'Friends' Star David Schwimmer Has One Daughter, 13, Who Shaved Her Head & Called Herself Vegetarian
- David Schwimmer, known for his role as Ross on "Friends," is a proud father to a unique and independent daughter.
- His 13-year-old daughter, Cleo, previously made headlines by shaving her head and embracing a vegetarian lifestyle.
- Take a look at Cleo's transformation over the years and her current look with her bold, short hair.
Actor David Schwimmer once shared that being a father brings him the greatest joy. He and his ex-partner often share glimpses of their daughter, Cleo, on social media. Cleo, 13, has a strong sense of self. Her uniqueness sparks curiosity about the values Schwimmer has instilled in her.
David Schwimmer attends a talk with James Burrows on June 08, 2022 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
She has always shown fierce independence and a willingness to challenge norms. At a young age, she boldly shaved her head and chose to become a vegetarian. Her journey from childhood to her bold transformation highlights her unique spirit.
Being Cleo's Father
Schwimmer's path to stardom began in New York and continued in Los Angeles, where his commitment and effort led to fame. Since starring in "Friends," he has had diverse roles on TV and in movies.
David Schwimmer during the premier of the movie, "The Pallbearer" in 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Despite his achievements, Schwimmer has always believed that his deepest happiness would come from achieving a desire he'd long held. He once said, "I think I have moments of happiness, but I'm not generally happy ... I don't think I'll truly be happy until I'm a father and a husband."
David Schwimmer during the screening of "Kissing a Fool" on February 26, 1998 in New York City, New York | Source: Getty Images
At 44, his dream of fatherhood became a reality. He joyfully welcomed his daughter, Cleo Buckman Schwimmer, into the world on May 8, 2011.
Cleo's mother is Zoe Buckman, a British photographer. She and Schwimmer tied the knot in 2010, following a three-year romance that began in 2007. Their union and Cleo's arrival were a joyful chapter in Schwimmer's life.
Zoe Buckman and David Schwimmer at the Los Angeles Screening of "Trust" on March 21, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
But after a few years of marriage, Schwimmer and Buckman decided to take some time apart, announcing their separation. Despite this, they emphasized their commitment to prioritizing their daughter's happiness and well-being.
David Schwimmer, Zoe Buckman, and their daughter Cleo Buckman Schwimmer in Los Angeles, California on April 26, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
The two have continued to co-parent with love and respect. On May 8, 2022, one day before Cleo's 11th birthday, Buckman, expressed her gratitude for the actor's active co-parenting role. She acknowledged his support in helping her focus on her artistic practice while raising Cleo.
David Schwimmer and his daughter Cleo at the 12th Annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit in Los Angeles, California on April 26, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Cleo's Early Years and Bold Choices
The former couple has managed to raise a remarkable child who is not afraid to disregard societal norms and expectations. Cleo declared herself a vegetarian at a very young age, around four or five.
Her decision was influenced by discussions about vegetarianism and animal rights, and she's been committed to this lifestyle ever since. Schwimmer has always supported her choices, ensuring she has nutritious meals that align with her values.
Her favorite foods include pasta and vegetarian nuggets. Despite not being a culinary expert, the 57-year-old Schwimmer makes sure to provide nutritious meals, such as porridge or toast with almond butter and blueberries, for breakfast.
However, Cleo does have one interesting weakness — chicken nuggets or their meat-free alternatives. Schwimmer humorously shared this tidbit about her vegetarian lifestyle, showcasing his lighthearted approach to parenting.
Even at age seven, Cleo continued to express her individuality. One of her childhood photos shows her hair dyed dark red, a bold choice that showed her adventurous spirit early on.
In 2019, fans commented on a photo of 8-year-old Cleo, noting her resemblance to her father. Comments included, "Looking like her dada in this one." Cleo's striking similarity to her dad has been a recurring theme in many of her photos.
In 2020, Buckman shared a photo of Cleo with a shaved head, symbolizing a spirit of independence. Buckman captioned the picture with inspiring words about today's youth challenging norms and standards, giving hope for the future.
Cleo gets her head shaved, dated June 13, 2020 | Source: Instagram/zoebuckman
"The world is saying “burn it down and rebuild” and the babies are listening. I see how kids today challenge norms and standards in a way that we didn’t, and that, amongst other things, gives me hope! One ❤️x," she wrote.
Cleo gets her head shaved, dated June 13, 2020 | Source: Instagram/zoebuckman
Comments from fans included, "She looks so beautiful. And just like daddy by the way," "A spitting image of her daddy," and "David's twin!" Another fan added, "I always thought she looked so like [her mom] and now I can see her dad."
Cleo's evolution over the years has been remarkable. At 10, she was photographed wearing makeup and a costume, showcasing her creativity and playful nature. Her transformation from childhood to her bold, shaved-head look reflects her individuality.
Cleo's Transformation Over the Years with Photos
In a close-up photo from November 22, 2018, seven-year-old Cleo beams at the camera, her hair falling to her shoulders. The picture captures her joy and showcases her long hair, a contrast to her later preference for short styles.
On May 9, 2019, to mark Cleo's eighth birthday, her mom shared a carousel of photos, capturing the joy of her celebration with family. The images show Cleo enjoying her special day, surrounded by love and laughter.
A post from July 31, 2019, showcases Cleo's smile, her long hair styled with a side part, braids on one side, and the rest cascading down her back. Even in black and white, the photo vividly conveys her joy and the bright energy she radiates.
On September 12, 2019, a post captured Cleo posing with a warm smile, her brown hair gracefully flowing down to her upper back and chest. The image highlights her cheerful demeanor and her lovely hair in a natural, relaxed setting.
A September 28, 2019, post features Cleo's signature cheerful smile and her glowing presence. Her hair is styled in a middle-part, framing her face and adding to the joyful expression captured in the photo.
A post from December 6, 2019, shows a beaming Cleo leaning against someone who might be her mom. She's wearing a black hat and exudes comfort and happiness, a snapshot capturing a tender and joyful moment.
A delightful video posted on April 7, 2020, captures a moment from 2019 with Cleo and her mom, Buckman, dancing together. Their joy is infectious as they move to the rhythm of a Beyoncé song, sharing a dance that radiates happiness.
This carousel post from January 25, 2020, offers a glimpse into various moments of Cleo's life, many alongside her mom. Notably, some photos capture them dressed in traditional Indian attire and makeup. The pictures suggest they're partaking in an Indian ceremony.
A post dated May 12, 2020, captures Cleo in a moment of happiness, glowing with ease and contentment. The photo, taken shortly after her ninth birthday, reflects the joy and serenity of her young spirit.
On September 23, 2020, Cleo's mom shared a heartwarming Instagram post. It featured Cleo wearing her hair short and flashing a radiant smile. The post captured Cleo's cheerful spirit and her distinctive look.
On May 7, 2022, just one day shy of her eleventh birthday, Cleo appeared in an Instagram carousel. The photos showed her sporting her signature short haircut, a style she's continued to embrace.
At 13, Cleo Buckman Schwimmer's unconventional choices continue to showcase her unique spirit. Her vegetarian lifestyle reflects her values, embodying the resilience of today's youth. Props to the love and collaboration between her parents, Schwimmer and Buckman, who have raised the remarkable girl.