Molly Ringwald is experiencing a pivotal moment in her life, one that comes with both excitement and nostalgia, as her youngest children begin to navigate the college planning process. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, the renowned actress shared insights into the aspirations and ambitions of her 17-year-old twins, Adele and Roman Gianopoulos.
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Ringwald, who recently celebrated her 58th birthday, expressed her pride in the academic diligence displayed by her children. “They’re really good students, and they take it really seriously,” she remarked. Both twins are currently in their penultimate year at high school and are actively beginning to explore potential universities, a journey she is all too familiar with.
Reflecting on her own experiences as a mother, she noted, “I have two juniors in high school. I went through it with my eldest, who is still in college,” she explained, emphasising how the cycle of education continues within her family. Her eldest daughter, Mathilda, was born in October 2003 and is already navigating her own college experience.
As Adele and Roman prepare for college visits, SATs, and other academic pressures, Ringwald articulated her enthusiasm for their futures. “I think they’re excited about their futures. I know I am,” she said, highlighting the hopeful atmosphere in the family as they embark on this new chapter.
Molly Ringwald and her husband, Panio Gianopoulos, welcomed the twins in January 2009, creating a bustling household that balances the challenges of parenting and professional commitments. Their marriage, which began in a private ceremony in July 2007, reflects over two decades of partnership built on communication and mutual support. “I think the secret is to make sure that you take care of your relationship,” Ringwald advised.
In her career, Ringwald gained fame as a quintessential voice of Generation X during the 1980s, starring in classic films such as “Sixteen Candles”, “The Breakfast Club”, and “Pretty in Pink”. She fondly remembers her teenage years, acknowledging the perseverance needed to thrive in an educational system that remains fraught with challenges. “High school is really hard, and it really seems like a lot of it hasn’t changed,” Ringwald shared, reflecting on the pressures faced by young people today.
Amid her personal reflections, Ringwald has also engaged in philanthropic efforts, recently collaborating with Pfizer to raise awareness about pneumococcal pneumonia, an initiative that underscores her commitment to health and well-being, both personally and in her community.
As the actress watches her children approach the same age she was when she began her illustrious career, she is grateful for where she is today. “Every day I just do a little, ‘Thank you I’m not going to school,’ because I really, really struggled with that,” she admitted with a laugh, acknowledging the complexities of adolescence that have endured through the generations.
In conclusion, Molly Ringwald’s journey as a mother reflects her understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced during one’s academic years. As her twins embark on their futures, the anticipation in her voice is palpable, revealing a mother who is not only invested in her children’s education but also excited to see where their paths may lead.