20 Hollywood actresses who are single mothers

Sayan
Hollywood actresses who are also single mothers (Image via Instagram)
Hollywood actresses who are also single mothers (Image via Instagram)

There has always been pressure for a parent to single-handedly raise a child, but when the camera is still rolling, and there is a possibility of being spotted by paparazzi anytime, the job gets a lot harder. Hollywood is never a stranger to single mothers, in fact, there are a lot of actresses who became successful while they were mentoring their child alone. The pressure of Hollywood and its fame has never made them shy away from raising a child and still bring out the best in the set.

1) Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Angelina Jolie (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Angelina Jolie became a single mother in 2016 after separating from Brad Pitt. Together, they share six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. Maddox is particularly interested in film and has worked on projects with his mother, while Shiloh loves dance and has taken ballet lessons. Zahara has expressed interest in social justice and activism. The family dynamic changed substantially after Jolie and Pitt’s split, with Jolie often taking up the role of keeping the household grounded.

2) Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
Sandra Bullock (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)

Sandra Bullock adopted her son, Louis, in 2010, shortly after her divorce from Jesse James. In 2015, she adopted her daughter, Laila. Both children are being raised away from the Hollywood spotlight. Louis enjoys art and often spends time drawing, while Laila has shown a keen interest in animals. Sandra has openly shared her challenges and triumphs as a single mother, prioritizing her children’s emotional well-being. She keeps their lives as normal as possible and avoids exposing them to the industry’s pressures, often describing motherhood as her most important and rewarding role.

3) Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron (Photo by Franco Origlia/WireImage)
Charlize Theron (Photo by Franco Origlia/WireImage)

Charlize Theron adopted her son, Jackson, in 2012 and her daughter, August, in 2015. As a single mother, Theron has been outspoken about creating an inclusive environment for her children. Jackson, who identifies as transgender, enjoys fashion and creativity, while August has a strong interest in outdoor adventures. Theron’s decision to adopt was deeply personal, inspired by her upbringing in South Africa. She often speaks about how motherhood has reshaped her priorities, making her children her central focus.

4) Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone (Photo by Cindy Ord/VF23/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Sharon Stone (Photo by Cindy Ord/VF23/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)

Sharon Stone became a single mother after divorcing Phil Bronstein in 2004. She adopted three sons: Roan, Laird, and Quinn. Roan, the eldest, has shown an interest in acting, while Laird and Quinn enjoy sports. Stone has been candid about the challenges of balancing her career with raising her boys. Her divorce marked a turning point, as she decided to dedicate herself to providing a stable and loving home.

5) Halle Berry

Halle Berry (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)
Halle Berry (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)

Halle Berry has two children: Nahla, born in 2008, and Maceo, born in 2013. Nahla’s father is model Gabriel Aubry, while Maceo’s father is actor Olivier Martinez. Berry has been raising her kids as a single mother following her separation. Nahla is interested in environmental activism and wildlife, while Maceo enjoys sports and music. Berry has spoken about the challenges of co-parenting but emphasizes her commitment to ensuring her children grow up feeling loved.

6) Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)
Katie Holmes (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)

Katie Holmes became a single mother in 2012 after her high-profile divorce from Tom Cruise. Their daughter, Suri Cruise, was born in 2006 and has grown up in the public eye. Suri has shown an interest in fashion, often seen experimenting with trendy outfits. Holmes has worked hard to give Suri a grounded life, choosing to raise her in New York City away from Hollywood’s spotlight.

7. Minnie Driver

Minnie Driver (Photo by Munawar Hosain/Fotos International/Getty Images)
Minnie Driver (Photo by Munawar Hosain/Fotos International/Getty Images)

Minnie Driver became a single mother in 2008 when she gave birth to her son, Henry Story Driver. She has kept the identity of Henry’s father private, focusing instead on her role as a mother. Henry, now a teenager, has an interest in music, often playing instruments at home. Driver has spoken about the joys and challenges of balancing motherhood with her acting career, often bringing Henry to film sets.

8) Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner (Photo by Venturelli/Getty Images)
Sophie Turner (Photo by Venturelli/Getty Images)

Sophie Turner became a single mother in 2023 following her divorce from Joe Jonas. The couple shares two daughters, Willa, born in 2020, and their younger daughter, whose name has not been publicly disclosed. Willa loves stories and spends much time exploring books and imaginative play. Turner has spoken about the struggles of navigating single motherhood while protecting her children’s privacy.

9) Rumer Willis

Rumer Willis (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
Rumer Willis (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)

Rumer Willis, the eldest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, announced her split from partner Derek Richard Thomas in 2024. She has a young daughter, Louetta, born in 2023. Rumer has embraced single motherhood, often sharing glimpses of her parenting journey on social media. Louetta seems to have a cheerful personality, and Rumer enjoys reading and singing to her. She credits her own upbringing with helping her handle the challenges of single parenting.

10) Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
Michelle Williams (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)

Michelle Williams became a single mother in 2008 after the tragic death of Heath Ledger, the father of their daughter, Matilda. Matilda, born in 2005, has inherited her father’s love for the arts and enjoys photography and drawing. Williams has worked hard to protect Matilda’s privacy, raising her outside the public eye. She has described single motherhood as challenging and fulfilling, often speaking about the deep bond she shares with Matilda.

11) Connie Britton

Connie Britton (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for The Rape Treatment Center and Stuart House at UCLA Health)
Connie Britton (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for The Rape Treatment Center and Stuart House at UCLA Health)

Connie Britton became a single mother in 2011 when she adopted her son, Eyob, from Ethiopia. She has often described the adoption as one of the most meaningful decisions of her life. Eyob, lovingly called “Yoby,” enjoys playing soccer and has a passion for music. Britton has shared that motherhood has completely transformed her priorities, with her son being the center of her life.

12) January Jones

January Jones (Photo by Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty Images)
January Jones (Photo by Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty Images)

January Jones welcomed her son, Xander, in 2011, choosing not to reveal the identity of his father. As a single mother, Jones has embraced a no-nonsense approach to parenting, focusing on raising Xander to be confident and kind. Xander has shown a keen interest in nature and enjoys spending time outdoors. Jones keeps their life relatively low-key, sharing occasional glimpses of their bond on social media.

13) Padma Lakshmi

Padma Lakshmi (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Padma Lakshmi (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Padma Lakshmi became a single mother to her daughter, Krishna, in 2010. Krishna’s father is venture capitalist Adam Dell. Lakshmi has openly shared the challenges of co-parenting while maintaining a strong bond with her daughter. Krishna, nicknamed “Littlehands,” has a love for dance and storytelling, often participating in creative activities. Lakshmi works hard to instill values of gratitude and curiosity in her daughter, exposing her to diverse cultures and experiences.

14) Mary-Louise Parker

Mary-Louise Parker (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)
Mary-Louise Parker (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)

Mary-Louise Parker became a single mother in 2007 after adopting her daughter, Caroline “Ash,” from Ethiopia. She also has a son, William, from her previous relationship with actor Billy Crudup. William enjoys theater and music, while Ash has a strong interest in animals and environmental causes. Parker has been candid about her journey as a single mother, often highlighting the joys of raising her children.

15) Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton (Photo by Pierre Suu/Getty Images)
Diane Keaton (Photo by Pierre Suu/Getty Images)

Diane Keaton became a single mother in her 50s, adopting her daughter, Dexter, in 1996 and her son, Duke, in 2001. Keaton has said that motherhood changed her life in ways she couldn’t have imagined. Dexter enjoys photography and writing, while Duke has a passion for sports, particularly basketball. Keaton, known for her candid and humorous outlook on life, often reflects on how her children have given her a sense of purpose.

16) Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)
Jodie Foster (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)

Jodie Foster became a single mother to her sons, Charles and Kit, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, respectively. Foster has never publicly disclosed the identity of their father, focusing instead on raising her boys in a private and grounded environment. Charles is passionate about technology and enjoys tinkering with gadgets, while Kit has a strong interest in sports, particularly soccer.

17) Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
Sheryl Crow (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)

Sheryl Crow adopted her two sons, Wyatt in 2007 and Levi in 2010, as a single mother. She has described the experience as life-changing, saying her children have brought her immense joy and perspective. Wyatt loves music and plays the guitar, taking after his mother, while Levi enjoys art and nature. Crow balances her career as a singer-songwriter with being a hands-on mom, often bringing her boys on tour.

18) Madonna

Madonna (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/MTV VMAs 2021/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS)
Madonna (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/MTV VMAs 2021/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS)

Madonna has raised six children, several of whom she adopted as a single mother. Her adopted children include David Banda, Mercy James, and twins Stella and Estere. David has a passion for soccer and is pursuing a professional career, while Mercy loves music and piano. The twins enjoy dancing and often perform together. Madonna’s biological children, Lourdes and Rocco, have their creative pursuits, with Lourdes focusing on fashion and Rocco exploring art.

19) Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Kate Winslet (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Kate Winslet became a single mother following her divorces from Jim Threapleton, Sam Mendes, and Ned Rocknroll (though she has remarried since). She has three children: Mia, Joe, and Bear. Mia is passionate about acting and has started her career in film, while Joe enjoys music, and Bear loves outdoor adventures. Winslet often shares that her kids are her greatest source of strength and joy.

20) Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Warner Bros.)
Sienna Miller (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Warner Bros.)

Sienna Miller became a single mother to her daughter, Marlowe, in 2015 following her split from actor Tom Sturridge. Miller and Sturridge co-parent amicably, with Marlowe benefiting from a loving and balanced environment. Marlowe enjoys creative pursuits like painting and writing stories, and Miller has spoken about how her daughter’s imagination inspires her.

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Edited by Debanjana