Carlos Valdes Embraces Fatherhood and Balances Broadway Career
Carlos Valdes, the 35-year-old actor known for his role as Orpheus in the Broadway show "Hadestown" and as a star in "The Flash," recently opened up about his new journey as a father in an interview with People magazine published on March 3. Valdes shared that he has become a "relatively new dad," though he chose to keep most details of his parenting life private, preferring to maintain a level of personal privacy. While he did not divulge specific details about his child or the mother, it was later revealed that he is the father of Mae Whitman’s 6-month-old son, Miles. Valdes and Whitman had previously played love interests on-screen in the 2023 TV series "Up Here," but they have not publicly commented on the status of their relationship.
Balancing Fatherhood and Broadway: Challenges and Support
Valdes admitted that balancing his role as a father with his demanding career as a Broadway actor has been a significant challenge. He described being a "Broadway dad" as "not for the faint of heart," emphasizing how unforgiving the schedule can be when it comes to balancing parenting responsibilities. To navigate this, Valdes has sought support from fellow actor and father Darren Criss, who is currently starring in the Broadway show "Maybe Happy Ending" and is a father of two. Valdes expressed gratitude for the guidance and advice he has received from Criss, stating that their conversations have provided a much-needed support system and sounding board for his parenting challenges. He also highlighted how sharing this experience has allowed them to bond in a new way, finding joy in how fatherhood has enriched their respective personal and professional lives.
Drawing Inspiration from Fatherhood for His Role
Valdes revealed that becoming a father has deeply inspired his portrayal of Orpheus in "Hadestown." He shared that he has incorporated his personal experiences as a dad into his character, bringing a fresh and authentic perspective to Orpheus’ naive and childlike worldview. Valdes credited Jordan Fisher, his predecessor in the role, for offering valuable advice during their transition. Fisher suggested that fathers have a unique superpower when playing Orpheus, as their real-life parenting experiences can naturally inform and enhance their approach to the character. Valdes noted that since starting the role on January 14, Fisher’s words have proven true, as he has found himself drawing from his own parenting journey to bring depth to Orpheus’ character.
A Shared Journey with Fellow Actor Jordan Fisher
Valdes further elaborated on the support he received from Jordan Fisher, who had previously played Orpheus in "Hadestown." During their "passing of the torch" conversation, Fisher shared insights about how fatherhood could influence Valdes’ portrayal of Orpheus. Fisher emphasized that the experiences of being a dad could naturally color Valdes’ approach to the role, allowing him to bring a unique authenticity to the character. Valdes expressed gratitude for Fisher’s wisdom, noting that since he began playing Orpheus on January 14, he has found Fisher’s advice to be incredibly accurate and helpful.
Lauren Graham Accidentally Reveals Valdes as the Father of Whitman’s Child
The news of Valdes’ fatherhood became public knowledge after actress Lauren Graham, who starred alongside Whitman in the TV series "Parenthood," inadvertently revealed that Valdes is the father of Whitman’s 6-month-old son, Miles, during a podcast interview. Whitman had announced her pregnancy in May 2024 but had kept the identity of her child’s father private. The revelation came as a surprise to many fans, as Valdes and Whitman had not publicly confirmed a romantic relationship despite their on-screen chemistry in "Up Here."
Navigating Private Life in the Public Eye
Both Valdes and Whitman have been cautious about sharing details of their personal lives, particularly their relationship and parenthood journey. While Valdes has embraced the challenges and joys of fatherhood, he has maintained a level of privacy regarding his family life. Similarly, Whitman has kept the details of her pregnancy and parenthood journey out of the spotlight. The revelation of Valdes’ role as Miles’ father has sparked interest in how they will navigate their personal and professional lives moving forward, both as individuals and potentially as co-parents.
In summary, Carlos Valdes has embarked on a new chapter in his life as a father, balancing the demands of his career with the responsibilities of parenthood. With the support of friends and colleagues like Darren Criss and Jordan Fisher, he has found both personal and professional fulfillment in his dual roles as a dad and a Broadway actor. The unexpected revelation of his relationship with Mae Whitman and their child has added a new layer to his public persona, leaving fans curious about how he and Whitman will continue to navigate their lives both on and off the stage.
