Let’s get real—Hollywood adores an origin story. And in the case of celebrities, perhaps nothing makes for a richer, more inspiring history than being raised in a family that doesn’t conform to so-called “traditional” family status. From actors raised by same-gender parents to those whose moms or dads came out later in life or transitioned under a spotlight, these tales remind us that love, and a little bit of chaos, make for the best kind of families. Here are 15 stars who were raised with LGBTQ+ parents and show that family doesn’t come in conventional ways, but in the heart.
15. Jena Malone
Before she was a scene-stealer in The Hunger Games and Donnie Darko, Jena Malone was brought up by her mom, Deborah, and her mom’s girlfriend, whom she affectionately referred to as her “godmom.” As Jena once explained, she had no idea their arrangement was different from everyone else’s until many years later. “It was the sole relationship my mom had with a female,” she explained. “When they split, she discovered Christianity and began dating men again.” It wasn’t normal, but it was love-filled.
14. Jennifer Grey
We know her as Baby from Dirty Dancing, but Jennifer Grey’s own life is as touching. Her dad, Broadway icon Joel Grey, revealed he was gay when he was 82 years old. Jennifer said in People that she was “so happy” for him: “To love who you love… that can only be a good thing.”
13. Ally Sheedy
The Breakfast Club icon Charlotte Sheedy’s mom was a lesbian after she divorced. Ally has been an advocate for acceptance throughout, stating, “It’s hard for me to understand not loving a family member because they’re gay.” That acceptance extended to her own son, Beckett, who is trans, just one example that love and acceptance truly do run in the family.
12. Amy Adams
Long before she was shining on-screen, Amy Adams was adjusting to a family change. Her Mormon parents divorced when she was 11, and her mom, Kathryn, subsequently moved in with a woman. Amy has remained close to her mom ever since, frequently bringing her to the red carpet. Her family might not be textbook, but it’s closer than ever.
11. Mandy Moore
The This Is Us actress has a family history straight out of a contemporary heartwarmer. Her parents broke up, and her mom, Stacy, started dating tennis pro Claudette Laliberte, and both of Mandy’s gay brothers. “There are no secrets in our lives,” Mandy explained. “I adore and accept my mom and brothers with all my heart. Seeing them live honestly makes me so proud.”
10. 50 Cent
Rapper and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has spoken about his lesbian mother, Sabrina, who passed away when he was eight. He then lived with his grandparents. “My mom was a lesbian. My whole childhood was like that,” he revealed. He even spoke about their relationship in his semi-autobiographical book Playground.
9. Dave Bautista
As Dave Bautista was coming of age in the Castro District of San Francisco with his mom, Donna Raye, who is a proud lesbian, he believes she instilled the strength and self-assurance in him. “She never apologized for who she was or who she loved,” he said. “A strong lesbian raised a strong man.”
8. Paul Bettany
The WandaVision star’s father, Thane Bettany, came out as gay at 63 after 25 years of marriage. He spent two decades with his partner Andy Clark, but after Andy’s death, he returned to the closet out of religious guilt. “The shame he felt was heartbreaking,” Paul said. “He couldn’t even mourn the love of his life.”
7. Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster was brought up by her mom, Evelyn “Brandy” Almond, and her mom’s long-term partner, whom she and her brothers referred to as Aunt Jo. Jodie would later come out publicly at the Golden Globes in 2013. Having two moms as a child obviously informed her strong sense of authenticity and resilience.
6. Robert De Niro
The actor’s father, Robert De Niro Sr., was a talented artist who publicly came out as gay during the 1940s. De Niro went on to produce a documentary on his dad and how they had experienced love and comprehension in the less tolerant times. “I wish we had talked more,” De Niro explained. “Sometimes later is too late, do things now.”
5. Kendall & Kylie Jenner
The youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner family was raised with Caitlyn Jenner, who transitioned as a transgender woman in 2015. Kendall and Kylie have both spoken publicly about how her transition strengthened their relationship. “When my dad came out, our relationship grew,” Kendall explained. “She could finally be honest with me.” Kylie added, “Watching her live her truth has been inspiring.”
4. Katy Tur
MSNBC anchor Katy Tur’s father, Zoey Tur, is a pioneering journalist and helicopter pilot who came out as a trans woman in 2013. Their relationship has had ups and downs, but Katy has spoken openly about her dad’s journey. “She told me, ‘I’m going to become the right person,’” Katy recalled. “That helped me understand her anger and her courage.”
3. Liza Minnelli
Born to Hollywood royalty Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, Liza was raised amid art and secrets. Her father was suspected of being gay but maintained his private life in Hollywood. Nonetheless, their relationship was loving and respectful, evidence that love sees beyond labels.
2. Natasha & Joely Richardson
Actresses Joely and Natasha Richardson are descended from an artistic family with a rich LGBTQ+ heritage. Their father, Tony Richardson, was biromantic as was their grandfather, actor Michael Redgrave. Joely once described, “My father’s identity was a footnote, not a headline. What mattered most was his passion for life and art.”
1. Jay-Z
Number one on our list is Jay-Z, whose mom, Gloria Carter, publicly came out as a lesbian in 2017. Jay has talked about how upsetting this was: “She sat in front of me and said, ‘I think I love someone,'” he remembered. “I really cried.” He later celebrated her in his song Smile, praising her bravery to be herself. In 2023, Jay and Beyoncé publicly went to the wedding of Gloria to her fiancé, Roxanne Wilshire.
These stars confirm one undeniable fact: family isn’t about being a specific shape; it’s about love, honesty, and acceptance. No matter who raised them, em two moms, a gay dad, a trans parent, they remind us that the most unusual roots tend to beget the strongest, most beautiful families.