You’ve probably seen Lily Collins grace the screen in Emily in Paris or Mank, sporting those iconic eyebrows and an effortless, gamine charm. Most people immediately jump to her dad—rock legend Phil Collins—when discussing her pedigree. It’s the obvious connection. But if you really want to know who shaped the woman behind the actress, you have to look at Jill Tavelman.
Jill isn’t just a "famous ex-wife."
She is a powerhouse in her own right, an antique dealer with a sharp eye, and the person Lily credits for basically everything good in her life. While Phil was out touring the world with Genesis, Jill was the one on the ground in Los Angeles, raising Lily in a world that was admittedly privileged but also deeply focused on independence and education. It’s a fascinating dynamic. You have this massive global superstar father and this grounded, vintage-loving mother who kept things running behind the scenes.
The Woman Behind the Name: Who is Jill Tavelman?
Jill Tavelman was born in 1956 in Los Angeles. She’s an American, which is why Lily has that unique mid-Atlantic accent—a blend of her British roots and her California upbringing. Jill married Phil Collins in 1984. At the time, Phil was at the absolute peak of his "Against All Odds" and "No Jacket Required" fame.
Imagine that for a second.
You’re married to one of the most famous men on the planet. The paparazzi are everywhere. But Jill managed to maintain a level of privacy that is almost unheard of today. She wasn't chasing the spotlight. She was building a life. The couple was married for 12 years before their high-profile (and somewhat messy) divorce in 1996.
Jill didn't just sit around after the split. She pivoted. She is a well-known antique collector and once owned a boutique called "Waverly on Doheny" in West Hollywood. If you’ve ever wondered where Lily gets her eclectic, sophisticated style, you can stop guessing. It’s Jill. The woman literally makes a living finding beauty in the old and the overlooked.
The Divorce That Defined a Decade
We have to talk about the "fax."
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For years, the media circulated a story that Phil Collins dumped Jill via fax machine. It became one of those legendary pieces of 90s Hollywood lore. Phil has since denied it, or at least clarified that the fax wasn't the breakup itself, but rather a communication during a very tense time. Regardless of the logistics, the divorce was a massive tabloid fixture.
Lily was just seven years old.
While many celebrity kids crumble under that kind of public scrutiny, Jill kept Lily focused. They moved from the UK to Los Angeles full-time. That move changed everything for Lily. It shifted her trajectory from being a "daughter of British royalty" to a girl navigating the audition circuits of Hollywood.
A Bond Beyond the Red Carpet
Lily and Jill are inseparable. Seriously.
If you follow Lily on Instagram, you’ll see Jill all over the place. They travel together, they hit up flea markets, and they share a bond that Lily describes as more of a best-friendship than a traditional mother-daughter hierarchy. Honestly, it’s kind of refreshing to see in an industry known for "momagers" and exploitative relationships. Jill has never been Lily's manager. She’s just been her mom.
Lily’s book, Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, gives us the most insight into this. She talks about how Jill was her rock during her struggles with eating disorders. When Lily was going through the darkest periods of her life, Jill wasn't just a bystander. She was the support system that allowed Lily to recover and eventually speak out to help other young women.
Why the Antique Connection Matters
Jill Tavelman’s career in antiques isn't just a hobby. It’s a window into her personality. She spends her time hunting for "oddities" and historical pieces.
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- She values history.
- She appreciates the stories behind objects.
- She has a distinct lack of interest in "new and shiny" things.
This philosophy clearly rubbed off on Lily. While other starlets are chasing the latest trends, Lily often leans into vintage aesthetics and classic cinema. She has that "Old Hollywood" soul, and that is a direct inheritance from Jill. Jill once famously bought a 1930s-era neon sign for a local bakery just to save it from being destroyed. That’s the kind of person she is—protective of history and culture.
Dealing With the "Nepo Baby" Label
Let's be real. Being the daughter of Phil Collins and Jill Tavelman opens doors. Lily has never denied that. But the conversation usually ignores the "Jill factor."
Phil provided the name, sure. But Jill provided the grit.
Growing up in LA with a single mom who was running a business taught Lily that work isn't just about showing up; it’s about the hustle. Lily started out as a teen journalist for Teen Vogue and the Los Angeles Times. She wasn't just waiting for a movie role to drop in her lap. She was writing, interviewing, and building a portfolio. Jill encouraged that intellectual curiosity. She didn't want a "celebrity daughter"; she wanted a woman with a career.
The Physical Resemblance
It’s impossible not to notice.
The dark hair, the expressive eyes, the porcelain skin—Lily is the spitting image of a younger Jill Tavelman. In photos from the 80s, Jill looks remarkably like Lily does now in Emily in Paris. It’s a genetic jackpot, but Lily often jokes that she also inherited her mother’s stubbornness and "can-do" attitude.
What You Should Take Away From This
Understanding who Jill Tavelman is helps you understand why Lily Collins is so grounded. In an era of manufactured celebrity, Jill represents a more authentic, low-key approach to fame. She survived the 90s tabloid meat grinder and came out the other side with her dignity intact and a daughter who is one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
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If you’re looking to apply some of Jill’s wisdom to your own life, start with these perspectives:
Prioritize the "Story" Over the "New" Whether it's your career or your home, value things with history. Jill’s success in antiques comes from seeing value where others see junk. That’s a life skill.
Privacy is a Choice You don’t have to post every detail of your life to be successful or relevant. Jill proved that you can be adjacent to extreme fame and still keep your soul private.
Support Systems Must Be Unconditional Lily’s recovery from her eating disorder wasn't a solo act. It required a mother who was willing to listen without judgment. Being a "safe space" for the people you love is the highest form of parenting.
Diversify Your Identity Don't let your relationship (or your divorce) define you. Jill was Mrs. Phil Collins, but she was also a business owner, a collector, and an advocate. Always have something that is yours alone.
When you look at Lily Collins now, don't just hear the echoes of In the Air Tonight. Look at the poise and the independence. That’s all Jill Tavelman.