Martin's joy at being a first-time dad at 67
FILE - FEBRUARY 13: Steve Martin and wife Ann Stringfield welcomed a baby of unknown gender in December 2012 according to reports on February 13, 2013. The couple were married in 2007 and this is the first child for Martin (67). WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - MAY 06: Actor and musician Steve Martin (L) and wife Anne Stringfield attend the presentation of "Wounded" curated by Carole Bayer Sager at LA Art House on May 6, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
IT'S no joke as comic actor Steve Martin becomes a dad for the first time – at the age of 67.
IT IS thought that the The Father of the Bride star and his wife welcomed their first child in December, but managed to keep the news under wraps until now.
The famously private star and his 41-year-old wife, Anne Stringfield, welcomed the baby in December, a representative for the couple has confirmed. A spokesperson for the actor said the couple "are new parents and recently welcomed a child."
No additional details were given.
Although they have managed to keep their happy news a secret, the couple have been spotted doting on the tot near their Los Angeles home.
A source told a New York newspaper: "They've had a baby, and how they kept it a secret nobody knows."
The source added: "Steve's very private. They are thrilled. They worked hard to have the baby."
Martin is a former Saturday Night Live cast member and star of films including It's Complicated.
He is also a novelist, musician and comedy writer.
The star – who played a father of 12 in the comedy movie Cheaper By The Dozen – and his second wife Anne married in July 2007 after three years together.
She is 26 years his junior.
The surprise ceremony took place at Steve's Los Angeles home with former Nebraska Senator Bob Kerrey presiding over the ceremony, while Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels was best man.
Celebrity guests including Tom Hanks and Diane Keaton did not know that the couple were getting hitched and arrived expecting a party.
hnews@herald.ie