Tony Hale Jokes He’s Only Taking New Roles to ‘Stop Crying’ About Being an Empty Nester (Exclusive)

Tony Hale, celebrated for his role in “Arrested Development,” recently opened up about navigating the challenges of being an empty nester at the world premiere of Netflix’s “Office Romance.” The event took place at the Egyptian Theatre in California, where Hale discussed his evolving career, his daughter, and his new life phase following her departure for college.

Now 55 years old, Hale shared his emotional experience since he and his wife, Martel Thompson, became parents of a college student. Their daughter, Loy, 20 years old, has moved out, prompting Hale to reflect on the significance of this transition in their family unit. During the premiere, he noted that he has been embracing new acting roles in an attempt to cope with the absence of his daughter, joking that it helps him “stop crying.”

In an interview, Hale described this transition as a “new phase,” acknowledging the identity shift that comes with his daughter gaining independence. “It’s wild because my wife and I just moved to Birmingham, Alabama, to be closer to family,” he explained. He went on to articulate the emotional weight of his daughter’s absence, stating, “I’m always a dad, but you’re reminded you’re a dad when your child is around. When she moves away, you’re like, ‘Okay, wow.’”

Each time Loy leaves home, Hale feels the need to let go, rather than clinging to her presence. “Every time she’s leaving the house, I have to let her go,” he remarked, alluding to the bittersweet nature of parenting as children grow and become more independent. This profound sense of identity shift resonates with many parents familiar with the empty nest syndrome.

Hale’s candidness about his emotional struggles has been a recurring theme in his discussions regarding parenthood. In a previous conversation with PEOPLE, he revealed that he had just dropped his daughter off at college for the first time, which placed him in a “vulnerable space.” He expressed the innate desire to protect her while grappling with the realities of letting her grow up.

The actor also reflected on the constant worries that accompany parenthood. “You’re constantly trying not to live in the ‘what if?'” he shared. His comments highlight a common concern among parents, who often battle with fear and anxiety about their children’s safety and well-being as they step into adulthood. He recounted scenarios he has imagined, a reminder of the heightened vigilance parents often feel when they transition from being hands-on caregivers to encouraging autonomy.

Hale’s connection to fatherhood permeated his recent film project as well. In “Office Romance,” his character grapples with parental mistakes and the importance of acknowledging them. Drawing parallels between his role and his own experiences, Hale remarked, “I think me as a parent, those times when I say to my daughter, ‘I’m so sorry; I shouldn’t have said that, that was a mistake,’ the power of acknowledging a parent’s mistakes is really beautiful.”

The release of “Office Romance” and his contributions to upcoming films, including the eagerly awaited “Toy Story” sequel, keep Hale immersed in his craft. Despite the challenges of being a parent to an adult child, he appears determined to channel his experiences into meaningful storytelling, shedding light on the realities of parenthood.

In closing, Tony Hale’s journey as a father exemplifies the emotional complexities that accompany watching children transition into adulthood. His willingness to share his experiences resonates not only with fans of his work but also with countless parents navigating similar life changes. As he continues to embrace new roles, both on screen and in life, Hale remains a compelling figure in the realm of entertainment and a relatable voice for parents everywhere.