Josh Duhamel ‘Loves’ His Youngest Son Shepherd’s Toddler Tantrums, Actor Opens Up About Life with His 2 Kids.
Josh Duhamel is having a blast with dad life—even when meltdowns pop up!
During a sit-down at the Los Angeles debut of his film London Calling on Sept. 15, Josh, 52, shared the joys of raising two little boys. He and his wife, Audra Mari, 31, have Shepherd, 20 months, while Josh’s 12-year-old Axl Jack comes from his marriage to Fergie. Duhamel is already planning a birthday party for Shepherd’s second trip around the sun next January, but Shepherd’s having the tantrums that usually show up during the so-called ‘terrible twos.’
“Oh, he’s already there. Yeah, he is. He is fully there. But I love it. I love every step along the way,” Josh admits with a big smile.
The actor explains that Shepherd is car-crazy; when he’s not watching tiny toy cars zoom around, he’s at the park tracking big brother Axl during soccer and basketball practice. “That’s just a stage. They go through different stages,” Josh notes.
Avideo for the newest tiny tantrum goes up on ho He also shares that Axl has zero plans to step into the spotlight anytime soon. Axl is just staying focused on being a regular 12-year-old.
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“Nah, [he’s] all about soccer right now,” Duhamel chuckled when I asked about Axl’s latest obsession.
“There’s always something new with these guys,” he added. “I love being a dad. I cherish every milestone, big and small.” He also mentioned his youngest’s fascination with wheels. “My father-in-law collects cars, and I think Shepherd inherited that gene. He sees a car and his eyes light up. He just wants to hop into the driver’s seat, even if it’s just a toy trike, and pretend he’s off on a grand adventure.”
Axl, however, is on a different track. “He’s more into soccer and spouting basketball stats these days. But that’s the gift of genetics. Each one is their own little masterpiece,” the proud dad laughed.
Duhamel’s own masterpiece list could grow. He’s open to welcoming a daughter. “My wife is a superstar role model. If the universe is listening, I’d love a girl. But honestly, I’d be happy with another boy, too. Whatever fits the team.” He and Mari said “I do” in September 2022, and Shepherd made his grand entrance on January 11, 2024.
This sweet moment came weeks after the couple revealed they are expecting their first child together in September 2023.
Last week, they celebrated their third wedding anniversary, and Mari posted a loving tribute on Instagram: “happy 3rd year to you @joshduhamel I love you more every day.. 🤍” The post included a glowing photo snapped on their wedding day.
Then, on Thursday, September 11, Mari celebrated their son Shepherd turning 20 months. She posted a tender black-and-white snapshot of the little one.
“Holding this baby extra close today… 20 months of you, my sweet Shepherd,” she captioned. “You are the light that makes even the hardest days brighter. Thank you for bringing so much joy and love into this world that can often feel so heavy and uncertain.”