Ellen Barkin's Children: The Actress's Daughter & Son Are Both in the Entertainment Industry
Ellen Barkin is a Hollywood veteran star whose acting career spans decades. Moreover, Barkin is also a parent and a twice divorcee. She has openly spoken about her first marriage over the years.
Ellen Barkin is a movie actress whose breakout role was in the 1982 comedy film, "Diner," alongside actors Kevin Bacon, Tim Daly, and Daniel Stern.
Besides her acting career, Barkin is also a mother of two children whom she welcomed with her first husband. She has been married twice.
Ellen Barkin pictured at the opening night of "Walking with Ghosts" on Broadway at The Music Box Theatre on October 27, 2022 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The New York native's kids are all grown up now, and they have both followed in her footsteps by pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.
Barkin previously talked about raising her brood while also juggling her role as her parent. She once described them as "great" in an interview.
Who Are Ellen Barkin's Children Who Followed in Her Footsteps?
Ellen is a mom to son Jack Byrne and daughter Romy Byrne. She welcomed her kids with her first husband, Irish actor Gabriel Byrne, whom she was married to from 1988 to 1999.
The former couple welcomed their eldest child, Jack, in 1989 and their youngest, Romy, in November 1992. Both siblings are in their early thirties.
Ellen Barkin with her son Jack and daughter Romy at the "Indiana Jones Adventure" Disneyland Opening February 26, 1995 | Source: Getty Images
Although he joined his parents in show business, Jack, who frequently visited Ireland as a child and as a teen with his famous father, decided to venture into a career path other than acting.
He is a musician whose interest in the blues began at age 12. Jack co-founded a blues band group called The Dough Rollers with actor Harrison Ford's son, Malcolm Ford. The band released their first album in 2012.
Unlike her big brother Jack, Romy pursued an acting career just like her famous parents. Born in Los Angeles, California, the actress is best known for the comedy series, "Friends from College" (2017-2019) and the Indie film "A White Little Lie" (2023) starring Kate Hudson, Michael Shannon, Peyton List, Don Johnson, and Perry Mattfeld.
Romy is also a model who, during an April 2015 interview, revealed that her dream modeling gig is: "Shooting for a chair catalog. Something that pays mad money but where nobody would see me!"
Ellen Barkin Maintains a Good Relationship with the Father of Her Kids
In an April 2011 interview, Ellen Barkin shared she, too, managed to maintain her career without leaving her children to it while giving props to her former husband, Gabriel. She divulged:
"They're great, they're extraordinary and Gabriel and I really did it together."
Ellen Barkin and her husband actor Gabriel Byrne pictured with their baby at the 1993 "Kids for Kids" Benefit on April 18, 1993 in New York | Source: Getty Images
The doting parent shared she and the Golden Globe Award winner celebrate their offspring's birthdays together, including their own birthdays.
Balkin, who was previously married to banker and businessman Ronald Perelman, disclosed whenever she cooks up a holiday meal, the father of her kids comes over.
Gabriel Byrne and Ellen Barkin attend A Touch of The Poet Opening Night - After Party on December 8, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
In turn, Gabriel, who remarried, has Christmas holidays, and she goes over to his house. The exes remain friends, and Barkin spoke highly of their marriage, although it ended in divorce:
"I think we had a good marriage and we managed to keep what was good about it alive for 25 years. I have enormous respect for him, and I would say it's reciprocated."
Ellen Barkin on Her Laid-Back Parenting Approach
Ellen Barkin shared that not only has Gabriel supported her during challenging times, but he is also a good dad to their son and daughter.
Barkin has appeared at public events with her brood. In June 2000, she attended the New York premiere of the movie, "Chicken Run" at the Sutton Theater with Romy and Jack, including their cousin, Larna.
Actress Ellen Barkin arrives with her children, Jack and Romy Byrne (R), and her niece, Larna Barkin, for the New York premiere of the movie "Chicken Run" at the Sutton Theater on June 20, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Several years later, Barkin appeared on "Anderson Live," revealing she has a cursing habit. While at it, she disclosed that she used to allow her son Jack to curse for an hour when he was young.
The "Ocean's Thirteen" star explained it allowed him to express his frustrations so that he could not curse at school. Jack was only five years old at the time.
In June 2007, the single mom also revealed that her son used to come home smelling marijuana as a teenager and shared she had no problem with it. "I used to smoke with my family; On Passover, we would all smoke pot as a family," said Barkin.