Meet Chris O’Donnell’s 5 Talented Kids: Lily, Chip, Charlie, Finley, Maeve

Chris O’Donnell has always emphasized that family comes first. A father of five—Lily, Christopher, Charlie, Finley, and Maeve—Chris has managed to balance his Hollywood career with his role as a devoted dad, never letting his professional life overshadow his family responsibilities.

Having grown up in a large family with six siblings, Chris longed to have a big family of his own. This dream began to unfold in 1997 when he married his college sweetheart, Caroline Fentress. Just two years later, they welcomed their first child, Lily Anne O’Donnell, a moment that left Chris ecstatic. “It’s the most amazing feeling in the world to hold your child in your arms,” he shared in an interview with Rolling Stone. “I’d do anything for her.”

The couple eventually had four more children, each bringing their own unique joy to the O’Donnell household.

Their first son, Christopher Eugene O’Donnell Jr., affectionately known as Chip, was born in 2000. Following Chip were sons Charlie and Finley, born in 2003 and 2006, respectively, and their youngest daughter Maeve Frances O’Donnell completed the family in 2007.

“For sure, my top priority is family,” Chris has often stated, and he’s adhered to this belief through his actions. Following the birth of his children, Chris opted to step back from Hollywood to focus on his family. It wasn’t until he was offered a role in NCIS: Los Angeles that he made a return to acting, a role that allowed him to stay close to home.

Chris has often spoken about the fulfillment he gets from being a father. “Until you have children, you just have no idea what it means to love somebody,” he reflected during an appearance on “Who Do You Think You Are?” in 2013. His deep love for his children is evident in his words and the pride he takes in their achievements.

Lily Anne, the firstborn, arrived on September 3, 1999, while Chris was on location in New Zealand filming Vertical Limit. Despite the distance, Chris made it a point to be present for her birth, although it didn’t go exactly as planned. During a 2018 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Chris humorously recounted fainting in the delivery room.

Lily has always been interested in the arts. At 10, she briefly ventured into acting, appearing alongside her father and brother, Charlie, in an episode of NCIS: Los Angeles. Later, she pursued a degree in film and cinema studies at Boston College and has worked in various roles, including as a marketing intern in London. Currently, she’s employed in TV distribution at Lionsgate in New York City.

Born on October 24, 2000, Chip is known for his pride in his father’s accomplishments. Once, on an airplane, he loudly declared, “My dad was Robin in the Batman movie,” to the amusement of fellow passengers. Despite his initial admiration for his father’s career, Chip has always been passionate about sports. “He was obsessed with sports,” Chris shared with People. Today, Chip is in college, and his love for golf continues.

Interestingly, Chip remains the only O’Donnell child who hasn’t appeared on NCIS: Los Angeles due to a canceled cameo that was hindered by a COVID-19 outbreak on set.

Charlie, born on July 11, 2003, is the third O’Donnell child and seems to be following in his father’s acting footsteps. He made his debut in NCIS: Los Angeles portraying a younger version of his dad’s character. Charlie also plays golf, guitar, and performs on stage, showing a wide array of talents.