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Josh Duhamel is riding high on two major life announcements. The 53-year-old actor just shared his excitement about welcoming a baby girl with his pregnant wife Audra Mari, while simultaneously promoting his directorial debut film ‘Preschool’. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for the expectant father, who’s balancing fatherhood anticipation with a bold new creative venture.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Expected Arrival: Baby girl due in late July 2026, making this Duhamel’s third child
- Age Milestone: Josh is 53, wife Audra Mari is 32, and the couple married in 2022
- ‘Preschool’ Release: Comedy film released March 17, 2026, with Duhamel as director and star
- Family Expansion: Couple already has son Shepherd (born January 2024), plus Josh’s 12-year-old son Axl with ex-wife Fergie
Actor Becomes Director, Ready to Be ‘Girl Dad’
Josh Duhamel opened up about the emotional significance of having a daughter on the way. In an exclusive interview with E! News, the ‘Ransom Canyon’ star chatted with fellow new dad Derek Hough about his newest project and family milestone. The combination of creative fulfillment and paternal anticipation has Duhamel feeling grateful for where life has taken him.
Duhamel revealed his genuine excitement about becoming a ‘girl dad’ for the first time. He expressed how fatherhood has deepened his appreciation for life’s moments. His authenticity during the interview resonated with fans eager to see this new chapter unfold both on screen and at home.
Josh Duhamel shares excitement for baby girl on the way, stars in ‘Preschool’
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‘I Cannot Wait to Meet Her,’ Actor Tells Derek Hough
The Transformers actor shared his heartfelt sentiments during the E! News interview. Duhamel stated that he is eager and emotional about welcoming his daughter. He acknowledged that there’s something uniquely special about the bond between fathers and daughters, expressing genuine wonder about the experience ahead. The pride in his voice was unmistakable as he discussed his expanding family.
Duhamel’s comments highlight how parenthood has evolved his perspective over time. He emphasized the beauty of genetics and how each child brings their own personality and gifts. His two sons, Shepherd and Axl, have already shown distinct interests and talents, and Duhamel is eager to discover what his daughter will bring to the family dynamic.
‘Preschool’ Comedy Marks Duhamel’s Directorial Debut
Duhamel recently took on a bigger role behind the camera, directing and starring in the new comedy ‘Preschool’. The PG-13 family film released on March 17, 2026, features an all-star ensemble cast. Set in London, the movie follows two determined fathers battling over the last open spot at an exclusive preschool, escalating into an absurd competition with unexpected consequences.
| Film Detail | Information |
| Release Date | March 17, 2026 |
| Director / Star | Josh Duhamel |
| Cast | Michael Socha, Antonia Thomas, Charity Wakefield, James Cosmo |
| Setting | London, England |
The cast also includes Fenella Woolgar and other talented performers. Duhamel plays Alan Williams, a father convinced his daughter deserves the coveted spot, while Michael Socha portrays Brian Young, a rival parent with the same ambitions. The scripted chaos created by Richard D’Ovidio promises laughs and heart woven throughout the 1 hour 44 minute runtime.
“I don’t know what to make of it. I’m just so, I cannot wait to meet her. And I think there’s something about dads and their little girls. It’s different, you know?”
— Josh Duhamel, Actor and Director
Blending Family Growth With Professional Achievement
Audra Mari announced the pregnancy news on March 5, 2026 via an Instagram carousel featuring intimate black and white maternity photos. She captioned the post, ‘Adding a little girl to our story, we can’t wait to meet you.’ The announcement came just weeks before the release of Duhamel’s directorial debut, proving that major life changes often cluster together.
Duhamel and Mari have built a blended family dynamic with careful attention and love. The couple’s son Shepherd, born in January 2024, will soon become a big brother. Duhamel’s eldest son Axl Jack (age 12), from his previous marriage to Fergie, represents the actor’s commitment to maintaining strong connections across his entire family. This expansion shows Duhamel’s enthusiasm for embracing new chapters with both grace and genuine joy.
What Comes Next for the Duhamel Family?
With ‘Preschool’ now in theaters and streaming platforms, Duhamel can focus on the countdown to his daughter’s arrival. The baby girl is expected in late July, just a few months away, creating an exciting period of anticipation. Duhamel has repeatedly expressed that he cannot wait to discover what his daughter will be like and how she’ll fit into the dynamic established by his two sons.
The convergence of new professional success and expanding family responsibilities represents a full season of growth for Josh Duhamel. Whether managing directorial responsibilities or preparing the nursery, he’s embracing both with visible enthusiasm. Fans of the actor-director continue to follow his journey with genuine interest, rooting for his success in all aspects of life. What could be more fulfilling than creating art while expanding your family at the same time?
Sources
- People.com – Josh Duhamel shares excitement for baby girl with wife Audra Mari
- Daily Mail – Josh Duhamel gushes over becoming a ‘girl dad’ with wife Audra Mari
- IMDb – Preschool (2026) film details and cast information
