Meet Declan Welles: Brooke Burns’ Daughter And Her Life Beyond The Spotlight

In 2025, celebrity-child biographies continue to trend online because people are naturally curious about the lives of children born into Hollywood fame. Among these young personalities, Declan Welles stands out as one of the most talked-about celebrity kids. People often search her name to learn more about the adorable daughter of actress Brooke Burns and director Gavin O’Connor, two well-respected figures in the entertainment industry. Declan’s presence occasionally surfaces on her parents’ social media pages, sparking public fascination with her warm personality, close family bonds, and early life milestones. As the only biological child Brooke and Gavin share together, she represents a sweet combination of her mother’s charm and her father’s creative spirit. This article explores everything about Declan — her early life, parents, blended family, personality, schooling, media exposure, lifestyle, challenges, privileges, and what her future may look like as she continues growing up in a household shaped by love, creativity, and Hollywood legacy.

Bio Details: Declan Welles

Early Life & Background — Birth, Childhood, and Family Roots

Declan Welles was born on January 22, 2017, in Los Angeles, California, into a family already deeply connected to the entertainment industry. She carries a mixed Irish-English-Scottish heritage, inherited from both sides of her family tree. From the moment she entered the world, Declan was surrounded by creativity, success, and the pressures that naturally come with being the child of two well-known Hollywood figures. Despite this, her parents have always taken a very protective approach to raising her, ensuring that she experiences a childhood filled with warmth, privacy, and balance. Those who have seen glimpses of her on social media often describe her as cheerful, expressive, curious, and full of energy — a child who enjoys simple joys while being gently shielded from the spotlight. Her early years reflect a careful blend of normal family routines and the occasional brush with public attention due to her parents’ fame.

Growing Up in Los Angeles

Growing up in Los Angeles offers a unique environment for any child, especially one with parents in the entertainment world. Declan’s daily life includes school activities, outings with her parents, and playtime at home, but she also lives in a city filled with film studios, celebrity culture, and production environments that naturally influence her surroundings. Her parents ensure she experiences a childhood that feels ordinary despite the unusual nature of their careers. They celebrate her school achievements, take her on family trips, and involve her in daily routines that reinforce stability and grounded values. While LA can be fast-paced and glamorous, Brooke and Gavin work hard to create a peaceful space for Declan — one that helps her understand that fame is a part of their lives, but not the center of her identity.

Declan’s Parents — The Fame Behind Her Identity

Brooke Burns — Actress, Model, TV Host & Devoted Mother

Brooke Burns is a beloved American actress and TV personality best known for her roles in Baywatch, Shallow Hal, and her successful career as a game-show host on The Chase and Masterminds. Before motherhood, Brooke built a thriving career in Hollywood through modeling, acting, and hosting, earning admiration for her charisma, beauty, and professionalism. Today, she balances her media career with her dedication to raising her children, including Declan. Brooke’s social media often features joyful family moments, showing her pride in her youngest daughter’s milestones. Although she shares select photos, Brooke remains careful never to overexpose Declan to the public eye. Her parenting style blends affection, protection, and a strong desire to give her daughter a childhood filled with love and normal experiences.

Gavin O’Connor — Acclaimed Director & Storyteller

Gavin O’Connor is a highly respected filmmaker celebrated for directing critically acclaimed movies such as Warrior, The Accountant, Miracle, and The Way Back. With a career spanning decades, he is known for creating emotionally powerful stories and strong character-driven films. Outside of his professional achievements, Gavin is also a devoted father who values privacy and calmness at home. Despite his demanding career, he remains actively involved in Declan’s life and ensures she grows up in a nurturing environment. Friends and industry colleagues often describe Gavin as thoughtful, grounded, and deeply committed to his family. His influence helps provide stability, creativity, and emotional strength in Declan’s upbringing.

A Blended Family — Siblings and Household Dynamics

Declan is part of a loving blended family that includes two older half-sisters who play meaningful roles in her life. Although they come from different sides of her parents’ previous relationships, the siblings share a warm bond built on affection, respect, and shared experiences. Brooke and Gavin have always emphasized togetherness within their household, ensuring all their children feel valued and connected. This blended dynamic enriches Declan’s upbringing and helps her grow up surrounded by the guidance of older siblings who care deeply for her.

Madison Elizabeth McMahon — Older Half-Sister

Madison Elizabeth, born in 2000, is the daughter of Brooke Burns and her former husband, actor Julian McMahon. She is a talented volleyball player who has competed for various teams and now plays at Wake Forest University. Madison is known for her calm, artistic personality and enjoys a close relationship with Declan. Despite their age difference, the bond between them is sweet and affectionate, highlighted in occasional family photos that show Madison spending quality time with her younger sister.

