The Coolest Celebrity Moms Ever

The apple didn't fall far from the tree.

Celeb moms we love
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Celebrities, just like regular people, often owe much of their success to the way they were raised and the lessons learned from their moms. Here, we're taking a closer look at the moms of celebrities who have set a beautiful example for their famous offspring and the sweet relationships they share. And in the meantime, we'll try to gloss over the fact that, like, half of them are called Donna.

Tyra Banks' Mom Carolyn London

Tyra Banks and mom during 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards - Backstage and Audience at Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, United States.

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There's close mother-daughter relationships, and then there's Tyra Banks and Carolyn London. The two have such a strong bond that they even co-authored a book titled Perfect Is Boring: 10 Things My Crazy, Fierce Mama Taught Me about Beauty, Booty, and Being a Boss. London has previously worked as a photographer and a CEO.

Melissa McCarthy's Mom Sandra McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy and mom Sandra arrives at the 91st Oscars Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 04, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California

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Mom Sandra McCarthy is so important to actress Melissa McCarthy that of course she was her date to the Oscars Nominees Luncheon in 2019. Speaking about it on Good Morning America, Melissa said tearfully, "My mom and dad both always supported me, you know, maybe even more than they should have." Pass the tissues, please.

Michael B. Jordan's Mom Donna Jordan

Actor Michael B. Jordan (R) and mother Donna Jordan attend the 45th NAACP Image Awards presented by TV One at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2014 in Pasadena, California.

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Did you know that Michael B. Jordan's dad's name is Michael A. Jordan? Anyway, we're here to talk about the Black Panther actor's mom Donna Jordan, who could clearly not be prouder of her incredibly successful son. When Michael B. was growing up, Donna was a guidance counselor at his middle school and a teacher at his high school—a real-life superhero, if you will.

Priyanka Chopra's Mom Madhu Chopra

Priyanka Chopra (L) is seen wearing an Isabel Marant dress, Off White shoes with a Jacquemus handbag with her mother Madhu Chopra in the Upper West Side on May 3, 2018 in New York City

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Priyanka Chopra may be a Hollywood and Bollywood actress, but her mom Madhu Chopra is a star in her own right. Madhu is a doctor specializing in ENT, who later turned her attention to aesthetics—and she has a very sizeable social media following. Meanwhile, Priyanka and Madhu are often spotted on mother-daughter dates, whether they're attending a tennis match or out on a walk in NYC.

John Legend's Mom Phyllis Stephens

John Legend (r) and his mother Phyllis Stephens attend Jazz In The Gardens 2010 on March 21, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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John Legend's life might have been very different if he didn't grow up surrounded by musicians. His mom Phyllis Stephens was a choir director, and Legend once told The Guardian, "Every setting that I spent time in was filled with music, and by seven I had begged my mother to let me into the choir." Their mother-son relationship was difficult for many years, but they began to repair it starting in 1999.

Colin Farrell's Mom Rita Farrell

Colin Farrell with Rita Farrell during "Daredevil" Premiere - Los Angeles at Mann Village Theater in Westwood, California, United States

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Colin Farrell thinks his mom is the coolest ever, and who are we to disagree? "My mum Rita is my best pal in the world, an amazing woman," the In Bruges star once said. "Anything I am, or hope to be, I have to thank her." Colin obviously loves spending time with Rita, since he has brought her to red-carpet events many times over the course of his career.

Billie Eilish' Mom Maggie Baird

Billie Eilish and Maggie Baird attend the 2024 People's Choice Awards held at Barker Hangar on February 18, 2024 in Santa Monica, California

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Maggie Baird is actually an actress, known for small roles in Bones and Days of Our Lives, among others. But she really started making headlines when her children, Billie Eilish and FINNEAS, became award-winning musicians and collaborators—and of course Baird is their biggest fan.

