- Some stars fiercely guard their children’s privacy, but some are already choosing to make their way into Hollywood.
- Rob Lowe’s lookalike son has talked about certain issues, and Sean Penn’s kids are working actors and models.
- Meanwhile, other celebrities, like Chris Pratt, only show their children at significant events.
The choice to shield children from public scrutiny is a common theme among Hollywood’s elite these days. While some stars regularly share family photos on social media, others go to great lengths to keep their kids out of the limelight.
Rob Lowe and wife Sheryl Berkoff attends the closing ceremony of the 59th Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 18, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco | Source: Getty Images
This doesn’t mean their families are completely invisible. Some on this list have even been in their parents’ projects but went unnoticed. Let’s discover who they are!
Jodie Foster and wife Alexandra Mary Hedison at Cannes Film Festival in 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom’s Daughter
The singer, known as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, and the actor, known for his roles in blockbuster franchises like “The Lord of the Rings” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” have been in the spotlight for years.
Perry and Bloom’s relationship began in 2016 and has been marked by high-profile events and brief separations.
Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry attend the 12th annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball at Cipriani Wall Street on November 29, 2016 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In August 2020, the couple welcomed their daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom. They announced her birth through UNICEF’s Instagram. As global ambassadors, they asked followers to donate to the charity so that other children could also be born safely.
Perry later described motherhood as “the best in the world” and a “game-changer.”
Despite their fame, Perry and Bloom have been protective of Daisy’s privacy. For three years, the public caught only glimpses of the little girl.
However, in November 2023, Daisy made her first public appearance at her mother’s final Las Vegas residency show. Dressed in a red and white polka-dot dress and wearing protective headphones, the three-year-old watched her mom perform.
More recently, Daisy joined her parents at an “American Idol” taping for a Mother’s Day special. The proud mom was dressed as a Disney princess for the occasion and later shared that her daughter loved the event and didn’t want to leave.
While Perry and Bloom continue their lives on the Hollywood A-list, they seem committed to giving Daisy a sense of normalcy. As the little girl grows, it remains to be seen how much of her life will be shared with the public.
What other celebrities have managed to keep their children out of the spotlight? Let’s find out!
Cillian Murphy’s Sons
The Irish actor, known for his roles in “Peaky Blinders” and “Oppenheimer,” has managed to keep his family life relatively private. Murphy and his wife, Yvonne McGuinness, have been married since 2004 and have two sons, born in 2005 and 2007.
Cillian Murphy celebrates with his wife, Yvonne McGuinness, after winning the award for Best Actor during the 96th Annual Academy Awards in California on March 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
After living in London for 14 years, the family moved back to Ireland in 2015. Murphy explained what the decision meant for his kids:
“We wanted them to be Irish, I suppose. It’s amazing how quickly their accents have adapted. Even within a year of moving back, they are fading into this rakish west Brit kind of thing.”
Cillian Murphy, winner of the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for “Oppenheimer”, onstage in the press room at the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Aside from their accents, the actor has observed that his sons possess a level of confidence he didn’t have at their age and are “more sure of themselves.”
“I’m happy about that. For me, it was something that took a long time to figure out: that it’s all right to be you, that it’s all right to be an individual,” he shared.
Yvonne McGuinness, Cillian Murphy, and Robert Downey Jr. at the 81st Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Murphy, who is a spokesperson for a scheme promoting empathy in schools developed by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway, believes in the importance of this trait, especially when teaching his children.
Cillian Murphy arrives with his family at the 96th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California on March 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
He explained, “Raising boys, it seems very practical and sensible that you would promote empathy. It’s about listening, and the best acting is about listening, too.”
While Murphy’s older son, Malachy, has largely stayed out of the public eye, his younger son, Aran, has shown an interest in acting.
In 2019, at just 11 years old, Aran made his professional debut in the play “Hamnet.” Murphy commented on his son’s performance, “He was so chilled about it, you know? He would come off-stage and ask what the score was in the Liverpool game.”
As the Oscar winner continues to balance his successful career with family life, he remains grateful for his family’s support. At the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Awards, he thanked them for “putting up” with him during his intense work periods.
Let’s look at Rob Lowe’s sons, who are like carbon copies of their father!
Rob Lowe’s Sons
The actor, known for his roles in “The West Wing” and “Parks and Recreation,” has two sons with his wife Sheryl Berkoff: Matthew, born in 1993, and John Owen, born in 1995.
As adults, they haven’t shown themselves much to the public except for being active on social media. Matthew, the older son, followed a different path from his father’s entertainment career.
He graduated from Duke University and earned a law degree from Loyola Marymount Law School. Now, he works as a vice president of business development at a venture capital firm.
Matthew Lowe seen going to Craigs with his dad Rob Lowe on May 14, 2024 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
However, Lowe’s fans may recognize John Owen and see more of him in the future. The young man followed more closely in his father’s footsteps, although he’s still not a household name.