Bronwen O’Connor — Gavin’s Older Daughter

Bronwen, Gavin’s daughter from a previous relationship, also shares a loving connection with Declan. Born in the early 2000s, she has appeared in a few of her father’s projects, showing early interest in acting. Bronwen and Declan enjoy a playful, sibling-like closeness. Whenever the family gathers, Bronwen’s presence always adds warmth, helping Declan feel supported by both sides of her blended family. Their bond is strengthened by shared activities, family events, and their mutual admiration for each other.

Education & Early Interests — The Beginning of Her Learning Journey

Declan is currently in the early stages of her education, having entered kindergarten and slowly progressing through elementary school. Her parents celebrate her learning milestones with pride — from her first day of school to her creative achievements in art and reading. While still too young to choose a specific direction, Declan shows growing curiosity about the world, often engaging in activities such as drawing, dancing, or outdoor games. Although she is occasionally exposed to her parents’ Hollywood work environments, Brooke and Gavin keep her schooling and personal interests separate from the entertainment industry, allowing her to grow at her own pace without expectations.

Personality & Public Image — How the World Sees Declan Welles

Declan’s personality shines through in the rare glimpses the public receives. She is described as warm, lively, affectionate, and full of natural charm — traits that make her stand out whenever she appears in family photos. Her expressive nature and bright smile often capture the hearts of Brooke’s followers online. Fans admire her innocence and joyful spirit, while also respecting the boundaries set by her parents. Although the media occasionally mentions her due to her parents’ fame, she is not treated as a public figure, but rather as a beloved part of a Hollywood family.

Media Presence — A Child Growing Up in the Spotlight

Declan’s media presence is intentionally limited. Brooke Burns shares selective, thoughtfully chosen photos of her daughter, offering only small glimpses into her life. These posts usually celebrate birthdays, school milestones, or family moments. Brooke and Gavin actively keep paparazzi at a distance and avoid overexposing Declan online. This approach allows their daughter to enjoy a semi-private upbringing — a balance between the public curiosity surrounding her family and the need for a secure childhood.

Notable Public Appearances

Declan has appeared a few times in public events, most notably when accompanying her mother to studio tapings such as Hallmark’s “Home & Family.” These appearances are rare but memorable, allowing fans to see her sweet and bubbly personality. Red carpet events are not a regular part of her life, reflecting her parents’ intention to keep her grounded.

Lifestyle, Net Worth & Financial Outlook

As a child, Declan has no personal net worth, but she enjoys a comfortable lifestyle supported by her parents’ successful careers. Brooke Burns has an estimated net worth of $5 million, thanks to her long career in acting and television hosting. Gavin’s career as a writer, director, and producer also contributes to a multi-million-dollar household. Despite their wealth, the family leads a grounded lifestyle focused on love, stability, and emotional well-being rather than luxury or material excess.

Challenges & Privileges of Being a Celebrity Child

Growing up with famous parents comes with both blessings and pressures. On one hand, Declan enjoys access to excellent education, travel experiences, creative environments, and inspiring mentors. On the other hand, celebrity children often face challenges such as reduced anonymity, media attention, and expectations from the public. Brooke and Gavin carefully navigate these dynamics, teaching Declan to stay confident, humble, and true to herself despite the attention surrounding her family name.

Future Possibilities — What Could Declan Become?

Declan’s future is filled with endless possibilities. With artistic influences from her mother and storytelling talent from her father, she may naturally gravitate toward acting, directing, modeling, or any creative field. However, she may also choose a completely different path — from academics to sports to science — supported by her parents’ encouragement to explore her own identity. What remains certain is that Declan’s stable upbringing will help her grow into a confident and capable young woman.

Conclusion

As she continues to grow, Declan Welles stands at the heart of a beautiful blend of creativity, love, and family heritage. Her childhood — shaped by the guidance of Brooke Burns and Gavin O’Connor — reflects a thoughtful balance between Hollywood fame and real-world grounding. This is why she remains a figure of public curiosity, even at a young age. With a bright personality, a supportive blended family, and access to opportunities, Declan’s future is full of promise. Whether she chooses the spotlight or life behind the scenes, her journey is already inspiring people who admire her gentle presence and the strong family bonds that surround her.

FAQs About Declan Welles

1. Who is Declan Welles?

Declan Welles is the daughter of actress Brooke Burns and filmmaker Gavin O’Connor. She was born on January 22, 2017, and is known for being part of a Hollywood family while being raised mostly out of the spotlight.

2. How old is Declan Welles?

Declan Welles is 8 years old as of 2025. She was born on January 22, 2017, in Los Angeles, California.

3. Who are Declan Welles’ parents?

Her mother is Brooke Burns, an actress and TV host, and her father is Gavin O’Connor, a well-known film director, writer, and producer.

4. Does Declan Welles have any siblings?

Yes. Declan has two older half-sisters—Madison Elizabeth McMahon from her mother’s side and Bronwen O’Connor from her father’s side.

5. Does Declan Welles appear in movies or TV shows?

No. Declan Welles has not appeared in any films or TV shows. Her parents prefer to keep her life private and allow her to enjoy a normal childhood away from the entertainment industry.

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