Lily Collins Calls Motherhood “the Greatest Gift” as She Welcomes Baby Tove to Set

Lily Collins is embracing a new role far more personal than any she has taken on in front of the camera: motherhood.

The Emily in Paris star spoke with USA TODAY about welcoming her first child, daughter Tove, with husband and filmmaker Charlie McDowell earlier this year. The couple welcomed their baby via surrogate in January — a decision Collins says she felt immense gratitude for.

“It’s opened my heart in so many new ways”

Collins, 36, said motherhood has reshaped her life emotionally and creatively.

“Being a mom is the greatest gift,” she shared. “It’s opened my heart in so many new ways. There are so many new feelings.”

The actress, known for portraying marketing ingénue Emily Cooper in Netflix’s Paris-set dramedy, is currently promoting Season 5, now streaming. She sat alongside friend and co-star Ashley Park for the interview, offering an intimate look at what filming was like with a newborn in tow.

Baby Tove joined her on set

Collins explained that production on the Netflix series marked her first job since becoming a parent, and she wanted her daughter nearby whenever possible.

“This was the first job that I did with a child,” Collins said. “And it was really wonderful to bring her to set and have her be part of it.”

She expressed excitement about eventually sharing those memories with her daughter, who may someday watch the show that defined her mother’s global fame.

“I can’t wait to one day show her where I met Auntie Ashley,” Collins said, smiling at Park. “It’s beautiful.”

Balancing motherhood and work in the spotlight

Collins joins a long list of Hollywood stars navigating parenthood alongside demanding filming schedules. But unlike her onscreen persona—who is often overwhelmed by juggling romance, ambition and Parisian chaos—Collins says her new responsibilities have grounded her.

Motherhood has brought “a sense of clarity,” sources close to the actress say, allowing Collins to prioritize family time, even while headlining Netflix’s hit series.

The decision to bring her daughter to set reflects a growing trend among working mothers in entertainment who push for flexible environments and childcare support while shooting long schedules.

Emily in Paris returns during personal milestone

Season 5 arrives at a meaningful time for Collins, who now blends diaper bags with designer costumes and early call times. Fans will see Collins’ character Emily confront new career twists in Paris, while the actress experiences an emotional shift behind the scenes.

Co-star Ashley Park shared her admiration for Collins as both a friend and mother, calling watching Collins with baby Tove “heartwarming.”

While Collins remains private about many details concerning her daughter and surrogacy journey, she continues to reflect openly on how motherhood has shaped her identity.

“I feel like my heart expanded overnight,” she recently said in another interview. “It changes everything — in the best way.”

Whether she is balancing life on set or embracing quiet moments at home, Collins says motherhood remains the role she cherishes most.