Celebrity Parents Who Died Leaving Young Kids Behind
Some days simply feel sadder than most, and today is one of them. Today, Paul Walker would have been 47 years old. Kelly Preston would be celebrating 28 years of marriage to John Travolta. But, tragically, both Walker and Preston’s lives were cut far too short — and more tragic still, both left behind children who had to deal with the heartache of losing a parent far too soon.
It’s truly gutting to think about how the person’s surviving children must feel. Can you imagine what it must be like for the children of celebrities who lost their lives unexpectedly? The shock and grief we, as fans feel, is magnified exponentially… and they have to go through it in the public eye. One of the most memorable images from the assassination of President John F. Kennedy is that of his then-three-year-old son, John Jr., saluting his father’s flag-draped casket. Big sister Caroline was just shy of six at the time.
As we send our prayers to all families suffering the grief of a lost parent, let’s take a moment to remember all of the celebrity parents who left too soon — and send some love and light into the universe for their children.
A version of this article was originally published in September 2020.
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Anne Heche’s Sons Homer & Atlas
Anne Heche tragially passed away at the age of 53 in August 2022 following a horrific car crash, leaving behind her two sons Homer and Atlas. At the time of her death, Homer was 20 and Atlas was 13 years old. Her eldest released a statement following his mother’s passing.
“My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom,” he shared in a statement to People. “After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness. Hopefully my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom.”
Willie Garson’s Son Nathen
Longtime fans of Sex and The City were completely shocked when news of Willie Garson’s death became public. The actor died at the age of 57 on September 21, 2021, and is survived by his only son, Nathen.
At the time of his father’s death, Nathen took to social media to share the heartbreaking news. “I love you so much papa. Rest In Peace and I’m so glad you got to share all your adventures with me and were able to accomplish so much. I’m so proud of you. I will always love you, but I think it’s time for you to go on an adventure of your own,” Nathen wrote on Instagram. Garson’s son was roughly 20 years old at the time. The actor adopted Nathen back in 2008.
Michael K. Williams’ Son Elijah
Despite being one of the most revered actors of his generation, Michael K. Williams was an inrecdibly private person. His death on September 6, 2021 came as a complete shock to longtime fans of the actor, famous for The Wire and Lovecraft Country, among others.
The actor had one son, Elijah, according to his obituary from The Guardian.
DMX’s Children
Rapper DMX died of a heart attack at the age of 50 on April 9, 2021. The longtime rap icon, born Earl Simmons, had 15 children by nine different women, ranging in ages from 5 to 21, per the New York Post. Upon DMX’s death, his entire family released a statement.
“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days,” they shared in a statement, per People.
“Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX.”
Helen McRory’s kids Manon & Gulliver Lewis
On April 16, 2021, Helen McCrory’s husband Damian Lewis shared the news of her passing on Twitter: “I’m heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of loss from friends and family, She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”
Helen, who became famous for roles like Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter series and recurring roles on Peaky Blinders and Penny Dreadful, is survived by her two kids with Lewis: 14-year-old daughter Manon and 13-year-old son Gulliver.
Paul Walker’s daughter Meadow Rain
It was a case of life imitating art with the most devastating unforeseen consequences. On November 30, 2013, when he was 40 years old, Fast and the Furious star Paul Walker hopped in friend Roger Rodas’ Porsche Carrera in Santa Clarita, California. Going nearly 100 mph, they lost control of the car and crashed into a concrete lamp post. Both died. Meadow Rain, Walker’s daughter with ex-girlfriend Rebecca Soteros, was 15. To this day, she enjoys a close relationship with Walker’s Fast and the Furious castmates, especially his dear friend Vin Diesel.
Kelly Preston’s kids Ella Blue & Benjamin Travolta
Some celebrities succumb to illnesses the rest of us simply weren’t aware they were fighting. Such was the case with Kelly Preston, who passed away on July 12, 2020, after a two-year struggle with breast cancer. She had been receiving treatment for her diagnosis but passed away at the family’s home in Anthony, Florida. Preston was married to John Travolta, with whom she had three children: son Jett, who tragically passed away in 2009, daughter Ella Bleu and son Benjamin.
