Michelle Williams recently revealed on August 18, 2025, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live that she and her husband Thomas Kail have welcomed their third child together, a baby girl born via surrogate. At 44 years old, Williams continues to embrace motherhood while maintaining a discreet approach to her family life, keeping personal details carefully guarded from the public eye.
Williams’ commitment to protecting her private family life notably stems from past experiences, including the loss of her former partner, Heath Ledger, nearly two decades ago. Ledger was the father of Williams’ eldest daughter, Matilda, who is now 19 years old. Since his tragic death in 2008, Williams has intentionally chosen to navigate major family milestones quietly and thoughtfully.
A History of Protecting Privacy Amid Personal Tragedy
The actress has often spoken about the importance of shielding intimate aspects of her family life from public scrutiny. In a 2018 Vanity Fair interview, she opened up about love and relationships but kept the focus on the significance of genuine connections rather than fame or success.
“I never gave up on love,”
Williams shared.
“I always say to Matilda, ‘Your dad loved me before anybody thought I was talented, or pretty, or had nice clothes.’ Obviously I’ve never once in my life talked about a relationship but Phil isn’t anyone else. And that’s worth something.”
—Michelle Williams, actress
Williams’ earlier relationship with musician Phil Everum ended amicably after a brief period, serving as a transitional stage before she met Kail, the acclaimed director who helmed her Emmy-winning role in FX‘s Fosse/Verdon.
By late 2019, the couple was engaged and expecting their first child together, a moment marked by excitement and optimism according to sources close to the pair.
“She fell fast and hard for Thomas,”
an insider told E! News in December 2019.
“They are very in love and excited about their future together and having a family.”
—Source close to Michelle Williams
A Longtime Hope for Siblings and Motherhood Challenges
Williams had expressed her desire for siblings for Matilda years prior, though she acknowledged challenges in realizing that hope. Speaking to GQ in 2012, she reflected on how her expectations changed as time passed and circumstances evolved.
“I really wanted, and I really expected or imagined, that Matilda would have siblings that were close to her age,”
Williams explained.
“I wanted that for her. But I couldn’t make that happen. And now that she’s 6 that isn’t even a possibility anymore. So something that was making me feel impatient, that’s been removed. For whatever reason, that’s not our luck, or our path.”
—Michelle Williams, actress
Open about grief and motherhood, Williams has consistently refrained from public discussions about the difficulties faced by Heath Ledger, emphasizing respect for their shared history and his legacy.
“I can talk about grief because that’s mine, about single parenting, about trying to balance work and kids,”
she told Vogue in 2009.
“But what I don’t have to talk about is what happened between Heath and me in our relationship.”
—Michelle Williams, actress
This boundary ensures the memory of Ledger stays protected for their daughter Matilda, who is raised with a balance of normalcy despite their extraordinary circumstances.
“Michelle really does keep things real for [Matilda],”
said Heath Ledger’s sister, Kate Ledger, during a 2015 interview with the Sunday Telegraph.
“And her existence, although different from most, is as normal as possible in an abnormal world.”
—Kate Ledger, Heath Ledger’s sister
Actress and close friend Busy Philipps also highlighted the difficulty Williams faced managing curiosity about her grief and family from the public after Ledger’s passing.
“Obviously when Heath passed away, and people had this insatiable interest in her and her child and their grief, it was overwhelming and incredibly painful.”
—Busy Philipps, actress and friend
Balancing Parenthood and Career as a Partnered Mother of Four
Currently, as a mother of four, Williams and Kail manage a busy household. Alongside their newest baby delivered via surrogate, they have son Hart, age 5, and another young child born in 2022. Balancing an active family life with a flourishing acting career remains a challenging but rewarding endeavor for Williams.
Her role in the project Dying for Sex earned her a 2025 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, adding to her artistic achievements amid family responsibilities.
“It’s just really busy and I’m trying to figure out the work-life balance,”
Williams revealed to Jimmy Kimmel Live guest host Tiffany Haddish.
“I hear that a lot of people are talking about self care and I’m just wondering, ‘When?’ Because I’m the working mom and I already have the guilt and I don’t want to take more time away from them. But I understand that I need to fill up the tank.”
—Michelle Williams, actress
She also finds inspiration in motherhood itself, viewing it as a creative force shaping her outlook.
“There’s nothing that makes you committed to a better world than raising a great kid,”
Williams told Variety in 2022.
It’s the ultimate creative act.
—Michelle Williams, actress
Notable Celebrities Who Have Chosen Surrogacy for Expanding Their Families
Michelle Williams is among many high-profile figures who have grown their families with the help of surrogacy, a path offering an alternative route to parenthood under various circumstances.
