Ava Phillippe, the 25-year-old daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, has been in the public eye since childhood — not just because of her famous parents, but also for her striking resemblance to her Oscar-winning mother. Yet in recent years, Ava has focused on building her own identity, both personally and professionally.
Born in September 1999, just two months after her parents married, Ava was named after iconic actress Ava Gardner, a choice Ryan once described as “classy and strong.” Her middle name, Elizabeth, honors Witherspoon’s mother.
Although Witherspoon and Ryan divorced in 2006 after seven years of marriage, they’ve maintained a strong co-parenting relationship for Ava and her younger brother Deacon. Ava also shares a close bond with her half-brother Tennessee, Witherspoon’s son with ex-husband Jim Toth.
“Getting to share some of my favorite childhood movies, shows, books, activities, and memories with him has been the greatest gift I never saw coming,” Ava once shared in a heartfelt Instagram post about her youngest sibling.
Despite growing up around the entertainment industry, Ava has taken her time exploring her path. After studying at UC Berkeley, she began pursuing creative outlets, including modeling and art.
Her modeling debut came in 2018 with Rodarte’s Fall lookbook, and she has since worked with major brands like Draper James, Ivy Park, Aerie, and Pat McGrath Labs for the limited-edition Bridgerton makeup collection.
In a 2021 interview on Daily Pop, Ava expressed gratitude for her parents’ support:
“My parents have always encouraged me to choose the path that’s right for me… That is such a privilege.”
While she continues to navigate life in and out of the spotlight, Ava has managed to blend the legacy of her Hollywood roots with a voice and vision that are entirely her own.
