With all of Hollywood's glitter and shimmer, we tend to forget that celebrities are people, too. Their lives might differ superficially, but they face many of the same human struggles as the rest of us. And the stars on this list are no exception; they lived through the tragic loss of their own children and managed to keep going. Keep scrolling to see the little-known side of these A-listers.
Sylvester Stallone
The famous Rocky and Rambo actor Sylvester Stallone is well-known for his stoicism and macho-man aesthetic, but he, too, has suffered a tragic loss. Born from Stallone's first marriage to Sasha Czack, Sage Moonblood Stallone remarkably took after his father, essentially being a carbon copy in many respects. His son would even become a co-star in Rocky V as Robert Balboa Jr. Tragically, Sage passed away suddenly in 2012, with his family only finding out after a few days of not hearing from him.
Stoic on the outside but deeply emotional inside, Stallone would say, "It's a horrible situation, but time will hopefully heal, and you try to get through it, but it's just something. It's a reality of life… I think it's important to get back and start reliving your life."
Prince
Considered one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time, the multi-award-winning artist left an indelible mark on the work with his music. With hits like Kiss, Purple Rain, and When Doves Cry, it's understandable how he managed to earn such a legacy. There were also many rumors surrounding the artist during his life, and more spread after his passing. Ex-wife Mayte Garcia would confirm one such rumor about an alleged child.
The two had had a child together, a son named Amiir Nelson. Tragedy struck early on as Amiir was born with Pfeiffer Syndrome, a condition that affects many children and babies and leads to many conditions. It would eventually lead to the passing of Amiir a week after his birth.
Mia Farrow
Famous actress and wife of Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, has been surrounded by the film industry all her life. Her parents were director John Farrow and actress Maureen O'Sullivan, so it was natural that she followed in their footsteps. While she has had a successful career, her personal life with those of three of her children has been difficult. These difficulties stemmed from losses that most of us couldn't imagine.
She first lost her adopted daughter, Tam Farrow, in 2000 due to heart failure. Her biological daughter, Lark, would later pass in 2008, and her adopted son, Thaddeus, would later pass in 2016.
O. J. Simpson
With one of the most televised murder trials of all time and a person of much contention and controversy, O.J. Simpson was a professional athlete and became one of the most celebrated actors of his time as he saw a career shift. However, this was all cut short after his arrest, acquittal, and then later imprisonment for robbery. As much as he has had a controversial time on television, he's also no stranger to loss in his personal life.
Before all the criminal allegations, he had a daughter with his first wife, Marguerite L. Whitley. Their daughter tragically drowned after falling into their home pool while still a baby and being unable to be resuscitated.
John Travolta
A staple of American film culture, John Travolta is known for his many beloved films and successful music career. The actor is well-loved and is known to be a loving family man. While he may be recognized as bringing joy into the lives of many, not many know of the tragedy that struck his family in 2009. Married to his wife Kelly Preston, who was pregnant and expecting at the time, their son Jett passed suddenly due to complications from a seizure.
At the time, Jett was 16 years old and was excited to have a younger brother join him and his sister as a sibling trio.
Regina King
The multi-award-winning actress and director Regina King is well-known and beloved as a pillar in the acting community. Time magazine once named her one of the most influential people in the world, and she remains a great inspiration to many. This is why many came to show support for her and her family when the tragic news of her son Ian Alexander Jr.'s passing was made public in 2022.
The young musician had taken his life at the age of 26. D.J. King would release a statement about the family's profound loss and how Ian was a bright light for them all, as the family would mourn his loss and continue creating art in his name.
Paul Newman
One of the biggest celebrity names of his day, Paul Newman, appeared in many classic films and created his own food brand that still holds up his legacy by donating their profits to various charities. While the actor may have had a renowned performance and celebrity presence, his personal life wasn't as happy. His son, Scott Newman, sadly passed away at the age of 28 from an accidental overdose.
Scott had recently been involved in a bad motorcycle accident at the time and was prescribed painkillers that ended up being too strong for his condition, leading to his death.
Sinéad O'Connor
Famous Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor revealed the tragic news of the passing of her son in 2022. Shane O'Connor was 17 at the time and had chosen to take his own life. While the news hit family and friends hard, O'Connor was visibly affected as her online presence would indicate she wasn't doing well, as she shared the news online and in follow messages on X - formerly known as Twitter.
