Celebrities may not get to relax and spend time with their kids in the same way that the rest of us do, but they’re doing a great job make parenting and their chosen profession really work. In honor of Father’s Day, here are some famous Austin dads who we’re big fans of!
Drew Brees
Even though the Super Bowl winning quarterback can be pretty darn busy during football season, he still manages to make his kids a priority. He told Huffington Post, “For the most part, I structure my day around, “OK, when are they going to be awake? When am I going to be with them?” I try to be there for them at night to read them a book before they go to bed on the busy days, so we have our moments.”
The Westlake High School grad definitely isn’t shy about bragging on his kids online. Just check out his Instagram page.
Matthew McConaughey
The Oscar winner told Good Morning America that he moved his family to Austin so that his children can see his mother, Mary Kay, almost every weekend.
And as if that isn’t enough reason to love him, he’s a part of two non-profits that give to kids in our communities.
Through Mack, Jack, & McConaughey, an organization he formed with singer Jack Ingram and former University of Texas football coach Mack Brown, the trio has given over $5 million dollars to charitable organizations in Austin. Those organizations include Dell Children’s Medical Center, Rise School of Austin, and MM’s other foundation just keep livin, which is dedicated to empowering high school students by providing them with tools to make healthy choices for a better future.
Oh, yeah, a few years back he also had his kids join him on the red carpet for the premiere of his animated flick, “Sing.”
Gary Clark Jr
GCJ is a 6 time Grammy Award winner, part owner of Antone’s, and now devoted father…to three.
Andy Roddick
The former professional tennis player may be retired, but he stays active thanks to his son Hank and daughter Stevie.
Keeping up with Hank and Stevie isn’t the only thing taking up Roddick’s time. His Andy Roddick Foundation focuses on closing the educational achievement gap by providing children with abundant opportunities outside the school day. The organization works with the Austin Independent School District among others. The family may spend most of their time in North Carolina but they still call Austin home too!
Kyle Chandler
The former “Friday Night Lights” coach and current “Bloodlines” star has a 33-acre spread about a half-hour outside of Austin, living a simpler life with his wife and two daughters. He told the Hollywood Reporter in 2015 that he’s a regular fixture at the girls’ volleyball matches and soccer games, though he’s left the coaching to his wife, a former model to whom he’s been married to for over 25 years.
While speaking about fatherhood with Men’s Health back in 2010 he said, “There’s nothing that means more. I give myself over to the family completely.”
He went on to say, “Spending time with my girls clarifies my perspective on just about any problem.”
Not surprisingly, the relatively private star does not share family photos on social platforms, which means no embarrassing dad posts for his girls!
Willie Nelson
Father to seven children and many grandchildren, the octogenarian has three rules for his family, according to this Rolling Stone interview:
Youngest son, Lukas, told Esquire Magazine that sharing the stage with his father is the “best feeling in the world.”
By the age of 13, Lukas was already touring with Willie. “Basically, I started playing in order to get closer to [my father],” he said. “I wanted something that I could relate to him with because he was gone all the time.”
Now, he often plays with the country legend. “There’s nothing better in life to me than being onstage with my dad,” he continued.
Nelson hosts a festival each March at his ranch outside of Austin where many of his family members are known to pop up on stage. His Luck Reunion is definitely one you shouldn’t miss.
Jared Padalecki
Never shy about sharing his family life, Padalecki is one of out favorite Austin dads. He and wife Genevieve are parents to two boys and a girl.
In 2015, the “Supernatural” star told People Magazine that when they moved into their 10,600-sq.-ft. Texas lodge in 2012, they knew they needed to make it a kid-friendly home.
But you don’t need to read the tabloids to learn about the couple’s love for their family. Follow Jared and Gen Instagram for an up close and personal look at the party of five.
Jensen Ackles
It seems that Padalecki raved so much about life in Austin, his co-star followed suit and brought his family here, as well, settling into this beautiful lakeside home.
Jensen and wife Danneel have their hands full with three kids, a daughter and a twins. You’d think it would be hard balancing life and work but looking like Jensen’s got it all figured out.
A while back we asked at Comic-Con if their kids would go on to star in a television series together, Ackles joked that his daughter and Padalecki’s sons have already formed a gang:
“The other day, my daughter was talking about his two boys. I was like, ‘Are they your friends?’ And she goes, ‘Nah, they’re my boys.’ She’s just turned 3. So, we might not have a choice in the matter. They might just be doing whatever they’re going to do. And I assume that, you know, they’re going to want to stay in the family business.”
James Van Der Beek
It is official, Dawson has left the Creek. In the middle of 2020, James packed up his whole life in LA and moved his entire family to Austin. He wants his kids to be able to fly kites and just be kids. Since following their move via Instagram, it seems like it was a good call for the entire family. And what a family it is!
With five kids and plenty of dogs, everyday seems like an adventure with this one of the Austin dads. Here’s just a taste of what you can see on his Instagram.
James Marsden
Austin’s newest transplant, James Marsden announced on Live with Kelly and Ryan that he moved to Austin last year. While Mardsen is pretty private about his personal life, the dad of three does occasionally share special moments like this one.
Dave Annable
Dave Annable, wife actress Odette Annable and their daughter moved to Austin a few years back. And since moving the the ATX, they have welcomed a second bundle of joy! You can follow their family adventures on Instagram. They do it all, take care of their kid, try and have a social life, remodel their home, and navigate work.
Featured photo of Odette and Dave Annable courtesy of SpilltheATX
If you would like to read more about movies, TV, celebrities and other entertainment, you can check out Dani Dudek’s website spilltheatx.com.
