40+ Celebrities Only Millennials Will Recognize

Only Millennials Will Recognize These Celebs

Millennials love to reminisce about the good old days of dial-up internet, trading Pokemon cards, and illegally downloading music from LimeWire. If you’re over the age of 21, you will definitely remember these famous faces from the 2000s. Some of them are reality TV stars, while others are musicians and actors from years gone by. We must warn you, though — looking through this list might make you super nostalgic for the simpler times.

Lalaine

Lalaine Vergara-Paras is known for playing the title character’s bestie, Miranda, on the hit Disney Channel series — Lizzie McGuire. You probably remember her for her wacky outfits and outrageous hairstyles, with butterfly clips and braids galore. When the show wrapped in 2004, Lalaine launched a music career, but she eventually disappeared from the public eye.

Lalaine

If you’re wondering what she’s up to now, she recently popped up on the YouTube channel of Even Stevens star, Christy Carlson-Romano. It’s a Disney Channel reunion!

Samantha Mumba

Samantha Tamania Anne Cecilia Mumba is an Irish pop star who rose to fame during the 2000s with hits such as “Body II Body,” “Always Come Back to Your Love,” and “Gotta Tell You.” She stormed the charts in the UK, Ireland, and the US. She even starred in a handful of films and TV shows including The Time Machine.

Samantha Mumba

Her songs are full of R&B sass, and she can be seen serving some major Y2K looks in her music videos.

Mandy Moore

If you’re under the age of 21, you’ll probably recognize Mandy Moore for her starring role on This Is Us. However, before she hit the big time in Hollywood, she was known for her bubblegum pop hits!

Mandy Moore

Her debut single, “Candy,” received radio airplay all over the world when it was released in 1999. And it wasn’t long before her first album, So Real, was certified platinum for selling over a million copies. While acting has now become her main gig, Moore still continues to make music.

S Club 7

There ain’t no party like an S Club party! S Club 7 was a British band created by Spice Girls’ manager Simon Fuller. They provided the soundtrack for thousands of school dances throughout the 2000s with their brand of upbeat, sugary pop.

S Club 7

Consisting of Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee, Paul Cattermole, Rachel Stevens, and Tina Barrett, the band ended up with four UK number-one singles, one UK number-one album, and a string of hits throughout Europe — as well as the USA!

Cris Judd

The original Mr. J-Lo, Cris Judd is an American actor and choreographer known for his brief marriage to Jennifer Lopez. He received his big break when he performed on stage with Michael Jackson at the 1995 MTV Music Video Awards.

Cris Judd

He made headlines in 2001 when his marriage to Lopez fell apart after less than a year, but he doesn’t appear much in the media anymore — although he did appear as a judge on New Zealand’s Got Talent in 2013.

Tweet

Before the word ‘tweet’ was associated with that little blue bird app known as Twitter, it was the moniker of American singer-songwriter and guitarist Charlene Keys. As a kid growing up in New York, she was inspired by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, and Whitney Houston.

Tweet

Things came full circle for Tweet when she worked with Houston in 2002. Her song “Oops (Oh My)” — a collaboration with hip-hop legends Missy Elliot and Timbaland — was one of her biggest hits.

3LW

Also known as 3 Little Women, 3LW was a girl band who had a number of hits in the 2000s. Younger readers may recognize members Adrienne Bailon and Kiely Williams from the Disney Channel original movie series The Cheetah Girls, but 3LW was their springboard to mainstream fame.

3LW

They are best known for their hit singles including “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right)” and “Playas Gon’ Play.” However, they didn’t quite reach the heights of fellow 2000s girl band Destiny’s Child.

Chris Kattan

Millennials will definitely recognize comedian Chris Kattan for his goofy roles on Saturday Night Live — as Mr. Peepers, Mango, and Kyle DeMarco. His performances in quirky films Corky Romano and Night at the Roxbury with Will Ferrell will go down in history as some of the most ridiculous comic performances ever.

Chris Kattan

He most recently starred as Bob in the sitcom, The Middle, but we’ll always remember him for his signature head-bobbing dance move as one-half of the Butabi brothers.

Traci Bingham

As a main cast member of Baywatch, posters of Traci Bingham adorned the walls of teenage boys across the world. This was the pinnacle of her career, as before landing a part in the series, she mainly took up minor acting roles.

Traci Bingham

Aside from Baywatch, Bingham’s appearances include the television series D.R.E.A.M. Team and Beverly Hills, 90210. She also played minor roles in popular American sitcoms such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Married… With Children.

Bobby Trendy

Bobby Trendy is an American interior decorator, fashion designer, and television personality — known for his role in The Anna Nicole Show with fellow 2000s icon Anna Nicole Smith.

Bobby Trendy

A true entrepreneur, he began his career by buying the stock of a discount store that was going out of business, and reselling the fixtures at a markup. He managed to build a successful empire in the fashion and interiors industries. Today, he works in the lucrative world of real estate.

