Kate Beckinsale, 43, and Michael Sheen, 47, were together for eight years and have a daughter together. Though they never married and broke up in 2003, the ex-couple remain on good terms.
Recently, the actress shared an Instagram photo about their daughter, Lily, who is now 17-years-old, as she received great news about her college acceptance. It showed Michael Sheen hugging and picking up both Kate Beckinsale and Lily because he too was elated about the news.
It also revealed that the former partners remain close after all these years. Kate Beckinsale admitted that she sees the father of her child as family, especially since she has known him since she was 21-years-old.
A photo posted by Kate Beckinsale (@katebeckinsale) on Dec 15, 2016 at 6:47pm PST
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Kate Beckinsale revealed her secret to co-parenting with Michael Sheen. "We really agreed on what would be the right thing for Lily," the actress said. "And I think, you know, not hating each other and fighting and all that would be awful for her."
She also revealed that humor has saved their relationship from going sour and it's a great thing that they are on the same wavelength when it comes to this. "I do find that humor can save an awful lot of things and help a lot of things," the actress said.
As proof of that humor, Kate Beckinsale also shared a conversation she had with Michael Sheen and Lily in a group chat on social media. It showed how well their small family unit operates.
Family group chat Tuesday (Aro is Michael's character in #Twilight)
A photo posted by Kate Beckinsale (@katebeckinsale) on Sep 6, 2016 at 6:49pm PDT
Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen get along so well that Lily doesn't feel any parental alienation nor did she went through a bitter custody battle when she was little. The Beckinsale mom-daughter duo is even close to Michael Sheen's girlfriend, Sarah Silverman.
It's important for the actress that Lily and Sarah also get along well together. "Having as many strong females in your teenage daughter's life as possible is a good thing," she told E! Online. The modern family spent Thanksgiving and will be spending this year's Christmas together.
Kate Beckinsale adds that this is a normal thing for them as a family. Watch Michael Sheen talk about co-parenting with his ex in the video below.