He had a recurring role on Lowe’s sitcom “The Grinder” and worked in the writer’s room while still in college. In 2023, John Owen and Rob co-starred in the Netflix comedy series “Unstable,” where they play a father-son duo.
Lowe has been open about his sons’ influence on his life and revealed that while he was satisfied in his early years, he eventually wanted to “coach Little League” and do other important rites of passage with his children. Lowe told People he “really, really loved” becoming a family man.
The family’s bond grew even stronger when John Owen faced addiction issues. Lowe, who has been sober for over 30 years, supported his son through the entire recovery period.
His youngest child said, “When I was struggling with addiction, he was always there for me. I credit that with being one, if not the main, reason that I’m sober and living a healthy lifestyle.”
As Lowe’s sons continue to make their mark in their respective fields, they offer a unique perspective on growing up with a famous parent. Their story shows that even in the spotlight, family bonds can remain strong.
Now, let’s look at Jodie Foster’s approach to raising her sons!
Jodie Foster’s Sons
The acclaimed actress and filmmaker has always been protective of her private life. This extends to her two sons, Charles, born in 1998, and Christopher “Kit,” born in 2001, whom she raised with her former partner Cydney Bernard.
Jodie Foster walks with her son Charlie October 13, 2001 in Beverly Hills | Source: Getty Images
She is now married to Alexandra Hedison and has always been open about her decision to keep her children away from Hollywood.
“I didn’t want them to know about my celebrity at all,” she shared. “I remember when my son was about four, he thought I was a construction worker.”
Jodie Foster, Christopher Foster and Charlie Foster at Sony Pictures Golden Globes Party held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Despite her own early start in the entertainment industry, the actress made a conscious choice not to introduce her children to film sets at a young age. She explained, “I know the perils of having a parent involved in your art form are too great.”
Jodie Foster with sons, Christopher Foster and Charlie Foster, at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Foster has described her children with warmth and pride. Her elder son is “super-charming, super-spontaneous,” while the younger is a “hyper-focused scientist.”
As they’ve grown older, she has navigated the challenges of raising boys in today’s changing social landscape and whether they’ll follow in her footsteps.
Charlie Foster and mother Jodie Foster pose backstage at “Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe” on February 15, 2015 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
While Charles has shown an interest in performing, focusing on comedy and improv, Kit is described as “really shy.” Foster proudly stated, “I can promise you he will never be an actor.”
Through it all, the actress continues to balance her career with her role as a mother. This illustrates that even in Hollywood, it’s possible to maintain a level of privacy and normalcy for one’s children.
Kit Bernard Foster, honoree Jodie Foster and Charles Bernard Foster attend the 2016 AMD British Academy Britannia Awards on October 28, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Let’s see how Ben Stiller handles raising children in the industry, especially coming from a family in show business!
Ben Stiller’s Children
The actor, renowned for his comedic roles in films like “Zoolander” and “Night at the Museum,” has two children with Christine Taylor: Ella Olivia, born in 2002, and Quinlin Dempsey, born in 2005.
Ben Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor at the 2024 French Open at Roland Garros on June 04, 2024 in Paris, France| Source: Getty Images
Despite their famous lineage, the Stiller kids have largely remained out of the public eye. But that may change.
Ella, now 22, has begun to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She made her on-screen debut in her father’s 2014 film “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” and has since appeared in a few other projects. She also studied drama at Julliard.
In recent years, she’s been spotted accompanying her dad to red-carpet events, including the 2019 Golden Globes and the 2022 Emmys.
Quinlin, 19, has maintained an even lower profile. He’s occasionally seen with his father at basketball games but has largely stayed away from the entertainment industry.
Quinlin Stiller and Ben Stiller attend the New York Knicks Vs San Antonio Spurs game at Madison Square Garden on January 2, 2018 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Both children have done some voice work, including roles in the “Madagascar” franchise their father starred in.
Stiller has expressed his desire to support his children’s interests while also protecting their privacy. About their personalities, he told Parade in 2013, “I can see aspects of myself in them, but I also see two totally unique individuals. And I wonder how they became so well-adjusted!”
Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, and Quinlin Dempsey Stiller attend the Project ALS 25th Anniversary Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on October 26, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
As the Stiller children transition into adulthood, it remains to be seen how much they’ll choose to step into the spotlight their family has long occupied. Let’s now find out how Chris Pratt is handling his growing family!
Ben Stiller, David O. Russell, and Ella Stiller at the “Silver Linings Playbook” screening during the 2024 Tribeca Festival at Spring Studios on June 14, 2024 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Chris Pratt’s Son
The star of blockbusters like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World” has been particularly protective of his children’s privacy, especially when it comes to his first child.
Pratt has a son, Jack, born in 2012, with his ex-wife Anna Faris, and two daughters, Lyla Maria and Eloise Christina, with his current wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger.
