The Drop Dead Gorgeous actress seems to have passed down her creative talents to her two children as they’ve both opted for creative careers – her eldest in the music industry and her youngest on-screen. Together with then-husband Gabriel Byrne, of The Man in the Iron Mask fame, she welcomed her two kids in the ’90s, during the height of her career.
Keep reading to find out more about the careers and lives of her two children, her marriage to Little Women‘s Gabriel Byrne and what the actress is up to now.
© Getty ImagesEllen and Gabriel were married for over a decade
Marriage to Gabriel Byrne
Ellen tied the knot with The Usual Suspects and Little Women actor Gabriel Byrne in 1988. During their marriage they welcomed two children, their first in 1989 and their second in 1992. The pair divorced in 1999.
Following their separation, Ellen married businessman Ronald Perelman in 2000. They parted ways six years later in 2006.
Jack Byrne is a musician and the eldest child shared by Gabriel and Ellen
Jack Daniel Byrne, 36
Jack Daniel Byrne, the eldest child and only son of Ellen Barkin, was born on 28 October 1989. He works as a blues musician and guitarist, describing himself on Instagram as a “Singer, Songwriter, and Music Educator”.
Jack posted a snapshot from his wedding to wife Molly on 10 September 2025, a year after their engagement on 29 August 2024.
© WireImage via Getty ImagesRomy has pursued a career on the screen, surely inspired by her parent’s success
Romy Marion Byrne, 33
Romy Marion Byrne is the younger child of Gabriel and Ellen, born on 18 November 1992, and has followed in her famous parent’s footsteps onto the stage.
She is best known for 2017 hit series Friends from College and appearing in a 2018 episode of Strangers. Romy also appeared alongside Andie MacDowell and Chris O’Dowd in 2017 romantic drama Love After Love.
© Getty ImagesEllen was last active in the industry in 2023 and was a strong presence during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes
Where is she now?
Ellen has several recent projects to her name including roles in The Out-Laws (2023), Poker Face (2023), The Man From Toronto (2022) and Breaking News in Yuba County (2021).
In 2023, Ellen joined SAG-AFTRA and WGA members on strike on 14 September. Other stars present included Oscar Isaac, Letitia James and Ezra Knight.
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