Daryl Sabara Mourns Estranged Father, Reflects on Absence and How It Shapes His Parenting

Sabara said his father “walked out on the family” when he was only “a year old,” leaving him to be raised by his single mother, Sandra “Sandy” Sabara.
In earlier comments about his fatherless upbringing, Sabara told Mr Feel Good that “our parents subconsciously imprint onto us,” adding that in his 30s—and “in therapy and doing my own healing”—he’s “figuring out the parts of me” he wants to pass on to his kids.
Sabara described a triggering milestone with his son: when Riley “turned one,” he had “this kind of breakdown,” saying he’d “surpassed the amount of time my dad was with me” and that he “couldn’t imagine ever leaving my son.”
The reports add family details not in the Instagram-summary: Sabara’s children include sons Riley (5) and Barry (turns 3 in July) and daughter Mikey Moon, who they say was welcomed “via surrogate in January 2026.”
One outlet also notes that Sabara entered showbiz young and that his fraternal twin—originally known as Evan—has since undergone a gender transition and now goes by the name of Eva.
Daryl Sabara announced on Instagram on June 19 that his father, Roland Sabara, had died the night before — just two days before Father's Day. The 34-year-old Spy Kids actor called it "the biggest loss of my life," despite seeing Roland only "a couple of times" across his entire life. Us Magazine reported that Roland walked out on the family when Daryl was just one year old.
"My Dad, Roland Sabara, passed away last night," Sabara wrote. "I know he did the best he could, and I know he's in a better place now." The post drew condolences from fellow celebrities including Taylor Lautner, Nicole Scherzinger, Jordan Fisher, and Essence Atkins.
Roland Sabara left the family in 1993, when Daryl and his fraternal twin were only one year old. Daryl's mother, Sandra "Sandy" Sabara, raised the children alone. Daryl has called her "basically my mom and dad," according to Us Magazine. Roland reportedly struggled with alcoholism and legal issues throughout his life, per Island Packet.
Despite 33 years of estrangement, Sabara did not hold back grief. Media analysts note this reflects a "loss of potentiality" — not mourning a lost companion, but the permanent closing of a door that was already almost shut. The timing, just before Father's Day, made the loss feel even sharper.
Sabara has been open about the deep mark his father's absence left on him. In a 2023 interview, he told Female First that when his eldest son Riley turned one, "I had this kind of breakdown." He said: "I'd surpassed the amount of time my dad was with me. I couldn't imagine ever leaving my son." Riley is now five years old.
Sabara said he is "in therapy and doing my own healing" to work through the impact of growing up without a father. He told interviewers that "our parents subconsciously imprint onto us" and that he is now figuring out which parts of himself he wants to pass on to his kids — and which cycles to break.
Daryl Sabara married singer Meghan Trainor in 2018. Together they have three children: Riley, 5, son Barry, who turns 3 in July, and daughter Mikey Moon. According to Us Magazine, the couple welcomed Mikey Moon via surrogate in January 2026, a decision they made after "endless conversations with doctors."
Sabara celebrated his 34th birthday on June 14 — just five days before his father died. He has described fatherhood as central to his identity, previously saying his purpose is now defined by being "Riley's Dad." The news of Roland's death landed at a moment when Sabara is more focused on his own children than ever before.
After Sabara posted the tribute, fellow celebrities responded quickly. Jordan Fisher wrote: "Big big love to you, my friend." Taylor Lautner said: "Praying for peace my brother." Nicole Scherzinger posted: "I'm so sorry Daryl. Sending you love and prayers." Essence Atkins added: "Sending love and my condolences to you and your beautiful family," according to Hungama Express.
The outpouring showed Sabara's strong ties in Hollywood despite keeping a relatively low profile in recent years. Meghan Trainor, who has 18.1 million Instagram followers, has supported Sabara's mental health journey publicly through her podcast. Her platform helped amplify the news widely across social media, according to Head Topics.
Publishers
12
Articles
35
Reach
47