At 21 years old, actress Millie Bobby Brown and her husband Jake Bongiovi, 23, have become parents to a baby girl via adoption. Sharing the news on Instagram, Millie expressed their excitement to begin this new chapter quietly and peacefully.
This milestone marks Millie’s entry into motherhood, a significant and heartfelt decision. Her experience adds her to a select group of well-known figures who have embraced adoption as their path to parenthood.
Nicole Kidman’s Journey with Adoption and Family Life
Nicole Kidman, who previously married Tom Cruise, adopted two children, Isabella Jane and Connor Anthony, in the early 1990s. Afterward, she had two daughters with her second husband, Keith Urban. Nicole once remarked on her love for parenting and children, emphasizing the joy they bring through their authenticity and growth.
“I would’ve loved 10 kids. I love mothering, I love kids. They’re quirky, funny, and unfiltered. And then you get to see them grow and send them on their way.”
—Nicole Kidman, Actress
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness’s Adoption Story
After facing challenges with natural conception, Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness adopted two children, Oscar Maximilian and Ava Eliot, early in the 2000s. Hugh has spoken about their belief in destiny and how their family came together in the way it was meant to be.
“Deb and I are believers in … I suppose you could call it destiny. We feel things happened the way they are meant to. Obviously, biologically wasn’t the way we were meant to have children.”
—Hugh Jackman, Actor
Lionel Richie’s Role in Nicole Richie’s Adoption
Lionel Richie took in Nicole Richie, adopting her from family friends who were experiencing financial and personal difficulties. Nicole went on to build her own successful career, including starring in the popular TV show The Simple Life.
Angelina Jolie’s Expanding Family Through Adoption
Angelina Jolie began adopting children as a solo parent, bringing Maddox Chivan and Zahara Marley into her family in the early 2000s. Her then-partner Brad Pitt later adopted both children, and the couple added three more to their family—through adoption and birth—including Pax Thien and twins Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline.
Angelina shared how motherhood profoundly changed her life, saving her and altering her perspective on living.
“I was 26 when I became a mother. My entire life changed. Having children saved me, and taught me to be in this world differently. I think, recently, I would’ve gone under in a much darker way had I not wanted to live for them.”
—Angelina Jolie, Actress and Humanitarian
Charlize Theron’s Solo Parenting Through Adoption
Charlize Theron adopted her two sons, Jackson and August, via the U.S. foster system, doing so as a single parent. Her emotional response to motherhood reflects a deeply moving experience.
“I was bawling my eyes out every day, saying, ‘This is the most beautiful love I have ever witnessed in my life’.”
—Charlize Theron, Actress
Sandra Bullock’s Adoption of Two Children
Sandra Bullock expanded her family with the adoption of her son Louis and daughter Laila as a solo parent in 2010 and 2015. She emphasized the importance of showing unwavering love and presence in parenting.
“You love by leaning in and hugging and holding and letting them know that you aren’t going anywhere.”
—Sandra Bullock, Actress
Viola Davis and Family Life Through Adoption
Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon adopted their daughter Genesis in 2011. Viola described how this addition gave her life a deeper meaning and brought immense joy.
“I wanted my life to mean and be something deeper. She is the light of our lives.”
—Viola Davis, Actress
Steven Spielberg’s Adoption Experience
Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw adopted two children, Theo and Mikaela, in the 1990s. Spielberg reflected on how this experience introduced him to the notion of fatherhood in a new way, comparing it to his creative work.
“It was the first time that it occurred to me that maybe I could be a dad. And maybe, in a way, a director is a dad or a mom.”
—Steven Spielberg, Filmmaker
Adoption as a Meaningful Path for Celebrities
Millie Bobby Brown’s decision to adopt aligns her with many celebrities who have chosen this life-changing route to parenthood. Each story reveals a unique and heartfelt journey, highlighting the powerful impact adoption can have on families and individuals alike. These public figures openly demonstrate how adoption brings profound fulfillment and reshapes their lives with love and purpose.
