At age 70, Kelsey Grammer has become a father for the eighth time after revealing that he and his wife, Kayte Walsh, have welcomed a baby boy. The Frasier star announced that son Christopher joined the family only three days ago, marking the fourth child for the couple – and eight kids in total for Grammer.
Grammer’s journey to fatherhood spans decades. He welcomed his first child, daughter Spencer, in 1983 (age ~28) with his first wife Doreen Alderman. He later had daughter Kandace Greer (33) with Barrie Buckner; daughter Mason (24) and son Jude (21) with third wife Camille Mayer; and now four children with Kayte — Faith (13), Kelsey Gabriel (11), Auden James (8) and now Christopher.
He has spoken about how gratifying it is that his children are following his footsteps into the entertainment industry. He told Variety in 2024: “To think that all my kids … are drawn to this industry. And [Kayte] said, ‘That’s something to be proud of.’ It’s something I’ve never told them. I’m hoping they’re going to read my upcoming memoir and realise, ‘Oh, so Dad’s OK with this.’ Because I never wanted to push myself on them.”
Other celebs who became fathers later in life
Grammer is far from alone among public figures who have embraced fatherhood late. A few notable examples:
Steve Martin became a first-time father at age 67 when his daughter Mary was born in late 2013.
Mick Jagger was 73 when his son Deveraux was born in 2016.
Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child at age 79.
George Clooney became a father for the first time at 56 (twins Ella and Alexander in 2017).
Hugh Hefner fathered children in his late 60s and beyond.
These cases reflect a growing social pattern: more men becoming fathers comparatively later in life. As one commentary notes, “the percentage of births to fathers aged 40 and older has doubled since the 1970s.”
Why men may choose fatherhood later
From a psychological and biological standpoint, several intertwined reasons and dynamics help explain why men might delay fatherhood – and what it means when they finally embrace it.
1. Life stage, stability and readiness.
Many men postpone fatherhood because of career, financial, or relational factors. With more years behind them, older fathers often bring greater financial resources, emotional stability and life experience into parenthood. As one piece notes: “Older fathers often have the financial security and life wisdom to provide their children with a stable, enriching environment.”
2. Identity transformation and the “becoming father” brain.
Research shows men’s brains and hormones change when they become fathers. For example, fathers’ testosterone tends to drop, and oxytocin (the “bonding” hormone) rises, facilitating caregiving behaviour. One recent article describes the process of “patrescence” – the transition to fatherhood – as a profound identity shift in men.
3. A chance to “reset”, fulfil legacy or mature desire.
Some older fathers say they feel more emotionally mature, more prioritised on what matters. For example Steve Martin said that waiting allowed him to be a better father because he’d already built much of his career and could now focus on his daughter.
4. Biological and social shifts.
Men remain fertile longer than women (though not indefinitely), and societal norms about family timing have shifted. Older partnerships, second marriages or blended families account for many late fatherhood cases.
A balanced view: benefits and challenges
There are real benefits to late fatherhood: emotional maturity, financial readiness, deeper reflection on meaning. As one review puts it: older fathers “often possess a greater sense of emotional maturity and stability, which can provide a solid foundation for their children’s upbringing.”
But there are also practical and psychological challenges. Older fathers may face reduced physical stamina, health concerns or a shortened overlap with their children’s lives. From a biological standpoint, advancing paternal age is associated with increased risks in offspring (e.g., for some genetic and psychiatric conditions).
In the case of Kelsey Grammer, his announcement at age 70 invites reflection on both the personal joy of parenthood and the broader dynamics of becoming a father later in life. His story sits alongside those of Steve Martin, Mick Jagger, Robert De Niro and others – men who entered fatherhood when many of their peers might have been watching grandchildren. Whether driven by career, timing, relationship changes or a deeper sense of readiness, late fatherhood is a trend with both richness and complexity.