Jared Padalecki, known for his role as Dean Forester on the beloved series Gilmore Girls, recently shared a heartwarming and relatable anecdote about how his daughter, Odette, feels about his on-screen romance with Rory Gilmore. In an interview with People magazine for their 2025 Sexiest Man Alive issue, Padalecki revealed that while he appreciates fans’ continued love for the show – often expressed by viewers who watch it with their mothers or partners – there’s one aspect that doesn’t quite sit right with his youngest daughter.
Apparently, Odette has a strong aversion to Dean and Rory’s kisses. “She doesn’t comprehend,” Padalecki explained, “she’s like, ‘Why is Dad kissing somebody else?'” This simple question highlights the clear line young children often draw between reality and fiction, especially when it involves their parents. While his older daughters understand that he’s acting and portraying a character in love with another character, Odette firmly believes “Dad should only kiss mom.”
This isn’t an isolated incident. Padalecki isn’t the first celebrity parent to encounter this situation. Actress Alyson Hannigan recently shared how her own daughters felt uncomfortable watching her on-screen kisses with Jason Segel during his time on How I Met Your Mother. These relatable stories underscore a universal truth: childhood logic often prioritizes familial bonds above all else, making fictional portrayals of romantic relationships potentially confusing for young viewers.
Thankfully, Padalecki understands and respects Odette’s perspective. He playfully admitted that he doesn’t want to upset her, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging his daughter’s innocent feelings even when they stem from a misunderstanding about the nature of acting.
This heartwarming anecdote offers a glimpse into the everyday realities of navigating fatherhood while simultaneously being recognized for iconic roles. It demonstrates that even fame and fictional romances can be met with delightfully straightforward questions from those closest to us.