Lee Thompson Young

Lee Thompson Young was another actor who started off as a Disney Channel star. Millennials will recognize him as the title role in The Famous Jett Jackson, a show about a teenage celebrity who plays a secret agent on a fictional TV show-within-a-show called Silverstone.

Lee Thompson Young

From a young age, Thompson Young was accustomed to the limelight, and he continued to carve out a successful acting career throughout the 2000s — starring in television shows and films including Rizzoli and Isles, as well as Friday Night Lights.

Joe Millionaire

Evan Marriott was the star of the Fox reality show Joe Millionaire. A precursor to today’s hit shows Love Island and The Bachelor, Joe Millionaire involved a wealthy and handsome suitor taking a group of hopeful women on several dates to exotic and luxurious locations, eliminating women at the end of each episode until only one prospect remained.

Joe Millionaire

The catch was that its star was not actually a millionaire, after all, testing the winner’s loyalty when the truth was revealed.

Lee Sobieski

Liliane “Leelee” Sobieski was one of the most popular movie stars of the 2000s, but today she hides from the limelight to focus on her art career. She was scouted by a talent agent as a teenager and asked to audition for Interview With a Vampire.

Lee Sobieski

The role went to Kirsten Dunst, but this failure did not stop Leelee from hitting the big time. Millennials will recognize her from films such as Deep Impact, Never Been Kissed, and Joy Ride.

Daisy From Rock of Love

From an outsider’s perspective, being a rockstar’s girlfriend seems like a pretty great lifestyle. Flying around the world in private jets, watching your loved one play to thousands of loving fans, and mixing with fellow celebrities backstage at shows.

Daisy From Rock of Love

The contestants on VH1’s Rock of Love competed for the attention of Poison’s Bret Michaels. Daisy de la Hoya was the runner-up of season two, but she didn’t let this hold her back, and she bagged her own spin-off called Daisy of Love.

Malcolm in the Middle

Most of us remember the show’s star, Frankie Muniz, from his roles in films such as Big Fat Liar and Agent Cody Banks. Still, those that are under the age of 21 will probably have a harder time recognizing Malcolm’s brothers.

Malcolm in the Middle

Played by Christopher Kennedy Masterson, Justin Berfield, and Erik Per Sullivan, Malcolm’s brothers charmed audiences with their quick-witted remarks and chaotic hijinks. It’s impossible to see photos from the show without wanting to burst into song, “You’re not the boss of me now…”

SuChin Pak

SuChin Pak never intended to have a career in the media, but a generation will recognize her from her work on MTV. A high-achiever at school, she was interviewed for the show Straight Talk ‘N Teens.

SuChin Pak

A TV executive happened to see the piece and approached her to host the magazine show First Cut on KRON in San Francisco. This “after-school job” became Pak’s introduction to the entertainment world and led to her job as the face of MTV News.

Tom Green and Sisqó

A double-whammy of nostalgic 2000s goodness. All millennials know Tom Green for his shocking MTV series, The Tom Green Show. The show revolved around Green’s penchant for wacky and embarrassing public stunts and sketch comedy.

Tom Green and Sisqó

It was highly controversial, and it’s easy to see why, as some scenes involved him throwing plastic baby dolls at passing cars. Sisqó is another star who rose to fame in the 2000s. Unlike Green, he’s known for his catchy R&B songs.

O-Town

Boy bands were a big deal in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Backstreet Boys and NSYNC were everywhere, and TV executives and record labels were keen to capitalize on this wave. Thus, Making the Band was born — a reality show designed to launch the next big thing.

O-Town

O-Town formed as a result, and their first album sold more than three million copies, boosted by the popularity of the show. They reunited in 2014, releasing an album called Lines & Circles.

Hoku

Starring as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde was actress Reese Witherspoon’s ticket to mainstream success. The film was also instrumental in helping Hawaiian singer Hoku gain prominence. After all, her songs — “Perfect Day” and “Just Another Dumb Blonde” — became smash hits after they were featured on the movie soundtrack.

Hoku

Just like fellow pop queen Avril Lavigne, Hoku’s music was guitar-heavy, with bubblegum-sweet melodies and excellent vocal delivery. Add these tunes to your playlists for a hit of 2000s nostalgia! She came back in 2018, releasing an EP.

Stacie Orrico

For fans of Natasha Bedingfield and Jojo, Stacie Orrico was another pop singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 2000s. Her song “(There’s Gotta Be) More to Life” offered R&B with a melancholy edge, and it reached number 59 on the Billboard 200, despite only being her second-ever single.

Stacie Orrico

It was certified gold, having sold over 500,000 copies in the US. Despite her huge record sales, those of you under 21 probably have no idea who she is.

Ryan Cabera

It seemed like Ryan Cabrera was everywhere in the 2000s. He began his musical journey as the lead singer of Dallas-based band Rubix Groove before pursuing his solo career. His up-tempo rock-pop single, “On the Way Down,” was a definite hit, receiving airplay on many radio stations worldwide.

Ryan Cabera

He was also known for his celebrity romances, dating fellow 2000s icon Audrina Patridge from reality TV program The Hills. As her boyfriend, he even made appearances on the show!

