Anthony Mackie Shares Why He Keeps His 4 Sons Away from the Spotlight

Anthony Mackie always keeps his business life separate from his personal one.

In true Captain America fashion, Mackie, 46, protects his children from the harsh microscope that comes with global stardom. The New Orleans native told Esquire for a new 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.”

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While he may be protecting his four boys from the negative aspect of fame, The Falcon and the Winter Solider actor can’t help but rave about his children. Just like any parent, Mackie can’t stop himself from mentioning small things about his children, like his son gifting him a poop-emoji plushie for his truck.

“My son gave me that,” he explained as he showed the reporter the toy. “He’s like, ‘You’re a big poop-head!’”

Mackie shares four boys, whose ages range from 8 to 15, with his ex-wife Sheletta Chapital.

Despite his two-decade-long successful career including Oscar winners and mega blockbusters, his boys remain unimpressed. The actor told PEOPLE in a March 2021 interview that his kids might be more excited about his job if it involved playing video games online, like their favorite streamers on Twitch.

“They’re pretty much really not into me as an actor at all,” Mackie said. “It’s shockingly funny how much they couldn’t care less about me being in movies.”

Despite his high-profile profession, his four boys simply view him as “dad.” The Night Before actor said that he’s enjoyed seeing each of his kids’ individual personalities develop while staying in New Orleans for most of 2020.

“They’re getting to the age where their individual personalities are starting to show, it’s fun to be able to embrace that and experience that their growth as individuals,” Mackie said in June 2024.

“My second kid, he’s a cook. We cook together all the time,” he explained. “My oldest is kind of emotionally like me. I’ve enjoyed just being at home and able to get to know them better as individuals.”