David Beckham's Mom Sandra Beckham

Former British football player David Beckham and his mother Sandra Beckham sit in the royal box in Center Court during the women's singles tennis match between Russia's Daria Kasatkina and Britain's Jodie Burrage on the third day of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2023.

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David Beckham's parents Ted and Sandra Beckham have been there for him ever since his passion for soccer began. "My mum was the one that was driving me to training, to games when my dad was working," David once revealed. Sandra's own career was as a hairdresser.

The Jonas Brothers' Mom Denise Jonas

Musician Joe Jonas of Jonas Brothers shares a photo with mother Denise Jonas on May 22, 2009 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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Denise Jonas has supported her superstar boys Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas ever since they started their career as teenagers. Denise has lent her vocals on family-produced songs, and has also appeared in various family reality TV shows, including Married to Jonas, and Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream.

Lupita Nyong'o's Mom Dorothy Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong'o and mother, Dorothy Ogada Buyu attend the GO Campaign's Annual Gala 2023 at Citizen News Hollywood on October 21, 2023 in Los Angeles, California

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Lupita Nyong'o's mom Dorothy Nyong'o, as well as being a loving parent, is an incredibly impressive woman. She is a managing trustee of Africa Cancer Foundation, plus the director of PR company 7th Sense Communications Limited, and the First Lady of Kisumu County in Kenya. Talk about a packed schedule.

Laverne Cox' Mom Gloria Cox

Actress Laverne Cox (L) and mother onstage during the 25th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 12, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California.

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Gloria Cox wasn't a model mother when her daughter Laverne Cox was growing up, to say the least. But the two women have since taken brave steps towards healing their relationship, and in Laverne's words, "My mom and I are really cool right now." Doing that generational healing work is so difficult, and so important.

Jennifer Lawrence's Mom Karen Lawrence

Karen Lawrence, Jennifer Lawrence and Gary Lawrence attend Sony Pictures' "No Hard Feelings" premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on June 20, 2023 in New York City.

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Jennifer Lawrence's mom Karen Lawrence ran a day camp while the actress was growing up. And as Jennifer grew into the brilliant and successful woman she is today, Karen has continuously shown how proud of her she is. "Talent is nothing if you're not a nice person," she once said of her daughter. "That's just who she is. And that makes us proud of her more so than her talent." Those are strong values right there.

Timothée Chalamet's Mom Nicole Flender

Timothée Chalamet with his mother Nicole Flender attend the "Bones & All" premiere during the 66th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall on October 08, 2022 in London, England.

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Timothée Chalamet's mother Nicole Flender made headlines when his girlfriend Kylie Jenner ceded her place to her in case he won the Oscar he was nominated for in 2025. That should tell you something about the support Flender gives her son—and her actress daughter Pauline Chalamet. While Nicole has her own iMDb page, she primarily works as an estate agent.

Ryan Gosling's Mom Donna Gosling

Ryan Gosling (center), nominee Best Actor in a Leading Role for "Half Nelson," with sister Mandi Gosling and mother Donna Gosling

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Actor Ryan Gosling is super close with both his sister Mandi Gosling and his mom Donna Gosling, both of whom have accompanied him to various red-carpet events. Donna actually homeschooled Ryan as a kid, which he once told British GQ totally changed his life. "My mother was so good at it she became a teacher," he said of Donna's instruction.

Yara Shahidi's Mom Keri Shahidi

Actor Yara Shahidi and Keri Shahidi attend the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.

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Keri Shahidi has a pretty cool career, on which she collaborates with daughter Yara Shahidi: She's an executive producer and co-principal of 7th Sun Productions, and is also known for hosting the podcast The Optimist Project alongside actress Yara—plus she's low-key famous on social media.

Ariana Grande's Mom Joan Grande

Joan Grande, Ariana Grande at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California

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Any Ariana Grande fan worth her salt knows that mom Joan Grande is basically the singer's best friend. Joan is just as high-powered as her international superstar daughter: She's the president and CEO of Hose-McCann Communications, a company which has been in the Grande family since 1964!