Chris Kirkpatrick

Some may view Chris Kirkpatrick as one of the unfortunate members of NSYNC, as he never quite reached the starry heights of bandmate Justin Timberlake. However, after their split in 2007, Kirkpatrick managed to carve out a successful entertainment career off his own back.

Chris Kirkpatrick

He has starred in multiple reality TV shows such as Mission Man Band and Gone Country. Younger readers may also recognize his voice, as he starred as teen sensation Chip Skylark in Nickelodeon’s Fairly Odd Parents!

Ryan Merriman

Another actor who owes their fame to Disney Channel, most of you millennials know Ryan Merriman from the channel’s original movies such as The Luck of the Irish and A Ring of Endless Light.

Ryan Merriman

While today’s Disney-addicted kids are more familiar with Teen Beach Movie and The Descendants, Merriman was a teen heartthrob before Zac Efron stole our hearts in High School Musical. He is still acting today, and most recently starred as the lead character in Robot Riot on Amazon Prime.

Gidget the Taco Bell Chihuahua

This one is pretty niche, but most millennials will remember Gidget, the Taco Bell Chihuahua. Gidget was all over television screens as the key mascot for the Taco Bell restaurant chain from September 1997 to July 2000.

Gidget the Taco Bell Chihuahua

The dog — made to speak through special effects — was voiced by Carlos Alazraqui. It could be argued that Gidget made history, as she helped make waves in the advertising world before social media and viral marketing trends dominated the industry.

Paige From Trading Spaces

It seemed like Trading Spaces on TLC was everyone’s favorite guilty pleasure TV show in the 2000s. Paige Davis was the charming host, helping neighbors switch houses in a bid to redesign a room in each other’s home with only $1,000 to spend!

Paige From Trading Spaces

Give it a watch in 2020 to have a laugh at the dated interiors and classic noughties fashion choices from Davis and her team. After the show ended, Davis wrote a memoir and starred as Roxie in Chicago!

The Gotti Family

A watered-down, real-life version of The Sopranos, A&E’s Growing Up Gotti was another trashy reality TV gem of the 2000s. Viewers watched Victoria Gotti and her family go about their daily lives as descendants of mafia boss John Gotti.

The Gotti Family

Her sons — Frank Gotti Agnello, John Gotti Agnello Jr., and Carmine Gotti Agnello — were heavily featured, but there really was no heartwarming family antics to be seen. The show was criticized for its unlikeable cast and was ultimately canceled in 2005.

Evan and Jaron

Evan and Jaron are a pair of identical twins who charmed the world with their single, “Crazy for This Girl” — which peaked at 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2000.

Evan and Jaron

Born Evan Mitchell Lowenstein and Jaron David Lowenstein, they rose to fame for their catchy tunes and toured with an array of artists including Sting, Heart, The Dixie Chicks, and Maroon 5. Unfortunately, Evan decided to start a family at the peak of their success, and the band split.

Nelly and His Bandaid

While Nelly still pops up in the charts from time to time, millennials still know him for his hits including “Hot in Here,” “Dilemma,” and “Just a Dream” His signature look was a bandaid on his cheek, which he eventually ditched.

Nelly and His Bandaid

A Texas native, Nelly’s songs were popular due to his unique Southern drawl, which separated him from many other popular rappers of the 2000s. In 2020, he was announced as a contestant on Dancing With the Stars.

Thomas Ian Nicholas

Thomas Ian Nicholas is an American film actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and writer. However, despite his many job titles, it’s safe to say that most millennials recognize him as Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year and Kevin Myers in the American Pie series.

Thomas Ian Nicholas

He still acts today, but he also focuses on his music career. His debut album, Without Warning, came out in 2008. His most recent release was an EP called Security, released in 2014.

Willa Ford

Willa Ford is another pop star whose career unfortunately began and ended in the 2000s. She launched her career at the age of 18 when she signed a major record deal, and ended up supporting Backstreet Boys on their ‘Millennium’ tour in 2000.

Willa Ford

Unlike her contemporaries — Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera — her music career never really took off, and now she can be seen starring in reality TV shows like Dancing With the Stars and Flip it Like Disick.

Josh Hartnett

If you were a teenage girl growing up in the 2000s, you probably had a major crush on Josh Hartnett. He first came to attention in 1997 for his role as Michael Fitzgerald in the television crime drama series Cracker.

Josh Hartnett

Since then, he has starred in The Faculty, The Virgin Suicides, Pearl Harbor, and 40 Days and 40 Nights. Today, he’s mainly known for his role as Ethan Chandler in the horror TV series Penny Dreadful on Showtime.

Vitamin C

If you graduated from high school during the 2000s, you have definitely heard Vitamin C’s emotional anthem, “Graduation (Friends Forever).”

Vitamin C

She wrote the song as a tribute to her school friends after they all went their separate ways following their graduation. Little did she know that her song would become a mainstay in ceremonies across the country for years to come! She was somewhat of a one-hit wonder but at least “Graduation (Friends Forever)” left a lasting impression on students everywhere.

