For many, grandparenthood is seen as a chapter that arrives later in life, often after careers have slowed and the focus shifts to family. However, these seven celebrities prove that the traditional timeline doesn’t apply to everyone.
Donny Osmond performing at Fox & Friends All-American Summer Concert Series on July 12, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
From Donny Osmond to Jim Carrey, whether in the middle of their thriving careers or still basking in the spotlight, these stars took on the unexpected role of grandparent earlier than most, with some even being in their 30s.
Jim Carrey at the special screening of “Sonic The Hedgehog” on February 12, 2020, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Priscilla Presley
Priscilla Presley, the former wife of legend Elvis Presley, rose to fame not only for her marriage to the King of Rock and Roll but also for her own acting career and role as the steward of Elvis’ estate after his death.
Elvis and Priscilla circa 1967. | Source: Getty Images
In 1989, Priscilla’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, gave birth to Danielle Riley Keough, making Priscilla a grandparent at 44. Riley, as she’s commonly known, is a well-established actress, producer, and director, following in her famous family’s footsteps.
She has starred in major films like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “The Girlfriend Experience.” However, in recent years, the Presley family was under public scrutiny following Lisa Marie’s tragic passing in early 2023.
Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley with Riley Keough at the premiere of “Mad Max: Fury Road” on May 7, 2015, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images
The dispute arose when Priscilla questioned the authenticity of a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie’s trust that removed her as a co-trustee and placed Riley in charge.
The trust, which includes Elvis’s Graceland property and a 15 percent stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), had originally named Priscilla and Lisa Marie’s former business manager, Barry Siegel, as co-trustees.
Priscilla Presley and Riley Keough at The Humane Society of The United States’ To The Rescue gala on May 7, 2016 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Priscilla argued that she was unaware of the amendment until after her daughter’s passing and claimed the change should be voided. However, sources close to Lisa Marie insisted that her intentions were clear — she wanted Riley and her late son, Ben, to serve as trustees, with all her children as beneficiaries.
Priscilla Presley, Riley Keough, and Finley Aaron Love Lockwood at the Handprint Ceremony honoring Three Generations of Presley’s on June 21, 2022 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The legal proceedings reportedly strained the relationship between Priscilla and Riley, with insiders noting that the two “do not see eye to eye.” One family source added, “It’s a very sad situation. Riley is shocked Priscilla is contesting the amendment.”
Despite the legal tension, Priscilla publicly addressed the situation after the settlement, assuring fans that her family remains united. “My family has resolved all confusion. My family and I hope that everyone will grant us the privacy we need to grieve and spend time together. The Presley family is stronger than ever,” she said.
Riley Keough and Priscilla Presley at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Donny Osmond
Donny Osmond is a household name in music and entertainment, known for his career as a singer, TV host, and actor. But beyond the stage, he stepped into the role of a grandparent before turning 50, becoming a grandfather at 47.
As of 2023, Donny and his wife Debbie had 14 grandchildren from their five sons: Don, Jeremy, Brandon, Christopher, and Joshua. “It’s such a wonderful feeling to see your child become a parent and take on the family traditions,” Donny shared during an interview.
One of the ways he celebrates his grandkids is through a unique family tradition of planting a fruit tree in his orchard every time a grandchild is born.
With grandchildren ranging from toddlers to teenagers, the Hollywood star reminisced, “What’s really fun is that now I’ve got an 18-year-old grandson, and I remember doing the Donny & Marie show when I was his age.”
“For instance, I started singing at 4, professionally at 5, and when I look at these grandkids of mine, I think to myself, ‘How in the world did I get on stage and perform with my brothers at that age?'” he added.
James Brolin
James Brolin, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in movies and television, became a grandfather at 48 following the birth of his grandson, Trevor Brolin, in 1988.
The actor first became a father at 19. “Well, I was an idiot. A 19-year-old guy riding on a Harley-Davidson, so embarrassingly dumb. But she got pregnant and that’s what happened,” James admitted.
James Brolin on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” in 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Over the years, the Hollywood icon’s family has grown, and today, he enjoys his role as a grandparent. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Trevor pursued acting, producing, and directing.
However, James joked that his older grandchildren, including Trevor, weren’t interested in hearing his advice and “listen somewhat” to his words of wisdom. “I think our relationship more is like fishing,” the actor humorously revealed.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, the legendary rapper and cultural icon, became a grandfather in 2015 at 43 after his son welcomed a son named Zion. Snoop Dogg shared the news with his fans on Instagram, captioning a heartwarming video of baby Zion, “Proud grandad. My son spank n grandson Zion!! Jah bless.”
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is known for his legendary comedic roles in movies like “Ace Ventura” and “The Mask.” However, in 2010, at 48, the actor embraced the new role of being a grandfather.
Jim Carrey at the premiere screening of “Sonic The Hedgehog 2” on April 5, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jim’s daughter, Jane Carrey, welcomed her first child, Jackson Riley Santana, in Los Angeles. The bundle of joy weighed seven pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 20 inches.
Jane and Jim Carrey with Jenny McCarthy at the premiere of “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who” on March 8, 2008, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg, an EGOT-winning performer, is a Hollywood powerhouse known for her roles in iconic films like “Ghost” and “Sister Act.” However, her journey as a grandmother began at an incredibly young age.
Whoopi Goldberg on stage during the The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative’s Faces of Hope Gala on September 27, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Whoopi became a grandmother at just 34, following the birth of her granddaughter, Amara Skye Dean, in 1989. Over the years, the actress formed a close relationship with her granddaughter, who revealed, “Me and my grandma are super close. She’s everything.”
Rosario Salvador, Jerzey Kennedy Dean, Whoopi Goldberg, and Amara Skye Martin at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival on October 14, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Amara, now in her 30s, has taken a different path from Whoopi’s career in film. Instead of acting, she has explored painting, doodling, and storytelling, hoping to create her own legacy. “I never wanted to pursue a career in acting just because I felt like that was her thing,” Amara shared.
Mama June Shannon
June Shannon, better known as “Mama June” from the reality TV series “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” surprisingly became a grandmother at 33. June, who celebrated her 44th birthday in 2023, embraced grandparenthood in 2012 when her daughter, Anna Cardwell, gave birth to her first child, Kaitlyn.
“Mama” June Shannon photographed in Midtown on May 5, 2023, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
In 2022, Anna celebrated her daughter’s 10th birthday with a sweet tribute on Instagram, writing in part, “Y’all help me wish this crazy and silly and smart girl a happy 10th bday. Omg y’all I have a 10 year old Lord help me but if it wasn’t for her I would be a mother she is the smartest and sassiest little girl I know and I am so proud of her [sic].”
From Priscilla Presley to Mama June Shannon, these seven celebrities may have surprised the world by becoming grandparents before 50 but embraced grandparenthood while maintaining their public lives.
