Jared Padalecki’s Daughter ‘Loves’ Gilmore Girls ‘Except for When Dean and Rory Kiss’ (Exclusive)
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Jared Padalecki, well-known for his role as Dean Forester on Gilmore Girls, recently shared an endearing anecdote about his 8-year-old daughter, Odette’s reaction to the show. While Padalecki’s portrayal of Rory Gilmore’s first love has garnered him a dedicated fan base over the years, it seems his biggest fan might just be his own daughter. In a candid interview with PEOPLE for the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive issue, Padalecki opened up about the impact of the iconic role on both his professional and personal life since the show’s debut 25 years ago.
The actor expressed how he is frequently approached by fans who express their love for the show, with many sharing heartwarming stories of bonding over Gilmore Girls with their loved ones. Padalecki reflected, “I feel like I can’t really go anywhere without somebody wonderfully coming up and saying, ‘I love the show.’ So it’s been funny, especially since COVID, people are like, ‘Oh, here’s a feel-good show. Let’s stream this.’”
While Padalecki’s on-screen persona has captured the hearts of fans around the globe, it seems his daughter Odette has a more nuanced view of his character’s romance with Alexis Bledel’s Rory Gilmore. Padalecki shared that Odette enjoys watching the show but has a particular disdain for the scenes where he shares romantic moments with Rory. He chuckled, “She doesn’t comprehend. She’s like, ‘Why is dad kissing somebody else?’”
Despite Odette’s occasional disapproval of her father’s on-screen romance, Padalecki and his wife, Genevieve Padalecki, have created a shared family tradition of watching Gilmore Girls together. Genevieve, who is also an actress, helps Odette understand the dynamics of acting by explaining that the on-screen kisses are part of the characters’ storyline. Padalecki fondly recounted, “Odette is like, ‘Hmm.’ She digs her feet in: ‘Dad should only kiss mom.’”
In addition to their cozy family TV nights, the Padalecki household is bustling with love and laughter as they juggle parenting their three children: 13-year-old Thomas Colton, 11-year-old Austin “Shep” Shepherd, and the youngest, 8-year-old Odette Elliott. Jared previously spoke about the unique experience of becoming a father to a daughter after having sons, expressing his excitement for the special bond he shares with Odette.
Given his protective instincts as a father, Jared admitted to feeling a sense of vulnerability and nervousness when it comes to raising a daughter. He articulated, “With boys, you’re like, ‘Go skin your knees and go break your arms like I did.’ But with a girl, you’re like, ‘If somebody ever touches her, I’ll go off the handle!’” The actor’s heartfelt sentiments highlight the deep emotional connection he shares with his children.
The Padalecki family resides in a picturesque farmhouse in Austin, Texas, surrounded by nature and animals. Embracing a slower pace of life, they have created a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of California, where they had initially moved from. Alongside raising their children, Jared and Genevieve maintain a mini-farm with chickens, dogs, miniature horses, and even a beehive, fostering a harmonious blend of family life and nature.
Jared Padalecki’s tender bond with his daughter Odette offers a heartwarming glimpse into the actor’s personal life beyond the glitz and glam of Hollywood. As fans continue to celebrate his iconic roles on screen, it is these moments of familial love and connection that truly define the essence of Jared Padalecki as a devoted father and husband.
**Do you enjoy watching ‘Gilmore Girls’ with your family? What are your thoughts on Jared Padalecki’s endearing relationship with his daughter Odette? Share your comments below.**
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