Theo James Shares Why He Feels It’s Currently ‘Terrifying’ to Be the Father of a Son

**Theo James Reflects on Fatherhood and Modern Challenges in New Interview**

Theo James, renowned for his role in the film *The Gentlemen*, has candidly addressed the complexities and fears of parenting in today’s world during a recent interview on the Great Chat Show with host Josh Smith. The 41-year-old actor, who welcomed his second child—a son—earlier this year, expressed his concerns about raising a boy amidst the current political and social climate.

James began the conversation by acknowledging the overwhelming pressures of modern society, particularly with the emphasis on wealth and consumerism. He described capitalism as a notable influence that often prioritises financial success and material possessions. “Capitalism is the dominant force, and you are celebrated no matter what you are if you are stinking rich and driving around in flashy cars,” he remarked, adding that it can be daunting to raise a boy in such an environment.

The actor’s worries extend beyond mere societal pressures; he voiced a concern that boys may be drawn into a culture that celebrates superficial success over deeper values. “It’s terrifying having a son because people get lured into this idea very, very easily,” he explained. Instead, he stressed the importance of empathy and morality, which he feels are increasingly sidelined in favour of a more aggressive pursuit of wealth.

James noted that discussions about empathy and morality seem to have lost their appeal in popular culture. “It’s not cool to talk about those things. It’s cool to be like, ‘F–k you, I earn loads of cash and bring it on motherf—-r,'” he stated bluntly. Despite this prevailing trend, James expressed his belief that prioritising moral values ultimately leads to a more fulfilling life.

Fatherhood has brought significant changes to James’s life, enhancing his perspective as a person. He and his actress wife, Ruth Kearney, tied the knot in 2018 and are parents to two children, a daughter born in 2021 and their newborn son. Reflecting on the impact of parenthood, he described the initial transition to fatherhood as “discombobulating,” but ultimately rewarding. “It makes you — definitely for me, at least — a much more solid person,” he shared in a prior interview with *InStyle*.

Having grown up as the youngest of five siblings, James admits he experienced specific advantages not afforded to his older brothers and sisters. He revealed in *Gentleman’s Journal* that he faced “less scrutiny” compared to his siblings, which has influenced his relaxed approach to parenting. According to him, welcoming a second child has allowed him to adopt a more laid-back attitude. “You’re much more relaxed and laconic, existentially, as a parent,” he noted.

Despite his commitment to his craft, James has found the joy of fatherhood challenging to balance with his professional life. In a March 2024 promotion for *The Gentlemen*, his first project after the birth of his son, he candidly reflected on the difficulties of being away from his family for work engagements. “Sad to be away from the family, you know?” he conveyed to *Entertainment Tonight*. “It’s not great being away, but, no, very happy.”

This change in priorities extends to how he perceives his career trajectory. In an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, James indicated that having children has shifted his views on acting, leading him to grasp that some aspects of the job are less significant over time. “Kids helped that for me. You’re selling a product — yourself, in some ways — especially when you’re starting out. But having kids, you realise that some of it doesn’t matter,” he explained.

James further elaborated on how his past ambition to seize every opportunity in acting has been tempered by his responsibilities as a parent. He reflected on how he would not want to disrupt their education for gigs that might seem enticing at first glance. “I don’t want to take our kids out of school just because [a job] seems sexy at the time,” he concluded.

As James navigates the complexities of fatherhood while managing a successful acting career, his reflections are a reminder of the challenges parents face today. He hopes that by embracing empathy and morality, his children can thrive in a world that often celebrates materialism. In sharing his thoughts, Theo James invites a broader conversation about the values we hold dear in an ever-changing societal landscape.