Jodie Foster, a Hollywood icon with a career spanning over five decades, has long been celebrated for her extraordinary talent and fiercely private nature. The two-time Oscar winner, now 62, has captivated audiences with roles in classics like The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Taxi Driver (1976), while also carving out a legacy as a director and producer. But behind the glittering awards and red-carpet appearances lies a part of her life she has kept largely under wraps—her family. Foster is the mother of two sons, Charles “Charlie” Bernard Foster, 26, and Christopher “Kit” Bernard Foster, 23, whom she shares with her former partner, Cydney Bernard. In recent years, as Charlie and Kit have stepped into the public eye on rare occasions, fans have become increasingly curious about these so-called “Hollywood heirs.” So, what’s the scoop on Jodie Foster’s two awesome kids? Let’s dive into their lives, their mother’s protective approach to parenting, and the unique paths they’re forging as of May 19, 2025.

A Protective Mother in the Spotlight

Jodie Foster’s journey into motherhood began in 1998 when she welcomed her first son, Charlie, followed by Kit in 2001. She raised both boys with Cydney Bernard, a film producer she was in a relationship with from 1993 to 2008. Foster’s determination to give her children a normal upbringing stemmed from her own experiences as a child star. She began acting at the age of three, appearing in commercials before landing her breakout role as a child prostitute in Taxi Driver at just 12 years old—a performance that earned her an Oscar nomination but also exposed her to the harsh realities of fame. The 1981 incident involving John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in an effort to impress Foster, further underscored the dangers of public life, shaping her resolve to shield her children from similar scrutiny.

Foster has been vocal about her desire to keep her sons out of the Hollywood spotlight. In a 2018 interview with The Guardian, she explained, “I know the perils of having a parent involved in your art form are too great.” She went to great lengths to ensure Charlie and Kit grew up without the burden of her fame, even keeping her profession a secret from them during their early years. In a 2025 interview with E! Online, Foster shared a humorous anecdote about how Charlie once thought she worked in construction because she told him she was “building things” when he asked about her job. This deliberate secrecy reflects Foster’s broader philosophy of parenting: prioritizing normalcy over the allure of celebrity.

Despite her efforts, Charlie and Kit have recently made rare public appearances, offering glimpses into their lives and sparking curiosity about their futures. Foster, now married to photographer Alexandra Hedison since 2014, has remained steadfast in her commitment to her sons’ privacy, but as they step into adulthood, their individual paths are beginning to take shape.

Meet Charlie: The Aspiring Actor

Charles “Charlie” Bernard Foster, born in July 1998, is Foster’s eldest son and the one who seems most drawn to his mother’s world of entertainment. Now 26, Charlie has begun to carve out a career in acting, a path that contrasts with Foster’s initial hopes for her children but aligns with her own legacy in Hollywood. A Yale University graduate, Charlie participated in several theater productions between 2017 and 2021, earning a reputation as a “theater geek,” as Foster affectionately described him in a 2018 interview. His passion for acting has since led to more professional opportunities, including a recurring role in the upcoming Prime Video thriller series Scarpetta, where he plays Wingo, an assistant in the morgue, alongside stars like Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Charlie’s entry into acting marks a significant departure from Foster’s protective stance, and it hasn’t been without its challenges. A February 2025 article from Thanh Niên reported that Foster’s refusal to use her influence to help Charlie break into Hollywood has caused tension between them, with Charlie feeling “driven crazy” by her lack of support. Foster’s philosophy of self-reliance—rooted in her belief that her children should forge their own paths—has evidently been a point of contention, highlighting the complexities of parenting in the shadow of fame. Despite this, Charlie has persisted, and his role in Scarpetta marks his first major acting gig, a milestone that suggests he’s determined to succeed on his own terms.

Public appearances with his mother have also given fans a glimpse of Charlie’s charm. In February 2025, he accompanied Foster to the Screen Actors Guild Awards, where she was nominated for her role in True Detective: Night Country. The mother-son duo turned heads on the red carpet, with Charlie looking dapper in a classic black tuxedo and Foster radiant in a sparkly maroon gown. During her acceptance speech, Foster gave a heartfelt shoutout to her sons, saying, “Because Kit, my scientist son, and Charlie, my actor son who’s starting his career, hopefully you understand the joy, such joy, that comes from doing really hard, meaningful, good work.” Her words underscored her pride in Charlie’s burgeoning career, even as she remains cautious about the industry’s pitfalls.

Meet Kit: The Shy Scientist

Christopher “Kit” Bernard Foster, born in 2001, is Foster’s younger son and the more reserved of the two. Now 23, Kit has chosen a path far removed from Hollywood, focusing instead on a career in science. Described by Foster as a “hyper-focused scientist,” Kit has consistently shied away from the spotlight, a trait that aligns with his mother’s prediction in her 2018 Guardian interview: “My younger son is really shy and I can promise you he will never be an actor.” True to her words, Kit has shown no interest in following in Foster’s footsteps, instead dedicating himself to academic and scientific pursuits.

Kit’s rare public appearances have been moments of pride for Foster, who often brings him to events celebrating intellectual achievement. In April 2025, he joined his mother at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Santa Monica, an event honoring scientists and their contributions. The mother-son duo shared identical smiles on the red carpet, with Foster looking elegant in a cream-colored dress and Kit charming in a navy suit with a polka-dot bowtie. Fans noted their striking resemblance, from their smiles to their noses, a testament to the close bond they share. Foster’s decision to bring Kit to such an event reflects her support for his scientific ambitions, as well as her desire to celebrate his achievements in a field that resonates with his passions.

During her 2025 Golden Globes acceptance speech, where she won Best Actress in a Limited Series for True Detective: Night Country, Foster again highlighted Kit’s career path, calling him “my scientist son” and expressing hope that both he and Charlie would find joy in their respective fields. Kit’s presence at the Golden Globes, where he accompanied his mother in January 2025, further underscored his role as a supportive son, even if he prefers to stay out of the limelight.

The Hollywood Heirs: A Tale of Two Paths

Charlie and Kit may be the sons of a Hollywood legend, but their lives tell a story of individuality and independence. Foster’s parenting approach—rooted in her own experiences with fame—has shaped their upbringing in profound ways. By keeping them out of the public eye during their childhood, she ensured they had the freedom to explore their own interests without the pressure of her celebrity status. Yet, as they’ve grown into adults, their choices reflect the diversity of their personalities: Charlie’s pursuit of acting mirrors his mother’s career, while Kit’s focus on science represents a deliberate departure from it.

The tension between Foster and Charlie, as reported earlier this year, highlights the challenges of navigating familial expectations in Hollywood. Foster’s refusal to help Charlie break into the industry may stem from a desire to protect him from the struggles she faced as a young actress, but it also risks creating a rift between them. Meanwhile, Kit’s quieter path seems to align more closely with Foster’s hopes for her children, allowing him to thrive outside the spotlight she has always been wary of.

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

As of May 19, 2025, Jodie Foster remains a towering figure in Hollywood, with recent accolades for her work in True Detective: Night Country and a career that continues to inspire. But her greatest legacy may be the family she has nurtured with such care. Charlie and Kit, though vastly different in their ambitions, are a testament to Foster’s commitment to raising grounded, independent individuals. Whether they’re stepping onto a red carpet or pursuing their passions behind the scenes, these “Hollywood heirs” are carving out their own legacies—one in the spotlight, the other in the lab—proving that even in the shadow of fame, individuality can shine through.