Carmen Electra

Tara Leigh Patrick, better known by her stage name Carmen Electra, is an American singer, actress, and glamor model from Sharonville, Ohio. She was hugely popular in the 2000s for her roles in Baywatch, Starsky and Hutch, and Good Burger, but many will also recognize her for her roles in parody films like Scary Movie.

Carmen Electra

Despite being 48 years old now, a quick look at her Instagram profile reveals that she still looks exactly the same as she did in her 20s! Must be nice!

B*Witched

Millennials can’t hear the phrase, “C’est la vie” without bursting into song, and they have B*Witched to thank for that! If you’re too young to remember the Irish songstresses, here’s what you need to know. They were a four-piece girl group consisting of sisters Keavy and Edele Lynch alongside pals Lindsay Armaou and Sinead O’Carroll.

B*Witched

Hailing all the way from Dublin, their fun, bubblegum pop songs had a worldwide appeal — which helped them sell over three million albums across the globe!

Lou Bega

It’s needless to say that “Mambo No. 5” is a certified noughties classic. Originally from Germany, Lou Bega — also known as David Lubega — transformed Pérez Prado’s 1949 instrumental piece, adding his own words to the song and sampling the original version extensively.

Lou Bega

He combined musical elements of the 1940s and 1950s with modern beats and grooves, creating a fun and fresh anthem for the ages. It’s definitely one of the catchiest songs ever. Can you find your name in any of the verses?

The Simpson Family

Before the Kardashians ruled pop culture, there was a different celebrity family all over the headlines. The Simpson sisters were darlings of the 2000s tabloids. Jessica Simpson rose to prominence as a singer, after being scouted by Mariah Carey’s then-husband and head of Columbia Records Tommy Mottola.

The Simpson Family

She made the switch to acting and was adored for her girl-next-door looks. Her sister, Ashlee, also launched a music career — but with more edgy pop songs in the vein of Avril Lavigne.

Anna Nicole Smith

Anna Nicole Smith was a successful model, television personality, and actress. Her reality show — The Anna Nicole Show — was a hit on E! Entertainment. She was known for her glamorous looks and bleach blonde hair, pioneering the Barbie girl style that was popular in the early 2000s.

Anna Nicole Smith

Her life was marred by controversies and legal battles, but she remains one of the most iconic stars of the 2000s. There’s no doubt that any and all millennials recognize her for that distinctive look and bubbly personality.

Taina

Freaky Friday and Code Black star Christina Vidal made her acting debut in Taina, a Nickelodeon sitcom beloved by teens and young adults throughout the 2000s. Despite only running from January 2001 to May 2002, the show was a total hit with fans.

Taina

Those under the age of 21 most likely haven’t seen it or even heard of it, but for those who watched it, there’s no denying that it was one of the best shows on TV! Plus, that theme song is absolutely unforgettable!

Erik Von Detten

Fans of The Princess Diaries definitely recognize this noughties hunk. He played Josh Bryant, the love interest of Anne Hathaway’s character. In an instant, teens across the world fell in love with his bleach-tipped hair, blue eyes, tanned skin, and devilish smile!

Erik Von Detten

He is also known for voicing toy-tormentor Sid Phillips in Toy Story. Today, he shies away from the limelight, working for a precious metals asset management firm in his home state of California. Nonetheless, he will always be a heartthrob for millennials!

Chris Klein

Chris Klein is another actor who is synonymous with the 2000s comedy movie scene. Most millennials know him as Chris Ostreicher from the American Pie film series. He also played Paul Metzler in the satire flick, Election.

Chris Klein

Unlike other early 2000s stars, he still has a successful acting career, having starred in superhero series The Flash. He is also a leading cast member of Netflix adaptation of Sweet Magnolias, appearing alongside fellow famous face Jamie-Lynn Spears (yes, Britney’s sister)!

Rachael Leigh Cook

Rachael Leigh Cook came from humble beginnings, as the daughter of a cooking instructor and a social worker living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She first appeared in front of the camera at the age of seven, starring in a public service announcement commercial for foster care in the USA.

Rachael Leigh Cook

Who would have known that this little girl would go on to become a hugely successful movie star? She went on to star in The Babysitters Club and Josie and the Pussycats.

Macy Gray

You couldn’t turn on the radio in the late 1990s without hearing “I Try” by Macy Gray. Her signature raspy voice — inspired by Billie Holliday — made her a worldwide star, and her songs were featured in films such as Love Jones and a rom-com starring Jennifer Aniston called Picture Perfect.

Macy Gray

In 2001, Gray won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “I Try,” which was also nominated for “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year.”

Dina Lohan

Before Kris Jenner was known as the number one ‘momager’ in Hollywood, Dina Lohan held the coveted crown. She is the mother of Dakota, Aliana, Michael Jr. — and, of course — famous actress and singer Lindsay Lohan.

Dina Lohan

Most millennials remember Dina as she was frequently the subject of tabloid news stories surrounding her management of her children (specifically Lindsay). In 2008, she was even the subject of her own reality show on the E! Entertainment network called Living Lohan.

