Actresses Who Built Their Families by Adopting as Single Mothers

Adoption offers a wonderful way for people in the entertainment industry to build the families they dream of, often choosing to become parents independently. Many successful actresses have successfully balanced their careers with the challenges of adoption, opening their homes to children from various backgrounds throughout Hollywood’s history. Their experiences demonstrate the many ways families can be created today and show that the love between a parent and child isn’t defined by blood. These actresses are inspiring examples for anyone considering adoption as a path to single parenthood.

Sandra Bullock

The Academy Award-winning actress completed the adoption of her son, Louis, in 2010, as she was going through a public divorce. Five years later, in 2015, she grew her family by adopting her daughter, Laila, from the foster care system. Bullock has frequently discussed how valuable the foster care process is and how much happiness she found adopting her children. She continues to balance a successful acting career, starring in films like ‘Gravity’ and ‘The Blind Side,’ with being a devoted single mother, and her family remains a central part of her life.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron, the Academy Award winner, adopted her daughter Jackson in 2012 and August in 2015. She’s always been upfront about wanting to adopt and choosing to become a mother on her own. Despite a successful acting career, Theron has raised both daughters with dedication. She frequently speaks about the joys and difficulties of adoption and single parenthood, emphasizing that family is built on love, not just blood ties.

Diane Keaton

The celebrated actress became a mother in her fifties, choosing to adopt her children. She welcomed her daughter, Dexter, in 1996, and her son, Duke, in 2001. Keaton has often spoken about how becoming a mother later in life changed her outlook and brought stability to her life. She skillfully managed her famous acting career, including roles in films like ‘Annie Hall,’ while raising her children as a single parent. She continues to inspire others, demonstrating that adoption is a wonderful option for starting a family at any age.

Sharon Stone

This actress faced challenges with getting pregnant biologically, so she decided to start a family through adoption. She adopted her first son, Roan, in 2000, and later welcomed two more sons, Laird and Quinn, as a single parent. Stone has always been a strong advocate for adoption, openly sharing how much joy motherhood brings her. She successfully balanced raising her three boys with her career in film and her charitable work, demonstrating her strength and dedication to her children.

Kristin Davis

Kristin Davis, famous for playing Charlotte in ‘Sex and the City,’ is a loving mother to two adopted children. She adopted her daughter, Gemma Rose, in 2011 and her son, Wilson, in 2018, choosing to become a parent on her own. Davis has openly discussed the joys and challenges of domestic adoption, and the immediate bond she felt with both of her children. She successfully manages her acting career with raising her family in Los Angeles, and her choice to adopt as a single woman has resonated with many people.

Meg Ryan

Meg Ryan, known for her role in ‘Sleepless in Seattle,’ adopted her daughter, Daisy True, from China in 2006. Traveling to China alone to bring Daisy home was a deeply meaningful experience for her. Ryan raised Daisy alongside her son, Jack, all while continuing her successful career in Hollywood. She’s often said that adopting Daisy felt like the right thing to do for her family, and her dedication to her daughter remains very important to her.

Michelle Pfeiffer

The celebrated actress adopted her daughter, Claudia Rose, in 1993 as a single woman. She started the adoption process before she met her future husband, David E. Kelley, and completed it soon after. Throughout her successful acting career, Pfeiffer has been a devoted and private mother to Claudia, often prioritizing motherhood above all else. Her experience highlights the lasting commitment involved in adoption and building a family.

Calista Flockhart

Calista Flockhart, best known for her role in ‘Ally McBeal’, became a mother in 2001 when she adopted her son, Liam. She was there when he was born and raised him as a single parent. Later, she married Harrison Ford, who became a supportive father figure to Liam. Flockhart has always put her role as a mother first, even when it meant making sacrifices in her acting career. Her story highlights the dedication and strength of single mothers who choose adoption.

Mary-Louise Parker

The actress adopted her daughter, Caroline, from Ethiopia in 2007, choosing to become a single parent several years after ending a relationship. She’s raised Caroline alongside her biological son with a focus on privacy and a loving home. Parker has often spoken about how wonderful her family is and the special connection between her children. Her story highlights the joys of international adoption, especially for single parents.

