Peter Facinelli, the talented actor known for his roles in Twilight, Nurse Jackie, and Can’t Hardly Wait, has discovered that fatherhood is a journey of mutual growth and learning. even after raising four children, he admits that his youngest son, 2-year-old Jack, continues to remind him of the areas he still needs to refine as a parent. "There’s a part of me that teaches them, and there’s a part of me that learns from them," Facinelli shares. He explains how Jack, whom he shares with his fiancée Lily Anne Harrison, often mirrors his own behaviors, revealing moments where Facinelli realizes he needs to work on his reactions, especially when handling frustration. This dynamic highlights the beautifully reciprocal nature of parenthood, where children not only learn from their parents but also inspire personal growth in them.
Facinelli’s newfound perspective on fatherhood has been profoundly shaped by his involvement in the upcoming film The Unbreakable Boy, a heartwarming and emotional true story about a father’s unwavering love for his son, who lives with autism and a rare brittle-bone disease. After reading the book of the same name by Scott LeRette, Facinelli found himself reflecting on his own relationship with Jack. He realized that the child’s challenges and resilience could help him identify parts of himself that were still "unhealed and broken." This introspection led to a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy and calmness in parenting. In one touching example, Facinelli recalls a moment when Jack became frustrated and began crying. Instead of trying to "fix" the situation with words, as he might have done before, he chose to sit down with his son, hug him, and acknowledge his feelings. This simple act of presence and understanding not only soothed Jack but also taught Facinelli the value of creating space for emotions rather than trying to control them.
Facinelli, who also shares three daughters—Luca, 27, Lola, 22, and Fiona, 18—with his ex-wife Jennie Garth, has always prioritized family. This sense of family extends beyond his personal life, as evidenced by his recent role in The Unbreakable Boy. In the film, Facinelli plays a pastor, a character whose story resonated deeply with him on multiple levels. The project, which he also produced, found its way to him through a serendipitous encounter between the book’s author, Scott LeRette, and Facinelli’s brother-in-law. Drawn to the themes of brokenness, healing, faith, and resilience, Facinelli felt a personal connection to the story. He admires how the film’s young protagonist remains unapologetically authentic, radiating joy and living in the moment—a quality Facinelli aspires to emulate. "I want to be present all the time and just radiate with joy and gratitude," he says, acknowledging the challenge of embracing such a mindset in a world filled with distractions.
The film’s message of authenticity and presence has clearly left a lasting impact on Facinelli, both as a parent and as an individual. His experience working on The Unbreakable Boy has reminded him of the importance of embracing imperfection and finding beauty in the struggles of life. This mindset has trickled into his personal relationships, particularly with his children, as he strives to create a safe and loving environment for them to grow. By fostering a sense of calm and understanding, Facinelli hopes to help his children navigate their emotions and develop resilience in the face of challenges. His journey as a father is a testament to the idea that parenthood is not just about teaching but also about learning and evolving alongside your children.
Facinelli’s commitment to family extends beyond his own household, as evidenced by the close bond he shares with his ex-wife Jennie Garth. Despite their divorce, the two have maintained a strong co-parenting relationship, united by their shared love for their children. This was evident during the recent Los Angeles wildfires, when Garth and her husband, Dave Abrams, were forced to evacuate their home. Facinelli opened his home to them, creating a sense of safety and togetherness during a frightening time. Garth later expressed her gratitude on Instagram, calling Facinelli and his family "so kind" and highlighting the warmth and support they had shown. This moment of crisis brought the family closer together, reminding them of the importance of unity and compassion in difficult times.
As The Unbreakable Boy prepares to hit theaters on February 21, Facinelli’s involvement in the project serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire and transform lives. The film, which stars Zachary Levi as the father and Meghann Fahy as the mother, is a poignant exploration of love, family, and the human spirit. For Facinelli, the project has been a deeply personal and enriching experience, one that has shaped his approach to fatherhood and life as a whole. By embracing the lessons of the film, he continues to grow not only as a parent but also as a person, striving to embody the same authenticity and joy that the story so beautifully portrays. His journey is a heartwarming reminder that parenthood is a lifelong path of discovery, and that our children often teach us the most profound lessons about ourselves.