The Baha Men

You can accuse The Baha Men of being one-hit wonders, but their hit was undeniably catchy. “Who Let the Dogs Out” was everywhere when it was released in 2000, storming the charts in the UK and the USA. Their music can be classified as a modernized version of ‘junkanoo,’ a style of street parade music popular in their home country of The Bahamas.

The Baha Men

For such a unique, niche genre, it’s surprising that it was such a mainstream success!

Jonathan Taylor Thomas

No list of millennial favorites would be complete without JTT. He’s known for portraying Randy Taylor on Home Improvement alongside Tim Allen and voicing Simba in Disney’s The Lion King. He also starred as Pinocchio in New Line Cinema’s 1996 animated film The Adventures of Pinocchio.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas

He was another teen heartthrob, gracing the cover of magazines throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. In a full-circle moment, he reunited with Tim Allen in 2013 on NBC’s Last Man Standing.

40+ Celebrities Who’ve Had Complicated Relationships With Their Parents

40+ Celebrities Who’ve Had Complicated Relationships With Their Parents

Celebrities are people, too! Not every famous face has a picture-perfect life. The pressures of Hollywood life can take a toll on your family relationships, as these celebrities know all too well. The 40+ stars on this list have complicated relationships with their parents. Some of them have reconnected with their folks, while others have been estranged from their parents for decades. It just goes to show that even the rich and famous have problems.

Demi Moore

Actress Demi Moore has been through a lot. Not only has she endured two difficult love splits from Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher, but she also experienced a difficult childhood. She had a strained relationship with her mother, Virginia Guynes, who would take her to bars to help get attention from men.

Demi Moore

Guynes struggled with addiction throughout Moore’s childhood, and in her autobiography, Moore recalled saving her mother’s life after she had attempted to take her own life.

Brad Pitt

Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood star Brad Pitt is relatively close with his mother, Jane Pitt. However, the actor and his mom do not see eye-to-eye on politics. Brad Pitt has been a vocal advocate for gay rights, publicly championing marriage equality on a number of occasions.

Brad Pitt

But it was revealed in 2012 that his beloved mother wrote a letter in support of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, whose stance on LGBTQ+ issues is far from progressive.

Miranda Kerr

Model Miranda Kerr encountered problems with her mother Therese Kerr in 2014. It was reported that Kerr told her mom to stop interfering with the raising of her son Flynn. To make matters worse, her parents went on Australian TV, pleading with the star to forgive and forget.

Miranda Kerr

Speaking on another TV show, Kerr said of their feud with her parents, “They weren’t really trying to do anything, they’re just a little naïve, unfortunately.” Hopefully, they’ve managed to make up.

Nicole Richie

Model and television personality Nicole Richie was famously adopted by singer Lionel Richie when she was nine years old. However, her relationship with her biological parents is very complicated. Nicole has said that she felt heartbroken that her biological parents couldn’t provide for her.

Nicole Richie

She wanted nothing to do with them! Her biological parents were musicians who moved in the same circles as Lionel Richie. When they couldn’t take care of her, he stepped in, and the rest is history.

Marvin Gaye

We continue with the list with the tragic story of Motown pioneer Marvin Gaye. He had a bitter relationship with his father Marvin Gay Sr., and the pair clashed on a regular basis due to his father’s strict religious beliefs. Marvin Gay Sr. was a strict disciplinarian who resented his son’s success.

Marvin Gaye

Their feud culminated in tragedy when Gaye’s father fatally shot him following an altercation at their family home. Gaye sadly died on the eve of his 45th birthday.

50 Cent

The “In Da Club” rapper 50 Cent has a complicated relationship with his son, Marquis. The pair have traded insults on social media, and their rocky relationship has made headlines on a number of occasions.

50 Cent

However, the root of their feud may be traced back to 50 Cent’s childhood. He was said to have been estranged from his own father at a young age. The conflict between the pair may have affected his ability to bond with his own son.

Kobe Bryant

The late NBA champ Kobe Bryant was a beloved basketball star, who sadly passed following a helicopter accident in 2020. His skill, talent, and dedication to his sport made him a legend amongst sports fans all over the world.

Kobe Bryant

His relationship with his parents was far from ideal, and they even got into a fierce legal battle. Pam and Joe Bryant were caught selling Bryant’s NBA memorabilia without his knowledge. Thankfully, they managed to settle the dispute before his passing.

Tori Spelling

In an interview with fellow actress and writer Lena Dunham, Tori Spelling explained that her family problems can be linked to her mom’s relationship with her own mother. Her mother, Candy Spelling, had a fraught relationship with her mom, and this inevitably affected her ability to connect with her daughter.

Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling also revealed that she even cried when she found out she was pregnant with a girl, as she didn’t want the cycle of poor mother-daughter relationships to continue.

Oprah Winfrey

Multi-hyphenate media mogul Oprah Winfrey is known for being a compassionate voice. Through her magazine, talk show, and various books, Winfrey often gives advice to her fans on how to navigate many of life’s problems. Despite her success, her life has not been easy, and she has a complicated relationship with her stepmother.

