Richard Wilkins reveals the one thing he’s always wanted for son Christian — and the words he never needed to say twice
Richard Wilkins’ greatest pride isn’t found on the red carpet — it’s in the way he raised his son
For decades, Richard Wilkins has been one of the most familiar faces on Australian television.
He has interviewed Hollywood stars, reported from some of the world’s biggest entertainment events and spent years in the spotlight.
But away from the cameras, Richard has always described fatherhood as one of the most important parts of his life.
And when it comes to his son Christian Wilkins, one particular part of their relationship says more than any red-carpet appearance ever could.
The moment Christian realised he never had to prove himself
Growing up with a famous father could easily have created pressure for Christian.
Instead, he has repeatedly spoken about a family environment where he felt accepted for exactly who he was.
Christian has explained that he never felt the need to formally “come out” to his parents because, in his words, he never felt as though he had been “in” in the first place.
His relationship with Richard was central to that feeling.
When Christian once went to his father while upset and felt pressure to explain his sexuality, Richard’s response was remarkably simple: if Christian wanted to say something, he could — but he did not need to say anything for his father.
Christian later said he was grateful for that approach.
There was no demand for an announcement. No expectation that he had to prove anything.
He was simply accepted.
A father’s message that stayed with him
That quiet moment became one of the most meaningful memories Christian has shared about his relationship with his father.
He has spoken about how liberating it was to know that acceptance did not depend on saying the “right” words or fitting into someone else’s expectations.
Christian has also encouraged others not to feel pressured into coming out unless doing so feels right for them.
For him, the lesson was never really about one conversation.
It was about knowing that the door had always been open.
Richard has never hidden how proud he is
Richard has five children, and he has spoken warmly about how much his family means to him.
In a 9Honey interview about fatherhood, he described seeing his children happy and together as one of his greatest joys.
He has also described himself as enormously proud of each of his children and determined to be supportive, protective and loving.
That sentiment has been particularly visible in the way he has supported Christian’s journey.
After Australia’s same-sex marriage vote in 2017, Richard publicly celebrated his son’s happiness and described himself as extremely proud of him.
For Christian, the support was something he clearly valued.
He shared his father’s message publicly and reflected on how fortunate he felt to have a family that loved and supported him.
Christian never wanted to escape his father’s shadow
Christian has since built a public identity of his own as a model, fashion personality and television figure.
He has appeared on Dancing With the Stars, worked in media and fashion, and developed his own voice within the entertainment industry.
But unlike many celebrity children who might feel pressure to distance themselves from a famous parent, Christian has spoken proudly about following in Richard’s footsteps.
He has described being his father’s son and working in entertainment as an honour rather than something he needs to escape.
“I’m really, really proud of my dad,” Christian has said, describing the opportunity to follow his father’s path as a huge honour.
They challenge each other — and still turn to each other
Their relationship is not simply built around Richard being the famous father and Christian being the son.
In a rare interview, the pair described how similar they can be while also challenging each other’s views.
Christian said they push each other and look to one another for support in areas including life, love and their careers.
That dynamic has continued as Christian has established himself in his own right.
Richard, meanwhile, has embraced watching his son find his own place in the industry.
Even childhood memories reveal how early he recognised Christian’s love of performing.
In a later conversation, Christian recalled dancing and performing for his father as a child, while Richard remembered watching him and joking that he always knew his son was going to be “something”.
More than a famous surname
The Wilkins name opened doors, but Christian has spent years building an identity beyond it.
His distinctive fashion choices and outspoken personality have made him recognisable in his own right, while his relationship with his father has remained one of the more enduring parts of his public story.
Richard has also offered Christian advice as he has navigated the entertainment industry, encouraging him to take opportunities and push himself.
Yet perhaps the most important lesson Richard gave his son came long before the red carpets and television appearances.
It was the understanding that Christian never needed to become someone else to earn his father’s approval.
The part of fatherhood that happens away from the cameras
Richard has spent much of his professional life interviewing other people and telling their stories.
But his own family story is perhaps the one he speaks about with the greatest warmth.
He has described his five children as one of the greatest things he has done and acknowledged that he has become a better father with time and experience.
And with Christian, the relationship seems to have evolved from father and son into something closer to two people who genuinely rely on one another.
There are red carpets, television appearances and public milestones.
But beneath all of that is something much quieter.
A son who never felt he had to ask for permission to be himself.
And a father who made sure he knew he was loved long before the rest of Australia knew his name.