Hollywood’s Oldest Moms: 25 Actresses Who Got Kids Later in Life

Becoming a mom can happen on many timelines, and plenty of famous actresses welcomed children in their forties and even fifties. Some gave birth, some chose surrogacy, and others grew their families through adoption. These stories span first babies and younger siblings alike. Here are notable examples of women who expanded their families later in life, along with the key details fans often look for.

Brigitte Nielsen

Brigitte Nielsen welcomed her daughter Frida in 2018 at age 54 with husband Mattia Dessi. The actor had spoken openly about trying for years before announcing the pregnancy. Frida’s birth made headlines as one of the oldest documented celebrity births. Nielsen also has four older sons from previous relationships.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson gave birth to her son Eissa in January 2017 at age 50 with then husband Wissam Al Mana. She paused her world tour to focus on her pregnancy and health. After Eissa’s arrival she shared updates about motherhood in interviews and on social media. Jackson has balanced parenting with a return to performing.

Laura Linney

Laura Linney became a first time mother in 2014 at age 49. She and husband Marc Schauer welcomed a son named Bennett. Linney kept the pregnancy private and announced the birth afterward. She has occasionally discussed how starting later shaped her approach to parenting and work.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank had twins in 2023 at age 48 with husband Philip Schneider. She revealed the pregnancy while promoting a television project and noted the timing felt right for her family. The twins’ birth came after she stepped back from some roles to focus on personal priorities. Swank has since shared small glimpses of life with two newborns.

Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz welcomed a daughter in 2018 at age 48 with husband Daniel Craig. The couple kept details minimal, including the baby’s name. Weisz has one older son and Craig has an older daughter from previous relationships. Their blended family grew quietly while both continued major film commitments.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry had her son Maceo in 2013 at age 47 with then husband Olivier Martinez. She previously welcomed daughter Nahla in 2008. Berry has talked about the surprise of a later pregnancy and the energy it requires. She continues to work while prioritizing her children’s privacy.

Geena Davis

Geena Davis welcomed a daughter in 2002 at age 46 and twin sons in 2004 at age 48 with then husband Reza Jarrahy. She has described how having kids later influenced her advocacy for representation. The twins’ arrival expanded the family quickly. Davis balanced parenting with ongoing work through her institute.

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon gave birth to son Miles in 1992 at age 45. She previously welcomed son Jack in 1989 and daughter Eva in 1985. Sarandon has discussed fertility challenges and a diagnosis of endometriosis in earlier years. Her later motherhood coincided with some of her most acclaimed screen roles.

Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston had son Benjamin in 2010 at age 48 with husband John Travolta. His birth followed the tragic loss of their son Jett. The couple shared their gratitude for a new chapter with their family. Preston also has a daughter, Ella, born in 2000.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban welcomed daughter Faith in 2010 via gestational carrier when Kidman was 43. Their older daughter Sunday was born in 2008. Kidman has spoken about fertility struggles and the different paths to parenthood. She also has two older children adopted during a previous marriage.

Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes welcomed daughter Amada in 2016 at age 42 with partner Ryan Gosling. Their first daughter Esmeralda arrived in 2014. The couple keeps their family life extremely private and rarely appears with the children. Mendes shifted her career focus to home and business projects during the early years.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden welcomed daughter Raddix in late 2019 when Diaz was 47. They later announced the birth of their son Cardinal in 2024 when she was 51. The couple shared that they value privacy around their children and would not post photos. Diaz has described family life as her main priority after stepping away from acting.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek gave birth to daughter Valentina in 2007 at age 41 with husband François Henri Pinault. Hayek has discussed the support of extended family in raising her child. She continued a busy schedule in film and philanthropy. Valentina has occasionally joined her parents at public events.

Marcia Cross

Marcia Cross welcomed twin daughters in 2007 at age 45 with husband Tom Mahoney. She previously spoke about undergoing IVF. Cross took a measured approach to returning to work after the twins’ birth. Her family story has included advocacy for health awareness following Mahoney’s cancer treatment.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade welcomed daughter Kaavia in 2018 via surrogate when Union was 46. Union has been candid about fertility issues and multiple losses. The couple chose surrogacy after extensive medical consultations. Kaavia’s lively personality has made her a social media favorite.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance welcomed twins in 2006 via surrogate when Bassett was 48. The decision followed years of trying to conceive. Bassett has credited strong partnership and planning for making later parenthood work. The twins have occasionally appeared with their parents at premieres.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu welcomed her son Rock in 2015 via gestational surrogate at age 46. She has shared selective photos while emphasizing privacy. Liu has spoken about single parenthood and building a supportive network. Her production and acting work continued alongside parenting.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock adopted her son Louis in 2010 at age 45 and daughter Laila in 2015 at age 51. She has described adoption as a transformative process that reshaped her life. Bullock stepped back at times to keep the children’s routines stable. Their family has kept a low public profile.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron adopted her daughter Jackson in 2012 at age 36 and daughter August in 2015 at age 39. She has shared that adoption was always part of her plan. Theron discusses parenting choices carefully to protect her children’s privacy. She balances action roles with time at home.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis and Julius Tennon adopted daughter Genesis in 2011 when Davis was 46. Davis has spoken about the joys and challenges of motherhood while managing a demanding career. She highlights the importance of community and mentorship. Family remains central to her off screen life.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone adopted son Roan in 2000, son Laird in 2005, and son Quinn in 2006. She became a mother of three between her early forties and age 48. Stone has advocated for adoption and children’s health causes. She credits close friends and family for support through medical setbacks and parenting.

Helen Hunt

Helen Hunt welcomed daughter Makena Lei in 2004 at age 40 with partner Matthew Carnahan. Hunt returned to work in film and television while raising her child. She has mentioned careful scheduling to stay present at home. Public appearances with her daughter have been rare.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman welcomed daughter Rosalind, known as Luna, in 2012 at age 42 with then partner Arpad Busson. She also has two older children. Thurman has kept details about her youngest daughter private. She continues to work across film and television.

Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields gave birth to daughter Grier in 2006 at age 40 with husband Chris Henchy. She previously welcomed daughter Rowan in 2003. Shields has discussed postpartum experiences and the value of seeking help. Her openness has encouraged broader conversations about maternal health.

Mena Suvari

Mena Suvari welcomed son Christopher in 2021 at age 42 with husband Michael Hope. She has shared parts of her fertility journey and pregnancy. Suvari returned to work with an emphasis on projects that fit family life. She continues to speak about wellness and balance.

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