Oprah Winfrey

Barbara Winfrey was married to Oprah’s father, Vernon, for 14 years, and she has spoken to the press many times about her disdain for her famous stepdaughter.

Michael Jackson

It’s no secret that the children of The Jackson Five did not have a great relationship with their father/manager, Joe Jackson. He was a typical show business parent, who pushed his kids into the industry and forced them to work incredibly hard.

Michael Jackson

A former boxer and failed blues musician, Jackson has been accused of subjecting his children to verbal and physical abuse. It’s not surprising to find out that his most famous child eventually cut all ties with him.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry has opened up about her complicated relationship with her father. She recently posted a Father’s Day tribute on Instagram, writing a gushing caption about her late dad, Jerome Jesse Berry.

Halle Berry

She wrote, “While I didn’t have much of a relationship with him while he was here, as […] addiction robbed us of the relationship we were meant to have, I now understand how much he loved me and how vital he was and is to my life!”

The Kardashian-Jenner Family

It’s safe to say that the Kardashian-Jenner clan has a complicated relationship with Caitlyn Jenner. Jenner is the parent of youngest daughters Kylie and Kendall, and she brought up the rest of the brood alongside momager Kris.

The Kardashian-Jenner Family

Her explosive autobiography, The Secrets of My Life was released in 2017, containing many revelations that tarnished her relationship with her children and stepchildren. She was also criticized for not informing her children about her gender transition before the story hit the press.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is a national treasure, but not many people know about her turbulent relationship with her father, Mathew Knowles. He was the manager of his daughter’s girl band, Destiny’s Child, and he greatly profited from their success. But his relationship with Beyoncé’s mother, Tina, was full of tension.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

He even fathered an illegitimate child to another woman, leading to their divorce in 2011. This drove a wedge between Mathew and his daughter, and she eventually sought new management in 2011.

Bryce Hall

TikTok star Bryce Hall hit the headlines recently when he competed in a boxing match against fellow social media influencer Austin McBroom. There’s no doubt that Hall’s mom was there supporting her son in his big fight!

Bryce Hall

But while Bryce and his mother have a great relationship, the same can’t be said for his dad. On Father’s Day 2017, he posted this photograph, poking fun at his absent dad. He struggled with addiction and failed to support his family.

Meghan Markle

Since falling in love with a member of the British royal family, Suits actress Meghan Markle has been a firm fixture in the tabloid press. One of the key stories in the news has been her complicated relationship with her father, Thomas. Markle has regularly spoken to the media about his daughter.

Meghan Markle

He was never sent a formal invitation to their royal wedding in 2018, and his continual paid interviews in the US and UK press have soured their relationship.

Lindsay Lohan

Child stars don’t have it easy. Growing up in the spotlight can affect a kid’s development and many young actors end up having serious rifts with family members. Lindsay Lohan’s celebrity status soared when she starred in The Parent Trap at the tender age of 12, and her relationship with her father Michael has been rocky ever since.

Lindsay Lohan

They’ve tried to reconnect over the years, but following his multiple arrests on various charges, their relationship has been broken beyond repair.

Kelly Rowland

Just like her bandmate Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland has a rocky relationship with her dad. In October 2018, she shared a photograph of the two together for the first time in 30 years! Kelly’s mother, Doris Rowland Garrison, divorced Lovett when Kelly was just six years old.

Kelly Rowland

He had been struggling with addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder following his time in the military during the Vietnam War, and Garrison thought it would be best to raise her children alone.

Tatum O’Neal

It’s not often that an estranged parent and child are both successful in the same industry, but this is the case for actress Tatum O’Neal. She has had no contact with her father, actor and former boxer Ryan O’Neal, for most of her life.

Tatum O’Neal

They tried to patch up their difficult relationship on television, on the show Ryan and Tatum: The O’Neals that aired on OWN in 2011. However, the show ended up doing more damage to their broken relationship.

Courtney Love

Hole singer Courtney Love has definitely had a tumultuous life. From the death of her boyfriend Kurt Cobain in 1994, to her years of abuse and addiction, things have not been easy or straightforward for the rocker.

Courtney Love

Her relationship with her parents is equally as complicated, as she spent several years in foster care. She became legally emancipated from her family at the young age of 16, and she has been entirely cut off from her parents ever since.

Meg Ryan

Sleepless in Seattle actress Meg Ryan decided to end her relationship with her mom in 1991, after she openly insulted her daughter in the press. Her mother told reporters that she did not approve of her marriage to Dennis Quaid, and Ryan responded by not inviting her mom to the wedding.

Meg Ryan

However, Meg hadn’t heard the last of her mom! She then proceeded to spread rumors about her daughters to the tabloids, claiming she had cheated with actor Russell Crowe!

Tracy Morgan

Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan has opened up about his complicated family relationships. He revealed that he was estranged from his mother and most of his family, but refused to go into details about the reasons for their rift.

