Hugh Grant Shares His Parenting Struggles, Jokes About Hiding in the Bathroom
In a candid appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Hugh Grant, the 64-year-old actor known for his role in “Notting Hill,” opened up about the challenges of fatherhood, particularly as an “old” dad with five children. The conversation, which aired on November 15, 2024, highlighted Grant’s humorous take on parenting, admitting that he often feels overwhelmed.
“It’s noisy and it’s unbearable,” the Golden Globe winner shared, revealing that he frequently seeks refuge in the bathroom. “I do a lot of hiding in the loo. I do a lot of sleeping in there now,” he quipped, showcasing his unique way of coping with the chaos that comes with raising a large family.
Grant, who shares two children, Tabitha, 13, and Felix, 11, with ex Tinglan Hong, along with John, 12, Lulu, 8, and Blue, 6, with his wife Anna Eberstein, expressed conflicting feelings about his big brood. While the noisy atmosphere can be challenging, he also cherishes moments of affection from his kids. “Going home tonight, I love the bit where they jump in your arms,” he said, fondly recalling his daughter’s “chimpanzee hug” that she gives him.
Throughout the interview, Grant’s playful demeanor shone through as he reflected on his experiences as a father. He humorously noted that his children “pretty much broken [the lock] now,” indicating that his bathroom escapes are not always foolproof. He has previously referred to his fatherhood journey as a mix of joy and exasperation. In a late 2023 chat with a different outlet, Grant remarked, “I have no fun at all. I’m swamped in children.”
Adding to the light-heartedness of the discussion, he once described the transition to parenting as a transformation from a “half-atrophied, middle-aged golfer” to a man with “a life full of love.”
This blend of humor and honesty about the highs and lows of parenting resonates with many, especially since Grant became a father later in life. His former partner Elizabeth Hurley has also commented on his evolution as a parent, joking that he’s transitioned from being “very miserable” to “fairly miserable” with the arrival of his children.
As Hugh Grant continues to navigate the ups and downs of parenthood, his candid reflections and humorous anecdotes offer a relatable glimpse into life as a father, proving that even celebrities face the same challenges that many parents encounter daily.