Following the passing of her son, she implied that she was going to attempt to take her own life, but she was taken to a hospital where she was resuscitated. After publicly apologizing for her behavior and actions, she kept going until the passing of natural causes in 2023.
Cristiano Ronaldo
In 2021, the world-famous footballer and superstar announced he was expecting twins with his partner Georgina Rodriguez. The two already have a daughter together and care for three more children from previous relationships, so these experienced parents were more than excited. However, in 2022, it was announced that one of the twins had unfortunately passed away at birth. Their son had not managed to make it through the experience, though they still had their newborn daughter.
The parents announced the news via Instagram, saying that the birth of their new baby girl would give them the strength to carry on and live in the moment of happiness as best they could.
Dana Carvey
Famous comedian and SNL alum Dana Carvey had an up-and-coming son named Dex Carvey. His son followed in his father's footsteps and showed great promise, even opening for him on his Netflix special Straight White Male. Sadly, Dex would pass away in late 2023, as Carvey announced on Instagram. Their post went on to describe their loss and Dex's love of life and comedy. Many of Dana's fans felt the loss along with the family.
Dex Carvey's death was ruled as an accidental overdose. He was only 32 years old at the time of his passing and is remembered and tributed by his father.
Dr. Dre
Founding member of the NWA, Dr. Dre is one of the most well-known names in the world of hip-hop and rap, with his record label creating a legacy for generations to come. While his work with legendary artists such as Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Tupac is forever remembered, his personal life isn't as well-known. Unfortunately, this means that many are unaware of the tragic loss of his son, Andre Young Jr., in 2008.
While staying with his mother, Jenita Porter, Dre's son, had passed away from a fatal drug overdose at the age of 20 while away from his father.
Keanu Reeves
Reeves is one of the most beloved actors to have ever graced the screen, with a massive, cult-like following who adore the man. Having starred in many excellent projects that have become fan favorites, it's no wonder why he's so well-known. Even fellow co-stars can attest to how pleasant and kind of a man he is to work with, and yet none can seemingly forget the air of melancholy that follows him. Everyone who has interacted with him can speak to the weighted energy he seems to radiate.
Not many of his more recent fans know of the tragic loss of Reeves' child and girlfriend. In 1999, Reeves' child with girlfriend Jennifer Syme was stillborn. Just 18 months later, Syme would then be involved in a car accident that would take her too.
Rob Delaney
Fan-favorite comedian Rob Delaney is well-known on social media and in stand-up for his unique brand and style of comedy. He also doubles as an inspirational speaker, using his background with life-affecting injuries and personal battles with alcoholism to help others in as down-to-earth way as possible. However, tragedy struck his family when his two-year-old son, Henry, passed after a lengthy battle with brain cancer, which he was diagnosed with just after his first birthday.
The loss of his son spurred him on to become a vocal advocate for the NHS, supporting their many healthcare workers for all the help they provided to make Henry as happy and comfortable as possible.
Nick Cannon
Nick Cannon and Alyssa Scott would share the news of their newborn son, Zen's, birth in 2021. However, tragedy would strike five months later as Zen passed away after a long and tough battle with a malignant brain tumor. On the Nick Cannon Show, Cannon would share the saddening details of how excited he was at the birth of his youngest son and the tragedy of the cancer spreading while crying on set.
With Cannon and Scott knowing the cancer was terminal and that their son wouldn't survive, they took the time to go to the ocean with him one last time.
Mike Tyson
One of the most prominent figures in sports and pop culture, Mike Tyson, remains one of the most controversial celebrities who remains famous. While he may have been involved in many accounts of problematic behavior, Tyson has also suffered through the tragic loss of a beloved child. In 2009, when his son was seven and his daughter was four, his daughter Exodus was found dead by her older brother.
The cause of death was ruled as accidental asphyxiation, as Miguel, his son, found Exodus caught up in a cable coming from a treadmill in this home.
