Famous Fathers Facing Heat: Is Late-Life Parenting an Epidemic Among Hollywood's A-List?

Chelsea Handler, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro John Salangsang/Shutterstock; Magnus Sundholm/Shutterstock; Soul Brother/Soul B Photos/Shutterstock

Male actors are being called out by Chelsea Handler for their tendency to start families at a later age. The comedian took to Instagram on June 14 to share her thoughts on the matter, humorously referring to it as an epidemic of "horny old men who won't stop spreading their seed."

Handler expressed her desire to safeguard women worldwide and proceeded to name-drop Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Elon Musk, and Alec Baldwin. She criticized the quartet for their insatiable sexual appetite, stating that they have never met a broken condom they did not like. Moreover, she highlighted their procreation habits, pointing out that collectively, they have fathered 32 children.

The former Chelsea Lately star revealed that she had the most problems with Musk, who became a father to multiple children with different partners over the years. Despite not being in his eighties like other wealthy men, Handler commented on Musk's personality, suggesting that he might as well be. She even joked about putting these older men up for auction, calling them "antiques" and adding that their lustful behavior was never worth the cost.

Last month, both De Niro and Pacino made headlines with news of new babies. De Niro, 79, surprised fans by announcing the birth of his child with girlfriend Tiffany Chen. When asked about fatherhood, De Niro shared that he feels great and that his age has given him a certain awareness of life and family dynamics. He believes that his life experience has prepared him to handle the challenges that come with parenting.

De Niro and Pacino both have large families. De Niro has six children, including son Raphael and daughter Gia with his ex-wife, Diahnne Abbott. He also adopted Abbott's daughter Drena and had twins Julian and Aaron with Toukie Smith. Additionally, he shares son Elliot and daughter Helen with ex-wife Grace Hightower. Pacino, on the other hand, has three children, including daughter Julie Marie with Jan Tarrant and twins Anton James and Olivia Rose with Beverly D'Angelo. He is currently expecting his first child with girlfriend Noor Alfallah.

Pacino expressed his excitement about becoming a father again, saying "It's very special. It always has been. I've got many kids, but this is really special coming at this time," in an interview with the Daily Mail on June 6. Other celebrities, such as Amy Schumer, have also brought attention to the double standard surrounding men and women becoming parents later in life as De Niro and Pacino expand their families.

"I Feel Pretty" star and mother to 4-year-old Gene, Amy Schumer, recently shared during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen that she finds it uncomfortable when people congratulate her on her pregnancy. Jokingly referencing how the reaction might differ if she were Jane Fonda, Schumer expressed her discomfort with the attention.