Jeffree Star's Parents: He Had a Complicated Relationship with His Mother & His Father Passed Years Ago

Social media sensation Jeffree Star had a complex upbringing. He grew up with relatives who stood as his second mother and father, had a strained relationship with his biological mom, and tragically lost his dad at a young age.

Jeffree Star's meteoric rise in the world of makeup showcased his exceptional talent, but his personal life has been a tale of intricate family relationships, a subject he has been candid about.

Although the internet sensation had an unconventional upbringing, his narrative reflects the enduring themes of family, connection, and finding comfort in unexpected places.

Jeff Never Had a Solid Bond with His Son

Jeffrey Lynn Steininger Sr., also known as "Jeff," was born on February 2, 1954, to parents Elmer Milburn Steininger and Mary Samarzea. He spent his early years in San Bernardino County in Ontario, California.

Although there is limited information available about Jeff, it is worth noting that he had two siblings, Philip Brian and Roger Allen Steininger. Jeff was married to Marra Shubyann Lindstrom Steininger.

Jeff had not formed a strong bond with Jeffree, as he tragically passed away at 37 in Orange County on September 15, 1991. His child was only five years old when he died.

Losing his father at a young age, Jeffree admitted in his 2018 YouTube episode titled "Revealing My Deepest Secrets..." that he grappled with a sense of embarrassment surrounding his father's untimely passing.

The celebrity makeup artist mentioned that most of their relatives had passed away, and he was not close to many family members. His uncles Roger and Philip died in 2005 and 2010, respectively.

Marra and Her Son Were Estranged for a Decade

Jeffree's mother introduced him to the world of makeup. Marra had a lot of makeup, and he began experimenting with it, realizing that makeup allowed him to change his appearance and then return to his true self by wiping it off.

He eventually started wearing makeup and dyed his hair in vibrant colors. Fortunately, Jeffree never faced hatred due to his sexuality, as his friends and immediate family immediately accepted him.

Marra and Jeffree never really discussed his sexuality, but he expressed gratitude for having a parent who supported him. The mother-son pair appears to have dwindled as the years go by.

Jeffree revealed on his YouTube channel that he had not spoken to Marra for ten years due to constant arguments and personality clashes. He was closed off and distant during high school, exchanging only a few brief messages.

After years of separation, Jeffree, who has achieved significant success, reconnected with Marra one Christmas season. During a phone call, she revealed to her son a startling truth: she was homeless, living in her car's trunk for many years.

Marra's revelation deeply affected Jeffree, prompting him to take action. He decided to return home to meet his mother and provide her with both practical and emotional support.

He gave her a conventional living situation, which included a comfortable bed. Their reunion also brought about reconciliation, as Jeffree sincerely apologized to his mom for their long estrangement. Jeffree reflected on their bond in an X post in 2019:

"Waking up today and seeing my mom smile for the first time in a week made my whole entire day better. Remembering to enjoy every moment and be grateful for every second we spend together."

The duo's ongoing reconnection continues. In a 2022 interview on Logan Paul's "Impaulsive" show, Jeffree said he had relocated to Wyoming, where his mother lived next door.

Jeffree Regards a Family Member as a Mother Figure

Jeffree has a warm relationship with her relative, Laurie. Jeffree revealed on his channel that Laurie was his actual aunt, and she had been portrayed as his mother online. She was married to Jeffrey's uncle, Philip, who stood as the makeup artist's second dad.

Laurie and Phil's relationship was like "a magical fairy tale," Jeffree said. They were high school sweethearts and were married for an impressive 36 years. Philip was Laurie's only man she had slept with, making their bond even more special.

When Phil passed away, Jeffrey and Laurie grew even closer. Jeffrey began to view Laurie as a second mother figure at a time when he had a distant relationship with his biological mother. Interestingly, Laura's X account is aptly named Momma Laurie Star.

Connecting with his aunt Laurie has provided emotional support and helped fill a void in Jeffrey's life. Despite the complexity of his own family, Jeffree appears to be in a better place now.

Jeffrey's complex family situation mirrors the challenges experienced by most celebrities. Well-known stars with similar family dynamics include Drew Barrymore, Mariah Carey, Macaulay Culkin, and Britney Spears.