Mia Farrow, an acclaimed actress and humanitarian, is also known for her extensive and diverse family. She has 14 children, a mix of biological and adopted, each with their unique backgrounds and stories.
Woody Allen, Mia Farrow and their children attend The Apple Circus Performance in New York City, on November 3, 1989. | Source: Getty Images
Mia’s children mean everything to her as she has consistently spoken about them with love and passion. The actress adopted 10 of her children from all over the world, some as a single parent, and four of the 14 are her biological children.
Mia Farrow stands with her children at the Anne Frank Center in New York City, on June 12, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, Farrow lost three of her 14 children, and was heartbroken by their deaths, writing, “Any parent who has suffered the loss of a child knows that pain is merciless and ceaseless.”
Mia Farrow and family members outside St. Savior Church for Lark Previn’s funeral, in Park Slope, Brooklyn, in 2010. | Source: Getty Images
As much as Mia is famous, some of her kids have chosen to lead a private life. Additionally, the actress later stepped away from the media circus to take up activism as she raised her kids.
Mia’s beloved kids have blessed her with grandchildren. Here is a look into the lives of Mia’s 14 children and how three of her kids died.
Mia Farrow holds Misha and next to her stands Soon-Yi Previn. In front (l-r) are Fletcher, Summer Song, and Lark Song Previn in the US, on February 14, 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Thaddeus Wilk Farrow
Thaddeus Wilk Farrow was adopted from Calcutta, India in 1994. He was a paraplegic due to polio. Thaddeus was once a car mechanic as he was studying to become a police officer. He died at the age of 27 in 2016.
A police report said he was found in Connecticut inside his vehicle suffering from a life-threatening injury and was taken to Danbury Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:30 p.m.
Mia Farrow was devasted by the loss of her son, whom she described as a “wonderful, courageous person who overcame so much hardships in his short life.” She thanked people for their condolences and kind words, adding, “We miss him.”
Lark Song
Mia adopted Lark Song when she was living in England with her first husband, André Previn. It was in 1973, and as the Vietnam War was ending, Mia and André decided to adopt a Vietnamese baby.
André recalled that they had been told to wait at the airport in Paris for the baby. They waited for 10 hours and at one point, Mia wondered, “How will we know who she is?” André replied that there couldn’t be many nuns carrying an Asian baby.
Mia Farrow and Lark Song from an Instagram post dated September 28, 2020. | Source: Instagram/realmiafarrow/
Eventually, a nun approached them carrying and basket, handed it to them, and said, “Voici votre bébé” and then she left. As a baby, Lark was very ill.
As much as she wasn’t well and weighed only five pounds, Mia was thrilled. The actress went through a lot of stress and worked hard to ensure Lark became a healthy and happy child. Unfortunately, she died at the age of 35.
The coffin for Lark Previn is removed at St. Savior Church in Park Slope, Brooklyn, in 2010. | Source: Getty Images
Tam Farrow
Tam Farrow, who was born in Vietnam, joined Mia’s family in 1992. She faced numerous health challenges throughout her life, including being legally blind. Tam’s life was tragically cut short when she passed away at the age of 19 in 2000.
Mia Farrow with her kids, alongside Tam Farrow in a wheelchair as they walk outdoors at Lincoln Center at the premiere “Anne Frank Remembered” in New York City in 1995. | Source: Getty Images
Moses Farrow
Moses Farrow was adopted from Korea when he was two. He has cerebral palsy and is a family therapist and photographer. Moses is not in touch with his siblings and separated from his wife and two kids.
He has also shared distressing accounts of his childhood. Moses revealed, “It was important to my mother to project to the world a picture of a happy blended household of both biological and adopted children, but this was far from the truth.”
Moses Farrow in 1992. | Source: Getty Images
As per Moses, life at home was far from idyllic. He painfully recalled witnessing his siblings, including those who were blind or physically disabled, being harshly disciplined.
He described instances where they were dragged downstairs and locked in bedrooms or closets. Moses specifically mentioned his brother Thaddeus being confined to an outdoor shed overnight as punishment for minor misbehavior.
Mia Farrow holding Sanjay Farrow as she spent a week in Hanoi to adopt the five-year-old boy, on September 24, 1991. | Source: Getty Images
Moses delved into the death of his siblings. He noted that the commonly reported cause of his sister Tam’s death said to be heart failure at 21, is not accurate.
