Becoming a grandparent is often seen as a milestone later in life, but for some celebrities, this transition happens much sooner than expected. From EGOT winners to football stars, these famous faces have embraced the role of grandparent at an age when most people are still in the prime of their careers. Their stories offer a unique perspective on the joys and challenges of grandparenting in the public eye.

Unexpected Grandparents: Celebrities Who Defied the Norm

Kiefer Sutherland: The Accidental Grandfather

Kiefer Sutherland's journey to grandparenthood began at the age of 38, when he became a stepfather to his then-wife Camelia's daughter, Michelle. Though Kiefer and Camelia eventually divorced, he remained a constant presence in Michelle's life. Now, Kiefer delights in spoiling his grandchildren, showering them with treats and cash, before handing them back to their parents with a cheeky grin.

Brett Favre: The NFL Grandpa

Former football star Brett Favre was just 40 years old when he became a grandfather for the first time. In 2010, his daughter Brittany, who was 21 at the time, gave birth to a little boy named Parker. Favre and his wife Deanna were "very proud" of their daughter, though the former quarterback jokingly admitted that the milestone "almost makes me feel old."

Jim Carrey: The Reluctant Grandpa

Jim Carrey was 47 when his daughter Jane and her then-husband Alex Santana welcomed their son Jackson, making Carrey a grandfather. While the comedian admits he's a "good grandad," he still feels a bit embarrassed when his grandson calls him "Grandpa" in public. Carrey has since become a grandfather three times over, as Jane and her current husband Chase Bordelon have welcomed two more children.

Whoopi Goldberg: The Trailblazing Grandma and Great-Grandma

Whoopi Goldberg hit several milestones early in life, including becoming a grandmother at the age of 33 when her 16-year-old daughter Alexandrea gave birth. Whoopi later became a great-grandmother when her granddaughter Amara gave birth to a little girl named Charli. While Whoopi initially expressed surprise and even frustration at the prospect of becoming a grandmother so young, she has since embraced the role with her trademark humor and grace.

Dascha Polanco: The Youthful Grandma

Actress Dascha Polanco became a young mom when she had her daughter Dasany as a teenager. Nearly two decades later, Polanco became a grandmother at the age of 40 when Dasany gave birth to her son Dior. Despite the unexpected timing, Polanco has embraced her role as a "young grandma," proudly sharing her joy and celebrating her grandson's accomplishments.

Charlie Sheen: The Surprised Grandad

Charlie Sheen became a grandfather at the age of 47 when his oldest daughter, Cassandra, welcomed a daughter named Luna. Sheen admitted that the news "kinda blew [his] mind," but he was thrilled to welcome the new addition to the family, describing it as a "gift."

Lauryn Hill: The Discreet Grandma

When Lauryn Hill was 41, her 19-year-old son welcomed his first child, a little boy named Zephaniah. Although Hill didn't publicly acknowledge the announcement, she has since celebrated her grandson's milestones, including his fourth birthday, expressing her love and pride.

Snoop Dogg: The Proud Grandpa

Rapper Snoop Dogg became a grandfather at the age of 43 when his son, Corde "Spank" Broadus, welcomed a baby boy named Zion. Snoop now proudly has seven grandchildren and sees his role as a grandparent as a continuation of the close relationship he had with his own grandfather, whom he describes as his "best friend."

Kid Rock: The Embracing Grandpa

Kid Rock was 46 when he became a grandfather for the first time, with his son Robert and his girlfriend welcoming a little girl named Skye. Despite the unexpected timing, the musician has embraced the role, expressing his joy at being able to witness so many of his granddaughter's milestones.

Pierce Brosnan: The Resilient Grandpa

Actor Pierce Brosnan became a grandfather at the age of 46 when his daughter Charlotte, whom he had adopted, welcomed her first child. Brosnan has since welcomed two more grandchildren, and he describes being a grandfather as a "highlight of [his] life," despite the tragic loss of his daughter Charlotte.

NeNe Leakes: The Delighted Grandma

Former Real Housewives star NeNe Leakes became a grandmother at the age of 44 when her son, Bryson Bryant, and his then-girlfriend Ashley Hill welcomed their first baby, Bri'asia. Leakes was thrilled to welcome a little girl into the family, having only had boys previously, and she has since embraced the role of "Grandma" with open arms.

CeeLo Green: The Unexpected Grandad

CeeLo Green became a grandfather at the age of 35 through his marriage to Christina Johnson. While Green and Johnson had split several years prior, he remained involved in the life of his stepdaughter Sierra, who gave birth to a little boy when she was 20 years old. Green described the experience as a "real tingly feeling" to have someone recognize him as their own.