Sam Claflin is sharing more about being a single dad to his two kids
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The actor opened up about navigating that transition during the pandemic
Claflin shares daughter Margot, 78, and son Pip, 10, with ex-wife Laura Haddock
Sam Claflinis opening up about being a single dad to his two kids.
Speaking withBustlefor a new interview, the actor, 39, shared that when he became a single dad to his two kids — son Pip, 10, and daughter Margot, 8 — in 2019 after splitting from ex-wife Laura Haddock, it took some time to transition into his new normal.
"I had a 4 and 2-year-old, and I was potty training my daughter, homeschooling my son, whilst trying to cook," Claflin said of separating from his ex during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"My gosh, I didn't have a clue," he continued. "There were moments where I was crying to myself, but we got through that together, and being forced to be on my own was the best thing that ever happened to [our] relationship."
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Elsewhere in the article, Claflin spoke about how it was his dream in life to become a dad ever since he was 3.
"When I was a teenager and beyond, if I was at a wedding, I would always go and hang out with the kids," he shared, adding that he used to tell people when he was younger that he wanted to be a dad when he grew up.
Eventually, Claflin and his ex-wife Haddock became parents shortly after the actor starred inThe Hunger Gamesfranchise.
"WhenThe Hunger Gamesfinished, me and my wife at the time were trying for a baby so I didn't want to be away for five months shooting," he explained. "I wanted to be at home and start my family."
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Claflin then took some time off from Hollywood, opting to shoot smaller projects so he could stay closer to home.
"I was speaking to one director quite recently [who asked], 'So, where have you been?' I was sort of everywhere for a little while and then I went off the map in Hollywood's eyes, I guess," said Claflin. "The truth is, I'm really proud of that decision. I don't regret any of it."
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Back in 2023, Claflin alluded tobeing in a "bad place" after his separationfrom Haddock, whom he was with for six years, in an interview withVariety.
"I'd been through quite a lot personally at the time. I was in a really bad place," he explained at the time. "I think I needed to work out a few kinks in my own life, to figure out who I was as this dad on my own in a house outnumbered by two toddlers."
"Then this job coming out the back of that was just the most fun, joyous fresh start," he said of beginning his work onDaisy Jones.
The actor announced his and Haddock's split on his Instagram Stories in August 2019, sharing a joint statement from the former couple promising that they were moving forward with "nothing but love."
"Laura and I have decided to legally separate," the statement said. "We will move forward with nothing but love, friendship and a deep respect for one another, whilst we continue to raise our family together."
"We won't be commenting on this further," the statement continued. "Thank you in advance for your support and respecting our privacy at this time. Both of us x."
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