According to Moses, Tam battled depression. This condition was worsened by Mia’s refusal to let her seek professional help, dismissing her daughter’s struggles as mere moodiness.
Mia Farrow, Lark, and Woody Allen leaving Yale New Haven hospital after a 2 1/2 hour meeting with psychiatrists, on March 18, 1993. | Source: Getty Images
In 2000, after a heated argument with Mia that ended with the actress leaving the house, Tam took her own life by overdosing on pills. Mia later claimed the overdose was accidental, attributing it to Tam’s blindness and an inability to recognize the pills.
Mia Farrow and two of her kids on September 29, 1971. | Source: Getty Images
However, Moses pointed out that Tam’s blindness did not affect her excellent memory and spatial recognition. Moses said the details surrounding Tam’s tragic end, including the argument with Mia, were recounted to Moses by Thaddeus.
Thaddeus witnessed the events firsthand but due to his death, he cannot corroborate this story. Moses revealed that Thaddeus also died by suicide, shooting himself in his car near Mia’s house.
Woody Allen and Mia Farrow travelling with their children at London Heathrow Airport, on August 8, 1988. | Source: Getty Images
Moses also spoke about their sister Lark, who faced a tragic fate. Lark succumbed to a life of self-destruction while battling addiction. She ultimately died from AIDS-related complications in 2008 at the age of 35.
Moses emphasized, “For all of us, life under my mother’s roof was impossible if you didn’t do exactly what you were told, no matter how questionable the demand.”
Mia with Lark and Daisy Farrow at the home of Gay Talese, who hosted a party for Mia to help launch her book “What Falls Away,” on February 5, 1997. | Source: Getty Images
Mia on the Death of Her Kids
Mia spoke out after Moses shed light on his siblings’ deaths. The actress said she was speaking out to address some vicious rumors based on untruths about her children’s lives.
“To honor their memory, their children, and every family that has dealt with the death of a child, I am posting this message,” she said.
Kofi Annan (R) applauds as Thaddeus Farrow (C), adopted son of Mia Farrow (L) throws the switch to start a clock which will count down to a polio free world in 2005, on September 27, 2000. | Source: Getty Images
She insisted that Tam died due to an accidental prescription overdose. As per Mia, Tam was taking the medications for her painful migraine and heart ailment. She also shared that Lark died at 35 from complications of HIV/AIDS. She died in the hospital on Christmas, in her partner’s arms.
Soon Yi Previn, Mia Farrow holding Misha, Lark Song, and Summer, enjoy ride on a slide in Central Park, on May 5, 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Mia said Lark got the disease from a previous partner but lives a fruitful and loving life with her kids and longtime partner. She described her as an “extraordinary woman, a wonderful daughter, sister, partner, and mother to her own children.”
As for Thaddeus, Mia explained that he was living happily with his partner and planning their wedding when their relationship ended suddenly. This breakup pushed Thaddeus to die by suicide.
Mia ended her statement by saying, “These are unspeakable tragedies. Any other speculations about their deaths is to dishonor their lives and the lives of their children and loved ones.”
Soon-Yi Previn
Soon-Yi was adopted by Mia and André from South Korea in 1978. One of the most controversial aspects of Mia’s family life is the relationship between Soon-Yi and her former partner, Woody Allen. As per Moses, Mia learned about this relationship when Soon-Yi was 21.
Woody Allen and Soon Yi attends “You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger” premiere in Aviles, Spain, on August 24, 2010. | Source: Getty Images
Mia called Woody a “monster,” “the devil,” and “evil” when she found out he was sleeping with her adopted daughter. According to Moses, Soon-Yi was often the target of Mia’s anger.
Moses recalled that Soon-Yi, who had an independent streak and was the least intimidated by Mia. The two frequently clashed.
Mia Farrow holds Misha as Soon Yi Previn tries on mom’s hat in Central Park, on May 5, 1980. | Source: Getty Images
These confrontations sometimes turned violent, like when Mia reportedly threw a large porcelain centerpiece at Soon-Yi’s head. The object missed but shattered and hit her legs. In another instance, Mia beat her with a telephone receiver.
Soon-Yi Previn and Mia Farrow in New York City, on June 12, 1991. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the unconventional nature of Soon-Yi’s relationship with Woody, it provided her an escape from the tumultuous environment at home. Unfortunately, as Moses pointed out, other siblings were not as fortunate in finding a way out.
Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn attends the amfAR Gala to kick off Fall Fashion Week in New York City, on February 9, 2011. | Source: Getty Images
Moses narrated further, “Then, of course, the news of Woody and Soon-Yi went public – and everything changed. My mother insisted that we remove both of them from our lives, and we had no choice but to accept.”
Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn seen on the streets of Manhattan in New York City, on September 17, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
According to Moses, Soon-Yi was not Woody’s daughter in any capacity—adopted, step, or otherwise. He added that she was not developmentally challenged and had earned a master’s degree in special education from Columbia University.
Soon-Yi Previn arrives at the Opening Gala Dinner during the 69th Annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on May 11, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
He went ahead to counter claims about her being underage or vulnerable when her relationship with Woody began. In reality, Woody and Soon-Yi had minimal interaction during her childhood.
Soon-Yi Previn and Woody Allen at the Young America Grand Prix Gala, in New York, on April 13, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Moses shared that it was Mia who suggested when Soon-Yi was 20, that Woody spend time with her. This led to their outings such as attending Knicks games together.
“That’s how their romance started. Yes, it was unorthodox, uncomfortable, disruptive to our family and it hurt my mother terribly,” noted Moses.
Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn are seen in Milan, Italy, on September 6, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
However, he emphasized that the relationship itself was not as damaging to the family as Mia’s fixation on this perceived betrayal, which she made the focal point of their lives.
Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn attend a red carpet for the movie “Coup De Chance” in Venice, Italy, on September 4, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Dylan Farrow
Dylan Farrow was adopted in 1985 from Texas. She was also caught up in the life of Woody when she accused him publicly of molesting her when she was seven years old.
Woody denied the serious allegations involving Mia’s adopted daughter. Years later, when Dylan spoke of what she went through with Woody, she refused to say his name.
Woody Allen and Dylan Farrow in New York City, on May 2, 1989. | Source: Getty Images
However, Dylan, who described her fears of Woody as “crippling,” divulged, “I’m scared of him, his image. I have never been asked to testify. If I could talk to the seven-year-old Dylan, I would tell her to be brave, to testify.”
Dylan Farrow and Mia Farrow arrive at the Opening Night of “Gypsy” on Broadway in New York City, on May 1, 2003. | Source: Getty Images
Dylan also described her alleged abuse by Woody, vividly recalling specific incidents. She remembered the discomfort and confusion she felt, thinking she was at fault for not wanting to comply with her elder’s demands.
Dylan Farrow and Woody Allen sighting in New York City on November 12, 1988. | Source: Getty Images
The traumatic experience in the attic was a breaking point for her, compelling her to speak out despite her young age. Dylan believed that the abusive behavior was how fathers typically treated their daughters and thought she was abnormal for feeling uncomfortable.
Mia Farrow and Dylan Farrow attend the Time 100 Gala, Time’s Most Influential People In The World red carpet at Jazz At Lincoln Center in New York City, on April 26, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Years later, Woody, who married Soon-Yi, sent a letter to Dylan Farrow in college. He told her that he still thought of her as her daughter and his daughters regard her as their sister.
Woody’s attorney was asked about the letters and he replied that it was a private matter, still maintaining that his client was innocent of all matters.
Dylan Farrow and Ronan Farrow pose at the New York Premiere of A Netflix film “Tick, Tick…Boom!” in New York City, on November 15, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Ronan Farrow
Ronan Farrow is Mia’s biological child. When Mia was asked if Ronan could be the biological child of Woody, she replied, “Possibly.” Ronan is proud of the diverse family his mother built, which taught him how to see problems and look for solutions to them.
Mia Farrow, Isaiah Justus Farrow, and Satchel Ronan O’Sullivan Farrow on August 21, 1992. | Source: Getty Images
Today, Ronan is a journalist. In 2018, he received the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for his groundbreaking reporting on Harvey Weinstein.
His investigative work exposed decades of alleged sexual misconduct and assault by Weinstein, bringing significant attention to these serious accusations.
Mia was proud of her son for the work he did during the #MeToo movement, noting that now, the men in power who sexually assaulted women confidently, feared the repercussions.
Ronan also works with his mother as she conducts activism in Africa as a UNICEF ambassador. Mia has been to more than 20 missions, mostly in Darfur, Sudan, and the neighboring country Chad.
Ronan Farrow attends the Critics Choice Association’s Inaugural Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television in Los Angeles, California, on June 7, 2024. | Source: getty Images
Rebecca Hamilton, the author of “Fighting for Darfur” said that the most valuable outcome from Mia’s work could be the special bond she has created with Ronan.
