2025-05-29T21:33:00Z

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Tia Carrere, the well-known actress famous for her role in the cult classic Wayne's World, has recently opened up about a significant and personal development in her family life. In a heartfelt interview with PEOPLE, Carrere shared that her 19-year-old son, Jude, whom she shares with her ex-husband Simon Wakelin, has come out as transgender. This revelation marks an important step not just for Jude, but also highlights the evolving conversations around gender identity in society today.

“He’s very matter-of-fact. He knows who he is, and he’s very happy,” Carrere remarked, emphasizing her son’s confidence and self-awareness. Despite his preference for a more private life, Jude made a notable appearance at the premiere of the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, a film that holds a special place in Disney's animated legacy. Carrere, who plays the role of Mrs. Kekoa in this remake, was unable to attend the premiere due to her filming commitments in the Philippines.

In discussing Jude's character, Carrere described him as someone who naturally shies away from the limelight, which adds a unique contrast to her own career in acting. “He’s more introverted, so he definitely won’t go into acting or singing like I did,” she mentioned, highlighting Jude's artistic abilities. “But he’s a great artist. I don’t know what he’ll do! Maybe become a doctor or work with animals. He’s working with animals right now.” The emphasis on Jude’s current work with animals speaks volumes about his nurturing personality and the direction he may choose for his future.

Reflecting on her journey as a mother, Carrere expressed immense pride in the person Jude is becoming. “He’s such a sweetheart,” she said, noting that Jude plays the role of a supportive friend among his peers. “He’s like the therapist to all the other kids.” Carrere elaborated on Jude's reliability, saying, “When his friends go out drinking or partying too hard, he’s always the designated driver, that kind of caring friend you can always lean on.” This observation not only showcases Jude’s kindness but also serves as a testament to Carrere’s parenting style, which she humorously downplayed, stating, “I did a good job with that. But I don’t want to congratulate myself too much!”

As Carrere steps back into the world of acting, she expressed her excitement about her role in Lilo & Stitch. “I love that I’m not a glamorous sex symbol or whatever in this movie,” she said, appreciating the grounded nature of her character. “It’s just good acting and it’s empathetic and it catches your heart, and that makes me so happy.” This perspective reflects Carrere’s maturity as an actress and her desire to portray authentic characters that resonate emotionally with audiences.

Looking to the future, Tia Carrere has no plans to slow down her acting career. She is eager to explore more roles that allow her to showcase her talent while continuing to support her son on his journey. With a strong bond and mutual respect between them, Carrere stands as a proud advocate for Jude’s individuality and happiness.