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Marlon Brando, the legendary actor famous for his iconic performances in movies like "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Apocalypse Now," and "The Godfather," left behind a lasting legacy not just in the film industry, but also through his children. In this article, we will delve into the captivating lives of the people who had the privilege of calling Marlon Brando their father.
The Tragic Stories of Christian and Cheyenne Brando
It is impossible to explore Marlon Brando's children without acknowledging the heart-wrenching tragedies that befell his beloved son and daughter, Christian and Cheyenne Brando. Christian, Marlon's first-born, battled addiction throughout his life. His turbulent childhood likely contributed to his struggles. Addiction consumed every aspect of his life, leading to estrangement from his mother and the disintegration of his marriage due to his own violent behavior. Despite all this, Christian's ex-wife, Deborah, revealed, "Everybody knew that Christian was Marlon's number one son. Marlon always wanted Christian to have a roof over his head and health insurance. He knew Christian couldn't take care of himself."
In May 1990, Christian's half-sister, Cheyenne, informed him that her fiancé, Dag Drollet, was physically abusing her. That night, Christian, heavily intoxicated, confronted Drollet with a gun. According to his testimony, Christian threatened him, and the gun accidentally discharged. Whether the shooting was intentional or not, it is undisputed that Christian fatally shot Drollet.
Cheyenne, who had struggled with severe mental health issues since her teenage years and was believed to be schizophrenic, later admitted that her allegations of abuse were false. Christian pleaded guilty to manslaughter and served time in prison from 1991 to 1996. Despite several attempts at recovery, Cheyenne tragically took her own life in her mother's home in 1995, at the young age of 25. She was laid to rest next to Drollet in Tahiti, leaving behind a son named Tuki Drollet, who is now making a name for himself as a model.
The Extensive Offspring of Marlon Brando
(Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
While there is some debate about the exact number of children Marlon Brando fathered, it is widely believed that he had at least 11 children, including three who were adopted. There may be more Brando offspring yet to be discovered. Let's explore what we know about Marlon Brando's confirmed children and their mothers.
Christian Brando
Marlon Brando married his first wife, actress Anna Kashfi, in 1957. The following year, Kashfi gave birth to their first child, Christian Brando.
Christian followed in his father's footsteps and pursued acting. He appeared in several films under the pseudonym Gary Brown, such as "I Love You, Alice B. Toklas!," "The Secret Life of an American Wife," and "Unmasked Part 25." However, Christian gained more notoriety for his violent tendencies. In 2005, his ex-wife, Deborah Brando, sued him for physical abuse and threats to her life while their young daughter was present. The case was settled in 2007. Sadly, Christian's life came to an end in 2008 due to pneumonia.
Miko Brando
Marlon Brando married actress Movita Castaneda in 1960. Their marriage was later annulled in 1968 due to Castaneda's previous marriage still being active. In 1961, Marlon and Castaneda had a son named Miko Brando.
Like his siblings, Miko entered the acting industry, appearing in movies such as "Inchon," "Pancho's Pizza," and even in Michael Jackson's iconic music videos for "Thriller" and "You Rock My World."
Simon Teihotu Brando
While still married to Castaneda, Marlon Brando wed his co-star from "Mutiny on the Bounty," Tarita Teriipaia, in 1962. They stayed married until 1972 and welcomed their son, Simon Teihotu, in 1963. Simon preferred to go by his middle name, Teihotu, and chose to avoid the spotlight unlike his older siblings. Instead, he dedicated himself to working at "The Brando," the family resort located in French Polynesia. Teihotu now has three children of his own.
Rebecca Brando
In 1966, Brando and Movita Castaneda had their second child, Rebecca. She explains, "He didn't want any of his kids to [get into show business]. It was taboo to talk about his career or acting." Rebecca respected her father's wishes and pursued a career as a Marriage and Family therapist, carrying on her father's legacy of environmental activism through her work with the Tetiaroa Society.
Tarita Cheyenne Brando
Marlon Brando and Tarita Teriipaia welcomed their daughter, Tarita Cheyenne Brando, in 1970. Cheyenne, known by her first name, pursued a career as a model. Unfortunately, her life took a tragic turn when her brother Christian shot and killed her fiance, Dag Drollet. Devastated by the loss, Cheyenne battled with depression, eventually ending her own life in 1995 at the age of 25.
Marlon's Other Children
Throughout his life, Marlon Brando had more children despite never remarrying. He entered into a relationship with his housekeeper, Maria Cristina Ruiz, and together they had three children.
Their first child, Ninna Priscilla Brando, was born in 1989 and has chosen to stay out of the public eye. In 1992, Marlon and Ruiz welcomed their second child, Myles, followed by their youngest, Timothy, in 1994. Both Myles and Timothy have chosen not to pursue careers in showbiz.
Additionally, Marlon adopted Petra Brando-Corval, the daughter of his assistant, Caroline Barrett, and novelist James Clavell. Petra was adopted by Marlon at the age of 14 to support her mother in a legal battle against her biological father. Marlon provided financial support for Petra, and she considered him her father. However, Marlon unexpectedly excluded Petra from his will just two weeks before his passing.
Marlon Brando's legacy extends beyond his remarkable acting career. The lives and stories of his children, filled with both joy and tragedy, offer a glimpse into the complex and intriguing world of the Brando family.
