While we may not expect our children to choose the same careers as us, we’re used to seeing actors’ children follow in their parents’ footsteps. Some, like Jack Quaid, son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, have found great success due to their tremendous talent. Others try it out, take a few small roles, and move on to something else. In the case of Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, their kids couldn’t have more opposite reactions to the idea of entering the ‘family business.’
One of His Daughters Wants Nothing to Do With Acting
Speaking at the SeriousFun Children’s Network Gala on April 7, Broderick gave some insight into what his children think about acting, saying that one of his daughters is “repelled” by the thought. “If you say, ‘What about you?’ She says ‘Nope, no absolutely not’,” he told People. He doesn’t specify which of their twins, Tabitha Hodge or Marion Loretta Elwell, has these strong feelings.
Broderick and Parker Are Supporting Son James’ Acting Career: ‘He’s Very Smart’
Unlike his little sister, 22-year-old son James Wilkie loves acting. “I think he is gonna try, yeah. He’s very smart,” Broderick told People. “He has a really good education too, so he has a lot of different things he can do, but I think right now he likes acting.” Most recently, Wilkie shared the screen with his father on the CBS series Elsbeth. “So proud and happy to work with my son James,” Broderick said about their time together.
Luckily for Wilkie, he has his parents to turn to for support — and help with auditions and reading lines. “Well, I’ll give advice if I’m asked, [but] my wife is with him when he does auditions. It’s self-tape nowadays and she’ll read with him and tell him, ’It’s not good,’ ” Broderick jokes. “And you know I will too. We definitely [support him] but only if he wants to,” he adds.