Liev Schreiber is sharing what it’s been like raising his teenage daughter, Kai, who is trans—and the actor is doing so with warmth, honesty, and unconditional love.
In a candid interview with Variety, the 57-year-old actor reflected on his experience as a father to 16-year-old Kai, whom he shares with ex-partner Naomi Watts. While the world has only recently started hearing more about Kai’s transition, Schreiber says the journey began long before pronouns were ever discussed.
“Kai was always who Kai is. But I suppose the most profound moment was her asking us to change her pronouns,” he shared. “To be honest with you, it didn’t feel like that big of a deal to me only because Kai had been so feminine for so long.”
For Liev, Kai’s strength and sense of self have always been front and center. While the public may see her through headlines and social media snippets, her dad sees something far deeper: fierce courage. “Kai is such a fighter. It’s important that she goes, ‘Hey, I am trans,’ and, ‘Look at me,’ and, ‘F–k you. F–k off.’”
It’s a raw, unapologetic statement—but one that reflects a young woman determined to live as her full self, without compromise or apology. And for Schreiber, that kind of boldness is something to be proud of.
When asked if he had any words of advice for other parents who might be navigating similar experiences with their own children, the Ray Donovan star didn’t pretend to have all the answers. In fact, he was clear about not wanting to generalize other people’s paths.
“I don’t know the answer for your kid. I don’t know what it’s like for you to be a trans dad. I don’t know how you were brought up. I don’t know what religion you encountered or what your spirituality is. And for me to tell you what I think about my kid feels like an overstep,” he said.
Still, he had one big takeaway for parents of trans teens—or honestly, any teens.
“I guess if I would say anything to someone who’s having trouble with their trans teen or their adolescent trans kid it’s: ‘Teenagers are a f**king headache. They’re hard.’ It doesn’t matter whether they’re trans or not because you’ll come out of this. But a trans teen is going to be a teen. They’re such a pain in the a** so much of the time, and Kai is as feisty and outspoken as they come.”
That mix of tenderness and brutal honesty is what makes Liev’s perspective feel refreshing. He’s not presenting himself as a perfect parent or a spokesperson—just a dad who deeply loves his kid and respects her for exactly who she is.
As more public figures open up about supporting their LGBTQ+ children, Schreiber’s voice adds a much-needed layer of realness to the conversation. It’s not about getting everything right—it’s about showing up with love, patience, and a willingness to listen.
And with Kai boldly stepping into her own spotlight, it’s clear she’s inherited more than just her dad’s sharp wit—she’s got his fire, too.
