When he wasn’t building out his music career, former One Direction member Liam Payne took pride in being a loving father. Payne, who died Wednesday at age 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina, was a parent to 7-year-old Bear, his son with ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole.
Despite his breakup with Cole in 2018, Payne shared plenty of time with Bear and frequently spoke of their bond, including through music. “For me, I love making great music for my fans. But when you make something that your son loves, it’s the best thing ever,” Payne said in 2018.
Here’s everything you need to know about Bear and his relationship with Payne.
Bear’s name is a nod to his early sleeping habits
Payne and Cole welcomed Bear on March 22, 2017, and shared the news with fans in an Instagram post. “We haven’t named him yet but he’s already capturing hearts including mine. I feel very blessed,” Payne wrote.
Payne discussed the origin of Bear’s name during a September 2017 appearance on The Late, Late Show with James Corden. The singer described how the infant made grunting noises in his sleep, prompting multiple doctors to examine him until a specialist put everyone at ease.
“The guy was just like, ‘Dude, I’m not being funny; there’s nothing wrong with him. He just likes to make a lot of noise.’ And that’s carried on ever since, so he just became Bear,” Payne said.
Payne called his son “a mini-me”
Payne and Cole announced their separation in July 2018 after about two years of dating. Bear lived primarily with his mother in the United Kingdom after their split. However, the couple appeared to be amicable co-parents, as Payne told People in 2022 he saw Bear two or sometimes three times per week.
In 2018, Payne opened up about fatherhood and revealed he went by the nickname “Dada Montana,” a reference to the Disney Channel character Hannah Montana played by Miley Cyrus. “I look at him, like, ‘Where’s my little baby gone already?’” Payne told People. “He’s walking around the house, pretending his teddy’s a phone. He’s awesome. And a lot of fun. I love spending time with him.”
Although the proud parents preferred to keep their son out of the spotlight, Payne shared a rare photo of himself and Bear in May 2024 with the then-6-year-old admiring a billboard with his father.
Payne also commented on Bear’s physical resemblance, calling him “a mini-me” this past August.
Louis Tomlinson promised to be an “uncle” for Bear
Following news of Payne’s unexpected death, the other former members of One Direction have been quick to offer their support for Bear.
Louis Tomlinson, whom Payne called his “best mate” in 2022, shared a lengthy Instagram post Thursday in which he addressed the late singer. “I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was,” Tomlinson wrote in part of his caption.
Bandmate Harry Styles gave Bear another shout-out in his own tribute to Payne: “My heart breaks for [Payne’s parents] Karen, Geoff, [his sisters] Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
Niall Horan also offered his “love and condolences” to Bear and the rest of Payne’s family.
Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he's not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.