Emma Stone's Mom Krista Stone

Actress Emma Stone (R) and mother Krista Stone arrive at the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on January 29, 2012 in Los Angeles, California

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While accepting the BAFTA award for leading actress in 2024, Emma Stone had the whole room in floods of tears when she thanked her mom Krista Stone in her acceptance speech. "Without her none of this exists, including my life, so thanks for that too, mom," she said. We're not crying... we're not crying.....

Chrissy Teigen's Mom Vilailuck Teigen

Model Chrissy Teigen (R) and Vilailuck Teigen attend the 2014 MTV Movie Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 13, 2014 in Los Angeles, California

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Chrissy Teigen's mom Vilailuck "Pepper" Teigen lived with the model and her family for a long time, and regularly appeared in her Instagram posts. But in early 2024, Chrissy revealed that Pepper had moved out, and gone back to her native Thailand: "We miss her. So much," Chrissy said. "She's only been gone for a couple of weeks, but you feel the void."

Lizzo's Mom Shari Johnson-Jefferson

LIzzo (R) and Shari Johnson-Jefferson during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California

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Lizzo (née Melissa Viviane Jefferson) and her mom Shari Johnson-Jefferson share the absolute sweetest relationship, with the singer regularly shouting out Johnson-Jefferson on Instagram. A particular highlight, though, was when the celeb mom was the one to present her famous daughter with the People's Champion Award at the People's Choice Awards in 2022. Love that!

Nicole Kidman's Mom Janelle Ann Kidman

Actress Nicole Kidman with her mother Janelle Ann Kidman as they attend the 2018 AACTA Awards Presented by Foxtel at The Star on December 05, 2018 in Sydney, Australia

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Nicole Kidman's mom Janelle Ann Kidman sadly passed away in 2024, and the actress' public reaction was a testament to their close relationship. Nicole received an award at the Venice Film Festival that year, and said about Janelle in a statement, "this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me."

Taylor Swift's Mom Andrea Swift

Andrea Swift and Taylor Swift in the audience at the 2010 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 21, 2010 in Los Angeles, California

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Andrea Swift can often be spotted in the audience at her international superstar daughter Taylor Swift's shows. The mother and daughter have such a special relationship that Taylor has even written several songs about Andrea, including "The Best Day" and "Soon You'll Get Better."

Scarlett Johansson's Mom Melanie Sloan

Actress Scarlett Johansson and her mother Melanie Johansson attend the 2004 Tony Awards Gala after-party at Rockefeller Plaza Skate Rink June 6, 2004 in New York City.

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Scarlett Johansson's mom Melanie Sloan once went viral for the weirdest reason: She seemed to disappear—as in, fully vanish—while Johansson was being interviewed on the red carpet in 2006. Don't worry, though, Sloan has since been found, and her famous daughter remains very grateful to her for introducing her to all her favorite movies when she was a kid.

Reese Witherspoon's Mom Betty Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon, winner Best Actress in a Leading Role for "Walk the Line", and mother Betty

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Reese Witherspoon's mom Betty Witherspoon was a nurse, so she was incredibly busy—but that didn't stop her from being an amazing parent. "My parents were always incredibly supportive," Reese once said about their relationship to her acting career. And in a later interview, the actress shared, "I've learned a lot about hard work from my mother."

Rihanna's Mom Monica Braithwaite

Rihanna and mom Monica arrive at Rihanna's First Annual Diamond Ball at The Vineyard on December 11, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California.

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You'd have to be a pretty cool person to raise one Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and that's mom Monica Braithwaite in a nutshell. "Thank you for carrying me, birthing me, raising me, supporting me, teaching me, and loving me unconditionally!" the singer and entrepreneur once wrote to her mother. "The woman I am today is because of everything that you are!"

