The North American premiere of Charlie McDowell’s drama film The Summer Book turned into a blended family affair for the director.
Not only were the stars of the film, which was led by acclaimed actress Glenn Close, in attendance, but also the filmmaker’s famous parents, Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen, who divorced in 1990, and stepfather Ted Dansonwho has been married to his mother since 1995.
With all the history between the foursome, the red carpet lit up with several couples. The family that started with Danson and Steenburgen all nestled next to each other.
The Cheers alum exuded casual cool in dark blue jeans, a plaid blazer over a light blue shirt and brown leather shoes, while his wife of 29 years rocked her fall look in a brown suede skirt and furry tan top. over a white T-shirt and dark brown, knee-high boots.
Danson had his gray hair pushed back for the occasion, while Steenburgen had her long brown locks flowing past her shoulders with bangs and a subtle center parting.
Ted Danson, wife Mary Steenburgen and her ex-husband Malcom McDowell showed their support for son Charlie McDowell by attending the North American premiere of the drama film The Summer Book at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles
The Summer Book follows Sophia, an imaginative and curious eight-year-old who spends a summer with her father and her grandmother on the island in the Gulf of Finland after Sophia’s mother dies; The trio comes to terms with the loss as they explore the island, talk about life and enjoy each other’s company
The filmmaker, who was director of The Summer Book, looked cool and stylish in a black suit with a white T-shirt, black Adidas sneakers and his hair cut short to his head.
He and his father spent much of their time together in the spotlight of the red carpet, arm in arm, talking and laughing.
In fact, at one point they both burst out laughing because their arms were still linked.
The A Clockwork Orange actor stepped out in a casual ensemble consisting of black khaki-style pants with a matching hoodie and shoes, along with a green baseball cap and dark sunglasses.
The native of Horsforth, West Riding Of Yorkshire, England, also brought along his sons Seamus Hudson McDowell, 15, and Beckett McDowell, 20, whom he shares with artist wife Kelley Kuhr.
Also on hand for the family outing: McDowell and Steenburgen’s daughter Lily McDowell, 43, who wore a backpack with a green top.
Charlie’s wife, actress Lily Collins, appeared unable to make it to the Hollywood premiere after being by his side at previous promotional events, including the special screening of The Summer Book at the BFI Film Festival in London on October 12.
The couple, who just celebrated 29 years of marriage earlier in October, also showed off their respective ensemble solos
The filmmaker, who was director of The Summer Book, looked cool and stylish in a black suit with a white T-shirt, black Adidas sneakers and his hair cut short to his head.
The proud father appeared to be having a great time as he showed his son support for his new film
The A Clockwork Orange native also brought along his 15-year-old son Seamus Hudson McDowell, whom he shares with artist Kelley Kuhr
The couple had only just celebrated their three-year wedding anniversary last month when the Emily In Paris star shared a tribute to him in a gushing Instagram post.
“Happy birthday to the man who makes me laugh harder than anyone else. Holding you in your arms for three years has been the greatest gift the actress wrote. ‘Unashamed and in a basic T-shirt, you make me feel like the most special person on earth. I love you @charliemcdowell. More than I can say.’
Charlie McDowell directed the production while working from a screenplay by Robert Jones, who based the film on Tove Jansson’s 1972 novel of the same name.
The cast is led by Glenn Close and also includes Emily Matthews, Anders Danielsen Lie, Ingvar Sigurdsson, Pekka Strang and Sophia Heikkilä.
The story follows Sophia, an imaginative and curious eight-year-old who spends a summer with her father and her grandmother on the island in the Gulf of Finland after Sophia’s mother dies.
The trio comes to terms with the loss as they explore the island, talk about life and enjoy each other’s company.
The team all gathered for a group photo along the red carpet; Danson is seen alongside stepdaughter Lily McDowell, who was alongside her mother, son Charlie, as well as Malcom, Seamus and brother Beckett McDowell
The film’s star, Close, and its director, McDowell, also participated in a question-and-answer discussion
Close was genuinely surprised to see the British actor at the event
The two old friends stopped to chat during a few dejected moments
The film explores the relationship between a child and his grandparent, and the universal truths about youth, age and mortality.
Glenn Close plays the grandmother, Emily Matthews plays Sophia and Anders Danielsen Lie plays Sophia’s father.
Danson, 76, and Steenburgen, 71, first met in 1983 when Danson auditioned to play Steenburgen’s husband in the romantic drama film Cross Creek.
At the time, the Cheers star was married to Casey Coates, while the Time After Time actress was married to Malcolm McDowell.
While Steenburgen landed the lead role of aspiring author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings for the Cross Creek production, Danson did not, but they would reconnect about a decade later when they co-starred in the adventure film Pontiac Moon (1993).
Close, 77, showed off her fit figure, decked out in a gray patterned suit and matching shoes
The director did a mix and match by wearing a black suit. white t-shirt and sneakers
It was during filming that sparks flew and they continued dating for about two years before deciding to get married in October 1995 in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
They eventually married in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts at a star-studded event with approximately 150 guests in October 1995, including then-President Bill Clinton, Bruce Springsteen, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Tom Hanks and Jack Nicholson.
The couple both entered the romance with two children from previous marriages, with Danson sharing daughters Kate, 44, and Alexis, 39, with second wife Casey Coates, while Steenburgen shares daughter Lily, 43, and son Charlie, 41, with ex -husband Malcolm McDowell.