When people look back at Hollywood icon Cybill Shepherd's career—from The Last Picture Show to Moonlighting—they often wonder about her family life behind the scenes. Cybill Shepherd shares three children from two marriages: her eldest daughter, Clementine, and fraternal twins, Ariel and Cyrus. While their mother spent decades in the public eye, her children carved out distinct paths in acting, writing, education, and private life.
Understanding who her kids are, what they do for a living, and how they navigate life away from constant tabloid scrutiny provides a complete picture of the family. Let's look closely at Clementine Ford, Molly "Ariel" Shepherd-Oppenheim, and Cyrus Zachariah Shepherd-Oppenheim.
Clementine Ford: Acting, Family, and Public Life
Born on June 29, 1979, Clementine Ford is Cybill Shepherd's firstborn child, shared with her first husband, nightclub entertainer and auto parts dealer David M. Ford. Growing up with a famous mother meant Clementine was exposed to the entertainment industry early on, eventually deciding to follow her into acting.
- Early Career and Milestones: Clementine made her television debut in 1998 on her mother's sitcom Cybill. That same year, she was named Miss Golden Globe.
- Notable Roles: She gained wider recognition for her television work, including playing Molly Kroll on Showtime's The L Word alongside her mother, as well as roles in daytime television and independent film projects.
- Personal Life: Clementine married actor Cyrus Wilcox in April 2013, and the couple shares two children born in 2014 and 2016. She has also spoken openly about navigating public interest in her personal life, including coming out as bisexual in 2009.
Molly "Ariel" Shepherd-Oppenheim: Behind the Scenes in Animation
Born on October 6, 1987, Ariel is the twin sister of Cyrus, welcomed during Cybill Shepherd's second marriage to chiropractor Bruce Oppenheim. While her mother and older half-sister chose work in front of the camera, Ariel found her stride behind the scenes as a talented television writer and producer.
- Creative Career: Ariel works primarily in animation and comedy writing. According to her industry credits, she has contributed to popular animated series including Futurama and other streaming hits.
- Family Life: Professionally known by her middle name Ariel, she married fashion photographer Eliza Ladensohn in 2019 in a ceremony featured by The New York Times. The couple shares a son, Wyatt Graham Ladensohn.
- Low-Profile Success: Unlike performers who court constant media attention, Ariel maintains a career focused purely on creative storytelling, letting her writing credits speak for themselves.
Cyrus Zachariah Shepherd-Oppenheim: Choosing a Quiet Path
Cyrus is Ariel's twin brother, born in October 1987 to Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Oppenheim. Of all three siblings, Cyrus has kept the lowest public profile, largely staying out of the entertainment industry.
- Education and Career: After attending the University of Pennsylvania, Cyrus chose a path centered around teaching and education, deliberately stepping away from Hollywood's glare.
- Media Scrutiny: Because children of celebrities rarely get total privacy, Cyrus experienced media attention following a minor legal incident as a college student in 2010, which was later resolved and expunged. Since then, he has maintained a quiet, private life focused on his professional endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the fathers of Cybill Shepherd's children?
Cybill Shepherd has children from two marriages. Her eldest daughter, Clementine, was born to her first husband, David M. Ford. Her twins, Ariel and Cyrus, were born during her marriage to her second husband, Bruce Oppenheim.
Did any of Cybill Shepherd's children become actors?
Yes. Clementine Ford pursued acting professionally, appearing in shows like The L Word and The Young and the Restless. Her twin sister, Ariel, works in the industry as a writer and producer for animated television series.
What do Cybill Shepherd's twins do?
Ariel works as a TV writer and producer in Los Angeles, while her twin brother, Cyrus, pursued a career in education and teaching while keeping a low public profile.
How many grandchildren does Cybill Shepherd have?
Cybill Shepherd is a grandmother through her eldest daughter Clementine, who has two children with her husband Cyrus Wilcox, and through her daughter Ariel, who welcomed a son with her spouse Eliza Ladensohn.