Naya Rivera’s son Josey Dorsey
On July 8, troubling reports emerged revealing that Glee star Naya Rivera had disappeared while boating at California’s Lake Piru with her 4-year-old son, Josey Hollis Dorsey. Everyone’s worst fears were confirmed when it was confirmed she was the victim of accidental drowning. Authorities found poor Josey on the boat by himself, and he soon told investigators that Rivera helped him on the boat before yelling “help” and slipping beneath the surface.
Kobe Bryant’s daughters Natalia, Bianka, & Capri
No one wanted to believe the news when it broke: In January, a helicopter carrying NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others had crashed into a hillside outside of Los Angeles. All of the passengers, including Kobe and GiGi, died in the crash.
Compounding the heartbreaking nature of the accident was the fact that Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, and his surviving daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri had to mourn both a father and husband as well as sister. His youngest, Capri, wasn’t even one at the time of the crash.
James Gandolfini’s kids Michael & Liliana
Sopranos star James Gandolfini was enjoying a holiday in Rome en route to the Taormina Film Festival in 2013 when he suffered a massive heart attack. The New Jersey native, who has become synonymous with fictional mob boss Tony Soprano, was 51. Michael, his son from his marriage to Marcy Wudarksi, was 14 when he died. Liliana, his daughter with then-wife Deborah Lin, was only nine months old.
John F. Kennedy’s kids JFK Jr. & Caroline
It’s the kind of moment that just stays with you — three-year-old John F. Kennedy Jr. saluting his father’s flag-draped casket. No one was ready to say goodbye in 1963 when then-president John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a presidential motorcade through Dealey Plaza. In addition to JFK, Jr., the president was survived by daughter Caroline, who was almost six.
Steve Irwin’s children Bindi & Robert
It was almost inconceivable — in 2006, wildlife expert Steve Irwin died after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb. At the time, he was filming a documentary titled Ocean’s Deadliest in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Spooked, a stingray swimming below Irwin threw up its tail spine, and the poisonous stinger penetrated the wildlife enthusiast’s thoracic wall. He died almost instantly, at the age of 44.
Irwin was survived by his beloved wife Terri, and their children Bindi Irwin, who was eight, and Robert, who was only two. Both kids have since followed in their famous dad’s footsteps by running the family’s Australia Zoo. Earlier this year, Bindi got married and soon after announced she is expecting her first child with new husband Chandler Powell.
Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown
Whitney Houston is arguably one of the most famous female vocalists who ever lived. So, it’s little surprise that her death led to an immediate public outpouring of grief and support. In 2012, the iconic singer was found unconscious, submerged in the bathtub at her Beverly Hilton Hotel suite. Although paramedics performed CPR, they couldn’t revive Houston.
Her death was listed as accidental, resulting from the “effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use.” She had other drugs in her system as well.
This heartbreaking story doesn’t end with Houston, though. In July 2015, history horrifically repeated itself. Houston’s only child, daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown (with ex-husband Bobby Brown), was found unconscious in a filled bathtub in her home. She was in a coma for nearly six months before developing pneumonia and passing away.
Heath Ledger’s daughter Matilda
His career was on fire. He had an adorable two-year-old daughter. He was only 28. For these reasons and more, it was hard to grasp the death of Heath Ledger on Jan. 22, 2008. The talented actor’s body was found in his SoHo apartment by his masseuse and housekeeper — it was later determined he’d suffered cardiac arrest due to prescription drug abuse. Matilda, his daughter with ex Michelle Williams, was just a toddler at the time.
Marvin Gaye’s kids Marvin Gaye III, Nona, & Frankie
While everyone generally knows exactly who Marvin Gaye is, many people don’t realize how he met his tragic end. In April 1984, the singer tried to break up a fight between his parents. His father, Marvin Gay Sr., responded by fatally shooting his own son in the heart with a gun Gaye had bought him. His son, Marvin Gaye III, was 17 at the time and became co-administrator of his dad’s estate. Gaye was also survived by children Nona and Frankie Gaye.
Michael Jackson’s kids Paris, Prince, & Prince II
On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop himself, died in his sleep. Only 50 years old, he’d suffered fatal cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. His doctor, Conrad Murray, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and served two years of a four-year sentence.
Sadly, Jackson left behind three children: Prince and Paris Jackson, with his second wife, Deborah Jeanne Rowe; and Prince II, better known as “Blanket,” whose mother remains unknown. Today, Paris is a successful model and actress whose own reality show just premiered. A Loyola Marymount grad, Prince hopes to break into producing and directing. Little is known about Blanket, who tends to avoid the spotlight.
