Meet Jacob Elordi’s Parents! All About Mom Melissa and Dad John Elordi

**Jacob Elordi: A Family Affair at the Academy Awards**

Jacob Elordi, the rising star known for his role in *Frankenstein*, is set to make the 2026 Academy Awards a significant family occasion as he plans to take his mother, Melissa Elordi, as his date. With a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, Jacob is keen to honour a promise made to her when he was just 15. During an interview on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* in January 2026, he expressed his pride in inviting her, stating that she “fully believed in me the whole time.”

Born on June 26, 1997, in Brisbane, Australia, Jacob is the youngest of four children in the Elordi family, which includes three elder sisters. He describes his upbringing as fortunate, admitting in a GQ interview that growing up as the baby of the family inevitably led to being somewhat spoiled. Jacob’s parents, John and Melissa, played pivotal roles in nurturing his ambitions, despite initial concerns about the challenges associated with a career in the entertainment industry.

Jacob often speaks affectionately of his father, John, who immigrated from the Basque Country—a region nestled between France and Spain—when he was just eight years old. John’s journey, beginning with only $8 to his name, has instilled a sense of pride in Jacob regarding their heritage. He has been quoted saying, “I’m super proud of that heritage,” and is keen to distinguish his Basque roots from the often mistaken Spanish origins.

John worked as a housepainter, a profession he dedicated himself to for many years, even building their family home from the ground up. This commitment to hard work influenced Jacob’s own ethic. In a candid moment, Jacob reflected on his father’s sometimes humorous confusion regarding his acting career—revealing that John often asks if he will be “doing the one… where you’re kissing?” This lighthearted exchange underscores the supportive yet playful dynamic within the family.

Melissa Elordi, on the other hand, was a devoted homemaker. Her bond with Jacob runs deep as she made efforts to be present during his formative years, including volunteering at his school lunchroom. Jacob affectionately regards her as “the most present, loving, just beautiful, angelic human being on this planet.” This strong maternal influence has undeniably contributed to his confidence and artistic pursuits.

As the family expanded with the introduction of Jacob, his parents already had three daughters. The family relocated from Brisbane to Melbourne for the benefit of one of his sisters, Isabella, who was pursuing her passion for ballet. This supportive environment was crucial for Jacob as he navigated his own aspirations in the performing arts.

While John was initially pragmatic about Jacob’s desire to become an actor—recognising the stringent challenges of the industry—he ultimately chose to support his son’s vision. Reflecting on their conversations, John shared, “He always had this very strong self-belief… and as a parent, we just decided to back him to the hilt.” This backing has proven invaluable, especially as Jacob gained fame from productions like *The Kissing Booth* and *Euphoria*.

As Jacob’s star has risen, his parents have immersed themselves in his career with unabashed pride. They even sport T-shirts featuring images of nearly every character he has played. However, navigating certain roles can be challenging for them. For instance, Melissa had a reaction of shock when Jacob first appeared in full Elvis costume for his role in *Priscilla*. Conversely, his portrayal of Nate in *Euphoria*—a character with a dark and abusive nature—evoked concern, leading Jacob to clarify to her, “I think she sees him as me.”

Despite the often intense nature of his characters, John maintains that he can differentiate between Jacob and the roles he plays, even if it is difficult to witness at times. As he aptly noted, “It’s not necessarily easy to watch… but I get it.” Their understanding and support have undoubtedly bolstered Jacob’s resilience in a fickle industry.

The close-knit family even made an appearance together on *Today*, where Jacob shared a humorous moment with co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager. Revealing that his parents had flown in from Australia to support him, he reflected fondly on this moment, reinforcing the warmth and connection that underpins the Elordi family dynamics.

As Jacob prepares for the upcoming Academy Awards, he carries more than just personal accomplishments on his shoulders; he embodies the values and support imparted by John and Melissa, demonstrating how familial ties can foster success in the spotlight. The young actor’s journey serves as a testament to the integral role of family in navigating life’s challenges and celebrating its triumphs.