Edie Falco

Edie Falco, known for her roles in ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Nurse Jackie’, became a mother by adopting her son, Anderson, in 2005. Three years later, in 2008, she adopted her daughter, Macy, completing her family. Falco has often spoken about her fulfilling decision to become a mother independently. She successfully manages her acclaimed acting career alongside the challenges and rewards of raising two children, and being a devoted mother is an important aspect of who she is publicly.

Denise Richards

As a big fan, I’ve always admired Kyle! After her divorce, she decided to grow her family and adopted her sweet daughter Eloise back in 2011. She navigated the adoption process all on her own, wanting to give her two older daughters a little sister. It’s been really touching to see her share her experiences with adoption on TV and in interviews. She’s such a dedicated mom, and it’s clear she’s committed to giving all three girls a happy and secure home. Her story really shows that building a family looks different for everyone, and single parenthood can be incredibly fulfilling.

Connie Britton

Actress Hayden Panettiere adopted her son, Eyob, from Ethiopia in 2011 after a three-year adoption process. She started the journey as a single woman and has frequently discussed how much motherhood has changed her life. Panettiere uses her public voice to advocate for orphans and promote the benefits of international adoption. Despite a thriving acting career, she prioritizes being a loving and dedicated mother. Her story highlights the power of patience and the deep bond she shares with her son.

Sheryl Crow

I’ve always been so impressed by this artist! She’s incredibly inspiring – after facing some serious health challenges, she built a beautiful family by adopting her two sons, Wyatt and Levi, all as a single mom. I love that she moved to a farm in Nashville to give them a really stable and down-to-earth childhood. She’s talked about how being a mother has completely changed her art and how she sees the world, and it’s amazing to see her still pursuing her music while being such a devoted parent. Honestly, her decision to adopt not once, but twice, as a single woman feels like such a powerful and central part of who she is.

Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb, the host of ‘Today’ and an actress, became a mom through adoption, welcoming her daughter Haley Joy in 2017 and Hope Catherine in 2019. She decided to adopt later in life and has openly shared her heartfelt experiences with her audience. Kotb has also written books celebrating her daughters and the wonderful surprise they brought to her life. Despite a busy schedule with the ‘Today’ show, she enjoys the challenges and rewards of raising her daughters as a single parent. Her story has inspired many others considering adoption or starting a family later in life.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell became a mother in 1995 when she adopted her son, Parker. Since then, she’s adopted multiple children and become a well-known champion for adoption. She often uses her celebrity to speak out against obstacles that prevent people from adopting, and has raised her family while continuing her successful career. Her dedication to adoption is a central part of who she is and what she stands for.

Madonna

Following her divorce, the famous singer and actress adopted her first child, Mercy James, from Malawi in 2009. Eight years later, in 2017, she returned to Malawi and adopted twin sisters, Stella and Estere, raising them as a single parent. Through her charitable work, Madonna has dedicated herself to supporting orphanages and improving healthcare in Malawi. She continues to balance her successful entertainment career with raising her large, diverse family, and her experiences as an adoptive mother have been both very public and deeply meaningful to her.

Angelina Jolie

The celebrated actress began her family in 2002 by adopting her son Maddox from Cambodia, becoming a single mother. This was the start of both her motherhood journey and her dedication to humanitarian causes. She went on to adopt her daughter Zahara and son Pax, and later welcomed biological children. Jolie is a passionate voice for refugees and children seeking homes around the world, and her family beautifully demonstrates the positive impact of international adoption.

Mia Farrow

Mia Farrow is a celebrated actress known just as much for her large family as for her acting career. She’s adopted ten of her fourteen children, often bringing them into her home while raising them as a single mother. Many of these children came from different countries and had significant medical needs. For decades, Farrow has been a passionate advocate for children’s rights, working with groups like UNICEF. In fact, her dedication to her children has often taken precedence over her film work, solidifying her place as a uniquely devoted adoptive parent in Hollywood.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda, the renowned actress and activist, adopted Mary Luana Williams, whose parents were involved with the Black Panthers, when Mary was a teenager. Fonda has shared how raising Mary – alongside her own children – expanded her worldview and deepened her dedication to social justice. They remain close to this day, and their story demonstrates that adoption can happen at any age and in many different ways.

Faye Dunaway

Faye Dunaway, known for her role in ‘Network,’ adopted her son, Liam, in 1980 and raised him on her own. Throughout her successful and very public career – which includes an Academy Award and many other accolades – she’s always carefully guarded his privacy. She’s said that becoming a mother completely changed her life and how she saw her priorities, and that Liam has been a central focus for her, especially later in her career.