Tracy Morgan

However, he did say that he had “gotten used to it” and compared himself to an island — isolated and hot! Some people simply prefer to go it alone in life. He’s happy with his circumstances, and that’s all that matters.

Emma Roberts

You might know that American Horror Story star Emma Roberts’ aunt is none other than Pretty Woman actress Julia Roberts. But, did you know that Emma is no longer in touch with her father, Eric Roberts?

Emma Roberts

Eric’s sister, Julia, remained in her niece’s life even after he lost custody of Emma. They don’t have a close relationship, but that did not stop Eric from voicing support for Emma after she had a public altercation with her boyfriend in 2013.

Heather Graham

Actress Heather Graham shocked her conservative, religious parents when she took a role in the controversial film Boogie Nights in 1997. She played an adult performer, and the mature role was unacceptable in the eyes of her mom and dad.

Heather Graham

The hit film launched Heather’s career, but her parents disowned her. They haven’t spoken to Heather since, and they have even hit out in the press, saying, “We have endured many sleepless nights questioning how and why it all went wrong.”

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera doesn’t have a relationship with her father, Fausto Xavier Aguilera, describing their bond as “nonexistent.” When Christina was only six years old, her mom asked her dad for a divorce. She has since alleged that he was physically and verbally abusive.

Christina Aguilera

Fausto denied her claims, and other members of the family have even blamed Christina for their tense relationship. They say that her fame put pressure and strain on the entire family. Harsh words.

Ariana Grande

Nickelodeon star turned pop princess Ariana Grande has openly spoken about her close relationship with her mother, Joan Grande. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for her relationship with her dad, Edward Butera.

Ariana Grande

The two have had a troubled relationship, and Ariana has seemingly confirmed the feud through her lyrics. Her single “Thank U, Next” features the line, “One day I’ll walk down the aisle, holding hands with my mama. I’ll be thanking my dad ’cause she grew from the drama.”

Katie Cassidy

Katie Cassidy is best known for her role as Laurel Lance on hit TV show Arrow. Unfortunately. the actress had a turbulent relationship with her dad, David Cassidy, before he died in 2017.

Katie Cassidy

Katie’s mother is former model Sherry Williams, who raised her alone after her split from David. David and Katie had no relationship, and he even cut her out of his will. He told reporters before his death, “I wasn’t her father […] She had a different life.”

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson is incredibly close with her mother, Goldie Hawn, and her mom’s long-term partner, Kurt Russell. However, she has no relationship with her biological father, actor and musician Bill Hudson.

Kate Hudson

She has expressed sorrow at their estrangement, telling the Today Show, ” I have a stepfather who played a huge, huge part in sharing what it is to have a dependable father figure in our life. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that we didn’t know our dad,”

Oliver Hudson

It’s not only Kate Hudson who has been affected by her father Bill Hudson’s absence. Her younger brother, Oliver Hudson, has spoken about his feelings towards his father, captioning a Father’s Day Instagram post with the message, “Happy Abandonment Day!”

Oliver Hudson

Bill Hudson hit back in an interview, saying that his son’s comments hurt his feelings. Eventually, the public spat gave the father and son an opportunity to reconnect. The pair began texting each other for the first time in years.

Adele

Adele is one of the biggest pop superstars of her generation. She has sold millions of records worldwide, taking her from the suburbs of North London school to headlining Glastonbury music festival! Unfortunately, her sour relationship with her father has been well documented in the tabloid press.

Adele

He even approached The Sun newspaper to talk about his daughter, much to her dismay. The pair did not have any contact before he passed away in 2021 at the age of 57.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston became a household name after starring as Rachel Green in Friends. However, unlike her character, Aniston’s personal relationships have been fraught. Her mother, Nancy Dow, made life difficult for the young star, criticizing her appearance and getting into toxic arguments with her on a regular basis.

Jennifer Aniston

Dow worsened the feud after writing and publishing a book about their relationship, entitled From Mother and Daughter to Friends: A Memoir. She felt her mom was capitalizing on her success.

Eminem

“Rap God” Eminem (AKA Marshall Mathers) has made no secret of his complicated relationship with his mother. He was written countless songs inspired by his experiences growing up as a neglected child in the Kansas City and Detroit areas.

Eminem

Mathers has expressed how his mother abused illegal substances, refused to work, and lived off government welfare. In 1999, she filed a defamation lawsuit against her son, demanding $10 million dollars for her name being slandered in his songs and in interviews.

Brie Larson

Captain Marvel star Brie Larson endured a tough childhood. The heartbreak of her dad leaving her family has allowed her to channel deep emotion in her acting career. In 2015, she starred in the drama Room, about a woman held in captivity.

Brie Larson

She evoked memories of living in a cramped bedsit with her mom after her father had left them. The technique clearly worked, as she won the Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Academy Award for Best Actress!

Paris Hilton

Hollywood heiress Paris Hilton has a complicated relationship with her parents. When she was 17 years old, Hilton was sent to a boarding school against her will, and her experience was less than satisfactory.

