Phinnaeus Moder is the eldest son of Hollywood actress Julia Roberts and cinematographer Daniel Moder, born as one half of a twin pair alongside his sister, Hazel. Known to family and friends as Finn, he has grown up largely away from the cameras despite being the child of one of the most recognisable actresses in film history. His story matters because it offers a rare glimpse into how a major celebrity chooses to raise her children outside the glare of fame, and because fans continue to search for updates on his life as he moves further into adulthood. This article covers everything currently known about Phinnaeus Moder, from his birth and family background to his personality, education and the values his parents have instilled in him.
Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Phinnaeus Walter Moder |
| Also Known As | Finn |
| Date of Birth | 28 November 2004 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Age (2026) | 21 |
| Mother | Julia Roberts, actress |
| Father | Daniel Moder, cinematographer |
| Twin Sister | Hazel Patricia Moder |
| Younger Brother | Henry Daniel Moder |
| Notable Appearance | Mother’s Day (2016) |
| Public Profile | Private, no known social media accounts |
| Interests | Surfing and water sports |
Who Is Phinnaeus Moder?
Phinnaeus Walter Moder, born on 28 November 2004 in Los Angeles, California, is the son of Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder. He shares his birthday with his fraternal twin sister, Hazel Patricia Moder, making the pair Roberts’ firstborn children. The couple later welcomed a third child, Henry Daniel Moder, in June 2007.
Julia Roberts explained the origin of her son’s name during a 2009 appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly. Daniel Moder wanted to call their son Finn, a name Roberts liked but felt worked better as a nickname. The couple settled on Phinnaeus as the formal name, allowing them to use Finn day to day.
Family Background
Julia Roberts, an Academy Award winner best known for films such as Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich and Mona Lisa Smile, met Daniel Moder on the set of The Mexican in 2000. Moder, a respected cinematographer with credits including The Forgotten and Jesus Henry Christ, married Roberts in a private ceremony on 4 July 2002 at her ranch near Taos, New Mexico.
The family has moved between several homes over the years, including properties in Malibu, New York City, San Francisco and Taos. Roberts has spoken often about prioritising a stable, ordinary upbringing for her children rather than one shaped by red carpets and publicity.
Phinnaeus Moder’s Twin Sister, Hazel
Hazel Moder, Phinnaeus’ twin, has taken small steps into the public eye that her brother has largely avoided. She attended the Cannes Film Festival in 2021 and has occasionally accompanied her mother to industry events. Physically, the twins are often described as opposites, with Phinnaeus inheriting his father’s red hair and Hazel known for her blonde colouring.
Despite their different levels of public visibility, Roberts has described both twins as close and grounded, crediting their upbringing for keeping them level-headed despite their family’s fame.
A Private, Low-Key Upbringing
Roberts has been open in interviews about running a household with clear boundaries. She has described herself as a strict mother who expects her children, including Phinnaeus, to handle everyday responsibilities such as making their beds, doing laundry and cooking simple meals rather than relying on her success.
This approach has meant Phinnaeus has stayed almost entirely out of tabloids and social media. He does not appear to hold any known public social media accounts, a deliberate choice that aligns with his parents’ broader effort to shield their children from unnecessary scrutiny.
Rare Public Appearances
Although Phinnaeus keeps a low profile, he has appeared in public a handful of times. He featured, alongside his siblings, in his mother’s 2016 film Mother’s Day, playing one of the children in a market scene. He also travelled with his mother during the filming of Eat Pray Love, with the family’s time in India often cited as one of his most memorable childhood experiences.
Julia Roberts has occasionally shared throwback photographs of the twins on Instagram to mark their birthdays, offering fans brief, nostalgic glimpses of Phinnaeus as a baby rather than as he looks today.
How Old Is Phinnaeus Moder Now?
Phinnaeus Moder turned 21 on 28 November 2025, making him 21 years old as of 2026. He is currently understood to be pursuing his education, though his parents have kept specifics about his college life and course of study private.
Personality and Interests
Reports describe Phinnaeus as an outdoors enthusiast who enjoys water sports and surfing, at times training alongside his mother. Friends and family have also noted his sense of humour, including his habit of referring to himself as a redheaded “ranga” in a light-hearted nod to his hair colour.
Final Thoughts
Phinnaeus Moder represents a quiet counterpoint to the usual celebrity-child narrative. Rather than growing up in front of cameras, he has been raised with structure, privacy and normal family responsibilities, largely thanks to his parents’ shared commitment to shielding their children from fame. While details about his adult life remain scarce, what is clear is that Phinnaeus has grown into early adulthood on his own terms, out of the spotlight his mother has occupied for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Phinnaeus Moder’s parents?
Phinnaeus Moder is the son of actress Julia Roberts and cinematographer Daniel Moder, who married in 2002.
When was Phinnaeus Moder born?
He was born on 28 November 2004 in Los Angeles, California, alongside his twin sister, Hazel.
Does Phinnaeus Moder have siblings?
Yes. He has a twin sister, Hazel Patricia Moder, and a younger brother, Henry Daniel Moder, born in 2007.
Is Phinnaeus Moder on social media?
No, he does not appear to have any known public social media accounts, reflecting his family’s preference for privacy.
What does Phinnaeus Moder do now?
He is understood to be continuing his education while keeping his personal and academic life largely out of the public eye.
