Dan MacPherson and wife Zoe Ventoura secretly welcomed their first child, son Austin Xavier, into the world five months ago.
And in his first interview about how he’s settling into parenthood, the actor revealed that becoming a father for the first time has had unexpected effects on some of the other relationships in his life.
LISTEN BELOW: Dan MacPherson says “cells were awakened” when looking at baby son Austin
Speaking on the Samantha Gash Podcast, the Strike Back star admitted that his relationship with his own dad has changed recently.
“Even in those first couple of months before he was born, it really has shed light on my relationship with my father,” Dan said.
“My father and I are now the closest we’ve ever been and I understand his love for me and the way he has shown that throughout my life a lot more and that’s been really lovely.”
While Dan usually splits his time between Australia, Los Angeles and other overseas locations depending on his work projects, the actor is currently holed up in Sydney with Zoe and Austin due to travel restrictions put in place thanks to the coronavirus crisis.
He said that since becoming a father, one of the greatest lessons he’s learned is to “just be present” and explained how his mindset has changed.
“Looking back now, you can’t make decisions about life as a parent when you’re not a parent,” he mused.
“There’s things in our DNA, in our cells that we don’t even know about that get awakened when you’re looking back at a little version of yourself staring back at you going ‘Love me, hug me, feed me, hold me.’ When all of a sudden, the next job doesn’t really matter.”
For the first few months of Austin’s life, Dan and Zoe kept tight-lipped about the birth of their first child.
They eventually confirmed the news last week via a spokesperson, after photos emerged of the couple holding a baby outside their home.
“I am very happy to confirm that Zoë and Dan welcomed a baby boy in December last year,” a spokesperson for the couple told The Herald Sun.
“Austin Xavier arrived healthy and smiling. Mum, Dad and baby are all happy and well.”
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