Paris Hilton

The boarding school was intensely oppressive, and the staff made her feel cut off from the outside world. Hilton has since said that she has tried not to allow this to sour her relationship with her parents, as they didn’t realize the extent of the abuse.

Leighton Meester

Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester had a difficult childhood, to say the least. Her problems began at a young age, as her mother was in prison under smuggling charges when she was born. After her mother’s release, her parents divorced and the family struggled financially.

Leighton Meester

As Leighton’s career took off, her relationship with her mother worsened. She had even been supporting her mom financially, but she decided to cut her off when she realized her money was being misused.

Drew Barrymore

Like many other former child stars, Drew Barrymore has had a difficult relationship with her parents over the years. She rose to fame at the age of seven after starring in E.T, and her life became even more complicated after her big break.

Drew Barrymore

She became addicted to illicit substances before she was even a teenager. She legally emancipated herself from her folks when she was only 14, and moved into her own apartment at the young age of 15.

Angelina Jolie

While her career has gone from strength or strength over the years, Hollywood royalty Angelina Jolie has had a turbulent personal life. Jolie has had a lifelong complicated relationship with her father, actor Jon Voight. Their problems began when Voight left the family while his daughter was an infant.

Angelina Jolie

In 2001, the silver screen brought them together as they both appeared in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. However, it wasn’t enough to keep them together, and their relationship deteriorated once again.

Mischa Barton

Actress Mischa Barton has a tense relationship with her mother, Irish film producer and talent manager Nuala Quinn-Barton. Her daughter rose to fame in the 2000s after bagging roles in The O.C, Notting Hill, and The Sixth Sense.

Mischa Barton

However, the two have been locked in a lawsuit for the past year, with Barton accusing her mom of being a “greedy stage mother,” stealing her money and exploiting her daughter for financial gain. Mischa is reportedly seeking payment of $25 million.

Macauley Culkin

Home Alone star Macauley Culkin has been working in the entertainment industry from a young age. He recently opened up to podcast host Marc Maron about his difficult childhood in the spotlight. His father was allegedly abusive, putting him under pressure to achieve success.

Macauley Culkin

Macaulay eventually won a court case against his parents when he was just 15 years of age, which meant that they lost legal guardianship, and subsequently let go of control of his $17 million fortune.

Demi Lovato

Former Disney actress Demi Lovato has made headlines in recent years for her battle with addiction. In a recent documentary, she opened up about her struggles and the problems in her childhood that led to her following the wrong path. The singer’s father, Patrick Lovato, died in 2013.

Demi Lovato

Demi eventually lost touch with him, as he had abandoned the family due to mental illness and addiction. Demi has expressed regret about their lack of communication.

Ariel Winter

Modern Family actress Ariel Winter has spoken up about her complicated relationship with her mother. Her mom allegedly subjected her to years of abuse, and she moved out to live with her sister Shanelle Gray when she was 14 years old.

Ariel Winter

She eventually became legally emancipated, allowing her to have full control of her finances and career decisions. Ariel Winter has since reconnected with her father and is living a happy and fulfilling life — without the influence of her mother.

Justin Bieber

Pop superstar Justin Bieber became famous when he was a young teenager, after his YouTube videos were discovered by manager Scooter Braun in 2007. Just like many other young celebrities, his career has been plagued with scandals and drama caused by his wild behavior.

Justin Bieber

His relationship with his mom Pattie Mallette suffered as a result, but they have since reconnected. He has had a rocky relationship with his father, Jeremy Bieber, but he has remained close to his half-siblings.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez had an unconventional start in life. She was raised by her mother, Mandy Teefey, who gave birth to Gomez when she was 16 years old. Her parents split when she was only five, and her mom brought her up independently.

Selena Gomez

Her mother played a huge role in her career from her first role in Barney & Friends, but things soured between them when they began having disagreements about her professional life. Mandy stopped managing Selena’s career in 2014.

Ryan Lochte

Olympic champion swimmer Ryan Lochte has severed ties with his mother following a serious falling out. He opened up about their estrangement in an interview, explaining that she said some “very hurtful things” upon finding out that Ryan was set to become a father.

Ryan Lochte

He hopes that speaking up about his experiences will help others going through similar problems, saying, “It was hard. I want people to know that just because I’m an Olympian, I don’t have the easy way.”

Mariah Carey

Legendary pop diva Mariah Carey has a complicated and tough relationship with her mom. Patricia Carey is an Irish-American retired opera singer and freelance vocal coach. You may think that the pair would bond over their love for the art of singing, but they share a deep and difficult history.

Mariah Carey

Mariah has described their relationship as, “A prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration, and disappointment.” Sadly, she’s even claimed that her mother neglected her as a child.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey is a world-famous actor. Sometimes, even celebrities’ families struggle to cope with their loved ones’ fame. That’s exactly what happened between him and his mother, as they didn’t speak for eight years.

Matthew McConaughey

In the early stages of his fame, he would speak to his mother on the phone, only to find details of their conversations in the press days later. As he found stability in his career, he was able to reconcile with his beloved mom.