Frank is startled Elizabeth Taylor has children ?

Some things are so subtle that they are easily missed. Take this opening sentence in a review of a book on Elizabeth Taylor, How to Be a Movie Star:Elizabeth Taylor in Hollywood by William J. Mann, written by Frank Bruni in the New York Times, "It’s startling, in fact, to be reminded that she has four children, one of them adopted..." This is a review of Elizabeth Taylor's career, not her family life, yet the author is 'startled' to learn she has children. Why? Because she's a woman? Had the article been about one of the top male actors would anyone have noticed or cared whether or not he had children and would anyone have had expectations that the male hero spend significant time with his children or appear 'fatherly' perhaps? No, actually that might have detracted from his attractiveness.... yet in the case of a woman the gentleman is startled. Frank, my dear, your slip just showed!