Tony Hale Shares How He’s Finally Stopped Being a ‘Helicopter’ Dad (Exclusive)

Tony Hale, known for his role in the animated film series Toy Story, has recently shared his evolving experience as a father. In a conversation with PEOPLE magazine, the 55-year-old actor discussed his journey towards stepping back from his previous obsessive parenting style, commonly referred to as “helicopter” parenting. This coming change in style seems to be spurred by the growing independence of his daughter, Loy Ann, who is now 20 years old.

During the discussion, Hale mentioned a recent visit to New York City, where Loy Ann is completing a summer internship. It was during this trip that Hale observed significant changes in his daughter, leading him to feel reassured about her future. “It’s amazing when you just see that flourishing, and … it makes me leave New York and be like, ‘Okay, she’s going to be okay,'” he reflected.

Hale, who shares his daughter with wife Martel Thompson, also revealed a notable shift in his parenting approach. He previously used an app to monitor his daughter’s whereabouts during her high school years. However, he has since decided to delete the app, expressing newfound confidence in Loy Ann’s decision-making abilities. “I can trust that she’s going to make good choices, and that she’s also going to learn from other not-so-great choices,” Hale explained.

The actor further elaborated on the decision to remove the tracking app from his device. His wife, however, still maintains it, using the application in a more relaxed manner. “When my daughter’s at school, she’s just curious where she is,” he noted, poking fun at the hyper-vigilance that sometimes accompanies parenthood.

Reflecting on his past behaviours, Hale recounted some of his more anxious moments as a parent, such as checking on Loy Ann’s breathing in the dead of night when she was a young child. Nevertheless, he seems to be embracing his daughter’s transition into adulthood with pride and optimism.

In addition to discussing his parenting transitions, Hale recently attended the world premiere of Netflix’s Office Romance, where he spoke of the emotional shifts associated with becoming an empty nester. He joked that he has taken on new acting roles as a distraction from the sadness of his daughter’s departure from home.

Hale described this period as a “new phase,” signalling a significant change in his identity as a parent. “It is wild because we just moved, actually, to Birmingham, Alabama — my wife and I — to be closer to family,” he shared. The move is part of a broader adjustment as the family dynamic shifts with Loy Ann’s increased independence.

He noted the heart-wrenching realities of watching his daughter leave the family home more frequently. “Every time she’s leaving the house, I have to let her go,” he said, signalling the bittersweet nature of his parenting journey. Despite the challenges of this transitional phase, Hale’s reflections are underscored by a sense of pride and hope as he witnesses his daughter’s growth into a capable young adult.

As Hale prepares for the release of Toy Story 5, expected to hit theatres on June 19, he is not only reprising his beloved role as Forky but also embracing his new identity as a father in this evolving chapter of their lives. His journey underscores the universal challenges many parents face as they learn to balance nurturing care with the necessity of fostering independence in their children.