Embracing Change: Annette Bening Reflects on Her Son's Transition

Let me tell you something about Annette Bening. She’s a mom of four, and she’s got this incredible way of loving her kids—unconditionally. Now, at 61, Annette, the star of 20th Century Women, has shared an important part of her life that many might not know about. It was over a decade ago when her daughter decided to transition into a boy at the tender age of 14. Fast forward to today, and Annette couldn’t be prouder of her son, Stephen, now 27. She calls him strong, articulate, and thoughtful. In a recent interview with AARP magazine, she said, “Stephen has handled something incredibly challenging with so much grace and intelligence. He’s a remarkable person, and I’m beyond proud of him.”

This isn’t just a story of transition; it’s about embracing change and supporting those we love most. Annette’s pride in Stephen isn’t just about his journey—it’s about how he’s grown into such a remarkable person. She sees him as someone who has navigated one of life’s toughest paths with dignity and smarts. And for a mom like Annette, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching her child thrive.

Annette Bening at the TIFF Premiere of 'The Report' — Todd Williamson/January Images/Shutterstock

A Mother’s Love: Shielding Her Kids from the World’s Hardships

Being a mom, Annette wanted to protect her kids—Stephen, 27, Benjamin, 25, Isabel, 22, and Ella, 19—from the harsh realities of life. “When I was younger, I thought I could shield my kids from suffering. Looking back, it was a bit naive of me,” she admitted. But as time went on, Annette realized something crucial: life’s struggles are a part of growing up. “They need to experience their own battles,” she said, speaking with the wisdom of a mom who’s watched her children grow into independent adults. “Each one of them has their own personality now, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

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It’s a lesson we can all take to heart. Kids need room to stumble and rise again—it’s how they find their own strength. And Annette has seen that firsthand with her own family.

Life After the Nest: Missing the Days of Raising Kids

Annette shares all her children with her husband, the legendary Warren Beatty. Now that they’ve grown up and moved out, Annette finds herself missing them more than ever. “Honestly, I miss them a lot,” she confessed to Closer Weekly during the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of her film Hope Gap. “Of course, I understand they’re adults now, living their own lives. That makes me happy, and I’m incredibly proud of them. But, you know, I do try to get them to text me more often. Doesn’t always work, though.”

Parenting doesn’t stop when the kids leave home. It evolves into a new kind of relationship—one where you cheer them on from afar, while still wishing they’d call more often.