Actress Lily Collins and director Charlie McDowell have recently shared joyous news with their fans: the birth of their daughter, Tove Jane McDowell, welcomed via surrogate. The couple took to Instagram to announce the happy occasion, expressing their gratitude and love for their newborn and the surrogate who helped bring her to life.
Collins, known for her role as Emily Cooper on the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris, posted on social media saying, "Welcome to the center of our world Tove Jane McDowell. Words will never express our endless gratitude for our incredible surrogate and everyone who helped us along the way. We love you to the moon and back again..." The announcement was accompanied by an adorable photo of their little girl, who was cozily resting in a basket adorned with her name.
The announcement itself surprised many fans, as Collins and McDowell had not publicly disclosed their plans to start a family. But the couple has long expressed their desire to have children. Before marrying, Collins shared her yearning for family during discussions about her struggles with eating disorders. "My reason to finally start talking about [my eating disorder] was the moment I realized I wanted a family," she told Us Weekly back in 2017.
The couple got married on September 4, 2021, in a private ceremony, and have been candid about their excitement for parenthood ever since. They first met on the set of the film Gilded Rage, directed by McDowell, where their romance blossomed.
While many fans celebrated this new chapter for the couple, the announcement attracted some negative backlash on social media. Critics took aim at their decision to use a surrogate, with some harshly misconstruing the practice. McDowell quickly took to the comments section of their announcement to respond to the vitriol.
"Thank you for all the kind messages and love. We are overjoyed and very grateful. It’s ok to not be an expert on surrogacy. It’s ok to not know why someone might need a surrogate to have a child. It’s ok to not know the motivations of a surrogate regardless of what you assume..." He continued to urge people to spread love rather than hateful judgments, emphasizing, "that’s all for now because she just pooped and I need to change her diaper." The playful tone indicated the couple's happiness with their newborn.
Collins' co-star Ashley Park from Emily in Paris also extended her congratulations, commenting joyfully, "Mom and dadddddd ❤️❤️". This sentiment was echoed by many fans who showered the couple with affection and support.
Despite the praise and excitement from friends and fans, the couple has faced online trolls who criticized their path to parenthood. Comments such as "rich people using women as incubators" and accusations likening surrogacy to "human trafficking" surfaced. Such harsh critiques prompted McDowell to clarify the importance and validity of their choice.
Surrogacy, often viewed through various lenses, remains a personal and deeply understood option for many aspiring parents. Collins' past circumstances may contribute to why surrogacy was the chosen path for their family. Women who deal with eating disorders can face increased complications during pregnancy, which may impact decisions about how to create their family.
Fans can also soon enjoy more of Collins on their screens, as Emily in Paris, which has gained international acclaim, has been renewed for Season 5. The show's success has propelled Collins to fame, but her personal life continues to reflect her desire for meaningful connections—not just on-screen as Emily but also off-screen as Lily, a new mother committed to her family.
Phil Collins, Lily’s father and music legend, celebrated his daughter’s milestone with gratitude. Just days before the announcement of the birth, Collins shared a heartfelt tribute for her father's birthday, reflecting their close bond. She reminisced, saying, "From a West Coast star to the West End stage and everywhere in between, I’m so grateful to be by your side and for the support, experiences, and love we have and will continue to share." This sentiment of familial love resonates through her recent transition to motherhood.
Looking forward, fans and family alike are excited for the new adventures and heartwarming moments the McDowell family will surely create together. With Tove Jane as their new focal point, the couple appears ready to embrace the beautiful chaos of parenting, surrounded by love and support.