Liam Payne’s life in the spotlight included his journey as a father. Over the years, he shared moments of this role, giving fans rare insights into his bond with his son. These snapshots now serve as cherished memories of the love he held dear.
When Liam Payne became a father in 2017, it was a role he had always dreamed of. Though known globally for his music, he often expressed that being a dad to his son was his greatest joy. These moments, shared in glimpses through social media, revealed a different side of the pop star—one that fans deeply admired.
Even after his split from his son’s mother, Payne continued to prioritize his son, ensuring the boy always felt his father’s presence. Through carefully chosen photos and heartfelt posts, he showed the world his commitment to fatherhood and how much Bear meant to him.
‘Daddy Direction’ Takes on Real Fatherhood
Long before becoming a dad in real life, Payne was affectionately nicknamed “Daddy Direction” by his bandmates in One Direction, thanks to his mature and responsible nature. But in March 2017, that playful nickname became reality when Payne and his then-girlfriend Cheryl Cole welcomed their son, Bear Grey.
Payne often shared how much fatherhood meant to him, describing it as something he had always wanted. “I always wanted to be a young dad, but I didn’t really expect that I’d ever be in this place,” he shared during an interview.
Liam Payne at The O2 Arena in London, England, on December 7, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
He also expressed the joys and challenges of fatherhood, revealing that it brought a new sense of purpose to his life. He shared how it was a surreal experience to come home from performing for thousands of fans to simply being “Dad” to Bear. At home, Payne proudly embraced his role as “Dada Montana.”
He humorously adopted the nickname referencing the character from “Hannah Montana” to describe his double life as both a famous performer and a regular dad. Payne always emphasized how much being a father meant to him, describing Bear as his grounding force.
Liam Payne during the “Inside My Head – The Concert” on September 20, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Naming His Son: The Story Behind ‘Bear’
One of the most memorable stories Payne shared about his son was how he came to be named Bear. Payne recalled how, after Bear’s birth, the newborn wasn’t crying much, which worried him deeply. Doctors explained that if babies don’t cry enough, it can lead to fluid in their lungs, a potentially serious issue.
Payne, a first-time father, grew increasingly concerned as Bear made strange noises in his sleep, prompting him to call in specialists. He later explained, “I had like ten doctors in the room, and in the end, one said, ‘Dude, I’m not being funny, there’s nothing wrong with him, he just likes to make a lot of noise.'”
It was a midwife who first mentioned the name “Bear,” and it stuck. Payne realized that the nickname perfectly captured his son’s lively and spirited personality, even from day one. Ever since, the name Bear has become a reflection of his son’s strong presence, which Payne embraced with pride.
Liam Payne at Cineworld Leicester Square in London, England, on March 16, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
This early experience in fatherhood gave fans a glimpse into the care and attention Payne poured into being a father, while also revealing the playful bond he quickly developed with his son. As Bear grew older, Payne’s commitment to his son remained strong, even after his relationship with Cole ended.
Cheryl Cole and Liam Payne attend The BRIT Awards 2018 on February 21, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Father-Son Moments: Navigating Co-Parenting
In 2018, Payne and Cheryl made the difficult decision to go their separate ways. They announced their breakup on social media, with Payne sharing that they still had love for each other as a family, and most importantly, for their son.
Despite the end of their romantic relationship, both parents remained committed to ensuring Bear had the love and attention he deserved. Payne often spoke about the challenges of co-parenting, especially with the demands of his career, but he was determined to be a constant presence in Bear’s life.
Liam Payne at Cartier New Bond Street in London, England, on June 5, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
In a 2022 interview, Payne shared that he saw his son two or three times a week and made sure that each visit was meaningful to Bear. “When I see him, he has 100 percent of my time. I make sure that I’m not on my phone or distracted, so he gets the attention he needs,” Payne said.
Payne also revealed how much Bear looked up to him, referring to the boy’s view of his dad as a superhero. The pride in his words was clear, as he spoke of the importance of maintaining that bond, knowing how much it meant to Bear.
Liam Payne at the Atlantis The Royal in Dubai on January 20, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
He also talked about how much Bear resembled him. Payne mentioned that when family members saw his baby photos, they often mistook them for pictures of Bear. The striking resemblance between father and son amused Payne.
Liam Payne at The Carphone Warehouse on October 12, 2011 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Payne and Cole worked hard to give Bear a stable and happy childhood, shielding him from the pressures of fame. Cole previously shared, “I want Bear to have a normal childhood. I don’t want people recognizing him on the street. The other day he said, ‘How lucky am I to have famous parents?’ I said, ‘It doesn’t matter.’ He goes, ‘Yeah. But it’s pretty cool.”
Now 7 years old, Bear has grown up in the background of his father’s high-profile life. Over the years, fans caught glimpses of him through social media.
Bear’s Billboard Moment and More Glimpses of Him
One of the most heartwarming moments Payne shared with fans was in March 2024. He posted a picture of Bear looking up at a large billboard promoting Payne’s single, “Teardrops.” Payne added a touching caption to the post, quoting his son’s words, “I want to be on a billboard one day, daddy. 🐻 ❤️”
The photo and the caption moved fans, who flooded the comments with emotional responses. One fan wrote, “This is so cute! So PROUD of you Liam!!” Others couldn’t help but express their surprise at how fast Bear was growing.
“Omg he looks so grow [sic] up, aww,” one commented while another added, “He’s growing so fast!! 🥺 adorable.” Another follower stated, “You can be so proud of yourself 🥺🤍.”
The photos and stories Payne shared over the years showed not just his pride as a father but the deep bond he had with Bear. Fans were able to connect with these moments, understanding that despite the fame, Payne was, at heart, a devoted dad who found joy in watching his son grow.
Even though Liam Payne’s life was tragically cut short, the memories he created with Bear will continue to resonate with those who admired him—not just as a pop star, but as a loving father.
