Robin Wright Shares “Huge Regret” About Coparenting With Sean Penn

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Robin Wright is reflecting on her parenting journey.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d say: Reflecting on my journey as a mother to Dylan Penn, age 34, and Hopper Penn, 33 – both wonderful souls I raised alongside my former spouse, Sean Penn – I find myself pondering one thing I might approach differently. It’s all about the lessons we pass down and how we grow together in our unique parent-child dynamic.

In an interview with The Times of London published on August 30, she expressed a deep sense of remorse as a mother, stating that for many years, she has felt the consequences of this regret with her children. Essentially, she admitted that she was not firm enough with them.

Robin, aged 59 at the time, and Sean, who was 65, tied the knot in 1996 following the birth of their children. However, their marriage didn’t last, ending in 2010. Robin often referred to her ex as the stricter parent. She also pointed out that due to his busy acting schedule, he was frequently absent from home.

Later, he’d return as a policeman, then depart, leaving me with the remnants behind,” she explained. “I’d try to cushion the impact. We were both polar opposites, not understanding that middle ground – the blend of firmness and compassion – which was exactly what they required.

As Robin’s worries increased, so did the hurdles her children encountered. Notably, Hopper’s battle with crystal meth, which he openly discussed in a 2017 interview with ES Magazine, became a significant challenge for him.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that quote to: “Each time my phone rings, a wave of concern washes over me – ‘Are they okay?’ has been a question I’ve asked myself far too many times throughout the years.” Robin shared this sentiment, having experienced similar concerns with both individuals.

Fortunately, Robin noted, “They’re both in a really good place right now.”

Both Dylan and Hopper have delved into the same family profession by acting alongside their parents as well as individually. Interestingly, despite growing up in Hollywood, Hopper has chosen to stay away from the conversation surrounding “nepotism children.

He shared with TopMob News in February 2023, “If you appreciate it, fantastic. If not, no problem, either way.” Moreover, if you suspect favoritism, he expressed indifference since he intends to perform his duties with the same level of professionalism as everyone else.

Keep reading to see what other stars have said about coparenting with their exes…

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green have gained considerable experience in co-parenting, given that they share three children: Noah, Bodhi, and Journey. They adhere to a fundamental principle in this arrangement, as expressed by Brian in an interview with TopMob News in 2024: “The most important rule is always to prioritize the children’s experience above everything else.”

Breakups can impact the kids, according to Brian, and parents have the power to determine how it affects them. A part of this responsibility involves choosing one’s battles carefully. As he explained, “Since you’ve separated from your former partner, it’s essential to understand that you won’t necessarily get along after the separation. Instead, you must shift your focus to co-parenting, which is a distinct situation.”

Megan, whose divorce from Brian was finalized in 2022 following a two-year legal process, concurs with this approach. In an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show in 2023, she emphasized the importance of maintaining respect and love for the other parent, even if they’re no longer together romantically: “I believe it’s crucial when relationships end that one should never disparage or subtly criticize the other parent. I make sure to keep any negative feelings towards Brian away from our children because if I don’t accept and appreciate their father, I am essentially rejecting a part of them. He is an integral part of who they are, genetically and psychologically, and they exist because of him.

Josh Duhamel praises Fergie for her kindness and support as co-parents, especially after the arrival of his new wife Audra Mari and their son Shepherd in 2024. Despite their divorce in 2019, they maintain a civil relationship, and Josh appreciates that it could have been much more challenging.

Irina Shayk, who has daughter Lea with her ex-partner Bradley Cooper, doesn’t favor the term ‘co-parenting’. She expressed this opinion to ELLE magazine in 2021, stating that when she is with her daughter, she is entirely a mother, and when Lea is with her father, he is entirely her father. In her view, co-parenting is simply parenting. Despite their separation in 2019 after four years together, Irina and Bradley have managed to maintain a good relationship. Even with their busy schedules, they’ve continued to take family vacations, spend time in New York, and support each other since their split. According to her, Bradley is the best father Lea could ever hope for, and their relationship works because they make it work.

