Anthony Mackie Says He's Raising His 4 Boys to be 'Young Men' and Stay 'Humble' Regardless of His Hollywood Status

Mar. 15, 2025

Anthony Mackie.Photo:Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Anthony Mackieis doubling down on wanting to keep his children far away from the Hollywood spotlight.During an appearance onThe Pivotpodcast, the8 Milealum, 46, spoke with former NFL stars and hostsChanning CrowderandFred Taylorto talk about his path from his New Orleans beginnings to his Hollywood stardom. Mackie, who officially picked up Captain America’s shield recently with his box-office blockbusterCaptain America: Brave New World,also opened up about keepinghis four sons"humble" amid his Hollywood stardom.“I keep my boys humble. Like my boys have never had a pair of Jordans. My boys don’t do all that internet fly s—,” he said. “I could be the biggest star in the world. Do not let me catch you being stupid.”“My oldest gets it — my 15-year-old. He tell the other ones, he’s like, ‘Yo, don’t make Dad mad,' " Mackie added. “Once you get one that’s right, he’s going to straighten the other ones out.”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Later in the episode, the Marvel actor explained why it’s important to him to build his children’s character in today’s society.“So, it is just that thing of in the past 20 years, we’ve been living through the death of the American male. They have literally killed masculinity in our homes, in our communities for one reason or another,” he began. “But I raise my boys to be young men.”Since his boys were 2 years old, Mackie, who shares his children with ex-wife Sheletta Chapital, taught his sons to have manners. He has told his boys they always need to say thank you, open doors for women and take care of their mom.“Every time I left for a job, I tell my 15-year-old, ‘You’re the man of the house. You make sure these doors are locked. Every night this alarm is on. You text me or you call me every night before you go to bed and you wake up,' " Mackie shared.Anthony Mackie.Marco Provvisionato/MDPhoto/ipa-agency.net/ShutterstockIn trueCaptain Americafashion, Mackie has always protected his children from the harsh microscope that comes with global stardom. The New Orleans native toldEsquirefor their cover story that he intentionally leaves his family life private, keeping specific details about them out of the media.“I’ve always kept my personal life out of the business,” he told the outlet. “I don’t allow people to photograph my kids. I don’t bring my kids around. I want my kids to be normal.”

Anthony Mackieis doubling down on wanting to keep his children far away from the Hollywood spotlight.

During an appearance onThe Pivotpodcast, the8 Milealum, 46, spoke with former NFL stars and hostsChanning CrowderandFred Taylorto talk about his path from his New Orleans beginnings to his Hollywood stardom. Mackie, who officially picked up Captain America’s shield recently with his box-office blockbusterCaptain America: Brave New World,also opened up about keepinghis four sons"humble” amid his Hollywood stardom.

“I keep my boys humble. Like my boys have never had a pair of Jordans. My boys don’t do all that internet fly s—,” he said. “I could be the biggest star in the world. Do not let me catch you being stupid.”

“My oldest gets it — my 15-year-old. He tell the other ones, he’s like, ‘Yo, don’t make Dad mad,' " Mackie added. “Once you get one that’s right, he’s going to straighten the other ones out.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Later in the episode, the Marvel actor explained why it’s important to him to build his children’s character in today’s society.

“So, it is just that thing of in the past 20 years, we’ve been living through the death of the American male. They have literally killed masculinity in our homes, in our communities for one reason or another,” he began. “But I raise my boys to be young men.”

Since his boys were 2 years old, Mackie, who shares his children with ex-wife Sheletta Chapital, taught his sons to have manners. He has told his boys they always need to say thank you, open doors for women and take care of their mom.

“Every time I left for a job, I tell my 15-year-old, ‘You’re the man of the house. You make sure these doors are locked. Every night this alarm is on. You text me or you call me every night before you go to bed and you wake up,' " Mackie shared.

Anthony Mackie.Marco Provvisionato/MDPhoto/ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock

Marco Provvisionato/MDPhoto/ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock

In trueCaptain Americafashion, Mackie has always protected his children from the harsh microscope that comes with global stardom. The New Orleans native toldEsquirefor their cover story that he intentionally leaves his family life private, keeping specific details about them out of the media.

“I’ve always kept my personal life out of the business,” he told the outlet. “I don’t allow people to photograph my kids. I don’t bring my kids around. I want my kids to be normal.”

source: people.com