James Corden’s Heartfelt Departure: Prioritizing Family Life Over Late-Night Stardom

• James Corden, the charismatic English comedian and host, helmed ‘The Late Late Show’ from 2015 to 2023.
• He is devoted husband to Julia Corden and a loving father to their three children.
• Corden made the significant decision to step down from ‘The Late Late Show’ to dedicate more time to his family and pursue new adventures.

James Corden has achieved remarkable success, transitioning from a beloved British actor and comedian to an internationally recognized television host. His tenure on The Late Late Show cemented his status as a global celebrity, known for his witty interviews, engaging sketches, and viral ‘Carpool Karaoke’ segments. Despite the show’s immense popularity and critical acclaim, Corden, at 44 years old, announced in April 2022 his intention to conclude his eight-year run as host in April 2023. This revelation sent ripples through the entertainment industry, with many wondering about the reasons behind such a significant career shift. Corden himself offered a clear and poignant explanation for his exit.

“My kids are getting older, their grandparents are getting older, and it perhaps just felt like the right time for us as a family to be freer in our decisions,” he candidly shared in a June 2022 interview with Extra. This statement underscored a profound desire to rebalance his priorities, shifting focus from the demanding schedule of late-night television to the irreplaceable moments of family life. He elaborated on this deeply personal decision during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show in January 2023, emphasizing that his departure was not born out of dissatisfaction with the show but rather a conscious choice for his family’s well-being.

“Nothing about leaving the show was to do with not enjoying it. I love it, but the truth is it became a very easy decision because I always knew it was an adventure and I never ever considered it to be the final destination,” Corden explained. He continued, highlighting his deep-seated conviction: “I will know at my core that the best thing for me and the best thing for us as a family is to put down some roots in London, and it feels absolutely right in every single way.” This sentiment speaks volumes about his commitment to his wife, Julia Corden, née Carey, and their three children. Since their marriage in 2012, James and Julia have built a beautiful family, deliberately choosing to keep their children largely out of the intense media spotlight. Here’s a closer look at the three cherished individuals who motivated James Corden’s return to his roots.

Max Corden: The Eldest Son and His Unique Naming Story

James and Julia welcomed their first child, a son named Max Corden, into the world in 2011. The story behind Max’s unique middle name is as endearing as it is humorous, involving one of music’s greatest legends: Sir Paul McCartney of The Beatles. In a tale recounted by James on a 2013 episode of The Graham Norton Show, Max received the middle name McCartney as a rather unconventional form of payment. Corden had enlisted the help of the iconic musician for a sketch benefiting the UK-based charity Comic Relief. James, known for his persuasive charm, admitted to “laying it on very thick,” emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of McCartney’s participation. “People won’t die if you do our sketch,” he recalled telling the music icon, a line that made it “very difficult for people to say no,” as reported by the Mirror. Paul McCartney, a good sport, agreed to appear in the sketch only after James promised to name his future child after him. True to his word, James bestowed the middle name McCartney upon his son, making for a memorable anecdote that highlights his playful nature and commitment to his promises. Max also carries a second middle name, Kimberley, which is also James’s own middle name, creating a familial connection.

Even before taking on the demanding role of hosting The Late Late Show, James Corden often expressed his deep-seated concern for spending quality time with his children. In 2015, shortly before his move to the US, he fondly shared a glimpse into his family life at the Vanity Fair Young Hollywood party. He revealed to PEOPLE that his son Max had coined special names for their weekend days: “My son calls Saturday, ‘Dad-urday’ and Sunday is Funday.” This personal detail underscored his dedication to creating special, memorable moments with his son, even as his career was about to reach new heights. “We will get to have that and that’s the most important thing,” he stated, emphasizing the priority he placed on these familial bonds. Max was just three years old at the time, and his father’s words revealed an early awareness of the importance of balancing professional ambition with family time. Now, at 12 years old, Max continues to be a central figure in James’s life choices.

In 2018, James proudly shared another heartwarming detail about Max’s talents, revealing that his son was already a trained singer. “My last moment of pride was sitting outside my son’s bedroom while he had a singing lesson. He’s going to do his school’s talent show and he was singing a song from Dear Evan Hansen. I listened to him singing it, and it made me feel unbelievably proud that he would do such a thing,” he gushed to PEOPLE. This moment offered a rare glimpse into Max’s emerging personality and talents, suggesting a potential artistic streak inherited from his performing father. It also highlighted James’s deep emotional connection to his children’s accomplishments and growth, showcasing his pride as a parent.

