Becoming a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. However, not every couple or person’s path to becoming a parent is the same.
Many celebrities (for one reason or another) are raising non-biological children ― whether with their spouses, or as single parents. In fact, most recently D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser revealed she had adopted her daughter, Miranda Elizabeth Bowser, back in May.
From Alfre Woodard to Rev. Run and his wife Justine, these celebs have all expanded their families through adoption. The list may even surprise you.
01
Viola Davis
The “How To Get Away With Murder” actress and her husband, actor Julian Tennon, adopted their daughter, Genesis Tennon, in 2011.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
02
Hill Harper
Actor and bestselling author Hill Harper adopted a son named Pierce at the age of 50. He’s been extremely open about sharing his adoption journey throughout the process.
Angela Daves-Haley
03
Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins
In 2016, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins welcomed home the bundle of joy she always wanted — a baby boy named Chance. “I feel the same way I did when I gave birth,” she told People magazine. “It’s no different.”
Instagram
04
Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard and her husband, writer Roderick Spencer, have two adopted children, a daughter named Mavis and a son, Duncan.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
05
Lionel Richie
Everyone knows that Nicole Richie is the daughter of legendary singer Lionel Richie, but many don’t know that she was adopted by Lionel and his then-wife Brenda Harvey when she was just 3 years old.
Alan Silfen/Getty Images
06
Hoda Kotb
Hoda Kotb has openly shared intimate emotional details about adopting her 1-year-old daughter, Haley Joy, at the age of 52.
@hodakotb
07
Wyclef Jean
Wyclef Jean and his wife, Marie Claudinette, adopted a daughter, Angelina Claudinelle Jean, in 2005.
Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
08
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie, adopted their daughter Elisa in 1995.
Elisa Johnson / Instagram
09
Rev Run and Justine Simmons
The stars of Netflix’s “The Washingtons” prayed for a miracle for after they lost their newborn daughter, Victoria Anne Simmons. That miracle came in the form of their daughter, Miley Simmons, a few years later.