Stellan Skarsgård, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Mamma Mia! and Chernobyl, recently shared his unconventional parenting philosophy during the Los Angeles premiere of his film Sentimental Value on November 5, 2023. The 74-year-old, who is a father of eight, emphasized the potential pitfalls of offering parenting advice to one’s own children.
In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Skarsgård articulated his belief that giving advice can be a “dangerous” endeavor. He explained that while he may be credited for his children’s successes, any failures would reflect back on him. “I haven’t given them any advice at all because it is very dangerous to do,” he stated. “If they listen to my advice and they’re successful, it’s because of me, and if they listen to my advice and they’re not successful, it’s my fault. So it’s a lose-lose situation.”
Skarsgård’s approach to parenting involves a hands-off strategy, allowing his children to navigate their own paths. He believes this fosters independence, enabling them to learn from their experiences. With six of his eight children pursuing careers in the entertainment industry, his methodology seems to have yielded positive results.
The actor’s family includes his first six children from his previous marriage to My Skarsgård and two younger children, Ossian and Kolbjörn, from his marriage to Megan Everett-Skarsgård. His eldest son, Alexander, 49, has gained widespread recognition, along with siblings Gustaf, 44, Bill, 35, and Eija, 33, all of whom have established their own careers in the industry.
Notably, Skarsgård is also enjoying the role of grandfather to eight grandchildren, a position he embraces with enthusiasm. His perspective on parenting allows him to foster a supportive environment for his children as they figure out parenthood on their own terms.
Stellan Skarsgård’s insights offer a refreshing take on parenting, suggesting that sometimes, the best support a parent can provide is the freedom to learn and grow independently. His experiences serve as a reminder that each parent-child relationship is unique, and navigating it requires a balance of guidance and autonomy.