Halle Berry, known for her acting career and role as a mother, reveals a strong connection with her childhood educators, particularly highlighting one who became the godmother to her children. Berry, mother to daughter Nahla, 17, and son Maceo-Robert, 12, shared that this special relationship started in her elementary school years. The actress credits this bond and early lessons on accountability to her time attending school in the Cleveland suburbs.
Berry spoke candidly about her experience in an interview with The Cut, reflecting on how a teacher named Yvonne Sims, one of the only two Black teachers at the predominantly white school, played an important role in her life. Beyond their teacher-student relationship, Sims has remained a close friend and was honored with the role of godmother to both of Berry’s children. Berry explained how Sims taught her crucial life lessons early on, emphasizing responsibility and growth.
“I had a teacher, Yvonne Sims — she’s still a close friend and the godmother to both of my kids — who was one of the only two Black teachers at the school,”
Berry said.
“She got me to understand early on that nothing happens to you; it happens with you.”
“If you don’t take responsibility for your part, you will make the same mistake again and again…until you do,”
she added, describing the enduring impact of those formative lessons.
Family Dynamics and Notable Moments in Berry’s Life as a Mother
Berry has two children from different relationships: Nahla, whose father is actor Gabriel Aubry, and Maceo-Robert, from her marriage to Olivier Martinez. She has publicly celebrated milestones in their lives, such as when Nahla earned early acceptance to college last October. In an Instagram post, Berry shared heartfelt congratulations, unveiling a cake decorated with the message “You did it Nahla!!” to mark the occasion.
Berry further discussed her daughter’s upcoming transition to college during a June appearance as a guest co-host on Today with Jenna & Friends. She described Nahla’s involvement in a college summer program at the university she hopes to attend full-time. The actress expressed a mixture of emotions about her daughter moving away soon, acknowledging both the natural worries and excitement about Nahla’s future.
“She’s 17. She’s going to a college summer program, the college that she’s hoping to go to next year,”
Berry remarked.
“She’s going away this year to the college summer program.”
“It is, but I’m not one of these moms that feels like, ‘Oh, she’s leaving.’ Yes, will I worry? Of course,”
Berry continued.
“But am I excited for her to start her life and figure out who she’s gonna be? Absolutely. I’m dying to see who she’s gonna be and what she’s gonna do and what she’ll discover.”
Lessons on Parenting, Career, and Balancing Responsibilities
As a single mother managing a career in the public eye, Berry shared her reflections on juggling work and family life. She acknowledged feelings of guilt at times but emphasized the importance of teaching her children that success is possible in both family and career, even if not simultaneously. Berry highlighted the value in demonstrating a strong work ethic as an example for her children, who will also need to work independently soon.
“I’ve felt some guilt, but I want to teach my daughter, ‘Don’t have guilt. Have a family, if you want, have a career if you want. You can do it all, just maybe not all at the same time,”
she explained.
The role of Berry’s children’s godmother, Yvonne Sims, symbolizes the enduring influence of educators in her life and the interwoven nature of personal and family support systems. Berry’s openness about her parenting experiences, combined with maintaining meaningful adult friendships from her formative years, offers an insightful look into her approach to motherhood and accountability.
