Phil Collins Children: Meet Joely, Simon, Lily, Nic and Mathew Collins and Their Careers
Phil Collins is known around the world for his remarkable career as a singer, songwriter, drummer and member of Genesis. Away from the stage, however, he is also a father of five children, whose lives have taken very different paths.
His children include actors, musicians and a professional soccer player. They were born across his three marriages and relationships, giving the Collins family a connection to music, entertainment and sports.
From his eldest daughter Joely to his youngest son Mathew, each of Phil Collins’ children has developed an identity of their own.
How Many Children Does Phil Collins Have?
Phil Collins has five children, including three sons and two daughters.
His children are:
- Joely Collins, born in 1972
- Simon Collins, born in 1976
- Lily Collins, born in 1989
- Nicholas “Nic” Collins, born in 2001
- Mathew Collins, born in the early 2000s
The children came from different chapters of Phil’s personal life. Joely and Simon are connected to his first marriage, Lily was born during his second marriage, and Nic and Mathew are from his relationship with his third wife, Orianne Cevey.
Who Is Joely Collins?
Joely Collins is Phil Collins’ eldest child.
Born in 1972, Joely was adopted by Phil Collins during his marriage to his first wife, Andrea Bertorelli.
She later developed a career in the entertainment industry herself. Joely is a Canadian actress and film producer and has worked in both television and film.
Her career gave her a path separate from her famous father’s music career.
Although being Phil Collins’ daughter has naturally attracted public interest, Joely has established herself through her own work in the entertainment business.
Simon Collins Followed His Father Into Music
Phil Collins’ eldest biological son is Simon Collins, born in 1976.
Simon followed his father into music and developed a career as a musician, singer and drummer.
His musical background has included work in progressive rock, and he has performed as both a drummer and vocalist.
Having Phil Collins as a father meant that music was naturally part of Simon’s upbringing. However, he eventually developed his own musical style and career rather than simply following his father’s exact path.
Simon has remained connected to the music world throughout his professional life.
Lily Collins Became an Actress
Perhaps the most internationally recognizable of Phil Collins’ children is Lily Collins.
Born in 1989 to Phil and his second wife, Jill Tavelman, Lily established herself as an actress and model.
She became particularly well known for starring as Emily Cooper in the Netflix series Emily in Paris. The role turned her into a major television star and introduced her work to audiences around the world.
Lily has also appeared in movies including The Blind Side, Mirror Mirror and To the Bone.
While she is the daughter of a legendary musician, Lily has built her own career primarily through acting.
Who Is Nic Collins?
Nicholas “Nic” Collins, commonly known as Nic, was born in 2001.
He is the son of Phil Collins and his third wife, Orianne Cevey.
Like his father and older brother Simon, Nic developed a passion for music, particularly drums.
Nic became a professional drummer and eventually performed with his father. He also joined Genesis during the band’s later touring activities, giving him the opportunity to perform alongside the musicians who had helped define his father’s career.
His work with Phil represented a remarkable connection between two generations of the Collins family.
Mathew Collins Chose Soccer
Phil’s youngest child, Mathew Collins, has taken a very different professional route.
Born in the early 2000s, Mathew has pursued a career in professional soccer in Europe.
Unlike Simon and Nic, who followed their father into music, Mathew’s interests have centered on sport.
His career demonstrates the different directions Phil Collins’ children have taken despite growing up in a family strongly associated with entertainment.
Phil Collins’ First Family
Phil Collins’ first marriage was to Andrea Bertorelli.
During that period, he became a father to Joely, whom he adopted, and Simon, his biological son.
The early years of his family life coincided with the beginning of his rise as a major musician.
As Phil’s career with Genesis expanded and his solo success grew, his children experienced life alongside one of the biggest names in British music.
Lily’s Family Background
Phil’s second marriage was to Jill Tavelman, and their daughter Lily was born in 1989.
Lily grew up with parents whose careers and lives were connected to the entertainment industry, although she eventually developed her own path.
Her success as an actress has made her one of Phil’s most recognizable children, particularly after the global popularity of Emily in Paris.
She has also spoken publicly about her relationship with her father and her childhood in the spotlight.
Nic’s Connection to Genesis
Nic Collins’ career has created one of the most direct links between Phil Collins’ children and his professional legacy.
As a drummer, Nic was able to perform with his father and became part of Genesis’ touring lineup.
For Phil, watching his son perform behind the drums was a particularly meaningful connection given that drumming had been such an important part of his own career.
Nic has therefore carried elements of his father’s musical legacy into a new generation.
A Family With Different Careers
One of the most interesting aspects of Phil Collins’ family is how differently his children have developed professionally.
Joely pursued acting and producing. Simon became a musician. Lily established herself as a major actress. Nic followed his father into professional drumming, while Mathew chose soccer.
Their careers demonstrate that being part of a famous family does not necessarily mean following one path.
Each child has developed interests that reflect different parts of the entertainment, music and sports worlds.
Phil Collins as a Father
Phil Collins’ career has taken him around the world, but his role as a father has remained an important part of his personal story.
His five children were raised across different stages of his life and career, and their professional choices have given the family connections to several industries.
From Lily’s television success to Nic’s work as a drummer and Mathew’s soccer career, the Collins children have created identities that extend beyond their father’s famous name.
Today, Phil Collins is remembered not only for his enormous contribution to music but also as the father of five children who have followed very different paths of their own.