Olivia Munn found a silver lining in one of her life’s biggest disappointments.
After the X-Men actress welcomed her son Malcolm, 3, with husband John Mulaney in 2021, she knew she “really wanted” to carry her second Méi, 6 months, but her 2023 breast cancer diagnosis kept the dream from becoming a reality.
“I knew that it would put my life at risk,” Olivia explained to Self magazine in a video shared to Instagram April 10, noting that she tried out a hormone medication to keep her cancer under control so she could carry her second baby, however, she added: “those drugs were incredibly debilitating. I was just in bed all the time.”
As she put it of her day-to-day life on the medication, “I had maybe two hours of actual ability to interact with people and play with my son.”
So, the 44-year-old knew she had to make a change.
“The only option I had to get off that medication was to do an oophorectomy,” Olivia explained of a surgery that removes one’s ovaries, ultimately deciding to remove her uterus and fallopian tubes, too. “Once you are diagnosed with cancer, you pretty much spend the rest of your life looking over your shoulder and worrying about where else cancer could pop up.”
And while Olivia knew surrogacy was her only option to welcome her and John’s second baby, she had difficulty coming to terms with the decision. However, it all melted away once she and John—who wed in July 2024—met their surrogate and they ultimately welcomed baby Méi in September of that year.
“I think the most surprising part about the surrogacy journey was that the sadness I felt from not being able to carry my daughter really dissipated once all of my hopes and dreams were placed into this other woman,” Olivia continued. “I knew that she was really kind and cared so much. I just sat in my gratitude instead of living in any fear or sadness or concern.”
Indeed, the former Daily Show correspondent emphasized that the couple’s surrogate was an “amazing” woman, adding of the process, “It’s so incredibly beautiful.”
Meanwhile, John previously explained how the struggle and ultimate joy of welcoming their daughter deepened his connection with his wife.
“We found ourselves in a pretty wild and a pretty joyful situation,” the comedian told E! News in November. “We were talking the other day that, like in the past couple years, we’ve laughed so much through everything. I don’t mean to sound corny or overly saccharine, but it’s just been really…we’ve been so tight and had a lot of fun, despite everything.”
Keep reading for all of Olivia and John’s joyful family moments…
Welcome Méi
On Sept. 22, 2024, Olivia Munn and John Mulaney announced they had welcomed their second child, daughter Méi June Mulaney, via surrogate one week prior.
Baby Girl
Olivia and John shares several pics in their birth announcement for their baby girl, including this sweet photo of the three in the hospital.
Mother of Two
As part of her birth announcement for baby Méi, Olivia shared this pic of the two enjoying a sweet moment.
Family of Four
Méi joins big brother Malcolm, who was born in 2021. After her birth, Olivia and John shared pics of one of their first outings as a foursome.
Baby Bliss
Olivia also shared this pic of newborn Méi catching some zzz’s.
Time to Celebrate
John and Olivia celebrated Malcolm’s second birthday in November 2023.
Way to Go, Idaho
The parents took Malcolm to the Gem State in June 2023.
Little Moments
Olivia shared this photo of her family of three on Father’s Day 2023.
Life’s a Beach
John and Olivia hit the beach with Malcolm in March 2023.
Let Them Eat Cake
The couplerang in theirMalcolm’s first birthday in November 2022, with Olivia joking that her mom Kim was getting “impatient” with the cake-cutting.
Making Memories
John celebrated his 40th birthday with Olivia and Malcolm in August 2022.
Doting Dad
Olivia snapped a sweet moment between John and their son on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado in April 2022.
New Parent Pals
The family of three posed alongside fellow parents Dan Levy and Rachel Specter with their daughter Penny.
4 Months
Olivia and John celebrated Malcolm turning 4 months old on March 24, 2022.
Birthday Boy
“Daddy” John cuddled with Malcolm on his 4-month birthdate before heading out to Texas.
Mommy & Me
The actress shared, “It’s been 4 months since the happiest, chillest baby came into my world.”
Love at First Sight
John peered over at his baby boy in this throwback photo from his birth. The comedian wrote in March 2022, “Four months ago I met a 6 lb boy who changed my life forever.”
Boys Reunited
Olivia captioned this adorable embrace with a teddy bear emoji.
In the Family
Olivia shared a pic of Malcolm with his grandma a.k.a. the “retired tiger mom.”
“Buttered Biscuit”
Olivia gushed over her baby boy.
Baby Playdate
Olivia and John introduced Malcolm to friends Henry Golding and Liv Lo Golding, as well as the couple’s daughter Lyla, in January 2022.
Dads on Duty
John and Henry were seen laughing as they held up their tiny tots.
New Moms
The friends snapped a selfie while introducing their babies.
First Friends
As Olivia wrote, “Malcolm met Lyla today.”
Sweater Weather
Olivia and John were pictured arm-in-arm during a sweet moment, seemingly gazing at their little one in January 2022.
A Visit From Uncle Pete
“Uncle” Pete Davidson visited Malcolm in January 2022.
Baby Kisses
John gave his son a kiss on the cheek.
Shhh!
Malcolm fell asleep in dad’s carrier during an outing at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, Calif.
New Year Together
The Newsroom actress celebrated New Year’s Day 2022 with a new pic of Malcolm.
A Walk With Dad
John shared a selfie with his Malcolm, kept cozy in a blue beanie, while they took a walk.
