15 Famous Women Who Chose Motherhood After 40

15 Famous Women Who Chose Motherhood After 40

Becoming a mom is one of life’s biggest adventures, and it doesn’t come with an age limit.

Many successful and inspiring women have chosen to start or grow their families after turning 40, proving that the right time is different for everyone.

From Hollywood actresses to supermodels and musicians, these women show that motherhood can happen at any stage of life. Their stories remind us that dreams don’t have expiration dates.

1. Gisele Bündchen

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen made headlines when she announced her third pregnancy at age 44.

Already a mother to two children with her ex-husband Tom Brady, she embraced motherhood once again with boyfriend Joaquim Valente.

The Brazilian beauty has always been open about balancing her career with family life.

Her decision to have another baby later in life inspired many women worldwide.

Gisele proves that age is just a number when it comes to expanding your family.

She continues to thrive professionally while cherishing her role as a mom to three.

2. Naomi Campbell

At 50 years old, legendary supermodel Naomi Campbell surprised the world by announcing the birth of her first child in May 2021.

She later welcomed a second baby, using surrogacy for both children.

For decades, Naomi dominated runways and magazine covers, but motherhood brought a whole new dimension to her life.

She has spoken about how becoming a mom changed her perspective on everything.

Naomi’s journey shows that modern options like surrogacy make parenthood possible at any age.

Her story encourages women to follow their hearts, regardless of societal expectations.

3. Hilary Swank

Two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank gave birth to twins at 48 in April 2023.

She announced her pregnancy during a television appearance, glowing with excitement about becoming a first-time mom.

The actress had always dreamed of having children but waited until the timing felt perfect.

Hilary’s pregnancy journey at 48 inspired countless women facing similar decisions.

She shared her experiences openly, discussing both the joys and challenges.

Her twins, a boy and a girl, brought immense happiness to her life, proving it’s never too late to start a family.

4. Janet Jackson

Music legend Janet Jackson welcomed her son Eissa at age 50 in January 2017.

After decades of chart-topping hits and world tours, she embraced motherhood for the first time.

Janet had been married to businessman Wissam Al Mana, and they shared the joy of their new arrival together.

She took a break from performing to focus entirely on her baby boy.

Janet has described motherhood as her greatest blessing and most important role.

Her experience shows that even global superstars can start families later in life and find fulfillment beyond their careers.

5. Halle Berry

Academy Award winner Halle Berry became a mom again at 47 when she gave birth to her son Maceo in 2013.

She already had a daughter, Nahla, from a previous relationship.

Halle initially thought her childbearing years were behind her, making the surprise pregnancy even more special.

She has been vocal about the unexpected joy of having a baby later in life.

Halle experienced some complications but remained grateful for the opportunity.

Her story resonates with women who thought motherhood might no longer be possible for them.

6. Eva Mendes

Actress Eva Mendes welcomed her first daughter, Esmeralda, at 40 with partner Ryan Gosling in 2014.

Two years later, she had her second daughter, Amada, at 42.

Eva had built a successful acting career but chose to step back from Hollywood to focus on raising her girls.

She rarely shares photos of her children, preferring to keep their lives private.

Eva has spoken about how motherhood transformed her priorities completely.

Her decision to embrace family life over fame shows that success looks different for everyone at different times.

7. Marcia Cross

Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross gave birth to twin girls at 44 in 2007.

She underwent in vitro fertilization after marrying stockbroker Tom Mahoney.

Marcia had focused on her acting career throughout her 30s, waiting for the right partner before starting a family.

Her fertility journey wasn’t easy, but she persevered with determination.

Marcia has been open about using IVF, helping reduce stigma around fertility treatments.

She balances motherhood with her acting work, showing that having it all is possible with support and planning.

8. Olivia Munn

Actress Olivia Munn welcomed her first child, Malcolm, at 41 with comedian John Mulaney in November 2021.

Their relationship moved quickly, and parenthood came as a beautiful surprise.

In 2024, they expanded their family with a second child, daughter Méi.

Olivia has been candid about her health challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis.

Despite facing difficult circumstances, she embraced motherhood with courage and grace.

Her resilience inspires women dealing with their own health struggles while pursuing family dreams.

She continues acting while raising her two young children.

9. Laura Linney

Emmy-winning actress Laura Linney became a first-time mom at 49 in January 2014.

She gave birth to her son Bennett with husband Marc Schauer.

Laura had enjoyed a successful theater, film, and television career before embracing motherhood.

She kept her pregnancy very private, surprising many fans with the announcement.

Laura has described becoming a mom later in life as unexpected but wonderful.

Her experience demonstrates that women can achieve professional excellence and still choose motherhood when the time feels right for them personally.

10. Geena Davis

Oscar winner Geena Davis had all three of her children after turning 45.

She gave birth to a daughter at 46 and twin boys at 48 with her then-husband Reza Jarrahy.

Geena spent her earlier years building an impressive acting career before focusing on family.

She has joked about being mistaken for her children’s grandmother at school events.

Despite the age gap, Geena embraces active parenting with enthusiasm.

Her story shows that women can successfully have multiple children well into their 40s with proper medical care and support.

11. Nicole Kidman

Australian actress Nicole Kidman welcomed her first biological daughter, Sunday Rose, at 41 in 2008.

She had previously adopted two children with ex-husband Tom Cruise.

At 43, she gave birth to another daughter, Faith Margaret, via surrogate with husband Keith Urban.

Nicole has been open about her struggles with fertility and miscarriages.

Her perseverance through difficult times resulted in the family she always wanted.

She balances a demanding acting career with raising her daughters, showing that determination and modern medicine can help dreams come true.

12. Salma Hayek

Mexican actress Salma Hayek gave birth to her daughter Valentina at 41 in 2007.

She married French businessman François-Henri Pinault, and their daughter became the center of their world.

Salma had established herself as a Hollywood powerhouse before embracing motherhood.

She has spoken about the challenges of pregnancy at 41 but considers it worth every moment.

Salma continues working in film while raising her daughter bilingually.

Her experience shows that cultural heritage, career success, and motherhood can all coexist beautifully regardless of age.

13. Rachel Weisz

British Oscar winner Rachel Weisz gave birth to her second child at 48 in 2018.

She welcomed a daughter with husband Daniel Craig, adding to her family that already included a son from a previous relationship.

Rachel kept the pregnancy extremely private, valuing her family’s privacy above public attention.

She has rarely discussed her personal life in interviews, preferring to focus on her craft.

Rachel’s choice to have another baby later in life was deeply personal.

Her quiet approach to motherhood shows that celebrities can maintain boundaries while still inspiring others.

14. Tina Fey

Comedy legend Tina Fey welcomed her second daughter, Penelope, at 41 in 2011.

She already had one daughter, Alice, and her husband Jeff Richmond supported her through both pregnancies.

Tina continued working on 30 Rock while pregnant, incorporating her experiences into her comedy.

She has joked about the challenges of being an older mom in her stand-up routines.

Tina’s humor about parenting resonates with mothers everywhere.

Her ability to balance writing, producing, acting, and motherhood makes her a role model for women pursuing multiple passions simultaneously.

15. Alyssa Milano

Actress and activist Alyssa Milano gave birth to her daughter Elizabella at 42 in 2014.

She already had a son, Milo, with husband David Bugliari.

Alyssa has been transparent about her fertility struggles and pregnancy complications over the years.

She used her platform to discuss the realities of pregnancy after 40 openly.

Alyssa experienced gestational diabetes but remained positive throughout.

Her honesty about the medical challenges helps other women prepare for their own journeys.

She continues balancing activism, acting, and raising two children with grace and determination.