Theo James and Anthony Mackie Compare How Fatherhood Has Changed the Way They Choose Projects

The actors spoke about how their roles as dads impacted the choices they made going forward in their careers

Theo James and Anthony Mackie are getting candid about how becoming fathers shifted their perspectives on their careers.

The two actors spoke on the subject for a round-table with The Hollywood Reporter, answering a question about whether they've had a moment where they realized they were pursuing their career for themselves.

"Kids helped that for me. You're selling a product — yourself, in some ways — especially when you're starting out," James began. "But having kids, you realize that some if it doesn't matter."

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Related: Father of Four Anthony Mackie's Kids Not Impressed He's an Avenger: 'They Couldn't Care Less'

James is dad to a daughter, 2, and son, born in 2023, with wife Ruth Kearney.

"Because when I was a young actor, I was rather hungry. I'd jump from job to job and f------ all that stuff. But I don't want to take our kids out of school just because [a job] seems sexy at the time. Obviously stopping taking all the Class A drugs helped as well. I'm joking," continued James.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier star agreed, saying that his kids changed a lot for him.

"Now, as they get older and I'm working so much, it's a dangerous negotiation. My dad dropped out of school in eighth grade," Mackie said. "I left home with $435. So, I want to give my kids the opportunity of leaving home with the advantage that all my [Juilliard] classmates had when I got to school."

Mackie is dad to four kids, whom he shares with ex-wife Sheletta Chapital.

"Looking at my kids, I'm like, I never want them to experience the struggle. I want them to know what it takes that the regular American man experiences trying to put a meal on the table, but I don't want them to have the struggle," Mackie continued.

"You're going to have to fight for it, especially with all this Marvel s---. I have four boys. I tell my boys, I'm like, 'Yo, I'm the coolest mother...I'm the dad everybody wants.' And my sons don't watch Marvel movies. They have no idea. I'll FaceTime Sebastian [Stan]. I'm like, 'Yo man. Say what's up to my son.' And my son's like, 'Hey?' They don't [care.] To them, I'm Dad."

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