Rick Harrison
Rick Harrison, of long-time running Pawn Stars fame, kept parts of his family life relatively private, leaving his three sons out of the show and store spotlight. However, the tragic news of the passing of his son, Adam, would be released in January 2024. While the family took time to mourn the loss, a spokesperson for Harrison revealed that the cause of death was an overdose, leaving the family feeling helpless.
On the day the news reached the family, Harrison took to Instagram to share a poignant moment in remembrance of his son, posting a picture of the two smiling together.
The De Niro Family
Robert de Niro is well-known for having a complicated personal life full of personal struggles. One devastating loss for him and his family was the sudden loss of his grandson, Leonardo de Niro Rodriguez. His grandson was following in the footsteps of his mother, Drena, and his grandfather and becoming a well-established actor in his own right. Drena would share the news in a statement, claiming she "[doesn't] know how to live on without you, but I'll try to go on…"
The family was understandably devastated at the loss, which was caused by an accidental drug overdose. However, they continue to remember him through his many accolades in the film industry.
Eric Clapton
One of the most prolific blues-rock musicians of his time, Clapton was beloved for his appearances both solo and with groups such as the Yardbirds, Cream, and Bluesbreakers. His style and trademark moves on stage easily captured the hearts of millions of fans, but not many know how truly deep the blues go. Many of his songs are inspired by real-life events that greatly affected the singer, such as the tragic loss of his son, Conor.
In 1991, when Conor Clapton was four years old, he died in a freak accident that caused him to fall from a window on the 53rd floor of their Manhattan apartment building. From his loss and mourning, Clapton wrote the song Tears in Heaven in honor of his son.
Diane Ladd
Dianne Ladd has one of the longest-running acting careers of most active actors, with over two hundred credits to her name and more than a few awards. Along with her long-running career is a personal life that has grown to be relatively quiet in more recent years, but this wasn't always the case, as she would suffer a tragic loss early on in her first marriage. While married to Bruce Dern, they had a daughter also named Diane.
Their daughter suffered a tragic accident, passing after a traumatic head injury from falling into the family pool. She was only one-and-a-half at the time.
Jerry Lewis
With a long career in comedy and film, Jerry Lewis is another massive name in the comedy, film, music, and philanthropy spheres. At one point renowned as the "King of Comedy," Lewis had one of the most popular acts on the Las Vegas circuit. This stardom, however, blinded many to the way he treated his family, with many of his children calling him a terrible father. This all came to light in 2009 when Lewis' son, Joseph, passed from acute morphine intoxication.
Joseph had struggled for many years with drug addiction, which he claimed to have started as a result of living with his father. Lewis had cut ties with his son years prior and refused to sponsor his funeral.
Johnny Carson
One of the most prolific figures in late-night TV history, Johnny Carson had accomplished much by the time he passed in 2005 at 85. He was one of the most recognizable Tonight Show hosts and a beloved comedian and writer. While he helped establish late-night television into what it is today, his long life wasn't marked purely by jokes and talk shows, as he also experienced the tragic loss of a son.
Richard Carson was involved in a tragic car accident in 1991 when visiting Cayucos on a trip to take pictures of the coast, where his car had plunged off an embankment.
Anna Nicole Smith
Famous TV personality, model, actress, and Playboy magazine Playmate of the Year in 1993, Anna Nicole Smith is a famous figure with many fans who still stand by her many accolades after her passing in 2006. While some view other aspects of her personal life as controversial, everyone acknowledges the tragedy of her son's passing that same year. Daniel Wayne Smith was also the son of Billy Wayne Smith.
Daniel had passed after an accidental overdose at the age of 20. The loss was tragic and struck Smith, as she would never completely recover and pass later that same year.
Loretta Lynn
The country and folk singer is seen as one of the most influential performers in her genre, especially for other female singers looking to break out into the music industry. Her famous single, Coal Miner's Daughter, is still one of her greatest hits as she continues to perform to this day. However, some of her music has sadder undertones, given that she has lost two of her six children.
Her son, Jack Benny, tragically passed attempting to ford the Duck River in 1984. Decades later, her daughter, Sue, would pass in 2013 following a terrible case of emphysema.
Scottie Pippen
As one of the most recognized and praised basketball forwards to date, Scottie Pippen has won six championships with the Chicago Bulls alongside fellow star player Michael Jordan. His personal victories are all in remembrance of the two children he has lost in his personal life. His daughter, Tyler, tragically passed away in 1994, only a few days after she was born. More recently, in 2021, his firstborn son, Antron, tragically and suddenly passed away.
