- Mothers With Will
- Women With Will
- News
- Celebrity
- TV Shows and Movies
- Stories
- Real Life
- Latest
- Trends
- Terms of use
- Privacy Policy
- Notice at collection
- Main Guidelines
- About us
- Contact us
- Advertise with us
Matt LeBlanc | Sources: Getty Images
‘Friends’ Star Matt LeBlanc’s Daughter Had a Devastating Brain Condition – What Does She Look like Now at 20 with Red Hair?
By Gaone Pule
Sep 24, 2024
10:30 A.M.Share
Matt LeBlanc made a significant choice to step back from his career to focus on his daughter, who battled a health condition when she was younger. She has since overcome her challenges and is now thriving as a young woman. Curious to see how she’s grown? Check out her recent photos!
Advertisement
Matt LeBlanc, best known for his role in “Friends,” shares a child with his ex-wife, Melissa McKnight. The couple married in May 2003 and welcomed their daughter, Marina Pearl LeBlanc, in February 2004. She was born with a delicate condition, but over time, her health has greatly improved.
Melissa McKnight and Matt LeBlanc pictured on their wedding day on May 3, 2003 in Kilauea, Hawaii. | Sources: Getty Images
Marina faced significant challenges in her early years when doctors diagnosed her with cortical dysplasia, a condition that affects the brain, bones, and motor skills. Those with the condition often have difficulty walking and are prone to seizures.
Matt LeBlanc attends Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2022 CHLA Gala on October 8, 2022, in Santa Monica, California. | Sources: Getty Images
Advertisement
At just 11 months old, Marina’s doctors diagnosed her and cautioned that the condition had also impacted her vocal cords, potentially affecting her ability to speak. At the same time, Matt’s marriage to British model Melissa crumbled amid rumors of infidelity. However, his main concern was his daughter’s illness.
Matt LeBlanc and Melissa McKnight attend the HBO Los Angeles premiere of “The Comeback,” 2005 | Sources: Getty Images
He once shared, “My daughter was diagnosed with a problem with her head. It was a very dark period. But I got through it. Don’t they say what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger?”
Matt focused all his energy on Marina during this tough period. He first noticed something was wrong when she would fall to her left side while crawling.
Matt LeBlanc during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on January 24, 2019 | Sources: Getty Images
Advertisement
Adding to the stress of the diagnosis, a nanny leaked the story to the press, deepening Matt’s struggles. “We had a nanny who sold the story about my daughter to the papers. It was a very dark period,” the father of one revealed in a January 2011 interview.
Matt LeBlanc attends the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards on September 18, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Sources: Getty Images
Despite the chaos in his life at the time, the television star made it his mission to prioritize his daughter, putting his career on hold. “I was so burned out after ‘Joey,’ I just didn’t want to work,” Matt explained about the “Friends” spin-off show that was axed after only two seasons.
Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Joey,” 2004 | Sources: Getty Images
Advertisement
“I wanted to not have a schedule, not be somewhere. And I was in a position where I could do that. I wanted to spend time with my daughter. She is the most important thing in my life, and spending that time with her was the best thing I have ever done,” he continued.
Matt LeBlanc speaks at the “Episodes” panel during the Showtime portion of the Winter TCA press tour on January 14, 2011, in Pasadena, California. | Sources: Getty Images
As for his marriage to Melissa, it ended in October 2006, after three years. In an unusual move in Hollywood, Matt reportedly did not hire a lawyer for the divorce proceedings.
Melissa McKnight and Matt LeBlanc at the 31st Annual People’s Choice Awards on January 9, 2005, in Pasadena, California. | Sources: Getty Images
Advertisement
The couple remained on good terms and shared joint custody of Marina, who split her time between her parents. Thankfully, the youngster eventually outgrew her medical condition.
Melissa McKnight and Matt LeBlanc attend Showtime’s “Episodes” Season 2 premiere on June 19, 2012, in West Hollywood, California. | Sources: Getty Images
Her famous father was proud to discuss her interests during an interview once when she was only 12 years old. Asked what his daughter was interested in at the time, Matt said, “Horses and Rihanna.”
Matt LeBlanc visits “Extra” at Universal Studios Hollywood on November 7, 2016, in Universal City, California. | Sources: Getty Images
Advertisement
The actor also revealed that his daughter once asked to have Rihanna attend her birthday, and he assured her he would make it happen. Regarding her passion for horses, Marina was already riding at a young age and even participated in jumping competitions.
Rihanna attends The Fashion Awards on December 2, 2019, in London, England. | Sources: Getty Images
During a January 2017 interview on the now-defunct “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Matt was asked whether his daughter thinks he’s cool since he’s a celebrity.
Advertisement
“I don’t think she thinks I’m too cool, no,” he answered. The Hollywood star shared that Marina’s friends at school were watching “Friends,” but she wasn’t interested and didn’t care much about it. However, he did mention that she has watched the show herself and is hard to impress.
(L-R) David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Friends,” 2001 | Sources: Getty Images
Matt, who played Joey Tribbiani on “Friends” from 1994 to 2004 alongside Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow, talked about his daughter Marina’s reaction to seeing him on the show in a February 2018 interview. The TV star shared that Marina enjoys watching reruns with him, especially when the show pops up while flipping through channels.
Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Friends,” 1994 | Sources: Getty Images
Advertisement
He said, “She loves to ask me questions about it. She’ll say: ‘Was that real? Did you really eat that? What did that taste like? Ooh, you ate that off the floor? That’s gross! You’re so funny, Dad.'” Matt also mentioned that for a while, Marina used to call “Friends” the “The Joey Tribbiani Show” before she learned its proper name.
Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Friends,” 1996 | Sources: Getty Images
Through his showbiz career, the actor’s daughter has had the chance to meet other public figures. While filming “Top Gear” in London, Matt, his daughter, and stepdaughter, attended a Bruce Springsteen concert at Wembley Stadium.
Advertisement
Backstage, they visited the hospitality suite to meet Bruce and discovered Prince Harry was also there. By the end of the evening, the British royal gave both girls goodnight kisses on their cheeks, leaving them in awe. Matt recalled that this gesture alone truly impressed Marina.
Prince Harry visits the Victoria Park Botanical Gardens on November 22, 2016, in Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda. | Sources: Getty Images
The celebrity has always cherished the time spent with his daughter, especially when she was younger. He made it a priority to engage in activities that would keep them connected and away from screens.
Matt and Marina LeBlanc spotted at the airport on June 16, 2019 | Sources: YouTube.com/X17onlineVideo
Advertisement
Whether they were making breakfast together, going horseback riding, or hiking, the doting dad ensured they spent plenty of time outdoors.
Matt once reflected on their close relationship and stated, “Spending time with her is the best thing I’ve ever done. We have a great bond and it’s the best thing in my life.”
Advertisement
When Marina was a baby, Matt’s busy work schedule often kept him away from home. However, whenever he returned, he made sure to spend quality time with her. One of his cherished routines was lying on the floor beside her until she drifted off to sleep, making the most of their moments together.
Marina, now all grown up, was recently seen out and about with her father, Matt, in a rare public appearance. In September 2024, the father-daughter duo was spotted shopping for cars in Los Angeles. Matt kept things casual, dressed in light wash jeans, a black T-shirt paired with a navy blue and white Ferrari trucker hat, and sporty black sunglasses, showing off his white-bearded look.
Advertisement
Marina, now 20, complemented her dad’s laid-back style. She rocked red hair, light blue cargo-pocket jeans, a short-sleeved gray T-shirt, and light-colored sneakers. The two were seen browsing the selection at RPM Motors, a luxury used car dealership.
Advertisement
In addition to being a devoted father to Marina, Matt has remained deeply involved in the lives of his ex-wife’s two other children, Jacquelyn and Tyler. Reflecting on his close bond with them, Matt has often expressed his pride in their accomplishments.
Advertisement
He once shared that Tyler works as a sound engineer in a recording studio while Jacquelyn has pursued a design degree, and he couldn’t be prouder of her dedication and hard work.
Matt LeBlanc’s unwavering dedication to his daughter Marina and his involvement in the lives of Jacquelyn and Tyler shows his commitment to family. Through the ups and downs, his bond with them remains the most cherished part of his life.Share
Advertisement
Advertisement
‘Growing Pains’ Star Kirk Cameron, 53, Welcomes Grandbaby with Name Meaning ‘Dream’: Details & 10 Photos
Everything to Know about US Sensation Suni Lee, 21, Who Went to Olympics 2024 despite Incurable Disease
Teen Idol & ‘T.J. Hooker’ Star James Darren Unexpectedly Dies
Katy Perry Faces Investigation after Her New Video in Ibiza: What Happened?
This Boy Is the Son of Hollywood Actor Who Stopped Career after His Birth – Their Story Inspires
Why US’ ‘Greatest’ Soccer Star Alex Morgan Is Excluded from Playing with Her Women’s Team at Olympics 2024
Michael Jackson Married a Nurse Who Was a Fan—Now 65, She Once Saddened Users with Her Appearance Amid Breast Cancer
Don Johnson’s Engaged Daughter Dakota Spotted with Another Man on the Beach, Sparking Questions
‘Oh My Gosh’: Michael Douglas Looks Barely Recognizable Rocking Gray Shirt by the Sea, Shocking Fans
Rod Stewart’s Fans Pray after He Said ‘My Days Are Numbered’ – His Condition in Recent Months
These Twins Have Never Seen Their Grandpa Who Is a Star Actor: Why He Was Banned to See Them
Reese Witherspoon, 48, Showcases Toned Abs & ‘Great’ Legs in Checkered Sports Bra & Skorts – Photos
Beyoncé’s Surprising VMAs 2024 Absence: Why She Missed the Event Despite Her 3 Nominations
Meryl Streep’s Daughter, 33, Comes Out as Queer on Mom’s Birthday & Shares Photo with Girlfriend
June 25, 2024
Top newsTim McGraw’s Youngest Daughter Audrey, 22, Poses Topless in Sultry Throwback Photo: ‘Absolutely Gorgeous’October 04, 2024John Amos’ Death Announcement Was Delayed 45 Days at His Specific Request, Rep SaysOctober 04, 20245 Viral Headlines of the Week: Princess Catherine’s Hair, Keith Urban’s Daughter at PFW, 2 Deaths, & MoreOctober 04, 2024
Read alsoJoey from the Beloved Series ‘Friends’, at 57, Shocked Fans with His Appearance after Disappearing from Hollywood – PicsSeptember 10, 20248 Celebs in Swimsuit That Caused a Strong Reaction among Users — PhotosJune 27, 2024Demi Moore Dealt with Illness While Filming ‘The Substance’ — DetailsSeptember 04, 2024
AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world.
We believe that every person’s story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams.
About Us
Must Read
Information
© 2024 Amopictures Limited
