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Memories of Our Legendary Dads: Celebrity Kids Share Sweet Memories for Father’s Day

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Jun 10, 2024 9:00 am·

By LOUISE A. BARILE

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The children of some of Hollywood’s most famous fathers share their sweet stories and memories with Closer in honor of Father’s Day.

1 of 10

James Garner

“He was very much the fun dad,” says Gigi Garner. “If I wanted to do something a bit wild — jump off the balcony into the pool, for example — he wouldn’t say no. He would just do it first to make sure it was safe.” That was typical of this dad, who always protected his family. “We had this gigantic earthquake,” recalls Gigi. “I was scared to death, but when I heard my dad running down the hallway, I knew everything was going to be OK.”

2 of 10

Dean Martin

“The thing I miss most about him is his sense of humor,” Deana Martin tells Closer. “He made everybody feel comfortable and liked to make sure we were all happy, cared for, and home for dinner every night. On Sundays, it was a big table with a lot of people. My dad just loved it.”

3 of 10

Andy Griffith

“He would always stop what he was doing to play with my brother and I,” Dixie Griffith tells Closer. Despite his fun-loving ways, Andy also taught his kids to show respect. “He was a strict disciplinarian who would not tolerate back talk.”

4 of 10

Cary Grant

“Every daughter looks up to her father, but the fact is we were incredibly close,” says Jennifer Grant. “The best word to describe my father? Thoughtful. There was a tender quality to Dad that his sense of fun could sometimes mask. But, above all, he was sensitive and looked out for those he loved.”

5 of 10

Paul Newman

“He was such a thoughtful person. The best advice he ever gave me as an adult was that I needed to find my own way,” says Clea Newman, who added that her dad told her not to go into acting “unless it’s something you can’t live without.” At home, Paul liked to make his family laugh. “He had a crazy sense of humor. It was childlike but very funny,” she says. “He’d tell you the same joke over and over and think it was as funny the 10th time around.”

6 of 10

Burt Lancaster

Burt could be protective. “I always felt like we were safe with Dad around,” Joanna Lancaster tells Closer. “When I was 18, I stopped by his office with my boyfriend. My dad has a rope he would use to work out. He made my boyfriend climb the rope, and then it was like, Ok, he could go out with me.”

7 of 10

Peter Falk

The Columbo star liked to take his family ice- skating. “My dad used to speed-skate. He was really good on ice,” Catherine Falk, whom Peter called “Sweetie,” tells Closer. “He was funny and loved to just laugh. He liked to have fun, was always curious about things, and super affectionate as a father.”

8 of 10

Tony Curtis

“I learned humility and self-reliance from him — two of the most valuable lessons of my life,” Kelly Curtis tells Closer. The cologne Tony wore, Vétiver by Guerlain, Paris, always reminds Kelly of him. “He seemed to know me better than I knew myself. Ours was a deep bond.”

9 of 10

Bob Hope

“When he was home, it was magic,” says Linda Hope, who fondly recalls her dad taking her on pony rides at Griffith Park. “We all learned to play golf. He loved to get a boat and go someplace where there was fishing and golf.”

10 of 10

Gregory Peck

At home, Gregory was a “commanding, strong presence,” his son Stephen Peck shares with Closer. He always seemed to have the right answers, too. “I would go to him for counsel and advice, which he was good at giving,” Stephen says. “He was present and a good listener, so that was a good thing to have as a father.”

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