Travis Kelce's Mom Donna Kelce

Travis Kelce, Donna Kelce arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's "Quarterback" at TUDUM Theater on July 11, 2023 in Hollywood, California

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Donna Kelce, mom to NFL champs Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce, got very famous in her own right after Taylor Swift started dating her youngest son. Not only does she get interviewed on TV all the time, but she's also become a baking and hosting influencer. Love that for her!

Kate, Princess of Wales' Mom Carole Middleton

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (R) and her mother Carole Middleton attend day 1 of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 20, 2017 in Ascot, England.

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Catherine, Princess of Wales, née Kate Middleton, is incredibly close with her family—particularly mom Carole Middleton. Aside from being a royal-adjacent figure, Carole was also the co-founder of Party Pieces, a shop for all things party decorations. This was a very appropriate venture, given Carole herself is a hosting master.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex' Mom Doria Ragland

Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland arrive at Cliveden House Hotel on the National Trust's Cliveden Estate to spend the night before her wedding to Prince Harry on May 18, 2018 in Berkshire, England.

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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, clearly has deep admiration and love for her mother Doria Ragland. Ragland works as a yoga instructor and a social worker, and is an amazing parent, too. "We can just have so much fun together, and yet, I'll still find so much solace in her support," Meghan once told Glamour (via Harper's Bazaar).

Lady Gaga's Mom Cynthia Germanotta

Honoree Cynthia Germanotta and Lady Gaga attend Children Mending Hearts' 10th Annual Empathy Rocks on June 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.

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Cynthia Germanotta isn't just an incredibly supportive mom to daughter Lady Gaga (AKA Stefani Germanotta). She's also the co-founder of the Born This Way Foundation, which works towards fostering mental emotional wellness in young people—a mission that could not mean more to both Cynthia and Stefani.

Jennifer Garner's Mom Patricia Ann Garner

Actress Jennifer Garner (L) and her mother attend the premiere of Twentieth Century Fox and Regency Enterprises' "Elektra" at the Palms Casino on January 8, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Jennifer Garner is an amazing mom to kids Violet, Fin and Samuel Affleck—and she had an amazing mom herself. Patricia Ann Garner is beloved by Jennifer's Instagram followers for her no-nonsense instructions when they cook together. Aside from that, Patricia has always loved to explore and learn, making her a very interesting lady.

Jennifer Lopez' Mom Guadalupe Rodríguez

Jennifer Lopez and mom Guadalupe Rodriguez out and about on Guadalupe's birthday on December 12, 2018 in New York City.

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Jennifer Lopez has always had the staunch support of her mom Guadalupe Rodríguez—and she's learned so much from her, too. In an Instagram post in 2019, J. Lo wrote, "People ask me where I get my energy from, my drive, my dance moves lol ... well now you know ... Guadalupe ... my mommy." So sweet.

Beyoncé's Mom Tina Knowles

Beyonce and Tina Knowles attend the after party following Jay-Z's concert at Carnegie Hall to benefit The United Way Of New York City and the Shawn Carter Foundation at the 40 / 40 Club on February 6, 2012 in New York City.

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Tina Knowles needs no introduction, but here's one anyway. Mom to singers Beyoncé and Solange (and honorary mom to Kelly Rowland), Knowles wears many hats: She's an author, an entrepreneur, a fashion designer... as well as a loving mom and grandma. Women really can do it all.

Selena Gomez' Mom Mandy Teefey

Executive producer Mandy Teefey (L) and daughter actress/executive producer Selena Gomez attend the Premiere of Netflix's "13 Reasons Why" at Paramount Pictures on March 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California

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Selena Gomez and her mom Mandy Teefey co-founded Wondermind, a mental health platform, together. The two women are both passionate about destigmatizing mental health and improving people's wellbeing. Meanwhile, Teefey has also worked as a producer, most notably on 13 Reasons Why.

Iris Goldsztajn
Morning Editor

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.