Naomi Campbell
The supermodel confirmed in June 2024 that she welcomed her daughter in 2021 and son in 2023 through surrogacy.
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen
This celebrity couple welcomed their son Wren Alexander Stephens in June 2023 after having three older children born naturally by Chrissy.
Casey Wilson and David Caspe
The Happy Endings actors announced the arrival of their third child, Frances Rose, in January 2023, crediting surrogacy as a mindful choice influenced by postpartum depression from previous pregnancies.
“A large factor of surrogacy was my postpartum depression that I had through both kids,”
Casey Wilson explained.
“It’s actually a very strong choice to make when you’re parenting other kids, and for myself.”
—Casey Wilson, actress
Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra
In January 2022, the couple joyfully announced the birth of their daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, via surrogate.
Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson
The reality star and NBA player welcomed son Tatum Thompson in July 2022 through surrogacy during a brief reconciliation period.
Rebel Wilson
The Pitch Perfect star celebrated the birth of daughter Royce Lillian in November 2022.
“I can’t even describe the love I have for her, she’s a beautiful miracle!”
—Rebel Wilson, actress
Paris Hilton and Carter Reum
The couple‘s son Phoenix was born via surrogate in January 2023 after their 2021 wedding.
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin
Their sixth child, Lucia, arrived in March 2021 through surrogacy, verified by sources close to the family.
Kristen Wiig and Avi Rothman
In 2020, the Bridesmaids actress and her husband welcomed twins via surrogacy.
Kandi Burruss
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star introduced daughter Blaze Tucker through surrogacy in November 2019.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
After complicated pregnancies, surrogacy was used for their children Chicago West and Psalm West, born in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade
The couple’s daughter Kaavia arrived on November 7, 2018, via surrogate.
“Our miracle baby arrived last night via surrogate and 11/7 will forever be etched in our hearts as the most loveliest of all the lovely days,”
Gabrielle Union shared. —Gabrielle Union, actress
Andy Cohen
The television host became a father to Benjamin Allen in February 2019 and later welcomed daughter Lucy, both children born through surrogacy.
“And speechless. And eternally grateful to an incredible surrogate. And I’m a dad. Wow.”
—Andy Cohen, TV host
Tyra Banks
The supermodel welcomed her first child, York Banks Asla, via surrogate in 2016.
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka
The married couple became parents to twins Gideon and Harper through surrogacy in 2010.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban
In 2010, the couple welcomed daughter Faith via surrogate, joining their family with older children.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick
The couple‘s twins, Tabitha and Loretta, were born in 2009 via surrogate, joining their son James.
Elton John and David Furnish
The legendary singer and his husband welcomed sons Zachary and Elijah through surrogacy in 2010 and 2013.
Jimmy Fallon and Nancy Juvonen
Their daughters Winnie and Frances were born via surrogacy in 2013 and 2014.
Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman
The couple‘s sons Felix and Magnus arrived via surrogacy in 2011 and 2012.
Lucy Liu
In 2015, the actress announced the birth of her son Rockwell Lloyd Liu through surrogacy.
Ricky Martin
The Latin singer became the father of twins Matteo and Valentino in 2008 via surrogacy.
Jordana Brewster and Andrew Form
The Fast & Furious star welcomed sons Julian and Rowan through surrogacy in 2013 and 2016.
Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery
In 2014, the couple shared news about daughter Sienna, born via surrogate, alongside their other children.
Ryan Murphy and David Miller
The Glee creator and husband have three sons, Logan, Ford, and Griffin, all born through surrogacy.
George Lucas and Mellody Hobson
The Star Wars creator and wife welcomed daughter Everest through surrogacy in 2013.
Shayne Lamas and Nik Richie
In 2015, after a miscarriage, the reality star and husband used surrogacy to welcome their son Lyon.
Amy Smart and Carter Oosterhouse
The actress and her husband, after long fertility struggles, welcomed daughter Flora via surrogate in 2016.
Katey Sagal and Kurt Sutter
The Married…With Children star embraced surrogacy for daughter Esme Louise born in 2007.
The Enduring Importance of Privacy and Family for Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams’ careful management of her private family life and her dedication to shielding her children from media exposure highlight the complexities celebrity parents face in balancing public interest with personal boundaries. Her recent journey into expanding her family through surrogacy adds another chapter to her story—one marked by resilience, discretion, and a profound commitment to motherhood.
As she continues to navigate professional achievements alongside her expanding family, Williams embodies the ongoing challenge of working motherhood, particularly under the public’s watchful gaze, while reaffirming her core commitment to love, privacy, and the well-being of her children.
