You’ve probably seen the photos. A tall, lanky teenager with dark curls and a sharp jawline walking a few paces behind Jennifer Lopez. That’s Maximilian David Muñiz, though most of the world just knows him as "Max." While his twin sister, Emme, has spent years comfortable in the spotlight—singing at the Super Bowl or publishing books—Max has always felt like the more enigmatic half of the "coconuts."
Being the son of J.Lo and Marc Anthony comes with a weird kind of "phantom fame." People think they know him because they’ve seen his baby pictures on the cover of People magazine (which allegedly cost $6 million back in 2008), but the 17-year-old actually leads a much quieter life than the headlines suggest. Honestly, if you’re looking for a kid trying to be the next big TikTok influencer, you’re looking at the wrong Muñiz.
The "Mini-Marc" Identity
Jennifer has said it herself since the kids were toddlers: Max is a "mini-Marc." It’s not just the physical resemblance, though he definitely inherited his father’s features. It’s the vibe. He’s often described as the "yin" to Emme’s "yang." While his sister is focused and sensitive, Max is the funny one. He’s the kid with the "off the charts" energy and a vocabulary that reportedly leaves his mom speechless.
There was this one time in a 2015 interview where J.Lo mentioned how Max is basically a comedian. He’s got this big heart, but he’s also a bit of a prankster. You don’t see that side of him in the stiff paparazzi shots at the airport. You only see it when the cameras are tucked away.
Breaking the "Quiet Kid" Myth
Because he doesn't perform as much as Emme, there's a misconception that Max is shy or uninterested in the arts. That’s just not true. He actually made his acting debut in the 2022 film Marry Me. It wasn't a huge role, but it showed he’s got the "performance gene" his parents always talk about.
📖 Related: Kendra Wilkinson Photos: Why Her Latest Career Pivot Changes Everything
He also sings. A lot.
- He played the coroner in a school production of The Wizard of Oz.
- He’s been filmed singing "Riptide" while Emme plays guitar.
- He takes piano and voice lessons, just like his sister.
The difference? He seems to view it more as a hobby or a personal passion rather than a career path he’s desperate to sprint down. In a world where every celebrity kid is a "nepo baby" trying to launch a clothing line at 14, Max’s chill approach is actually kind of refreshing.
Life in 2026: The College Transition
Right now, Maximilian David Muñiz is at a massive crossroads. It’s January 2026. He’s about to turn 18 in February. While most of us are just trying to remember to write the correct year on our checks, Max is staring down high school graduation this June.
J.Lo has been pretty open about the "empty nest" anxiety she’s feeling. Last October, she mentioned they were already deep in the college visit phase. Imagine showing up to a campus tour and Jennifer Lopez is just standing there in the back with a Starbucks cup, trying to look "normal" while her son checks out the dorms.
👉 See also: What Really Happened With the Brittany Snow Divorce
It’s a huge shift for their little "unit of three." Since J.Lo and Marc Anthony split when the twins were only three, it’s mostly been Max, Emme, and their mom. They are incredibly close-knit. Even with the revolving door of step-siblings—from Ben Affleck’s kids to Marc’s newest son with Nadia Ferreira—Max remains the anchor in that original trio.
Social Justice and Private Convictions
One thing that really surprised people was Max’s role in the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. It wasn't some PR stunt cooked up by a manager. Max was the one who actually urged his mom to get out there and use her platform. He and Emme helped make the signs.
That tells you a lot about who he is. He might not want to be the center of attention on a stage, but he’s clearly paying attention to what’s happening in the world. He’s got opinions. He’s got a backbone.
What’s Actually Next for Max?
So, is he going to be a singer? An actor? A social activist?
✨ Don't miss: Danny DeVito Wife Height: What Most People Get Wrong
The truth is, we don't know, and that’s probably exactly how he wants it. His mom has always been adamant about one thing: she wants them to have a "normal" life with boundaries and rules. They weren't even allowed to use iPads during the week when they were younger—only on "Sunday Funday."
That grounded upbringing is likely why Max isn't chasing clout. As he prepares to head off to college later this year, he’s doing something rare for a child of two icons: he’s taking his time.
Next Steps for Fans and Observers:
If you're following Max's journey, keep an eye on his 18th birthday celebrations this February 22. It's a legal milestone that usually marks a shift in how celebrity children handle their public presence. Don't expect a sudden flood of public social media accounts; instead, look for his name in the credits of smaller indie projects or creative collaborations where he can build a name for himself away from the "J.Lo's son" label.