If you’ve spent any time at all watching Billie Eilish sweep the Grammys or dominate festival stages, you’ve seen the tall, red-haired guy standing right behind her. That’s Finneas. He isn't just "the brother" or a background player; he's the architect of that specific, whispered pop sound that changed the industry. But since they’ve been in the spotlight since they were basically kids, people are constantly confused about the timeline. How old is Billie Eilish brother, exactly?
As of right now, in early 2026, Finneas O'Connell is 28 years old.
He was born on July 30, 1997. It’s wild to think he hasn't even hit 30 yet, considering he has enough Grammys and Oscars to fill a small warehouse. Most people his age are just figuring out their career path, but Finneas has been a professional actor and musician for over a decade. He’s the "older" sibling, but the gap isn't as massive as some fans think.
The Age Gap: Why It Matters
Billie was born in December 2001. This makes Finneas about four and a half years older than her.
Growing up in Highland Park, Los Angeles, that four-year difference was the sweet spot. They weren't so far apart that they lived different lives, but Finneas was just old enough to be a mentor. Their parents, Maggie Baird and Patrick O’Connell, homeschooled them both. This is probably the biggest reason why they are so tight.
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Imagine being stuck in a house all day with just your sibling and a bunch of instruments. No high school drama. No cliques. Just two kids writing songs in a bedroom. Honestly, if they went to a regular public school, we might never have gotten "Ocean Eyes." Finneas actually wrote that song for his own band, The Slightlys, but realized it sounded better when Billie sang it. He was only 18 at the time. Billie was 13.
Life Before the Fame
By the time the world knew his name, Finneas already had a resume.
- He played Spencer in the 2011 movie Bad Teacher (yep, the one with Cameron Diaz).
- He was Alistair in the final season of Glee.
- He had a stint on Modern Family.
He was a working actor while most 17-year-olds were worrying about prom. This early exposure to the industry gave him a level of maturity that shows up in his production. He isn't just making beats; he’s scoring a mood.
Is Finneas Married or Just Engaged?
People always ask about his personal life because he’s been with the same person forever. He started dating YouTuber and actress Claudia Sulewski back in 2018. If you’re doing the math, he was 21 when they met.
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They’ve been one of the most stable couples in Hollywood for years. While they aren't married as of this moment, they are famously inseparable. Claudia is often the muse for his solo music, specifically the song "Claudia," which he literally wrote the day he met her. Bold move, but it clearly worked out.
Why 2026 is a Massive Year for Finneas
Now that he's 28, Finneas is shifting from "prodigy" to "industry titan." He isn't just "Billie's brother" anymore.
He’s producing for everyone from Justin Bieber to Selena Gomez. His solo career is also taking off in a way that’s rare for producers who step into the spotlight. His 2024 album For Cryin' Out Loud! showed a much more "live band" side of him compared to the electronic minimalism he uses for Billie.
In 2026, he's currently in the middle of a massive awards cycle. His work on Billie’s Hit Me Hard and Soft era has him nominated for several major categories at the upcoming Grammys, including Record of the Year for "Wildflower."
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The Synesthesia Factor
One reason their music feels so specific is that both Finneas and Billie have synesthesia. Basically, their brains associate sounds with colors and textures.
Finneas has explained in interviews that he sees songs as physical spaces. When he’s producing, he isn't just thinking about the bass or the treble; he’s thinking about whether the sound feels "purple" or "velvety." At 28, his "ear" is considered one of the most valuable assets in the music business. Experts like Rick Rubin have praised his ability to keep things simple and human in an era where everything is over-processed.
Quick Facts at a Glance
- Full Name: Finneas Baird O’Connell
- Birthday: July 30, 1997
- Current Age: 28
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
- Relationship Status: Long-term partner of Claudia Sulewski (since 2018)
- Key Career Milestone: Youngest person to ever win Producer of the Year (Non-Classical) at the Grammys.
Final Thoughts on the O'Connell Timeline
Understanding how old Billie Eilish brother is helps put their success in perspective. They aren't "industry plants" who got lucky. They spent those four years of age difference learning from each other in a house where the living room was a studio and the kitchen was a rehearsal space.
Finneas being 28 means he’s at the peak of his creative powers. He’s old enough to have the technical chops of a veteran but young enough to still understand what makes a song go viral on whatever the new TikTok is this week.
If you're looking to follow his journey closer, keep an eye on his solo tour dates for late 2026. He’s expected to announce a global run soon, moving into much larger venues than his previous "intimate" theater shows. You can also check out his latest production credits on Spotify to see which other artists are currently tapping into that Finneas magic.
Next Steps: You can verify his latest tour dates on his official website or follow his Instagram for real-time updates on his work with Billie’s upcoming projects.