Julia Stiles Shares Surprise Arrival of Baby No. 3 With Husband Preston Cook

Julia Stiles Reveals She Secretly Welcomed Baby No 3 With Husband Preston Cook 078

Preston Cook, Julia Stiles. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival

Julia Stiles and her husband Preston Cook recently welcomed their third baby. Stiles, 43, opened up about her emotions in a profile for The New York Times, published on Wednesday, April 3. She mentioned having a 5-month-old baby and directing her first movie, leading to a mix of feelings.

Stiles surprised everyone by sharing the news of her third pregnancy as she looked back on her famous role as Kat Stratford in 10 Things I Hate About You, a quarter of a century after the film was released.

When asked about her pregnancy, Stiles mentioned that she had kept it private and did not disclose the gender of the newborn. (She and Cook are already parents to sons Strummer, 6, and Arlo, 2.)

The actress shared that being a mom has been excellent preparation for her directorial role in Wish You Were Here, which has yet to have a release date. She mentioned the importance of thinking ahead, managing time effectively, being present in the moment, and balancing sensitivity with setting boundaries.

Stiles has a history of keeping her personal life private. She and Cook began their relationship discreetly in 2014 after meeting on the set of her movie Blackway. By December 2015, the couple had become engaged.

“It was a total surprise,” Stiles said of the proposal during a July 2016 talk show appearance. “Mostly because I talked myself out of it.”

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She recalled going on vacation with Cook’s family for the holidays and hoping that he had an engagement on the brain.

The actress shared that she went on a trip to Colombia with her entire family over Christmas and New Year’s. She advised herself not to get her hopes up and to just enjoy the vacation.

However, Cook was not able to play it cool. During a conversation while waiting for an elevator, he randomly mentioned that she prefers gold over silver or platinum when it comes to jewelry. Stiles found this conversation surprising and wondered what it meant.

The proposal eventually happened on a tropical island. The couple exchanged their vows in September 2017 for their wedding.

Stiles and Cook first met on a movie set, and it's not surprising that they have collaborated on various projects since then. Cook worked as a crew member on Stiles' show Riviera, which was on air from 2017 to 2020.

In a 2017 interview, Stiles expressed how fortunate they were to be able to work together, as it is not common. She admitted feeling panicked at the thought of being separated for months but shared that her partner was hired for his impressive resume and bilingual skills. This unexpected opportunity turned out to be a romantic experience for them both.

Editor's P/S:

Julia Stiles's journey to motherhood and her directorial debut paint a compelling picture of a woman embracing life's challenges with grace and determination. Her candid reflections on the complexities of balancing family and career resonate with many, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience. The article also offers a glimpse into Stiles's private life, revealing her discreet relationship with husband Preston Cook and their shared experiences on film sets.

Stiles's experience as a mother has undoubtedly influenced her approach to directing, instilling in her a heightened sense of empathy and an ability to navigate the inevitable chaos with composure. Her advice to prioritize presence, set boundaries, and manage time effectively aligns with the challenges faced by many juggling multiple roles. As she navigates the uncharted waters of her directorial debut, Stiles's unwavering determination and the support of her family serve as a testament to her strength and resilience.