Rebecca also revealed, “How they work together is amazing. They are both incredibly smart. People know that about Ronan, but people don’t appreciate how smart Mia is.”
Ronan Farrow and Mia Farrow attend the TIME 100 Gala in New York City, on April 23, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Rebecca described Mia and Ronan as confident in their knowledge and meticulous about their words when crafting an op-ed. She noted that writing 800 words with them is a painstaking process, involving numerous drafts to ensure everything is absolutely perfect.
Ronan Farrow and Mia Farrow attends the 25th Annual ELLE Women in Hollywood Celebration in Los Angeles, California, on October 15, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Furthermore, the similarities between Mia and Ronan are remarkable as they share the same porcelain complexion. They also have similar striking blue eyes and remarkable talent.
Ronan Farrow and Mia Farrow attend the Greater Talent Network’s 30th anniversary at the United Nations in New York City, on May 2, 2012. | Source: Getty Images
At just 11 years old, Ronan began attending Bard College, with Mia driving him 90 minutes each way almost daily for four years. Now he is a successful man. Ronan has written a book and is writing another about America’s proxy wars. He also enjoys writing songs and scripts.
Ronan Farrow visits BuzzFeed’s “AM To DM” to discuss his book “Catch And Kill” in New York City, on October 15, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Fletcher Previn
Fletcher Previn, who was adopted into the Farrow-Previn family, works in the technology industry. He is also a devoted protector of his mother. Fletcher used his technical skills to build his first computer at the age of 13.
His dedication to his family was notably displayed when he meticulously removed Woody from all family photos and videos. He said he did this to ensure that the painful memories associated with Woody were erased. This allowed the family to focus on happier times.
Mia Farrow and Fletcher Previn attend 34th Annual Tony Awards Supper Ball in New York City, on June 8, 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Fletcher’s wife is a graphic designer, and together they have created a close-knit family. Interestingly, Fletcher, who once worked as Woody’s personal assistant on three films, chose to live next door to his mother.
His two young daughters, aged seven and three, often visit their grandmother. They enjoy exploring the nearby woods and spending quality time with Mia. The actress indulges them with reading sessions, toenail painting, and playtime with her pet parakeet.
Reflecting on the family’s past, particularly the crisis involving Woody, Fletcher Previn acknowledged the deep impact it had on their lives.
He recalled that Woody was considered a father figure by his siblings and him. This made the betrayal deeply unsettling and reshaped their sense of security.
Mia Farrow and Fletcher Previn attend the Time 100 Gala at Lincoln Center in New York City, on April 23, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
The ramifications of Woody’s actions were far-reaching, affecting each family member differently. He expressed a strong sentiment that Woody bore responsibility for some of the family’s suffering.
Woody Allen and Fletcher Previn at London Heathrow Airport, on August 8, 1988. | Source: Getty Images
Matthew and Sascha Previn
Matthew Previn and his twin brother Sascha Previn were born on February 26, 1970, to Mia and André. Matthew is married to, Tarnisha Antoinette Graves, a graduate of Duke University and Harvard Law School.
When Matthew first asked Tarnisha out, she declined because she had doubts about a biracial relationship. Eventually, Tarnisha, who was not all against dating Previn, gave in.
She admitted that she accepted to go on a date with Matthew when she felt kind of jealous seeing him flirt with one of her female colleagues. The couple started dating in February 2000. Previn proposed in February 2001 and they got married on July 26, 2003.
Mia Farrow with Sascha and Matthew prepare to board her flight at Heathrow Airport in London, England, on January 13, 1972. | Source: Getty Images
Quincy Farrow
Quincy Farrow, adopted by Mia Farrow in 1994, has largely maintained a low profile compared to some of her siblings. Mia once shared a cute picture of Quincy, who is now a mom, holding her precious and gorgeous kids, Coretta and Sawyer.
Mia’s Private Life
Mia now leads a private life in northwestern Connecticut. It is here that she raised her kids after her public legal drama with Woody ended.
In her little paradise, she lives with chickens and tends to her organic vegetable garden on a small lake. Recent pictures of Mia Farrow reveal that she has maintained her beauty and grace despite the passage of time.
These images also highlight her close and loving relationships with her grandchildren. Mia’s commitment to family keeps shining despite losing some of her kids and the difficult relationship she has with others.