At a Glance
- Max Greenfield balances acting and fatherhood.
- Daughter Lilly, 16, and son Ozzie, 10, are his focus.
- He shares parenting struggles and TikTok moments.
- Why it matters: Fans see the human side of a TV star.
Max Greenfield, known for his role on The Neighborhood, talks candidly about raising his daughter Lilly and son Ozzie. The actor explains how parenting has reshaped his daily routine, from sleepless nights to viral dance videos. He also reveals how the experience inspired him to write children’s books.
Family Beginnings
Max Greenfield and former casting director Tess Sanchez married in 2008. A year and a half later, they welcomed daughter Lilly on Jan. 27, 2010. Five years after that, they added son Ozzie on Aug. 24, 2015.
- Lilly is now 16 and has a strong interest in acting.
- Ozzie is 10 and loves making people laugh.
- The couple has described their parenting rule as be kind and have compassion.
First-Time Dad Confessions
In an interview with Parents, Greenfield admitted, “I definitely didn’t think I was ready,” when discussing his first child. He added that he felt like a “psychopath” if he believed he was prepared for parenthood.
Sanchez, who initially hesitated about a second child, said, “After Lilly, I knew I wanted a second.” Greenfield explained that being an only child made him want Lilly to have a sibling.
Parenting Philosophy
Greenfield and Sanchez keep a relaxed household. They enforce one rule:
- Kindness and compassion toward others.
- They rarely get mad unless their children are thoughtless.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple navigated homeschooling. Greenfield said he felt overwhelmed but found the experience rewarding, especially when he could teach Lilly.
TikTok and Family Fun
The actor joined TikTok for Lilly, who does not have an account. She choreographs many videos, and Greenfield often follows her cues. On The Jennifer Hudson Show, he noted, “She somehow knows how to do all these dances,” and that she directs him behind the camera.
In 2023, Greenfield attended Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour with his family. He described the event as “the best vibe ever,” sharing the moment on social media.
Balancing Acting and Fatherhood
After Ozzie’s birth, Greenfield said, “The second kid was a wake-up call in terms of time management.” He noted that his schedule had shifted from long hours on New Girl to juggling family life.
Sanchez recalled that Ozzie still climbs into their bed at 2 a.m. Greenfield joked, “If the kids want to climb into our bed, c’mon! Get on in!” He said co-sleeping helps him stay connected.
Greenfield also discussed how his son’s curiosity about acting influences his own career. He mentioned that Ozzie is intrigued by the laugh track on The Neighborhood and often tries to make people laugh.
Authoring Children’s Books
Inspired by his children’s reluctance to read, Greenfield published his first picture book, I Don’t Want to Read This Book, in November 2021. He said the book was a response to nightly arguments over reading.
He has since released two more titles:
- This Book Is Not a Present
- I Don’t Want to Read This Book Aloud
A fourth book, Good Night Thoughts, is slated for publication in September 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Greenfield’s journey from actor to dad shows the challenges of balancing career and family.
- He embraces a kind, relaxed parenting style that values compassion.
- TikTok and family videos have become a bonding activity.
- His experience as a parent directly inspired a new author career.
Fans can see that behind the comedic roles, Max Greenfield is deeply committed to his children and creative pursuits.
