Daddy dearest

Daddy dearest

As a seasoned observer of human dynamics and family relationships, it is evident that Jack Whitehall has had quite an extraordinary journey, both personally and professionally. His candidness about his experiences in Fatherhood with My Father is a testament to his willingness to share his life openly, and it’s fascinating to see the unique blend of traditional wisdom and unconventional insights he encounters along the way.


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3 years after the fifth installment of the road trip comedy “Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father,” Jack Whitehall embarks on a new adventure – fatherhood – alongside his father, Michael. This four-part series, titled “Jack Whitehall: Fatherhood with My Father,” captures the preparations of the 36-year-old comedian and his partner Roxy Horner for the birth of their daughter Elsie, born last September. The series documents Jack and Michael attending antenatal classes, experimenting with modern therapies, and exploring new life-enhancing technologies. However, we wonder if any of the 84-year-old Michael’s wisdom has rubbed off on his son, and are they ready to embrace adulthood?

Jack, why did you want to focus on fatherhood this time?

JACK: I had concerns about my readiness for fatherhood since the comedy world often lets immature men thrive. I, myself, was not particularly serious, but raising a child is one of the most significant responsibilities one can take on. Therefore, I recognized the need to make some major changes in my life

Michael, do fathers today have it easier than your generation did?

JACK: It’s remarkable, really. Thinking about your mom giving birth to you amidst the bombings in London… And then raising your brother too, all without modern technology like iPads! Quite impressive, don’t you think?

If individuals express enthusiasm about starting a family, there are numerous resources available to guide them towards their desired parenting approach

Over the past ten years, you’ve collaborated on creating TV shows. I’m curious about how this shared experience has impacted your relationship

MIKE: It seems like we’re reminiscent of Eric and Ernie, where one of us seems to anticipate the other’s words!

JACK: I’m in awe that he’s still doing it at 84 and I’m more conscious now of making sure it’s enjoyable for him. Michael’s amazing at throwing himself into things – sometimes reluctantly – and my respect for him grows more with each series.

I thought Jack would be pretty hopeless as a father

How much planning goes into a series like this?

JACK: Normally, I take some time to prepare. I’ll give it a shot at explaining it to Michael, but it seems like he doesn’t quite get it or isn’t keen on it. So his reaction is genuine because he’s simply not understanding. I’m doing my best to stay composed, and the tension that arises might just be where the drama unfolds

MICHAEL: I have no memory. I could never learn a script even if there was one. There is not one scripted word anywhere in any of the series. It really is totally spontaneous, and it can only be like that because we know each other so well.

Jack, what’s the best parenting advice Michael gave you?

JACK: “Don’t back away during crucial moments, especially at birth, and always be present. My father reorganized his life to ensure he was there for us kids. He was a balanced blend of firm when necessary, and wise and nurturing. There’s so much wisdom I can gather from my dad.”

Michael had the advantage of being older at the time Jack was born [Michael was 48 years old when Jack was born]. He didn’t have ambitions to advance his career quickly. Instead, fatherhood was a rewarding addition to his life that he could fully engage in. Many young people find it challenging to balance work and family responsibilities

Daddy dearest

Do you offer the same advice to all three of your children, or is Jack a special case?

MICHAEL: I don’t notice any distinctions among my three kids. Jack and his younger siblings, Molly and Barney, exhibit extraordinary talents in unique ways. However, in a playful manner, we often refer to Jack as “the Monarch”. Molly asks, “Are you planning to visit the Monarch this weekend?”

JACK: They’re definitely taking the p***! To be clear, Molly has always been the favourite child.

MICHAEL: Jack is the successful person in terms of the public and his siblings sometimes get a little bit annoyed. Molly might see a friend at a party and they’ll ask, “How’s Jack?”

Have you found any unusual or thought-provoking insights from the book “Fatherhood with My Father”? It seems to offer an unorthodox perspective on topics such as doomsday survivalists, artificial intelligence, and new-agers

JACK: I was eager to stay one step ahead in terms of technology beneficial for parenting. The manufacturers demonstrated some extraordinary methods wealthy individuals use to extend their lifespan, such as red light therapy and oxygen chambers. Interestingly, I had already tried these out – I even own a red light mask at home. Guess that’s LA influencing me!

MICHAEL: On our first day’s filming, I met an AI robot called Ameca. It was so strange having a proper conversation with her. She asked me about music and art. I mentioned Eric Ravilious and she said, “Oh, some of his finest paintings were made during the 1920s and 30s…”

JACK: She’s perfect for you, because you love name-dropping really niche composers and artists. It was the first time you could have a conversation with someone who knew everyone you referenced!

Daddy dearest

Jack, what was it like having your mother Hilary join you on some of the trips?

JACK: She’s got a unique enthusiasm that makes her dive headfirst into anything. It’s amusing to consider the two of you as a pair, given your contrasting outlooks on life, yet you’ve been able to harmonize so effectively for such a long time

In the TV show you participated in, a nursing staff advised you to pay more attention during Elsie’s birth delivery. Did you learn from this experience and pay more care in real life situations?

AS A CINEPHILE, I UNDERSTAND NOW THAT THERE ARE MOMENTS WHEN MAKING JOKE ISN’T THE WISE CHOICE, EVEN THOUGH I HAD WITNESSED AN INTENSE DISPLAY. IN DESPITE MY CONFUSION AND DISTRACTION, I WAS TRUSTED WITH SMALL TASKS SUCH AS COMPILING A PLAYLIST OF EXCITING THEMES LIKE THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ANTHEM AND “THE LION KING” SOUNDTRACK, AND ENSURE WE HAD ROXY’S CRYSTALS AND LAVENDER SPRAY AT THE READY

Have you found yourself slowing down a bit to focus on the new member of the family?

JACK: I’m being pickier now and considering location for filming. After a lengthy shoot earlier this year, I took some time off to be as involved as possible. I don’t want to miss any opportunities. Elsie is starting to find my jokes amusing. It’s not exactly groundbreaking humor, but it feels fantastic

Michael, what do you think of Jack as a dad?

It’s astonishing to see how well he performs, as I initially presumed he would be rather inept. However, he proves to be incredibly compassionate and affectionate. He truly excels in the balance between family and professional life

There were plenty of Travels…, but will there be more series of Fatherhood with My Father?

JACK: Don’t tell him, but I think it will be Fatherhood with My Daughter next…

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2024-09-05 18:34