15 Famous Only Children

Adele famous only child

It's not a secret that only-child families are booming in modern society. The fertility rate has been plummeting in almost every country, from the US to India to Japan

As a result, the number of only-child households is predicted to grow even further.

While many parents fear the 'only-child syndrome,' these celebrities have come forward to prove that it can be a great experience.

So, instead of writing about the perks of being an only child, I've decided to inspire you about the high potential of singletons by introducing you to some of the most famous only-child celebrities.

These people have significantly succeeded in their respective fields.

So, forget about loneliness; our kids might become celebrities someday!

Here are 15 famous only children from around the world who are successful, respectable, and simply superb.

Let's be honest: your kid's future is just as bright!

  1. Adele

Adele celebrity only child

One of my favorite famous only children! Adele Laurie Blue Adkins was born in London on May 5, 1988.

Her mother raised her after her father left the family when she was two.

Adele is one of the world’s best-selling music artists, and her recognitions include 15 Grammy Awards and 9 Brit Awards.

2. Robert de Niro

Robert de Niro famous only child

Robert Anthony De Niro was born in New York on August 17, 1943.

He is the famous only child of painters Virginia Admiral and Robert de Niro Sr. De Niro is an eight-time Academy Award nominee.

The actor won two Oscars for the Godfather Part II and Raging Bull. He’s appeared in at least 122 movies so far.

3 – Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman celebrity only child

Natalie Portman is an actress and filmmaker with dual Israeli and American citizenship.

She was born on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem. From 1999 to 2003, Natalie attended Harvard and received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

She went on to win an Oscar for her performance in the movie Black Swan.

4 – John Lennon

John Lennon

John Winston Lennon was born on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool.

When he was four, his parents separated, and he ended up living with his aunt Mimi.

The Beatles is the #1 best-selling band in history, with estimated sales of over 600 million records worldwide.

He was murdered on December 8, 1980.

5 – Robin Williams

Robin Williams Famous only child

Robin McLaurin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago.

In 1973, Williams received a full scholarship to the prestigious Julliard School in New York.

The celebrity won an Oscar for best supporting actor for his role in Good Will Hunting (1997) and 6 Golden Globe Awards during his career.

Unfortunately, he committed suicide on August 11, 2014, at his home in California.

6 – Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra

Francis Albert Sinatra was an American singer, actor, and producer who was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century.

He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide.

7 – Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys Famous only child

Alicia Augello Cook was born in New York on January 21, 1981.

She is a multiple Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter.

She was raised by her mother, Nikki Augello, a part-time actress and paralegal.

8 – Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake celebrity only child

Justin Randall Timberlake was born on January 31, 1981, in Tennessee.

He got his start on “The Mickey Mouse Club” and made it big with the boy band NSYNC before becoming a solo singer and actor.

Overall, Timberlake has received 176 awards as of March 2020.

9 – Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron famous only child

Charlize Theron is a South African and American actress and producer.

She became famous with the film The Devils’ Advocate (1997), starring alongside Keanu Reeves.

Since then, this stunning and talented celebrity has played several diverse roles and won an Oscar for her portrait of a serial killer in Monster (2003).

10 – Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (April 1452 – May 1519) was born in Florence, Italy.

He is considered one of the greatest painters of all time (and perhaps one of the most famous only children ever!).

His iconic paintings – “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper” are among the most popular and influential paintings of the Renaissance.

11 – Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Ghandi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (October 1869 – January 1948), better known to many as Gandhi or Great Soul (definitely not a spoiled only child!).

He studied law in England and later became the primary leader of India’s non-violent independence movement against British rule.

12 – Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry celebrity only child

Remembering Matthew Langford Perry (August 1969 - October 28, 2023). A talented soul who brought endless laughter to our lives as the unforgettable Chandler.

His journey from a promising junior tennis player in Ontario to becoming a beloved television icon touched countless hearts.

Rest in peace, Matthew. Your legacy will continue to bring smiles, just as you always did

13 – Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods

Eldrick Tont Woods was born on December 30, 1975, in California.

His father was an American Army officer, and his mother was from Thailand.

In 1997, he became the youngest man to win the U.S. Masters.

14 – Leonardo di Caprio

Leonardo di Caprio famous only child

Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born on November 11, 1974, in California.

His parents divorced when he was a toddler, and he was raised by his mother, a Legal Secretary born in Germany.

Leonardo has been nominated for seven Academy Awards (winning best actor for “The Revenant” in 2016) and won another 99 different awards.

15 – Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez famous only child

Selena Marie Gomez was born on July 22, 1992, in Texas.

She is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. The celebrity has sold millions of records worldwide.

Selena is also one of the most influential figures in social media, with more than 400 million followers on Instagram, 66 million on Twitter, 87 million on Facebook, 44 million on TikTok, and 31 million subscribers on YouTube.

Not bad, right?

So, next time you’re having doubts or negative thoughts about having the one & only, come back to this list of famous only children.

Remember that one day, your child’s name could be on here, too!

Bonus: Don’t forget to check out our favorite celebrity mothers with an only child, too! Also, I’ve just posted a new list of famous only children. Don’t miss it!

 
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