‘Friends’ Star Matt LeBlanc’s Daughter Had a Devastating Brain Condition – What Does She Look like Now at 20 with Red Hair?
Matt LeBlanc made a significant choice to step back from his career to focus on his daughter, who battled a health condition when she was younger. She has since overcome her challenges and is now thriving as a young woman. Curious to see how she’s grown? Check out her recent photos!
Matt LeBlanc, best known for his role in “Friends,” shares a child with his ex-wife, Melissa McKnight. The couple married in May 2003 and welcomed their daughter, Marina Pearl LeBlanc, in February 2004. She was born with a delicate condition, but over time, her health has greatly improved.
Melissa McKnight and Matt LeBlanc pictured on their wedding day on May 3, 2003 in Kilauea, Hawaii. | Sources: Getty Images
Marina faced significant challenges in her early years when doctors diagnosed her with cortical dysplasia, a condition that affects the brain, bones, and motor skills. Those with this sickness often have difficulty walking and are prone to seizures.
Matt LeBlanc attends Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2022 CHLA Gala on October 8, 2022, in Santa Monica, California. | Sources: Getty Images
At just 11 months old, Marina’s doctors diagnosed her and cautioned that the condition had also impacted her vocal cords, potentially affecting her ability to speak. At the same time, Matt’s marriage to British model Melissa crumbled amid rumors of infidelity. However, his main concern was his daughter’s illness.
Matt LeBlanc and Melissa McKnight attend the HBO Los Angeles premiere of “The Comeback,” 2005 | Sources: Getty Images
He once, “My daughter was diagnosed with a problem with her head. It was a very dark period. But I got through it. Don’t they say what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger?”
Matt focused all his energy on Marina during this tough period. He first noticed something was wrong when she would fall to her left side while crawling.
Matt LeBlanc during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on January 24, 2019 | Sources: Getty Images
Adding to the stress of the diagnosis, a nanny leaked the story to the press. “We had a nanny who sold the story about my daughter to the papers. It was a very dark period,” the father of onein a January 2011 interview.
Matt LeBlanc attends the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards on September 18, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Sources: Getty Images
Despite the chaos in his life at the time, the television star made it his mission to prioritize his daughter, putting his career on hold. “I was so burned out after ‘Joey,’ I just didn’t want to work,” Mattabout the “Friends” spin-off show that was axed after only two seasons.
Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Joey,” 2004 | Sources: Getty Images
“I wanted to not have a schedule, not be somewhere. And I was in a position where I could do that. I wanted to spend time with my daughter. She is the most important thing in my life, and spending that time with her was the best thing I have ever done,” he.
Matt LeBlanc speaks at the “Episodes” panel during the Showtime portion of the Winter TCA press tour on January 14, 2011, in Pasadena, California. | Sources: Getty Images
As for his marriage to Melissa, it ended in October 2006, after three years. In an unusual move in Hollywood, Matt reportedly did not hire a lawyer for the divorce proceedings.
Melissa McKnight and Matt LeBlanc at the 31st Annual People’s Choice Awards on January 9, 2005, in Pasadena, California. | Sources: Getty Images
The couple remained on good terms and shared joint custody of Marina, who split her time between her parents. Thankfully, the youngster eventually outgrew her medical condition.
Melissa McKnight and Matt LeBlanc attend Showtime’s “Episodes” Season 2 premiere on June 19, 2012, in West Hollywood, California. | Sources: Getty Images
Her famous father was proud to discuss her interests during an interview once when she was only 12 years old. Asked what his daughter was interested in at the time, Matt, “Horses and Rihanna.”
Matt LeBlanc visits “Extra” at Universal Studios Hollywood on November 7, 2016, in Universal City, California. | Sources: Getty Images
In fact, Marina was already riding at a young age and even participated in jumping competitions at that age. On a funny note, the actor once revealed that his daughter had requested to have Rihanna attend her birthday, and he assured her he would make it happen.
Rihanna attends The Fashion Awards on December 2, 2019, in London, England. | Sources: Getty Images
During a January 2017 interview on the now-defunct “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Matt was asked whether his daughter thinks he’s cool since he’s a celebrity.
