From Actresses To Drummers: A Deep Dive Into The Five Children Of Phil Collins And Their Latest Ventures
Few rock stars command the same level of global recognition as Phil Collins, yet his private life—particularly his five children from three marriages—remains a source of immense public fascination. As of December 2025, the Collins dynasty is thriving, with his children forging their own successful paths in the entertainment industry, from award-winning Hollywood roles to carrying on the family's drumming legacy on the world stage. This deep dive uncovers the current projects and unique stories of Joely, Simon, Lily, Nicholas, and Matthew Collins, proving that musical talent and star power run deep in the family's DNA.
The journey of Phil Collins as a father is as complex and varied as his musical career, spanning decades and three different marriages. Each of his children has a distinct relationship with the legendary Genesis drummer and a burgeoning career that often intersects with the worlds of music and film, ensuring the Collins name remains a fixture in global pop culture.
The Complete Phil Collins Family Tree and Biography
Phil Collins, born on January 30, 1951, in Chiswick, London, is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, known both for his solo career and his work as the drummer and lead singer of the progressive rock band Genesis. His five children were born from three marriages, each contributing a unique chapter to his personal life story.
- First Marriage: Andrea Bertorelli (1975–1980)
- Joely Collins: Born August 8, 1972 (Age 53). Joely is the daughter of Andrea Bertorelli and was adopted by Phil Collins.
- Simon Collins: Born September 14, 1976 (Age 49). Simon is Phil and Andrea's biological son.
- Second Marriage: Jill Tavelman (1984–1996)
- Lily Collins: Born March 18, 1989 (Age 36). Lily is Phil and Jill’s daughter.
- Third Marriage: Orianne Cevey (1999–2008, reconciled and split again in 2020)
- Nicholas (Nic) Collins: Born April 21, 2001 (Age 24).
- Matthew Collins: Born December 16, 2004 (Age 21).
The Drummers: Simon and Nicholas Collins Carrying the Baton
It is perhaps unsurprising that two of Phil Collins' sons have followed him directly into the world of professional drumming and progressive rock, a genre Phil himself helped define. Both Simon and Nicholas Collins have made names for themselves not just as the sons of a legend, but as formidable musicians in their own right.
Simon Collins: The Prog Rock Architect
Simon Collins, the eldest son, has carved out a substantial career as a singer, songwriter, and drummer. He is known for his work in the progressive rock scene, often drawing comparisons to his father’s early work with Genesis.
His most recent and notable project is the band eMolecule, which he co-founded with his former Sound of Contact bandmate Kelly Nordstrom.
- Current Project: eMolecule’s debut album, The Architect, was released in February 2023, showcasing Simon’s continuing evolution in the prog metal/industrial electronica space.
- Style: Simon’s music often features complex rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes, firmly establishing him as a key figure in modern progressive rock.
Nicholas (Nic) Collins: The Next Generation of Genesis
Nicholas Collins, known as Nic, is the youngest drummer in the family but has perhaps the highest-profile musical gig. He stepped into his father’s iconic role as the drummer for Genesis during their highly anticipated "The Last Domino?" reunion tour.
Nic’s precision and musicality earned him widespread praise from critics and fans, proving he could handle the immense pressure of performing his father's complex drum parts.
- Main Focus: While touring with Genesis was a massive undertaking, Nic's primary focus is his own rock band, Better Strangers, where he serves as the drummer and a writer alongside his bandmates.
- Other Work: He has also played drums for Mike and the Mechanics, a band founded by Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford.
The Actresses: Lily and Joely Collins in Hollywood
While the sons have embraced the drum kit, two of Phil Collins' daughters have found their calling in front of and behind the camera, making significant waves in film and television on both sides of the border.
Lily Collins: The Global Star of 'Emily in Paris'
Lily Collins is arguably the most recognizable of the Collins children today, having achieved massive global success as an actress.
Her role as the titular character in the Netflix series Emily in Paris has made her a household name, blending fashion, romance, and comedy for a worldwide audience.
- Latest Updates (2025): Lily has recently wrapped filming on Season 5 of Emily in Paris and is reportedly enjoying life as a new mother.
- Upcoming Projects: She is also attached to the live-action film adaptation of Polly Pocket, a project co-developed by Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine.
- Other Notable Work: Beyond her TV success, Lily has starred in acclaimed films like Mank and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.
Joely Collins: The Canadian Film Veteran
The eldest of the Collins children, Joely Collins, is an accomplished actress, producer, and writer based in Canada and Europe. While she maintains a lower profile than her half-sister Lily, her career has been extensive and impactful in the Canadian film and television industry.
- Career Focus: Joely has been active in Hollywood and Canadian productions since the early 1990s, with a focus on dramatic roles and production work.
- Behind the Scenes: She has transitioned successfully into film production and writing, demonstrating a versatile talent that spans multiple facets of the entertainment business.
Matthew Collins: The Youngest and Most Private
Matthew Collins, the youngest of the five children, maintains the most private life, largely staying out of the public eye. Born in 2004, he is now 21 and is the son of Phil Collins and his third wife, Orianne Cevey.
Public glimpses of Matthew are rare, usually coming via social media posts from his older siblings or his father. In May 2024, a rare photo of him posing with his famous father was shared online, offering a heartwarming update on the family.
While his siblings have chosen careers in the spotlight, Matthew represents the quieter side of the Collins family, with his future career path yet to be widely revealed. His focus remains on his personal life and education, away from the constant attention that follows his highly famous family members.
Topical Authority: The Collins Legacy Continues
The lives of Phil Collins' children are a testament to the enduring influence of a creative powerhouse. From the rhythmic echo of the Genesis legacy in Nic and Simon’s drumming to the Hollywood glamour and production prowess of Lily and Joely, the Collins name is cemented across multiple entertainment sectors. The next generation is not just riding on the coattails of their father’s fame but actively building their own empires in music, film, and television, ensuring the family's topical authority in the cultural conversation remains strong for decades to come.
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