Kevin Undergaro, Maria’s husband, shared his experience of fatherhood at a later age in an interview with People. He explained that the decision to become parents was a conscious one, particularly considering the health struggles Maria had faced before becoming pregnant. Kevin opened up about the years of difficulty, including the brain tumor of Maria’s mother, followed by Maria’s own diagnosis of a brain tumor and later pancreatic cancer. Despite these challenges, the couple’s dream to have a child never wavered.

As Kevin shared, “Being an older father was a choice. As many know, the stress and toxicity that women face in Hollywood can be devastating—perhaps more so than in any other profession. Maria’s experience was no exception. She went through immense pain and heartbreak, and I didn’t want to expose a child to that. But we desperately wanted to become parents. So, ten years ago, even when I was already considered ‘old’ to be a father, we began trying for a baby, but to no avail.”

However, after all the struggles, including Maria’s battle with cancer, the couple made the decision to pursue parenthood through a surrogate. Kevin reflected on the arrival of their daughter Athena: “I don’t regret it. Athena came into our lives at the perfect time. Her presence fills our lives with gratitude and joy. When Maria and I mention her name, we literally laugh. Just thinking about her makes me smile, and at work, I often catch myself looking at photos and videos of her.”

Kevin admits that parenthood at his age comes with its own challenges: “Because of my age, the ‘parenting manual’ has to be different from that of a younger father. When Athena turns 30, I’ll be 88. No matter how much I want to believe that I’ll be just as strong and capable, I have to be realistic and prepare for the future. For example, if she’s lucky enough to buy her first home by then, I won’t be able to renovate it or help her move like my brother Mike did for his kids.”

Despite the difficulties, Kevin says his love for his daughter has made everything worthwhile. “I’m her self-proclaimed ‘night nurse,’ waking up twice every night since she was three months old—once to change her diaper and again to feed her. And guess what? I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Kevin also emphasized that he is actively taking care of his health to be present for Athena for as long as possible. “The goal is, of course, to stay healthy and be present in her life for as long as I can. Fortunately, through Heal Squad—one of the top health podcasts—I get valuable insights and advice. My decisions now are based on two questions: Will this choice help me stay healthy and active in the long term? And is this decision emotionally and financially right for Athena?”

He concluded with a piece of advice for anyone considering parenthood later in life: “In conclusion, if you’re at an age where you’re thinking about having a child, whether through natural conception, surrogacy, or adoption, don’t deprive yourself—or the child—of this experience. There are many reasons why fatherhood is even better when you’re older. I have more patience, greater appreciation for life, and I’d like to think more wisdom than I did in my 30s or 40s.”