John Lennon’s kids Julian & Sean
It was Dec. 8, 1980. John Lennon was standing in the archway of the Dakota, his New York City residence. And Mark David Chapman, a crazed Beatles fan, fatally shot the “Imagine” singer. Lennon left behind two children: Julian, with his first wife, Cynthia Powell; and Sean, with Yoko Ono. Remarkably — despite a 14-year age difference and the fact that Julian received very little of his father’s estate — the brothers have managed to maintain a close bond.
Robin Williams’ daughter Zelda
The world got a little bit darker and a lot less funny in August 2014 when beloved comedian and actor Robin Williams committed suicide at his California home. In news that came to light after his death, Williams, then 63, was suffering from an extreme case of Lewy body dementia. His daughter, Zelda Rae Williams, was 25 when he died.
Diana, Princess of Wales’ sons Prince Harry & Prince William
The death of Princess Diana is a case that continues to fascinate and elicit sadness in fans of the royal family around the world. The tragic incident took place in the early morning hours of Aug. 31, 1997. She was riding in the car with her rumored boyfriend, Egyptian billionaire Dodi Fayed when paparazzi reportedly started chasing them.
When the driver of Diana’s car, Henri Paul, tried to elude them, he lost control of the car and collided into a pillar. All three were pronounced dead at the scene. Diana’s sons Harry and William were only 12 and 15, respectively, when she lost her life.
Christopher Reeve’s kids Will, Matthew, & Alexandra
Christopher Reeve was best known for playing the iconic role of Superman in the original films of the ‘70s and ‘80s, so it shocked the world when a horse-riding accident in 1995 left him a quadriplegic. He was bound to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, which was tragically cut short in 2004 when he suffered a heart attack. In another heart-shattering turn for the Reeve family, Christopher’s wife Dana died in 2006 of lung cancer at the age of 44. She was a lifelong nonsmoker.
The couple left behind their son together, Will, as well as Christopher’s kids from his previous relationship with Gae Exton, Matthew and Alexandra. All three serve on the board of directors for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
Bob Marley’s 11 kids
Legendary reggae musician Bob Marley survived an assassination attempt in 1975, but he sadly could not survive an acral lentiginous melanoma. He did put up a valiant fight, though — he was diagnosed in 1977 and didn’t succumb to the cancer until 1981. He was 36 at the time, one of the world’s most beloved musicians, and a father of 11 children: Sharon, Cedella, David “Ziggy,” Stephen, Robbie, Rohan, Karen, Stephanie, Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian. Several of the children went on to take up the mantle of music from Marley and perform to this day.
Natasha Richardson’s sons Michael & Daniel
Hug your loved ones a little closer tonight, because you just never know when the unthinkable will happen. In March 2009, 45-year-old Natasha Richardson took a nasty fall on a Canadian ski slope. Although she appeared fine after the fall, ski patrol insisted she see a doctor. Her condition quickly declined, leading to her death. The coroner ruled the cause to be an epidural hematoma from her fall. Her husband, fellow actor Liam Neeson, was left to care for the children Micheál (born 1995) and Daniel (born 1996).
Phil Hartman’s kids Birgen & Sean
It doesn’t get much more tragic than this. On May 28, 1999, comedian and actor Phil Hartman was shot and killed by his wife Brynn Omdahl. After killing him, she turned the gun on herself, committing suicide. Reports from the pair’s neighbors after the fact uncovered they’d been having marital problems for months leading up to the attack. Brynne’s sister, Katharine Omdahl, and brother-in-law, Mike Wright, stepped in to raise the children.
Kurt Cobain’s daughter Frances Bean
Grunge rock’s most beloved singer left this world on April 8, 1994, when Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain was found dead at his Seattle, Washington, home. Twenty-seven at the time, Cobain was found with a shotgun and a visible head wound. Given those findings, along with a note left nearby, his death was deemed a suicide (although conspiracy theorists swear to this day he didn’t kill himself).
Cobain only had one child, a daughter named Frances Bean Cobain, who he shared with Hole singer Courtney Love. The little girl was just one at the time of her father’s death. Today, she is a visual artist, model and musician who controls the rights to her father’s name and image. Her rocky relationship with Love is well-documented.
