David Harbour Opens Up About Becoming a Stepfather and His Past Reluctance Toward Having Kids

As a lifestyle expert with a wealth of experience under my belt, I must say that David Harbour‘s transformation from a man content with living childlessly to a loving stepfather is nothing short of remarkable. His journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of love and acceptance in our lives.


Prior to meeting Lily Allen in 2019, David Harbour had envisioned a future for himself as a contentedly childless man. However, things took a different turn after marrying Lily in 2020 (the ceremony was officiated by Elvis in Las Vegas) and becoming the stepfather to her two daughters, Ethel, now 12, and Marnie, now 11, from her previous marriage to Sam Cooper.

After relocating to Brooklyn, New York, the family now resides there. It seems that David has grown quite fond of his role as a stepfather, as evidenced by his Instagram posts showcasing their shared moments, like when they went to a Taylor Swift concert together. On her podcast, “Miss Me?”, she frequently expresses affectionately how engaged David is with the kids – for instance, when he prepared their bags for summer camp and drove them from New York to Boston after Lily’s flight home was unexpectedly delayed.

Despite currently having a close relationship with them, he openly acknowledged that it wasn’t always smooth sailing between him and his stepdaughters. In the past, a disagreement would arise, such as when Ethel expressed her feelings by saying, “You’re not our dad, you’re not our dad,” while Marnie seemed puzzled and inquired about their relationship. “The eldest one got quite emotional with that, which I can understand, and said: ‘You’re not our dad, you’re not our dad,'” David explained. “And the younger one was like: ‘Well, then what are you? You’re somewhat of a dad to us? Or more like our stepfather?'” In simpler terms, his stepdaughters sometimes struggled with their feelings towards him, but they eventually came to understand that he played a significant role in their lives.

‘ And the older one said: ‘He’s just some guy in our lives.”

As a seasoned storyteller, I can’t help but marvel at the poignant moments that leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. One such instance was when I witnessed David’s heartwarming confession of love for Lily. The sweet memory still lingers in my mind, like a cherished keepsake from the past.

Lately, David has been opening up more about his relationship with his stepdaughters and the touching encounter when they first met. In an episode of “Miss Me?”, he had an open conversation about his experience as a stepfather with his best friend and co-host Miquita Oliver. He expressed that becoming a stepfather was both unexpected and enjoyable for him.

David expressed that he never considered himself a father, having spent most of his life immersed in artistic endeavors and thrilling experiences that didn’t align smoothly with being a parent. He added that, given his position as the last male in his family lineage, he felt content with ceasing his bloodline. Looking back on his past, he confessed that he had never desired children. However, encountering Lily and her daughters shifted his perspective entirely. He vividly remembered their first meeting at The Wolseley in London, admitting to feeling quite anxious but developing a profound affection for the young ladies. He described the bond as sudden, explaining how their innocent faces captured his heart.

He expressed a unique, almost immediate form of affection for them that stood out distinctly, he stated. At the time, they were both around six and seven years old.

After demonstrating his renewed affection towards his stepdaughters, David ended the interview by expressing that this experience had led him to embrace the concept of a “pre-existing family.” This implies a relief from the typical burdens of being a traditional father figure, allowing him to focus on their upbringing. For him, it’s similar to being part of a family—almost like a ready-made one—merely finding a role in their lives and assisting them in their growth while cherishing simple moments together.

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2024-08-09 16:37