Nicolas Cage says parenting is "not what I expected"

Cage opened up about fatherhood and its unexpected turns in a candid interview.

Nicolas Cage, renowned for his eclectic film career, recently delved into his personal life in an interview with The New Yorker, where he discussed the complexities of fatherhood. 

The 60-year-old actor shared insights into raising his three children, each from different relationships.

"Being a dad — to me, it’s not an art form, it’s . . . How do I put this? It’s like breathing," Cage remarked, highlighting the profound impact of fatherhood on his life. He candidly acknowledged that having children with multiple partners was not what he envisioned for his family life. "It’s not what I had originally thought would happen when I fell in love or got married — that I would have three different children with three different moms — but nonetheless that’s what’s happened," he explained.

Cage's children include Weston, 33, from his relationship with Christina Fulton; Kal-El, 18, with his third wife, Alice Kim; and August Francesca, just 22 months old, with his fifth wife, Riko Shibata. He expressed varying levels of concern and protectiveness for each child, emphasizing the unique challenges and joys that come with fatherhood.

Reflecting on his eldest son, Weston, Cage described him as a "total artist" in a previous interview with PEOPLE, celebrating his diverse talents in music, acting, and more. Weston, in turn, has embraced fatherhood himself, welcoming children of his own.

Despite the complexities of his personal life, Cage finds profound meaning in fatherhood, stating, "With her [August], it’s life. It’s my survival." He described parenting as an intrinsic part of his identity, transcending his career achievements and personal challenges.

Nicolas Cage's upcoming film, Longlegs, slated for release on July 12, marks his return to the screen amid ongoing personal reflections and commitments as a father.