Lily Collins, daughter of renowned musician Phil Collins and Jill Tavelman, has captured the hearts of many through her acting career, particularly with the success of her Netflix series, Emily in Paris. Born in 1989, Lily is the product of the union between Phil, the Genesis drummer, and American business owner Jill. Her upbringing involved moving between London and Los Angeles, with a permanent shift to L.A. alongside her mother after her parents parted ways when she was just five years old.
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While Lily is the only child born during Phil and Jill’s ten-year marriage, she has four siblings from her father’s side whom she shares a close bond with, as she revealed in an interview with The Guardian back in 2012. Despite the public intrigue surrounding her relationship with her parents, Lily remains unperturbed by the rumours, asserting that what truly matters is the love she holds for her family and the truth of her own experiences.
In addition to being loving parents, Phil and Jill also embrace the role of grandparents to Lily’s daughter, Tove Jane, whom she welcomed with her husband, Charlie McDowell, via surrogate in January 2025. Phil Collins, a Grammy-winning musician, rose to fame as the frontman and drummer of Genesis, achieving success both as part of the band and in his solo career with hits like “In the Air Tonight” and the Oscar-winning “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s Tarzan. His accolades include 27 Grammy nominations and eight wins throughout his illustrious career.
Jill Tavelman, born in Los Angeles in 1956, transitioned from her initial career as a school teacher to become the owner of an eclectic antique store, Waverly on Doheny, in 2014. She attributes her passion for the store to her aversion to discarding items, always seeking to provide sentimental and meaningful gifts to customers. As Lily’s career blossomed, Jill found her own purpose in the business world, a journey she embarked on after years of philanthropic work.
The love story between Phil and Jill began at the Rainbow Bar in Hollywood in 1980, culminating in marriage in 1984 and the birth of Lily Jane Collins in 1989. However, after a decade of marriage, their relationship faced challenges leading to their separation in 1994 when Lily was just five. Reports of the split circulating due to an alleged affair Phil had with his former fiancée, Lavinia Lang, were met with denials, with Phil later expressing his disappointment in his three divorces.
Lily’s relationship with Phil underwent strains post-divorce, as she navigated the complexities of their bond. In her memoir, “Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me,” she candidly detailed the impact of their separation and her journey towards forgiveness and healing, extending an olive branch to her father in an open letter. Despite the challenges, Lily and Phil have found common ground, with Lily recognising and appreciating his impact on her life and career.
As Lily carved her path in the entertainment industry, her parents supported her journey, with her relationship with each of them evolving over time. Lily’s efforts to establish herself as an individual separate from her parents’ fame underscore her commitment to earning her own merits in the industry. While she cherishes her parents’ legacy, she is determined to create her own mark and be recognized for her own talents and accomplishments.
In conclusion, Lily Collins’ journey through fame and family intricacies highlights her resilience and determination to forge her unique path in the entertainment industry. The bond she shares with her parents, Phil Collins and Jill Tavelman, reflects a story of forgiveness, growth, and mutual support, embodying the complexities of family relationships amidst the spotlight of stardom.