“I don’t think she thinks I’m too cool, no,” he. The Hollywood star shared that Marina’s friends at school were watching “Friends,” but she wasn’t interested and didn’t care much about it. However, he did mention that she has seen the show herself and is hard to impress.
(L-R) David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Friends,” 2001 | Sources: Getty Images
Matt, who played Joey Tribbiani on “Friends” from 1994 to 2004 alongsideand, talked about his daughter Marina’s reaction to seeing him on the show in a February 2018 interview. The TV star shared that Marina enjoys watching reruns with him, especially when the show pops up while flipping through channels.
Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Friends,” 1994 | Sources: Getty Images
He, “She loves to ask me questions about it. She’ll say: ‘Was that real? Did you really eat that? What did that taste like? Ooh, you ate that off the floor? That’s gross! You’re so funny, Dad.'” Matt also mentioned that for a while, Marina used to call his sitcom the “The Joey Tribbiani Show” before she learned its proper name.
Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Friends,” 1996 | Sources: Getty Images
Through his showbiz career, the actor’s daughter has had the chance to meet other public figures. While filming “Top Gear” in London, Matt, his daughter, and stepdaughter, attended a Bruce Springsteen concert at Wembley Stadium.
They later went backstage to meet Bruce and discovered Prince Harry was also there. By the end of the evening, the British royal gave both girls goodnight kisses on their cheeks, leaving them in awe. Matt recalled that this gesture alone truly impressed Marina.
Prince Harry visits the Victoria Park Botanical Gardens on November 22, 2016, in Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda. | Sources: Getty Images
The actor has always cherished the time spent with his daughter, especially when she. He made it a priority to engage in activities that would keep them connected and away from screens.
Matt and Marina LeBlanc spotted at the airport on June 16, 2019 | Sources: YouTube.com/X17onlineVideo
Whether they were making breakfast together, going horseback riding, or hiking, the doting dad ensured they spent plenty of time outdoors.
Matt once reflected on their close relationship and, “Spending time with her is the best thing I’ve ever done. We have a great bond and it’s the best thing in my life.”
When Marina was a baby, Matt’s busy work schedule often kept him away from home. However, whenever he returned, he made sure to spend quality time with her. One of his cherished routines wasbeside her until she drifted off to sleep, making the most of their moments together.
Marina, now 20, was recently seen out and about with her father, Matt, in a rare public appearance. In September 2024, the father-daughter duo was spotted shopping for cars in Los Angeles. The actor kept things casual, dressed in light wash jeans, a black T-shirt paired with a navy blue and white Ferrari trucker hat, and sporty black sunglasses, showing off his white-bearded look.
Meanwhile, Marina complemented her dad’s laid-back style. She, light blue cargo-pocket jeans, a short-sleeved gray T-shirt, and light-colored sneakers. The two were seen browsing the selection at RPM Motors, a luxury used car dealership.
Just days earlier, on September 7, the actoralone at another car showroom. He kept his look casual, wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and a navy blue baseball cap. The outing came almost a year after the passing of his “Friends” co-star,.
Matt was the first of the cast to express his condolences publicly. Heabout his friendship with Matthew, stating that the times they shared were truly some of his most cherished memories.
After being spotted, a source claimed that the actor’s reclusiveness has concerned the rest of his former co-stars. “Jen and all the Central Perk crew are worried about him being so withdrawn,” the insiderand added that his “Friends” are eager to reconnect and help him regain his spark.
On October 29, Matt wasin Los Angeles, smoking while standing by his car. Dressed in a wrinkled black T-shirt, dark jeans, and blue Asics sneakers with neon green accents, the actor appeared thoughtful and reserved.
Despite maintaining a low profile, his commitment to family remains a constant in his life. In addition to being a devoted father to Marina, Matt has continued to be deeply involved in the lives of his ex-wife’s two other children, Jacquelyn and Tyler. He frequently expresses pride in their accomplishments, which is a reflection of the close bond they share.
He once shared that Tyler works as a sound engineer in a recording studio while Jacquelyn has pursued a design degree, and he couldn’t be prouder of her dedication and hard work.
unwavering dedication to his daughter Marina and his involvement in the lives of Jacquelyn and Tyler shows his commitment to family. Through the ups and downs, his bond with them remains the most cherished part of his life.
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