- Simon Cowell believed that he was “too old” to be a father. He was content with not having kids, but that changed through the years.
- Cowell is now a father of one and a stepdad to his girlfriend, Lauren Silverman’s son.
- The couple has been through a lot together and recently made a move to protect their kids.
Renowned record executive Simon Cowell is a proud father of one and welcomed his child with his longtime love, socialite Lauren Silverman.
The couple has been together for several years and dotes on their son, Eric. Their first and only child together.
Record executive Simon Cowell and his girlfriend, socialite Lauren Silverman pictured with their newborn son, Eric Cowell at the beach on February 24, 2014 in Miami, Florida | Source: Getty Images
Per his autobiography, “Simon Cowell – The Man Who Changed the World,” by David Nolan, Cowell believed that he would never have a child because of his age:
“[…] Again and again, he’d stated that he was too old to become a father and that he was happy as he was.”
In a 2009 interview, the world-famous television personality reiterated his stance on having children and joked about what would occur if he had them:
“God, no. I couldn’t have children. If I had them here drawing on the walls, I’d go nuts. You’ve got to be up at a certain time. Got to listen. When all you want to do is sit in a corner thinking.”
However, as time progressed, Cowell seemed to have a change of heart about being a dad. In a March 2012 interview, he said he was fond of children because he could communicate with them and listen to them.
The entrepreneur stated the only issue about becoming a parent is that he would always have to make time to raise them, while he has dedicated much of his time to his work through the years. “And at 52, I’ve probably missed the opportunity,” he said.
But it turns out he had not lost the chance of becoming a father. Cowell became a first-time dad when he and Silverman welcomed their son, Eric, in 2014.
In an interview with Extra TV that same year, “The X Factor” judge and founder was asked how it felt being a parent, and he answered, “I was born to be a dad.”
When asked whether he cried in the delivery room, he admitted that he did. Cowell also revealed he held his then-newborn son five minutes after his birth and was smitten by him instantly.
What Happened at Cowell’s Home That Put His Son in Danger?
Cowell and Silverman and their then-newborn son, Eric, settled at his house in Holland Park, London. When their child was 21 months old, the couple got robbed while asleep in their home.
The incident occurred on December 4, 2015, while the trio was upstairs. The robbers raided their house and walked away with $655,000 worth of jewelry and money.
Simon Cowell with Lauren Silverman and their son Eric Cowell seen arriving at their hotel on February 16, 2014 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Naturally, Cowell feared for his son’s safety and was left furious. When speaking about the ordeal, the father of one said he would have liked to meet the man who invaded his home and would have wanted to have a “conversation with him.”
He expressed his frustration at the thought of having an intruder in their house and said he would refrain from saying too much as he was livid because of the situation.
Simon Cowell, Eric Cowell and Lauren Silverman photographed at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland on November 17, 2016 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
“As a dad you have to realise the psychological damage it does having someone you don’t know in your home 3ft away from your little boy,” said Cowell.
That said, he upped his security following the traumatic event. Later that same month, Cowell revealed the intruder knew the ins and outs of his residence.
Simon Cowell, Lauren Silverman and Eric Cowell on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 22, 2018 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
He explained the invader walked up to the first floor, where there were two doors, one to his bedroom and the other to his bathroom, which led directly to the dressing room where his safe was.
“So, he could have walked into my bedroom. Instead, he chose the other, so he went through the bathroom. I think he had inside knowledge, definitely,” he divulged.
Why Did Cowell Leave London with His Family?
In July 2023, it was reported that Cowell had sold his $58 million mansion in Holland Park and left London. The move came after living in the capital city for most of his life.
The media mogul reportedly informed friends that he no longer felt safe in Central London and lowkey got rid of his house. He recently sealed the deal.
Cowell and his family are believed to have started a new life in the country. The” American Idol” star has endured several home invasions at his now-former residence, which he owned for 16 years.
In June 2023, reports suggested that a criminal gang had sold the same lock to his front door, which left him stunned and terrified. The showbiz star reportedly spent $600,000 for hefty security for his abode but later discovered that a security expert had offered to sell a decoder that could unlock the steel front door in a matter of seconds.
This is not the first time Cowell has sold off one of his properties. In November 2021, he put his second home on the market for $23 million. It was a seven-bedroom residence in Wimbledon, South West, London, which he purchased for $19 million in 2019. He never lived in it.
He forked out $1.3 million for renovations to make it more accustomed to his family’s convenience. However, because of a few stumbling blocks, the family of four, including Silverman’s son Adam, from her previous relationship, decided to remain at Holland Park.
An insider at the time revealed Cowell and his girlfriend, who he started dating in 2013, wanted a change of scenery. They desired to leave central London and move to a more “leafy” place. “They wanted clean air to make it their long-term family home,” said the source.
As of this writing, it remains unclear where Cowell and his family moved to start their new lives together. However, as mentioned above, the couple wanted to leave the city and relocate to someplace surrounded by nature.
