There’s nothing quite like being a parent, and for Jerry O'Connell, his journey as a dad has been nothing short of transformative. The Talk host and proud father of twin daughters, Dolly and Charlie, whom he shares with his wife, Rebecca Romijn, has learned a ton about fatherhood since their arrival. But if you ask him, the most impactful lesson he's picked up is the importance of being patient. It's something that has stuck with him through thick and thin, especially during the unpredictable times we've all faced in recent years.
During the height of the pandemic, Jerry found himself in a unique situation—stuck at home with his family for an extended period. In an interview with Closer back in August 2020, the Stand by Me star opened up about how this unexpected chapter in his life taught him the value of patience. “Let me tell you, I never expected to spend so much time with my kids when I became a dad,” Jerry revealed. “No one warned me that a global pandemic would mean I’d be spending every single day with them. But honestly? It’s been a blessing in disguise.”
Reflecting on the highs and lows of quarantine life, Jerry joked about wishing he could turn to his own parents for advice. “You know, it’s funny being a parent during a pandemic,” he said. “I kept thinking, ‘I wish I could ask my mom and dad what they did during the great pandemic of 1975.’ Spoiler alert: there wasn’t one. So here we are, figuring it out together, one day at a time.”
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The Arrival of Dolly and Charlie
Jerry and Rebecca officially stepped into parenthood when Rebecca, the stunning actress known for her role in Femme Fatale, gave birth to their twins on December 28, 2008. The news was confirmed by Rebecca’s representative, who told People magazine, “Mother, father, and both girls are all home and doing wonderfully.”
As Dolly and Charlie have grown, Jerry and Rebecca have generously shared glimpses into their family life. Through heartwarming interviews and adorable social media posts, the couple has shown the world just how much love and joy their daughters bring into their lives. Jerry’s Instagram page, in particular, is a treasure trove of sweet moments captured with his girls. From birthday celebrations to casual snapshots of their everyday adventures, it’s clear that Jerry treasures every second with his daughters.
In a touching post celebrating Father’s Day in June 2021, Jerry captioned a selfie with his girls, saying, “Love being a dad. Happy Father’s Day, everybody!” And who could forget the delightful photo he shared in April of the twins enjoying ice cream? “Friday Happy Hour,” Jerry quipped, capturing the simple pleasures of family life.
Rebecca also shared a candid moment when she posted a photo of her girls heading back to school. “Slight dress code violation, but the first day of 7th grade went off without a hitch,” she joked in the caption, showcasing her sense of humor and the evolving dynamics of their family.
Could Acting Be in the Twins’ Future?
With Dolly and Charlie growing up fast, it’s natural to wonder if they’ll follow in their parents’ footsteps and pursue acting careers. In an interview with Closer in August 2020, Jerry expressed his enthusiasm about supporting his daughters if they decide to enter the world of showbiz. “Listen, I’d be thrilled if they wanted to act,” he said. “They’re already taking drama classes, so who knows? Maybe one of them will become the next Hannah Montana or Debby Ryan. But at the end of the day, it’s their choice.”
Despite the strong bond Jerry shares with his girls, he admitted that their teenage years have brought some noticeable changes. “This is the age where they start wanting me to drop them off two blocks away from school so their friends don’t see me,” he told People in December 2020. “They want to hang out at the mall for hours, but heaven forbid their friends see me when I pick them up. It’s all part of growing up, though.”
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Celebrating Sweet 16: A Night to Remember
In September 2024, Rebecca took to Instagram to share photos from Dolly and Charlie’s unforgettable 16th birthday celebration. Jerry, ever the doting dad, even wore a shirt that read “security” on the front, adding a playful touch to the festivities.
“Happy Sweet 16, Dolly and Charlie. Magical night. We love you,” Rebecca wrote in the caption, capturing the love and joy that filled the evening.
During an episode of The Talk, Jerry shared how he went all out for the special occasion, arranging catering and even hiring an ice cream truck. “Some of the other dads and I have security shirts,” he revealed. “We’ll patrol the party, making sure there’s no inappropriate dancing and plenty of parking space. It’s honestly more stressful than you’d think!”
Of course, the milestone didn’t stop there. Jerry also mentioned that his daughters had hit another significant life event—learning to drive. “The other day, one of my daughters drove on the highway