Carey Corden: The First Daughter and Her Bi-Continental Upbringing

James and Julia’s family expanded in 2014 with the arrival of their second child and first daughter, Carey Corden. Her first name holds special significance, being Julia’s maiden name, a touching tribute to her heritage. While Carey, like her older brother Max, was born in the United Kingdom, her formative years have primarily been spent across the Atlantic. The family made the significant move to the United States in 2015, following James’s momentous offer to host The Late Late Show. This relocation meant that Carey, now 9 years old, has largely grown up immersed in American culture, experiencing a unique bi-continental upbringing that combines her British roots with her life in Los Angeles.

Despite her father’s public persona, very little is publicly known about Carey, in line with James and Julia’s commitment to protecting their children’s privacy. However, James has occasionally offered charming tidbits about his daughter. At the same Vanity Fair Young Hollywood party where he spoke about Max’s “Dad-urday,” he proudly shared a sweet observation about Carey. “She’s a cutie!” he stated, adding that his little girl possesses an infectious smile. These small glimpses suggest a happy and cheerful child, cherished by her family and growing up in a loving environment, shielded from the intense media scrutiny that often accompanies celebrity offspring.

Charlotte Corden: A Star-Studded Arrival and a Growing Family

The Corden family expanded for the final time with the birth of their youngest daughter, Charlotte Corden, in 2017. Her arrival brought with it a memorable and rather public anecdote, as Charlotte decided to make her grand entrance on a day when James was scheduled to film The Late Late Show. In a stroke of luck and celebrity camaraderie, fellow British sensation Harry Styles stepped up to the plate, gallantly taking over hosting duties for the evening so that James could be by Julia’s side during labor. The following night, esteemed actor Bryan Cranston filled in, allowing the new family of five to acclimate to their expanded household. James often jokes about the practicalities of having a larger family, once quipping in 2018 that he only found enough space for a third child after relocating to Los Angeles, as London simply didn’t offer the same expansive living arrangements. Despite the humor, his underlying sentiment is one of profound gratitude. “I feel so lucky that we have three healthy children. I just feel really blessed with all of it,” he shared with PEOPLE. Charlotte, now 6 years old, completes the lively Corden household, bringing her own unique energy to the family dynamic.

James Corden’s Candid Reflections on the Joys and Challenges of Fatherhood

While James Corden radiates warmth and humor on screen, he has always maintained a refreshing honesty about the realities of parenthood. Despite his obvious joy in being a father to three vibrant children, he has been notably frank about the everyday struggles and chaotic moments that come with raising a young family. In 2018, he recounted a particularly eye-opening experience when he and Julia attempted the seemingly simple task of taking all three of their kids out to eat. “It’s just a nightmare. I got back from Liverpool on Sunday, and we thought, ‘Let’s take the kids out. Let’s go for lunch,’” he divulged to PEOPLE, painting a vivid picture of the ensuing pandemonium. “I mean, it’s a joke. We actually went to a place at the end of our road for lunch, and we looked like we were fleeing the country. We had that much stuff. It’s absurd.” This humorous yet relatable anecdote perfectly encapsulates the universal challenges of dining out with small children, a struggle amplified by their growing numbers and endless needs for snacks, toys, and distraction.

Beyond the logistical hurdles, Corden has also openly discussed the emotional toll that his demanding career took on his family life. He shared with PEOPLE his deep aversion to being separated from his loved ones, especially during significant events. Prior to hosting the 2018 Grammys, an event held in New York City’s Madison Square Garden—a considerable distance from his family in California—he expressed his heartfelt distress. “I sort of can’t bear being away from everybody,” he stated, his words resonating with countless working parents. “We just had a daughter and it feels a little soon to try and travel as a family. So unfortunately they will be in Los Angeles and I will be in New York.” This insight highlights the sacrifices and emotional challenges that even successful celebrities face in balancing a high-profile career with their familial responsibilities, particularly when their children are young.

In moments of high pressure, James relies heavily on his wife, Julia, for support and perspective. Reflecting on his anxiety before the Grammys, he joked, “I think there will be a lot of FaceTiming before the show, with my wife saying, ‘Breathe, shut up, get over yourself, it’s not about you.’” He affectionately added, “She’s an incredible sort of calming presence for me.” This candid admission underscores the vital role Julia plays in his life, not only as a mother to their children but also as an anchor and source of strength for James himself. Their partnership is clearly a cornerstone of his personal and professional decisions.

With his time on The Late Late Show now behind him, James Corden is fully embracing this new chapter focused on his family. His decision to step away from the global spotlight of late-night television is a testament to his profound love and commitment to Julia, Max, Carey, and Charlotte. As he moves forward, whether to new creative endeavors or simply to more precious moments at home, it’s clear that Corden’s next great adventure will be one where his family remains at the absolute heart of it all. This move not only allows him to be more present in his children’s lives but also to truly put down roots in London, creating a stable and enriching environment for his family, fulfilling the long-held desire he expressed years ago.