Josh Duhamel, the well-known actor famed for his role in the *Transformers* franchise, has embraced fatherhood with enthusiasm, currently raising three children: 12-year-old Axl, and his younger sons, Shepherd and Rocca de Leon, who he shares with his wife, Audra Mari. His family journey reflects significant personal milestones, displaying both joy and responsibility.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/josh-duhamel-kids-051826-e699d50b3b62421fa5770690a851e21b.jpg)

Duhamel first became a parent in August 2013 when he welcomed Axl into the world with his former wife, singer Fergie. The boy, named after rocker Axl Rose, is now a pre-teen with interests that echo his father’s passions, including a budding interest in acting. Despite Axl’s enthusiasm for theatre, Duhamel has made it clear that he believes in allowing his son to enjoy childhood without the pressures of an acting career just yet. He has communicated his desire to postpone any career pursuits until Axl is older and better equipped to make those decisions independently.

The actor, who divorced Fergie in 2019 after a two-year separation, highlights the importance of co-parenting Axl amicably. On *The Jess Cagle Show* in September 2023, he expressed admiration for Fergie, stating, “That’s the thing, you never know how these things are going to go… and thankfully we have a really civil situation.” This mutual respect has allowed them to maintain a stable environment for their son.
In January 2024, Duhamel and Mari welcomed their first child together, a son named Shepherd, just months after tying the knot in September 2022. The actor had long articulated his desire to expand his family following his split from Fergie, pointing out in a December 2018 podcast appearance that he wished to have more children. His vision finally became a reality as he transitioned from his former lifestyle to family life alongside Mari.
Duhamel was notably excited about becoming a father for the second time, sharing that the family would be moving from his “bachelor pad” to a home more suitable for a growing family. He praised Mari’s approach to motherhood, expressing confidence in her nurturing abilities. “We’ve both been looking forward to this for a very long time,” he said in an interview.
As the Duhamel-Mari family grew, they welcomed their daughter, Rocca de Leon, in May 2026, as announced in a heartfelt Instagram post. Duhamel’s excitement about being a girl dad appeared palpable, particularly as he spoke with a fellow actor about his new comedy, *Preschool*. “I think there’s something about dads and their little girls. It’s different, you know?” he remarked, reflecting on the uniqueness of that father-daughter bond.
Axl, the eldest, has taken to his new role as a big brother with enthusiasm. Duhamel shared that Axl is eager to assist as the family adjusts to their newest member, indicating that he is not only excited but prepared for the responsibility that comes with being an older sibling. The actor believes this transition will benefit Axl, helping him develop nurturing qualities and a sense of responsibility.
Duhamel often shares snippets of his family life on social media, showcasing moments that resonate with fatherhood, whether it be attending sporting events with Axl or capturing tender moments with Shepherd and Rocca. During one memorable occasion in October 2023, Duhamel shared an encounter with former football star David Beckham, thrilling Axl in the process. The young boy’s reaction underscored the special moments shared between father and son, showcasing the connection they maintain.
Overall, Josh Duhamel’s journey through parenthood has been marked by joyful milestones and personal commitments. His ability to navigate the complexities of co-parenting alongside Fergie while embracing a new life with Mari exemplifies his dedication to his children. As he continues to thrive in both his professional and family life, Duhamel reflects the evolving nature of fatherhood in the modern era. Each new day presents not just challenges but opportunities to celebrate the joys of being a dad.
