When we ask “Who is Phinnaeus Moder?”, we are really asking about the life of Julia Roberts’ son, who has grown up in the spotlight yet remains largely private. Born on November 28, 2004, Phinnaeus Moder is the first-born child of actress Julia Roberts and cinematographer Danny Moder. Many people know him simply as the eldest of three children in the Roberts-Moder family, but there is much more to his story.
Quick Bio of Phinnaeus Walter Moder
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Phinnaeus Walter Moder |
| Nickname | Finn |
| Date of Birth | November 28, 2004 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 20 years old |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Julia Roberts and Danny Moder |
| Siblings | Hazel Moder (twin), Henry Moder (younger brother) |
| Education | College student (school undisclosed) |
| Known For | Being Julia Roberts’ son and appearing in Mother’s Day (2016) |
| Career Interest | Private, possibly film or media related |
| Notable Appearance | Cameo as Ring Bearer Dominic in Mother’s Day (2016) |
| Current Residence | Lives privately with family in the USA |
Early life and family roots
Phinnaeus Moder entered this world alongside his twin sister, Hazel, in Los Angeles, California. His parents, Julia Roberts and Danny Moder, married in 2002 and committed early to giving their children a grounded, normal upbringing despite living a Hollywood lifestyle. As Julia Roberts’ son, Phinnaeus inherited a name and family legacy, but his early years were shielded from glare of cameras and tabloid exposure. His younger brother, Henry, was born in June 2007, completing the trio of kids in the family.
Name, heritage and upbringing
The name “Phinnaeus” came from a suggestion by Danny Moder, who liked the nickname “Finn”; Julia Roberts preferred a more formal version, so they settled on Phinnaeus Walter “Finn” Moder. As Julia Roberts’ son, Phinnaeus grew up in a household where technology was managed carefully: phones at dinner were discouraged, charging stations were used, and the focus was on family connection rather than devices. The Moder family’s heritage includes ties to acting and filmmaking, but the children were raised to value privacy and normal routines.
Education and transition to adulthood
In recent years, Phinnaeus Moder has moved into adulthood, attending college while his twin sister also started university. As Julia Roberts’ son, his education and personal growth have been important to his family. Although the exact university and major have not been publicly confirmed, news outlets report that he and Hazel began their higher education journeys around 2022-2023. Growing up largely out of the public eye, Phinnaeus can focus on personal development rather than being defined by fame.
Public glimpses and hobbies
Even though Phinnaeus Moder keeps a very low public profile, there have been rare moments when he appeared publicly. For instance, in 2016 he had a small cameo role as “Ring Bearer Dominic” in the film Mother’s Day, appearing with his mother and siblings. That aside, his parents seldom share photos of him, but a rare video shared by Danny Moder showed him skateboarding at age 20, dressed in navy pants and Vans shoes, in a skatepark pool. This gave fans a rare look at Julia Roberts’ son simply being a young adult with his own interests.
Family values and parenting style
Being Julia Roberts’ son, Phinnaeus has benefitted from a parenting style that prioritises family and values over fame. Julia Roberts has spoken about how being a mom is not just about the glamour it’s about coming home at the end of the day to her children. She says that though her acting career fulfilled a dream, the life she built with her kids and husband is “the best stuff.” This grounding likely shaped Phinnaeus’s view of life: success without losing sight of roots.
Privacy, identity and the future
Despite the world’s interest in Phinnaeus Moder as the child of famous parents, he has chosen a path of privacy and normalcy. He has not sought out the celebrity spotlight, nor does he have public social-media profiles under his own name. As Julia Roberts’ son, the expectations could be high, but so far he seems comfortable forging his own way. While his parents belong to Hollywood’s elite, he seems to be choosing a quieter path—focused on education, hobbies, family and personal growth.
What we know and what remains unknown
What remains less clear: his future career path, whether he will follow filmmaking or choose a different field, and which university he is attending (or has attended) and what his major is. But for now, the focus is not on immediate fame it’s on growth, connection, and privacy.
Why he matters
Understanding Phinnaeus Moder is more than just learning the details of a celebrity child’s life. As Julia Roberts’ son, his story reflects a different kind of upbringing in Hollywood one that values normalcy, education, family rituals (such as letters his parents write each other), and the freedom to grow without constant public scrutiny. His journey offers a more human side of “celebrity kid” narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Phinnaeus Moder?
Phinnaeus Moder is the eldest son of Julia Roberts and Danny Moder, born on November 28, 2004, in Los Angeles.
2. Does Phinnaeus Moder have siblings?
Yes. He has a twin sister, Hazel, and a younger brother, Henry, born in 2007.
3. Has Phinnaeus Moder acted in movies?
He made a small cameo in the film “Mother’s Day” (2016), appearing with his mother and siblings.
4. Where does Phinnaeus Moder study?
He reportedly started college in 2022, but the exact school and field of study are private.
5. Why does Julia Roberts keep her children out of the spotlight?
Julia believes privacy gives her kids a normal, grounded life away from Hollywood’s constant attention.
Final thoughts
In answering the question “Who is Phinnaeus Moder?”, we discover a young man born into fame but determined to grow on his own terms. As Julia Roberts’ son, he is part of one of Hollywood’s most recognisable families, yet he chooses a path of quiet evolution rather than headline-making spotlight. Born in 2004, educated in the 2020s, and stepping into adulthood with interests such as skateboarding, he represents a generation of celebrity children who value normalcy over notoriety. While his future is still unwritten, the foundations of privacy, family support and personal choice are firmly in place for him.
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