Jack, soon to be 12, was born prematurely and faced health challenges early in life. While Pratt occasionally shares stories about his firstborn, he’s careful not to expose him too often.
Anna Faris and Chris Pratt attend the European Gala Screening of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” at Eventim Apollo on April 24, 2017 in London, United Kingdom | Source: Getty Images
The actor has spoken about co-parenting with Faris, as they’re both committed to keeping their son’s life as normal as possible. Both of them wanted to make sure Jack was happy.
Chris Pratt, then-wife Anna Faris and son Jack Pratt attend the ceremony honoring Chris Pratt with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Pratt’s younger daughters, Lyla and Eloise, are even less visible in the media. Schwarzenegger and he have made a conscious decision to keep their faces off social media, often sharing photos with the children’s backs turned or faces obscured.
In a 2021 interview, Schwarzenegger explained their approach, “I didn’t grow up with social media being a thing at all… I feel like we share so much in today’s world. I think one of the greatest gifts that my parents ever gave me and my siblings is the gift of privacy and having a really normal upbringing.”
The couple recently announced they’re expecting another child. As Jack grows older and Pratt’s family expands, it’s clear that maintaining their children away from media scrutiny remains a top priority for the actor and his wife.
Now, let’s see how Melissa McCarthy raises her daughters!
Melissa McCarthy’s Daughters
The comedic powerhouse and her husband, Ben Falcone, have two daughters: Vivian, born in 2007, and Georgette, born in 2010. Despite their parents’ fame, the girls have largely grown up away from the public eye.
Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcon attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix’s “UNFROSTED” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on April 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
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McCarthy has spoken about her efforts to keep her children grounded but happy at home. In a 2020 interview with People, she said, “It’s not the most serious household. There’s a lot of serious stuff happening in the world, and we don’t have to have it in the house.”
While both girls have shown interest in the entertainment industry, their parents have been cautious about their involvement.
Vivian appeared in McCarthy’s 2016 film “The Boss,” playing a younger version of her mother’s character, while Georgette had a small role as a girl scout.
Despite these brief on-screen appearances, McCarthy and Falcone have prioritized their daughters’ privacy and strived for a normal upbringing.
Melissa McCarthy, Ben Falcone, Vivian Falcone, Georgette Falcone pose with the cast backstage at the hit musical “Some Like it Hot!” on Broadway at The Shubert Theatre on July 9, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
There are only a few exceptions. The family made a rare public appearance together at the premiere of “The Little Mermaid” in May 2023, where McCarthy starred as Ursula.
Ben Falcone, Vivian Falcone, and Melissa McCarthy attend the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on May 08, 2023 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
As Vivian and Georgette enter their teenage years, it remains to be seen whether they’ll pursue careers in entertainment or choose different lives entirely. Now, let’s take a look at Sean Penn’s approach to parenting in Hollywood!
Sean Penn’s Kids
The Oscar-winning actor and his ex-wife Robin Wright have two children: Dylan Frances, born in 1991, and Hopper Jack, born in 1993.
Sean Penn arrives at Roy Thompson Hall with his then-wife Robin Wright Penn at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2006 | Source: Getty Images
While Penn has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for decades, he managed to keep his children relatively shielded from the spotlight during their younger years.
Sean Penn arrives at “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on June 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
But as adults, they have started to make their own way in the entertainment industry. Dylan, now 33, has worked as both a model and an actor. She took on her first lead role in the 2021 film “Flag Day,” which was directed by and co-starred her father.
Dylan Penn attends the “Flag Day” photocall during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 11, 2021 in Cannes, France | Source: Getty Images
Hopper, 30, has also pursued acting, appearing in several films including “War Machine” and “Between Worlds.” The young actor has also been open about his past struggles with addiction and how his father helped him get clean.
Dylan Penn and Hopper Jack Penn at the 10th Anniversary Gala Benefiting CORE in 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Despite their forays into the public eye, both Dylan and Hopper had relatively private upbringings. They’re not A-listers that most people would recognize yet.
Penn has spoken about his children with pride, telling People in 2018, “They’re amazing people. They’re both acting and modeling, an industry that I’m not very interested in, but they seem to have fun with it.”
Sean Penn and his daughter actress Dylan Penn attend the “Flag Day” during the 74th Annual Cannes Film Festival in 2021 | Source: Getty Images
As Dylan and Hopper carve out their own paths in the entertainment industry, they’re navigating the balance between their family legacy and establishing their own identities in the public eye.
These celebrities demonstrate that even in the glare of Hollywood’s spotlight, it’s possible to provide children with a semblance of normalcy and privacy.
Dylan Penn, Sean Penn and Hopper Jack Penn at the ‘Haiti Rising’ Gala in 2017 | Source: Getty Images
While some of their kids are now choosing to step into the spotlight as adults, their childhoods were largely protected from media scrutiny. This allowed them to grow and develop away from the constant attention that comes with having famous parents.