Meet the Real-Life Kids of the ‘Shifting Gears’ Cast

Tim Allen’s 2 Children

While Allen plays dad Matt Parker trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter, in reality, he has a close relationship with both of his daughters. Allen is a father to two daughters: Katherine Allen, whom he shares with ex-wife, Laura Deibel, and Elizabeth Allen-Dick, whom he shares with his current wife, Jane Hajduk.

The Santa Clause actor became a dad when he and Deibel, who were married from 1984 to 1999, welcomed Katherine in December 1989. Katherine has kept most of her life out of the spotlight but has supported her dad at various events — including when he accepted a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.

Allen later married fellow actress Hajduk in 2006, and they had daughter Elizabeth in March 2009. As Elizabeth has grown up, she has followed in her parents’ footsteps as an actor and has appeared in The Third Act and The Santa Clauses.

“The advice I gave to my daughter Elizabeth is that the writers, producers and crew have the most important roles on a production,” Allen told PEOPLE in 2022. “Being an actor is a wonderful craft but we are just a part of a teamwork experience.”

Kat Dennings’ Stepchildren

In Shifting Gears, Dennings portrays mom Riley Parker getting back up on her feet after her divorce. However, in real life, Dennings is a stepmother to husband Andrew W.K.’s children.

The 2 Broke Girls actress and the musician got married in November 2023. Before his marriage to Dennings, W.K. was married to Cherie Lily from 2008 to 2019, and they welcomed children together, per GQ. However, the former couple have kept their children’s lives private and have not disclosed their names, sexes or birthdates.

While both Dennings and W.K. have not spoken about their offspring, Dennings has not held back her love for W.K. and told PEOPLE in January 2025 that he is the “kindest person” she’s met.

“He is a very loving, kind, gentle person,” she shared. “He’s the kindest person I’ve ever met. When we first started talking and seeing each other, I was shocked at how he was just so straightforward with me, and I was used to a little bit more game stuff.”

Seann William Scott’s Daughter

Scott, who plays Gabriel, is a father to one child, daughter Frankie Rose. The American Pie actor welcomed Frankie with his then-wife, Olivia Korenberg, in June 2020. Scott and Korenberg tied the knot in 2019 but separated in 2023.

The star shared a rare photo of him holding Frankie’s hand in September 2025 and previously posted a video of his daughter putting lip gloss on him in a “daddy/daughter beauty session” in January.

Daryl Mitchell’s 3 Children

Mitchell stands by the Parker family as Matt’s employee and friend, Stitch. Off-screen, the Brothers actor has three children with his longtime wife, Carol Mitchell.

The couple, who have been married since 1997, have three adult children: sons Justen and Desmin and daughter Kamari Rose. The family of five appears to be close as they all share sweet messages with each other on social media. In May 2023, Kamari honored her dad by recognizing the motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

“Not being able to walk anymore doesn’t define him,” she wrote on Instagram. “That chair doesn’t define him. He keeps going so we keep going. His family is his legs. I am his legs. His kids are walking in the living truth of a legend Daryl Chill Mitchell Love you daddy @darylchillmitchell.”

Jenna Elfman’s 2 Sons

Elfman plays Matt’s love interest, Eve, but in reality, she has two sons with her husband of two decades, Bodhi Elfman.

Jenna and Bodhi, who got married in February 1995, became parents when they welcomed Story in July 2007. Three years later, they became a family of four with the arrival of son Easton in March 2010.

The Dharma & Greg actress has described Story as a “beautiful boy who naturally brings peace,” while Easton has a “GIANT SOUL.” The Elfmans are a tight-knit family who frequently vacation together, spend time with their dogs and occasionally join Jenna on set.

Brenda Song’s 2 Sons

Song, who appeared as Caitlyn Baker in season 1 of Shifting Gears, is a mom to two children with her longtime fiancé, Macaulay Culkin. The childhood stars welcomed their first child, son Dakota Song Culkin, in April 2021, and later son Carson in December 2022.

Although both the Running Point actress and the Home Alone actor grew up in the public eye, they have made a point to keep their kids out of the spotlight.

“My son was like, ‘Why is that man taking pictures of you, mama?’ ” Song recalled to Bustle in January 2025. “You could take pictures of me all day. I don’t care. But when it’s your kids, it’s different. They didn’t ask for this life.”

However, the family of four made a rare public appearance in December 2023 when they supported Culkin as he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“I’d like to thank Brenda. You’re absolutely everything,” he said in his speech. “You’re the best person I’ve ever known. And after the birth of our two boys, you’ve become one of my three favorite people.”

Patricia Richardson’s 3 Children

Richardson, who originally played Allen’s wife in the 1990s sitcom Home Improvement, reunited with Allen for a few appearances on Shifting Gears.

The Last Man Standing actress is a mother to three children with her ex-husband, Ray Baker, with whom she was married from 1982 to 1995. The former couple are parents to three adult children: son Henry and twins Roxanne and Joe. She also has at least two grandchildren from Henry.