According to Mariah Carey, love and co-parenting both require time for harmony, but Nick Cannon, who shares children Moroccan and Monroe with Mariah, has found a good groove in their co-parenting relationship. During an episode of The Language of Love with Dr. Laura Berman in 2022, Cannon stated that he and Carey have a strong co-parenting dynamic and are close friends. In the same vein, Mariah appears to be pleased with how much they’ve grown since their separation in 2014 and subsequent divorce. In 2019, she told People that they have done well as co-parents by maintaining a friendship to facilitate communication. Nick Cannon is also father to Zion, Mixolydian, Zillion Heir, and Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa; Golden “Sagon,” Powerful Queen, and Rise Messiah with Brittany Bell; Legendary Love with Bre Tiesi; Onyx Ice with LaNisha Cole; Halo Marie and the late Zen with Alyssa Scott.

In a nutshell, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, who are famous for popularizing the term “consciously uncouple,” share children Apple Martin and Moses Martin. Despite their divorce in 2014, they prioritize their kids and continue to maintain a close relationship. As Gwyneth explained during an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2020, it isn’t always easy, but they commit to family dinners and strive to foster a new bond. They believe that just because they are divorced, it doesn’t mean they can no longer appreciate the good qualities about each other that they once loved.

Following their divorce in 2022, Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady faced a new hurdle. In an interview with Robin Roberts for ABC News in 2024, Gisele, who shares children Benjamin and Vivian with Tom, commented, “Some days are harder than others.” She further explained, “They’re incredibly smart kids. They know how to navigate the situation, so I think it’s natural that they test their boundaries. I can only control my actions.”

Gisele emphasized the importance of balance. She continued, “Tom spends time with them, and I spend time with them, which I believe is fantastic as they get to experience two distinct worlds, enriching their lives in different ways.”

In a 2023 conversation with TopMob News, Tom shared some insights about his co-parenting relationship with Gisele. “I’m helping raise the kids-all of us, myself and their mother-in a compassionate way,” said Tom, who also has a son named Jack with ex Bridget Moynahan. “We want to instill in them kindness, empathy, and a good perspective as they grow up.

In their own lives, Ben Affleck recognizes a real-life superhero when he sees one, and he includes his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, in that category. They share children Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel. Jen, as described by the Oscar winner (whose separation from Jennifer Garner was announced in 2015 and finalized in 2018), is a superhero mom. In an interview with TopMob News in 2016, Affleck praised her, stating, “Jen is a superhero mom… She’s an amazing mother, and I’m really fortunate to have her as a partner to co-parent these kids with. We do our best, putting them first.” Jennifer Lopez, who remarried Ben in 2022 before filing for divorce two years later, echoed the sentiment, previously telling Vogue that Garner is “an amazing co-parent,” and that she and Affleck “work well together.

Despite their 2021 separation making news headlines, Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik have successfully transitioned into co-parenting for the sake of their daughter Khai. In a 2023 episode of Call Her Daddy, Zayn spoke positively about their current situation, stating, “Co-parenting is good… We have a really good relationship for Khai. She’s the main priority. So yeah, it’s going well, I think.”

When asked for advice for other parents in similar situations, Gigi shared her perspective with The Sunday Times in 2021: “Just keeping the importance of the child’s happiness at the forefront is crucial. You have a long life alongside this person.” Additionally, Gigi expressed her gratitude that Khai can spend time with both parents, which brings her great joy.

Khloe Kardashian continues to nurture a shared parenting arrangement with her ex, Tristan Thompson. However, she openly acknowledges that the effort required to maintain this bond, particularly with someone who was involved in multiple infidelity scandals during their relationship, isn’t always straightforward.

