter, whom he fathered at 18 and who was adopted, when he was 65. Sarah told the media,
“Rod has actually come into my life in a big way since mother’s gone,”
—Sarah Streeter,
“and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. Now we’re at the start of a new chapter, and that’s wonderful.”
—Sarah Streeter.
Paul McCartney’s Guidance as a Lifelong Dad
Paul McCartney fathered children Mary, Stella, and James with Linda Eastman McCartney and adopted Heather. At 61, he and Heather Mills welcomed daughter Beatrice. Speaking about his approach to fatherhood, McCartney wrote on his website,
“As far as being a dad is concerned, I’ve always just tried to give my kids a bit of guidance, if they seem to need it—but that was mainly when they were younger,”
—Paul McCartney, Musician.
“Now that they are older, they’re guiding me! They don’t need so much guidance these days but if there’s ever a problem, I’m very happy to be the guy they come to.”
—Paul McCartney, Musician.
Clint Eastwood’s Multigenerational Approach
Clint Eastwood, the acclaimed filmmaker, welcomed daughter Morgan Eastwood at 66. He met his eldest daughter Laurie Murray as an adult. Eastwood is also father to others including Kimber Lynn Eastwood, musician Kyle Eastwood, actor Alison Eastwood, Scott Eastwood, Kathryn Ann Eastwood, and Francesca Eastwood. His son Scott recounted in Esquire,
“And he raised me with integrity—to be places on time, show up, and work hard.”
—Scott Eastwood, Actor.
Steve Martin: Parenting When the Time Was Right
Steve Martin became a first-time parent at 67 with wife Anne Stringfield. The comedian told AARP The Magazine,
“If I’d had a child earlier, I would have been a lousy father,”
—Steve Martin, Actor,
“because I would have misplaced my attention on my career.”
—Steve Martin, Actor. Reflecting on his journey, he added,
“It’s been a gentle up-hill slope to a real, real happiness.”
—Steve Martin, Actor.
Anthony Quinn’s Reflections on Paternal Growth
Anthony Quinn, winner of two Oscars and father to twelve children, welcomed his two youngest with Katherine Benvin while in his 80s. On Larry King Live, he expressed,
“I think that this time I’m a better father,”
—Anthony Quinn, Actor.
“I’m absolutely madly in love with my two children, not that I don’t love the others. I have great love affairs with my other kids. But these kids I haven’t spent a day away from. I only spent one day, and I resented that day that I had to go away.”
—Anthony Quinn, Actor.
Charlie Chaplin: The Original Older Dad
Legendary filmmaker Charlie Chaplin fathered several children later in life with Oona O’Neill, becoming a father again at 73. His daughter Geraldine Chaplin remembered their unique family culture, explaining to the Baltimore Sun,
“There was no rule that we weren’t allowed to see other movies, but the movies that were shown in our house were Charlie Chaplin movies,”
—Geraldine Chaplin, Actor.
“And one didn’t talk of other comedians like Laurel and Hardy. I think he did it because he was very insecure and couldn’t bear that someone else’s film might be good.”
—Geraldine Chaplin, Actor.
Elton John’s Life-Changing Fatherhood
Elton John and husband David Furnish started their family via surrogate when John was 63, welcoming sons Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John and Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John. He revealed to The Mirror,
“Having children changed everything about my life,”
—Elton John, Musician, noting,
“I’ve learned that the simplest things in life—like having a minute with them—are worth more than any painting, any photograph, any house or any hit record.”
—Elton John, Musician. Furnish also spoke about embracing parenthood later in life, telling the Sunday Times,
“I’m actually very grateful that I’ve come to parenting when I’ve come to parenting. Nothing prepares you for the responsibility and the changes in life…I feel much more comfortable in my skin professionally that I’d have felt 20 years ago.”
—David Furnish, Filmmaker.
Billy Joel and the Fresh Joys of Parenting
Billy Joel welcomed daughter Della Rose Joel at 66 and Remy Anne Joel soon after with Alexis Roderick, decades after first becoming a father to Alexa Ray Joel. After Remy’s birth, he told Extra,
“People think we don’t see our kids… We’re awake when they’re awake and we’re sleeping when they’re sleeping.”
—Billy Joel, Musician.
Larry King’s Evolution from Work to Family
Iconic talk show host Larry King fathered five children during a lifetime of marriages. After losing two children late in life, he was ultimately survived by sons Larry Jr., Chance, and Cannon. He shared with The Guardian,
“Before Chance and Cannon I was so work-oriented,”
—Larry King, Broadcaster,
“I loved my kids and I tried to be a good father, but work always came first. I paid a price for that because at the end of the day, nothing is more important than your home life.”
—Larry King, Broadcaster.
The Broader Impact of Late-Life Fatherhood in Entertainment
These accounts, from Al Pacino’s heartfelt reflections to the candid admissions of fellow legends such as Robert De Niro, Paul McCartney, and Clint Eastwood, reveal how fatherhood—regardless of age—shapes priorities, outlook, and personal growth for artists at the height of their careers. Each story illustrates a deep resonance between personal experiences and professional artistry, underscoring the lasting effects of parenting on some of the world’s most celebrated figures. Through their openness, these icons highlight the shifting definition of fatherhood, the enrichment it brings, and its potential to rejuvenate passion and commitment both in work and in life.