Pippen went on to speak on his son's death, claiming that "Antron suffered from chronic asthma, and if he hadn't had it, I truly believe he would've made it to the NBA."
Joe Biden
With an incredibly long and storied career in politics, having served two terms as vice president and one as president as of this writing, President Joe Biden is a very divisive figure both in and out of politics. While he may make for frequent fodder online for memes, the man has faced frequent tragedies throughout his career, with many coming from his personal life. In 1972, his family was unfortunately caught in a severe accident as a trailer tractor collided with their car.
While he wasn't present, his wife and three children were in the car. Beau and Hunter Biden, his two sons, survived with minor injuries, but his wife and daughter, Neilia and Naomi, were unfortunately killed in the accident.
Robert Plant
Legendary Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant is one of the most important voices in rock and roll. With a voice recognizable for its many talents and incorporating a variety of emotional genres, it's easy to understand why Robert Plant is as famous as he is. However, along with that musical emotionality comes the truth behind much of his work. One of the most tragic moments in his life was the sudden loss of his five-year-old son, Karac.
In 1977, while still on tour, Karac contracted a terrible stomach infection, which would eventually take his life. Plant was unaware of the passing of his son until he returned home to the tragic news, from which his emotions were poured into the making of All of My Love as a tribute.
Carol Burnett
Regarded as one of the best comedians on TV, Carol Burnett is an SNL alum, creator of a self-titled sketch comedy show, and is considered one of the most influential female comedians in modern comedy. While her long and storied professional career is impressive, her personal life was struck with tragedy when her daughter was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer. Carrie Burnett was only 38 years old when she passed from her ailments.
After succumbing to the disease in 2002, Carol Burnett has gone on record saying she often still thinks of her daughter many decades later and how she continues performing for her.
Diana Dors
Famous actress and British bombshell Diana Dors is often compared to her American equivalent, Marylin Monroe. While the two certainly have more than a few similarities, we're here to share the tragic news of Diana Dors' son, Jason Dors Lake. Jason was a well-known actor in his own right, with credits in Into the Labyrinth, Just William, and The Blonde Bombshell. However, he had led a troubled life and battled immensely with alcoholism, relapsing a few times.
His mother may have passed away many years ago, and Jason joined his mother in 2019 after authorities found he had passed away in his apartment in London.
Marie Osmond
The musical family group reached incredible heights of fame in their prime, with hit records, incredible merchandising, and even their own TV show. Marie Osmond, however, wasn't in on the Osmond's famous group, striking it out with her brother Donny to great success as a country singer. However, sadness and tragedy would strike her smaller side of the family when her adopted son, Michael, committed suicide by jumping from an eighth-story window.
Michael had been dealing with incredible pressure from bullies, evidence of which Marie collected, and her son was bullied for his sobriety.
Roald Dahl
The universally loved children's writer gave much to the world of children's entertainment and fiction. His many works have been adapted and republished repeatedly for new generations to continue to enjoy. While his whimsical works might starkly contrast his personal life full of controversy, his love for his children will always remain a source of inspiration for his works. This is what makes the loss of his daughter, Olivia, that much harder.
When Olivia was only seven years old, she contracted measles, which was considered deadly at the time. After passing, his loss fueled his advocacy for vaccines as a way to prevent this loss in the future.
Lou Costello
Half of the famous comedy duo Abbott and Costello, Lou Costello's funniest performances are still performed today to uphold the legacy of one of the greatest comedians to have ever performed. While many pay tribute and others merely imitate the duo, they have yet to manage to meet the expectations they created in their career. However, behind many comedians are tragic personal lives, and Lou Costello experienced a tragedy when his son passed. He and his wife, Anne Battler, had a son also named Lou.
As an infant, Costello's son Lou tragically drowned in their family pool in 1943. While mourning the tragic loss, Costello turned this loss into fuel for his work as a method of coping.
