Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J Dish on (Big) Family Life

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With nine children between them, Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J have no shortage of stories to swap on the set of NCIS: Los Angeles, and the costars’ camaraderie was apparent during a recent visit to On-Air with Ryan Seacrest.

“I always said I wanted five when I was younger,” Chris — dad to Lily Anne, 10, Christopher ‘Chip’ Eugene, 9, Charles McHugh, 6, Finley, 3 ½, and Maeve Frances, 22 months — explains. “I didn’t know what the hell I was talking about.”

“Once you have a couple and you realize how hard it is…We were done at four and the fifth one was the only one we were surprised about.”

His revelation prompted LL — himself dad to Najee, 19, Italia, 18, Samaria, 14, and Nina, 9 — to quip,

“I always said I wanted ten [children], and then I got 60% smarter.”

Although the duo are clearly enjoying their roles on the show, the same cannot necessarily be said for Chris’ wife Caroline Fentress and Lily — whom the 39-year-old actor jokingly called “superfans.” For the series’ premiere, Chris said he expected the couple would host friends but Caroline had other plans.

“She said, ‘Uh, I’m taking Lily to American Idol,’” he recalled with a laugh. “It was literally the first night we were on, and my wife and my oldest child [did] not stay home and watch the show.”

Source: On-Air with Ryan Seacrest

– Missy

Comments

LOL! I love him! I still watch Circle of Friends.

I always wanted 8 or 9 kids and we stopped after 4….all done. Everyone talks about how expensive diapers are and babies…they Have no idea how much it is once they are in school..LOL SO we had to stop or I would have 10 kids.

- Courtney on October 25th, 2009

I LOVE Circle of Friends! I thought I’d have three, but we’re stopping after one. It’s the right thing for our family for sooo many reasons. But I still admire people with big families. Lots of work and money, but it seems fun

- finais on October 25th, 2009

We had 8 kids and I think that it was the best life ever for them. I grew up with 7 siblings also and my childhood memories are forever. My younger children are always satisfied and have friends to play with. ALthough my older children like to be with their friends from school, they love to be with eachother at home and when we go on vacation , my kids all have friends. I think being brought in a big family gives you good values, makes you independent, and is so much fun!

- Mary on October 25th, 2009

Chris O’Donell doesn’t seem to age.He has the same dreamy eyes he had when I had a teen crush on him.

I love his children’s names.

I’m one of nine children.Big families,like all other family sizes have their good things and bad things.I wouldn’t trade my childhood for the world but my girl is an only child and I’m SO happy with this decision.

- eva on October 26th, 2009

I’ve always wanted four, but I only have one. I envy families with more than two kids – they are very lucky!

- daniela on October 26th, 2009

Good on him for handling a big family, sure they can afford it anyway. Two was the magic number for us so factory now closed, lol. Both being from families where both of our dads and also hubby and I too all had only 1 sibling (my mum though 1 of 4) think that was what influenced us.

For us means company for our son, so he learns to share, fun for him, buyt also learns the world’s not all about him etc!, without it being too chaotic. Depends what people can handle/envision personally, so each to their own but can’t imagine 3 or more, outnumbered and full on!?!, but I’m sure also lots of laughs and fun being a larger unit. Kudos to them but we’re happy with two, everyone diff…

- Sam and Freya's mum on October 26th, 2009

I love chris! I thought it was funny with his wife and daughter. He seems like a great father and enjoying the big family life.

- Ariana on October 27th, 2009

I just love Chris O’Donnell and the poster who commented on the fact that he never seems to age…you are so right. I had a big crush on him when I was younger.

I have always wanted a big family, I come from a five kids me being the only girl. My dad is from a family with 10 kids, ditto for my mom whose dad definitely sewed his wild oats…I think maybe 14 if not more. SO I’m used to being around a ton of family.

My hubby is from a small family where two seems to be the maximum kids people have. He has one already (she lives with her mom) and we are currentlt pregnant with our first and he wants no more. I refused right off the bat.

I am not having one kid, there is no way. I want my child to have someone to play with and while his or her sister is with us every second weekend, it doesn’t count. What about the days in between.

We will settle for two between us but my heart still yearns for a big family.

Love the show by the way, I remember watching the original NCIS and Chris and LL were guests and I thought wow, wouldn’t it be cool if they had their own show and whaddya know!!!!

LOL

- Dee on October 27th, 2009