The Frozen Star's Family: 5 Surprising Facts About Josh Gad, Ida Darvish, And Their Multicultural Home

Few actors embody pure, infectious joy quite like Josh Gad. From his breakout role as Elder Cunningham in The Book of Mormon to becoming the globally beloved voice of Olaf in the Frozen franchise, his career is defined by memorable, high-energy performances. However, as of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the focus for the 44-year-old star is increasingly on his private life, revealing a deep commitment to his family and a surprisingly complex, multicultural home life he shares with his wife, Ida Darvish, and their two daughters. This article explores the most recent and fascinating updates on the Gad family dynamic.

The latest news surrounding the Gad family centers on their recent parenting style, with Gad himself opening up about the challenges and joys of raising two teenage and pre-teen girls, Ava Tanya and Isabella Eve, in the modern age. He and his wife are actively fostering an environment of open communication, discussing everything from social media use—even using platforms like Snapchat to stay connected—to important societal issues, ensuring their daughters feel no topic is off-limits. This emphasis on a modern, engaged, and deeply loving family unit continues to define the actor's life away from the Broadway stage and Hollywood sets.

Josh Gad: A Comprehensive Biography and Career Profile

Joshua Ilan Gad was born on February 23, 1981, in Hollywood, Florida, making him 44 years old as of this current date in December 2025. His family background is a fascinating tapestry of cultures and faiths, which would later influence his own marriage and parenting.

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• Full Name: Joshua Ilan Gad
• Date of Birth: February 23, 1981 (Age 44 as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Hollywood, Florida, U.S.
• Wife: Ida Darvish (m. 2008)
• Children: Two daughters (Ava Tanya Gad, Isabella Eve Gad)
• Parents: Sam (Shmuel) Gad and Susan Gad. Sam is a Jewish immigrant from Afghanistan, while Susan is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
• Education: Graduated from University School of Nova Southeastern University (1999) and the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) School of Drama (2003).
• Career Highlights: Originated the role of Elder Cunningham in the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon (earning a Tony Award nomination and a Grammy Award); Voice of Olaf in the Frozen franchise (earning multiple Annie Awards); LeFou in the live-action Beauty and the Beast (2017); Star of the HBO comedy series Avenue 5.
• Notable Projects: Creator of the popular 2020 web series Reunited Apart, which reunited the casts of classic films like The Goonies and Back to the Future to raise money for charity.

The Multicultural Love Story of Josh Gad and Ida Darvish

Josh Gad’s marriage to actress and producer Ida Darvish is a cornerstone of his life and a beautiful example of a modern, interfaith family. Their relationship began in a truly theatrical way, cementing their shared passion for the arts.

How the Couple Met and Married

The couple first met in 2004 while co-starring in a play called All in the Timing at a Santa Monica playhouse. Ironically, they were playing a married couple on stage before they ever became one in real life. They dated for a year and were married on May 10, 2008, celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary in 2025.

Ida Darvish: Actress, Producer, and Voice Actor

Ida Darvish is an accomplished performer in her own right, though she often maintains a lower public profile than her famous husband. She has built a successful career as an actress, writer, and producer. Her notable credits span film, television, and video games, showcasing her versatility.

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Darvish’s on-screen roles include appearances in films like Inferno and the Disney+ series The Mandalorian. She is also a prolific video game voice actor, with credits in major franchises like Assassin's Creed. This shared background in the entertainment industry provides a foundation of mutual understanding and support for their high-profile lives.

Navigating a Jewish, Catholic, and Muslim Heritage

One of the most unique and inspiring aspects of the Gad family is their multicultural and multi-religious household. Josh Gad was raised Jewish, with heritage tracing back to Afghanistan and Ashkenazi Europe. Ida Darvish was raised Catholic, and her father is Iranian with a Muslim background.

This interfaith marriage is not a source of conflict but a celebrated blend of traditions. The couple has publicly stated that they raise their daughters to appreciate and celebrate both Judaism and Catholicism/Christianity, ensuring the girls are exposed to a rich tapestry of holidays and cultural perspectives. This commitment to inclusivity is a core value they pass on to their children, creating a truly global family home.

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The Modern Parenting Philosophy: Ava Tanya and Isabella Eve

The couple shares two daughters, Ava Tanya Gad, born in 2011, and Isabella Eve Gad, born in 2014. As of late 2024/early 2025, Ava is 14 years old, and Isabella is 11 years old.

Fostering Open Communication and Digital Connection

As their daughters enter their teenage and pre-teen years, Josh Gad has been candid about his evolving parenting style. He and Ida Darvish prioritize an "open communication" policy, reminding their girls that no topic is too "icky" or off-limits to discuss with their parents.

In a surprising move for a celebrity parent, Gad revealed that he and Darvish even use platforms like Snapchat to communicate with their older daughter, Ava Tanya, acknowledging the reality of modern teenage interaction. This willingness to meet their children where they are digitally highlights their commitment to staying connected and involved in their daughters’ lives.

Bonding Over Books and Big Conversations

Beyond the digital world, the Gad family shares a deep love for reading. Josh Gad has spoken about his nightly ritual of bonding with his daughters over books, a tradition that helps foster imagination and connection away from screens.

However, their discussions are not limited to fiction. Gad has also emphasized the importance of having "big conversations" with his young daughters about crucial social issues, such as racial justice and the legacy of figures like George Floyd. This proactive approach to education and social awareness demonstrates their desire to raise compassionate and informed global citizens.

No Pressure to Follow the Spotlight

Despite being the children of two actors, Josh Gad has firmly stated that he will not push Ava or Isabella into the entertainment industry. He believes that while he supports their passions, the intense scrutiny and pressure of an acting career are something he would prefer they avoid. This protective stance underscores his primary role as a father, prioritizing his children's well-being over a Hollywood legacy.

The Gad family—Josh, Ida, Ava Tanya, and Isabella Eve—represents a refreshing picture of celebrity life: grounded, multicultural, and focused on the simple, yet profound, act of raising happy, well-adjusted children. Their story is a testament to the fact that a truly modern family is one that celebrates all its diverse parts.