Loretta Young

During Hollywood’s Golden Age, actress Loretta Young famously adopted a daughter, Judy Lewis, in 1935 while raising her as a single mother. It was later discovered that Judy was actually Young’s biological child, but the actress chose adoption to safeguard her career. Young raised Judy alone for several years before eventually getting married. Known for her grace and thriving career in film and television, Young’s story is a compelling example of the challenges surrounding family and motherhood in Hollywood history.

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford was a celebrated movie star who famously adopted four children, including Christina and Christopher, and raised them on her own. Known for her strong will and commitment to her work during Hollywood’s golden age, she successfully balanced a demanding career with motherhood, starring in films like ‘Mildred Pierce.’ Her experiences as an adoptive parent became widely publicized and remain one of the most talked-about stories in Hollywood history.

Barbara Stanwyck

Barbara Stanwyck, a remarkably talented actress of her time, adopted her son Dion in 1932. After her divorce, she largely raised him on her own while continuing to work steadily as an actress. Stanwyck was known for being fiercely independent and commanding attention in her films. She skillfully balanced a successful, decades-long career with the demands of motherhood. Her life exemplifies the self-reliance many women in early Hollywood demonstrated both on and off screen.

Gloria Swanson

Gloria Swanson, a major star of early films, became a mother in 1923 by adopting her son, Joseph, while navigating single parenthood. A powerful and successful woman in a male-dominated industry, she leveraged her fame to create the family she wanted. Throughout a decades-long career—including her iconic role in ‘Sunset Boulevard’—Swanson remained a fashion trendsetter and celebrated artist, successfully balancing motherhood with her public life. Choosing to adopt independently was a courageous decision for a woman of her time.

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr was famous as both a stunning actress and a gifted inventor. She adopted her son, James, in 1939 and raised him on her own while becoming a leading star at MGM. Lamarr was a fascinating woman who successfully combined her Hollywood career with her passion for science, particularly in the field of communication. Despite the difficulties of being a single mother and navigating the demands of the studio system, she remained devoted to her son. Her life is a unique blend of Old Hollywood glamour and the dedication of a single parent.

Sandra Bernhard

This comedian and actress became a mother in 1998 when she adopted her daughter, Cicely, and has raised her on her own. She frequently talks about the close and special connection they have and how being a mom has shaped her career. Bernhard has continued to thrive in comedy and television while being a dedicated parent. She’s known for her clever humor and her support of the LGBTQ+ community, and her experience as an adoptive mother is an important part of who she is.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis, known for her role in ‘Black-ish,’ adopted her daughter, Charmaine, as a single mother and has lovingly raised her ever since. Throughout her long and successful acting career, Lewis has always put her daughter first. She’s openly shared her experiences as a mother and her personal health struggles in her writings and interviews. Even now, she remains a dynamic presence in entertainment while proudly celebrating her daughter’s achievements. Her life is a testament to strength and the enduring bond of a mother’s love.

Josephine Baker

The celebrated performer and activist Josephine Baker created a unique family by adopting twelve children from around the globe. She lovingly called them her “Rainbow Tribe,” demonstrating her belief that people of all backgrounds could live together as one family. While continuing her successful career as a dancer and singer, Baker raised her children in a castle in France. She was a true trailblazer, and her dedication to international adoption was remarkably forward-thinking. Her impact as a mother is just as important as her artistic achievements.

Donna Mills

The actress, famous for her work on ‘Knots Landing,’ adopted her daughter, Chloe, in 1994 when she was in her fifties. She then took a break from acting to dedicate herself to raising Chloe. She’s said that becoming a mother was the most fulfilling thing she’s ever done. Later, she went back to acting while still being a very involved and supportive parent. Her experience shows that becoming a mother can be incredibly rewarding at any age.

Sia

In 2019, the singer and actress became a single mother by adopting two teenage boys from foster care. She wanted to give older children, who often face uncertainty as they leave the system, a loving and secure home. Sia has openly shared the joys and difficulties of raising young adults, all while continuing her career in music and film. Her choice to adopt teenagers has also helped raise awareness about the challenges faced by youth in foster care.

Share your thoughts on these inspiring adoption stories in the comments.

2026-02-26 08:18