In honour of all the wonderful dads out there, this Father’s Day we’ve rounded up some of the funniest and wisest words from our favourite celebrity dads, from Chris Hemsworth to Jerry Seinfeld.
Hugh Jackman: My Most Challenging Role
Australia’s favourite wolverine Hugh Jackman is leading the way for modern Aussie dads. He makes up bedtime stories for his daughter, watches Will Ferrell movies with his son and always reminds them both to say 'hello' to the doorman.
His thoughts on parenthood? “Unbelievable, tiring, magical…the most challenging role I’ve ever had.” When asked by the Daily Telegraph what he has learnt, Jackman replies: “Patience. Look, kids have a way of pushing your buttons more than anyone else. If there’s stuff in your life you haven’t worked through – as a parent, you’re going to have to work through it.”
Chris Hemsworth: The Little Moments Count the Most
He jumps from earth-threatening crisis to crisis on the big-screen, but in real life, Chris Hemsworth seems to have a much more relaxed attitude to life and parenting. Father of three (including twins!) is quite happy to stroll around his hometown of Byron Bay rocking colourful painted toenails courtesy of his little girl. He’s also been known to whip up a dinosaur birthday cake on short notice.
He reminded us on his Instagram account recently to:
“Make a space in your life for the little moments that count the most. Finding an activity to share with a child opens the door to plenty of opportunities for bonding".
Will Ferrell: There’s No Time For Pronouns…
Funny man Will Ferrell has made us laugh for years whether he is behind the newsdesk in Anchorman, or on the ice in Blades of Glory. His advice on raising small children is no exception:
“Try to look your child in the eye…Get to know their name, that becomes important when you want something. And remember to feed them. That’s about all you need.”
And if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like having three boy, Ferrell gave People magazine some insight:
"I sometimes equate it to what it must be like running a prison. What happens with three boys is you end up barking out orders like, 'Upstairs now!' 'Brush teeth!' 'Lights out!' There is so much chaos you can't really take the time to articulate."
Comedy royalty Jerry Seinfeld was determinedly unattached throughout his 30s and early 40s, but after having his first child at 46, has jumped into the role with relish. So much so that Seinfeld leads the GOOD+ Foundation’s Fatherhood Leadership Council, which aims to help fathers engage with their children.
And for a mega-rich star, he’s certainly got some very down-to-earth parenting advice:
“Kids are not going to do what you tell them to do or think like you tell them to think. Kids are watching how you deal with that waiter or that handyman, and they are probably more likely to imitate you.”
Justin Timberlake: Hits the nail on the head
In a radio interview with Carson Daly, Justin Timberlake neatly summed up the experience of all new parents:
"All I know is, I don't know what the hell I did before.”
Our thoughts precisely Timberlake. What else is there to say, really?
Only this: to all the amazing dads out there, whether you have several million followers on Instagram, or are pretty sure that social media means having a chat about what you read in the newspaper this morning, you matter! So very much. We are grateful for you, and are cheering you on, and wish you a wonderful Father's Day!
