Mark Webber, 36, made his name in Hollywood working alongside notable directors such as Woody Allen and Edgar Wright, just to name a few. The actor and director, hails from Minnesota by way of Los Angeles, where he lives with his wife and 2 sons, Isaac, 8 & Bodhi, 2. As far as family portraits go, Mark Webber’s is particularly good looking. Would it surprise anyone, then, to know that his wife is the gorgeous, Australian actress Teresa Palmer.

We caught up with Mr Webber at his family home in the Hollywood Hills to chat about 21-century fatherhood as he eagerly anticipates the arrival of his third son, Forest.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED ON FATHERHOOD?
Follow your heart, your instincts will be the path.

DO YOU FEEL YOU’RE FUNDAMENTALLY THE SAME PERSON AS BEFORE YOU HAD A CHILD? DID HAVING CHILDREN CHANGE YOU AT YOUR CORE?
The moment I became a father I was forever changed… It’s the first moment in life I’ve experienced what unconditional love is. I try to carry this knowing into all my other relationships.

YOUR WIFE, TERESA IS PREGNANT WIYH YOUR THIRD CHILD. WHAT ARE YOUR EMOTIONS LIKE?
DO YOU STILL FEEL THE SAME SENSE OF GIDDY EXCITEMENT, OR HAS THE FEELING EVOLVED INTO SOMETHING DEEPER?
I’m super excited! And nervous, it’s funny, I’m even more nervous than ever before. Childbirth is such an intense emotional experience, and because I’ve gone through it twice now I know just how intense it is… But when I sit in that nervous anticipation, the true emotion behind it all is pure joy and excitement. I can’t wait to meet my new little guy.

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HOW IMPORTANT IS SPENDING TIME IN AUSTRALIA TO YOUR FAMILY? WHAT DOES IT OFFER THAT LA DOESN’T?
I love Australia. We just bought a farm in the Adelaide hills where my wife grew up and it’s so tranquil. A calm and peaceful feeling washes over our whole family as soon as we arrive. There’s an easy going, laid back feel to the majority of Aussies I know and that can be such a refreshing feeling to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU LEARNED RAISING ISSAC? DID YOU APPROACH BODHI IN THE SAME WAY?
I was way too overprotective with Isaac, I know I inhibited him from taking some more healthy risks with his play because I constantly worried about him hurting himself. With Bodhi, I’ve been able to ease up a bit and it’s to everyone’s benefit.

DESCRIBE FATHERHOOD IN 3 WORDS…
Love. Growth. Joy.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST THING TERESA HAS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT PARENTING?
My lovely wife is one of the most passionate mothers I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, her sheer passion for parenting is infectious and is a constant reminder to stay present and engaged with our children.

The moment I became a father I was forever changed… It’s the first moment in life I’ve experienced what unconditional love is. I try to carry this knowing into all my other relationships.

CAN YOU SHARE A MEMORY OF A RECENT SPECIAL MOMENT YOU HAD AS A FATHER?
I just got back from taking Bodhi to his very first day of school. My heart grew two sizes seeing him meet his new friends he’s going to be going on many adventures with.

Photography Trevor King
Styling Jesse Arifien
Interview Adam Baidawi
Grooming Nicola Hamilton

By Oliver Grand