Roy Rogers
Famous Western actor, singer, and host Roy Rogers became a well-known household name as the "King of the Cowboys." Starring on radio and television in well over 100 episodes of The Roy Rogers Show, Rogers loved storytelling. As it turns out, this may come from his own personal tragedies, with the loss of the only biological daughter he had with his second wife, Dale Evans. This was an unspeakable heartbreak for him and the family as a whole.
Robin Elizabeth was born with Down Syndrome in 1950, and shortly after her second birthday, she tragically passed after contracting and being unable to fight off the mumps.
Benik Afobe
A professional football player known for his success in the English Premier League, Afobe experienced the tragic loss of his daughter in 2019. Amora, who was two years old at the time, had developed a severe infection and was unable to recover, eventually passing in the hospital surrounded by her supportive family. Afobe and his partner would make a statement via The Times, with writer Henry Winter delivering the news on their behalf to the world.
"It is with an extremely heavy heart that the Afobe family have today confirmed… despite doctors doing absolutely everything that they possibly could, Amora passed away peacefully with the love of her family by her side."
Granger Smith
Renowned country singer Granger Smith and his wife announced on Instagram in 2019 that their three-year-old son had tragically and suddenly passed in an accident. In their statement, they announced that they had said their goodbyes and would like to help out other children by donating their son's organs to other children in need. They did this so other little ones need not senselessly pass from tragic accidents either.
They also called for others to donate to the Dell Children's Medical Center instead of flowers or gifts so that River, their son, can keep helping other children.
Ruthie Ann Miles
Multi-award-winning Broadway actress Ruthie Ann Miles has seen many accolades in her time, starring in many award-winning performances on and off the stage. Having featured in Avenue Q, Here Lies Love, The King and I, and The Americans, she is seemingly involved with many excellent projects and is recognized for all of them at award ceremonies. However, a tragic loss in her personal life has always loomed in the back of her mind as a reckless driver took the life of her child.
While in Brooklyn, a driver skipped a red light and crashed into a group of pedestrians, among which were Miles and her four-year-old daughter, injuring her and killing her daughter and another.
Marvin Jones
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jokes is a well-known name in the NFL for his success in the game and the tragedy that unfortunately befell him and his family. In 2019, Jones announced on Instagram that his son, Marlo, had recently passed at only six months old. The young child was one of four with his wife Jazmyn. Sadly, this loss hit the whole family in a very profound way.
Alongside his announcement was the official statement from his team, the Detroit Lions, offering their support and condolences.
Roy Orbison
The musician behind Pretty Woman, In Dreams, and Only the Lonely is the legendary Roy Orbison, a pop musician who never stopped performing until the very end. While his legacy might be unrelenting, and his songs consistently enjoyed generations later, his unwillingness to stop until his own passing might be because of the tragic loss he experienced while on tour. In 1968, while away performing, his home tragically caught fire.
The blaze ended up sadly claiming the lives of his two eldest sons, Roy and Anthony, while the rest of his family managed to escape.
Nena
The captivating and eclectic 80s pop singer and performer Nena has had one of the greatest careers in music, with many stories of success, all in spite of the personal tragedies she's experienced in the background. While many things weighed down on her, one tragedy that stuck out was the loss of her son, Christopher, in 1989. He was only eleven months old at the time of his passing.
During the procedure that would have seen him born healthy, mistakes were made that left him disabled at birth. This would evolve and get worse over time, leading to complications that resulted in his death.
Bode Miller
Hotshot alpine skier in the Winter Olympics of 2010, gold medalist Bode Miller, is one of the most decorated American Olympic skiers of all time. With his great success in sports, his personal life is often kept quite private and in the shadows, as he has also suffered the tragic loss of a child. Miller lost his daughter, Emeline, in a tragic accident after she had drowned in their swimming pool.
She was just under two years old at the time of her death, with the family expecting a third child on the way.
Anthony Quinn
Mexican-American artist, actor, writer, and director Anthony Quinn is well respected as a pioneer in his work. He's best known for his character work, and he's appeared in many classic films of his era, marking him as a legend in the industry with his Oscar nominations. While his professional life was seemingly perfect, his personal life saw tragedy when his young son, Christopher, tragically passed away at two years old.
Born to Quinn's wife, Katherine DeMille, Christopher had tragically passed after drowning in the WC Field's famous lily pond.