Growing up as the child of a global superstar sounds like a fever dream of red carpets and designer labels, but for Hazel and Phinnaeus Moder, the reality has been remarkably quiet. Most people expect the offspring of Julia Roberts and Danny Moder to be chasing TikTok fame or landing high-fashion campaigns by now. They aren't. Honestly, it's kinda refreshing to see two young adults who seem more interested in living an actual life than maintaining a digital persona. Born on November 28, 2004, these two have spent the better part of two decades being the subject of intense curiosity, yet they remain some of the most elusive "nepo babies" in Hollywood history.
They're twins. But they aren't carbon copies. Phinnaeus "Finn" Walter Moder and Hazel Patricia Moder have navigated their teens under a massive shadow of fame without letting it swallow them whole. It's a testament to the "normalcy" their parents fought so hard to preserve.
The Early Years: Growing Up Away from the Paparazzi
Julia Roberts didn't raise her kids in the middle of a Beverly Hills fishbowl. Shortly after the twins were born, the family spent a massive chunk of time on their ranch in New Mexico. That wasn't an accident. Roberts has been vocal in various interviews—specifically with Harper’s Bazaar—about wanting her children to have a sense of privacy that she simply didn't have during the peak of her "America's Sweetheart" era.
Think about it. Imagine your mom is one of the highest-paid actresses in history, but you're out in the dirt, playing in a place where the nearest neighbor is miles away. That creates a specific kind of groundedness. Hazel and Phinnaeus Moder didn't grow up seeing their faces on every magazine at the grocery store checkout because they weren't at the grocery stores where that happened. They were kids. Just kids.
Danny Moder, their father, is an acclaimed cinematographer. His influence is everywhere in their lives, too. While Julia provided the star power, Danny provided the technical, behind-the-lens perspective. This balance meant the kids saw the film industry as a craft, a job, and a series of technical challenges rather than just a way to get famous.
Hazel Moder's Rare Red Carpet Debut
In 2021, the internet went a little crazy. Why? Because Hazel Moder showed up at the Cannes Film Festival. She was there to support her father for his work on the film Flag Day. She wore a simple lace shirtdress and a ponytail.
No heavy makeup. No over-the-top styling.
It was a stark contrast to the way most celebrity kids debut. She looked like a regular teenager supporting her dad. People loved it because it felt authentic. It didn't feel like a "launch" into the industry. It felt like a family outing that happened to have cameras. This moment solidified the public's perception of the Moder family: they show up when it matters for the work, but they don't linger for the clout.
Phinnaeus Moder: The Low-Profile Life
If Hazel is low-key, Phinnaeus is practically a ghost. Aside from occasional glimpses on his father’s Instagram—usually doing something active like surfing, skateboarding, or traveling—Finn remains an enigma.
He’s clearly athletic. Danny Moder’s social media is a tribute to a life lived outdoors. You'll see grainy shots of the boys surfing or candid photos from road trips. There is a specific "California cool" vibe to Phinnaeus that feels very different from the polished, studio-lit aesthetic of other Gen Z celebrities. He isn't trying to sell you a skincare routine or a clothing brand.
Why the "Normal" Upbringing Actually Worked
A lot of celebrities claim they want their kids to be "normal," but then they sign them up for reality shows at age six. Roberts and Moder actually walked the walk. They moved to San Francisco for a while to give the kids a different perspective.
Living in a city like San Francisco, which is more about tech and culture than the entertainment industry, allowed Hazel and Phinnaeus to interact with people who didn't care who their parents were.
- They had chores.
- They were encouraged to find hobbies outside of acting.
- They stayed off public social media for a long time.
It's actually pretty rare. You look at the Hadid sisters or the Jenner family, and their lives were integrated into the media machine from day one. The Moder twins are the opposite. They are the "anti-influencers."
The College Years and Beyond
As of 2026, the twins have transitioned into young adulthood. They've headed off to college—Julia famously posted a throwback photo when they turned 19, acknowledging the "bittersweet" nature of them leaving the nest.
Reports suggest they've chosen schools that allow them to pursue their own interests. Hazel has shown an interest in social issues and potentially the creative arts, while Finn continues to be the adventurous, outdoorsy type. But even now, you won't find them leaking stories to tabloids.
What's really interesting is how they've handled the "nepo baby" discourse. While many celebrity kids get defensive about their advantages, Hazel and Phinnaeus Moder have stayed out of the conversation entirely. By not taking the roles or the modeling contracts that their names could easily get them, they've sidestepped the criticism. They're just living.
The Impact of Julia Roberts' Parenting Philosophy
Julia Roberts once told CBS Sunday Morning that she never wanted her kids to be "burdened" by her fame. She wanted to be "Mom" first.
It sounds cliché, right? Every actor says that. But when you look at the trajectory of Hazel and Phinnaeus, it seems she actually meant it. They seem to have a very tight-knit bond with their younger brother, Henry, as well. The family unit is famously private, often spending holidays in Hawaii or at their ranch, away from the prying eyes of the press.
Surprising Facts About the Moder Household
Did you know the kids weren't even fully aware of how famous their mother was for a long time?
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There’s a famous story about the kids asking Julia if she was more famous than Taylor Swift. They knew she worked in movies, but they didn't understand the magnitude of the "Pretty Woman" legacy. That kind of bubble is hard to maintain, but the Moders managed it.
The kids are also reportedly very environmentally conscious. Growing up in New Mexico and being raised by a father who loves the ocean, sustainability isn't just a buzzword for them; it's a lifestyle.
What We Can Learn from Hazel and Phinnaeus
The fascination with Hazel and Phinnaeus Moder stems from their absence. In an era where everyone is accessible 24/7, their privacy is a form of power. They remind us that you don't have to monetize your identity just because people are looking at you.
They also prove that "celebrity" isn't hereditary. You can inherit the eyes or the smile—and Hazel definitely has her mother’s iconic smile—but you don't have to inherit the lifestyle.
Actionable Takeaways for Following the Moder Twins' Journey
If you're looking for more updates on Hazel and Phinnaeus, don't expect a sudden influx of TikTok dances. Instead, look to the following sources for the most accurate, parent-approved glimpses into their lives:
- Danny Moder's Instagram: This is where you'll find the most authentic "dad" shots. It’s usually action-oriented—surfing, biking, or traveling.
- Julia Roberts' Rare Tributes: On their birthdays (November 28), Julia usually shares a nostalgic, never-before-seen photo. It’s her way of honoring them without exposing their current daily lives.
- Film Festivals: As the twins get older, they may occasionally appear at industry events to support their father’s cinematography or their mother’s premieres.
- Charity Work: The family has a history of supporting various causes. It wouldn't be surprising to see the twins' names pop up in relation to environmental or humanitarian efforts rather than film credits.
The bottom line is that Hazel and Phinnaeus Moder are successfully doing something very difficult: being the children of icons while remaining individuals. They aren't "Julia Roberts' kids" anymore—they're just two people figuring out the world on their own terms. If you want to keep up with them, you'll have to be patient. They’re moving at their own pace, and honestly, that’s probably the smartest move they could make.
Watch for their names in the credits of passion projects or in the rosters of environmental organizations. They’re likely to make an impact, but they’ll do it because they want to, not because the paparazzi are watching.