In an interview with tmrw in January 2024, as reported by People, Khloe expressed her feelings, stating, “It’s much harder to be friendly when you’re really angry at someone. It’s challenging to greet them casually in front of your kids and say ‘Hello!'” She further explained, “Trust me, I don’t always feel this way every day. I had to learn to manage my emotions. There were countless instances where my feelings took control, leading to impulsive tweets or posts that I later regretted. But in my opinion, I’ll never regret being a kind person.”

Ultimately, Khloe desires for her children, True and Tatum Thompson, as well as Tristan’s other kids, Prince, Jordan Craig’s son, and Theo, born from his relationship with Maralee Nichols, to have strong bonds with their father. She expressed, “I want my kids to have beautiful relationships with their dad. If we’re fortunate enough for him to be there and involved in our lives, why would I hinder that?

Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr, who split in 2013, continue to share parenting responsibilities for their son Flynn. This unique arrangement also includes Katy Perry, Bloom’s ex-girlfriend, and Evan Spiegel, Miranda’s husband. In a 2020 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, Miranda expressed her appreciation for Katy, stating, “I love Katy, and I’m so happy that Orlando has found someone who brings joy to his heart.” She further added that the well-being of Flynn, having both happy parents, is the most crucial aspect. Both families, with additional children, manage to coordinate their schedules for important occasions, always prioritizing what is best for Flynn.

Contrary to a love fern, Kate Hudson believes that her friendly ties with exes Chris Robinson and Matt Bellamy don’t have to fade away.

In an interview with The Sunday Times in 2022, the actress who starred in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days mentioned Chris as her son Ryder’s father and housemate: “Chris and I simply need to keep in touch occasionally.”

About Matt, dad to her son Bingham, she said he was “extraordinarily wonderful-I couldn’t have wished for a better co-parent.” She further explained, “For me it’s like, you once loved this person. That doesn’t just disappear, but you can develop a different kind of love. You can have a fantastic time with an ex-partner because your focus is solely on the love for your child.”

Kate also shares a daughter, Rani, with her fiancé Danny Fujikawa. She concluded by saying, “It may not seem traditional from the outside, but internally I feel like we’re thriving. The family unit I’ve built with three children from three different fathers is a very strong one, and it’s ours.

At times, it may seem like co-parents exist on completely different planets. However, Anna Faris has hinted at a growing bond between herself, her ex Chris Pratt, their shared son Jack, and Katherine Schwarzenegger. In an interview with People in 2022, she expressed that they have been drawing closer. “We’re all getting much closer, and I so appreciate that,” Anna said, commending their protective nature towards each other. “I so appreciate their support.”

Anna even referred to Katherine-who has two daughters with Chris (Lyla and Eloise) and is reportedly expecting a third child-as “awesome”. She admired Katherine’s parenting skills, particularly with Jack.

Ultimately, Anna-now married to cinematographer Michael Barrett-seems content with how the blended family dynamics have developed, stating that it feels easier now that time has passed and the internal tension of unpleasantness has subsided.

It’s beneficial when former partners can align their parenting perspectives, and Mel B confesses that it took some time for her and Eddie Murphy to establish such a bond.

In her conversation with Us Weekly in May 2025, Mel B (from the Spice Girls) shared that given the challenging circumstances she found herself in during their relationship, it was difficult for her romance with Eddie to thrive. However, she persevered and gradually managed to strengthen their bond. Interestingly, Mel B added that despite their past struggles with PTSD and coercive control, their friendship has grown stronger over time. Now, they even spend quality time together, with Angel visiting Murphy’s house frequently and even going on holidays together. Moreover, Eddie is actively involved in the lives of his ten children, demonstrating his commitment as a father.

Although the television show “The O.C.” was filled with drama, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the co-parenting relationship between Rachel Bilson and her ex, Hayden Christensen, needs to mirror that. In fact, as reported by People in 2024, everything is going well for them, especially since they share daughter Briar Rose. The actress stated that everything is in a great place, with support coming from all sides, ensuring her beautiful growth and flourishing.

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2025-09-01 20:47