Declan Welles: A Closer Look at Her Life, Family Background, and Growing Up in a Hollywood Household

Declan Welles is widely recognized as the young daughter of actress Brooke Burns and filmmaker Gavin O’Connor. Although she is still a child, public curiosity about her life continues to grow due to her parents’ well-established careers in the entertainment industry. Declan Welles represents a new generation of celebrity children whose lives attract attention while their parents carefully balance privacy and public interest.

In this detailed guide, we explore the background, family life, upbringing, and media attention surrounding Declan Welles, along with insights into what it means to grow up in a Hollywood household.

Early Life and Background of Declan Welles

Declan Welles was born on January 22, 2017, in Los Angeles, California, United States. Being born into a family connected to film and television placed her in the public eye from an early age. However, despite her family’s fame, her upbringing has largely remained private.

As of 2025, Declan Welles is eight years old. She is growing up in Los Angeles, a city known for its entertainment culture and celebrity communities. While many celebrity children are frequently seen in the media, Declan Welles has experienced a more protected childhood, thanks to her parents’ deliberate approach to privacy.

Some key facts about Declan Welles include:

• Full name: Declan Welles O’Connor
• Date of birth: January 22, 2017
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
• Nationality: American
• Known for: Being the daughter of Brooke Burns and Gavin O’Connor

Although Declan Welles does not have her own public career or social media presence, interest in her life continues to increase due to her family background.

The Family Background of Declan Welles

The story of Declan Welles cannot be understood without looking at her family. Both of her parents are accomplished professionals in the entertainment industry.

Her mother, Brooke Burns, is an American actress, model, and television host. She gained recognition for her role in the popular television series Baywatch and later became widely known as the host of the quiz show The Chase. Brooke Burns has built a strong reputation in both acting and television presenting, which naturally brings public interest to her family life.

Her father, Gavin O’Connor, is a respected filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter. He is known for directing films such as Warrior, Miracle, and The Accountant. His work in Hollywood has earned critical acclaim and established him as a prominent figure in the film industry.

Because of their successful careers, Declan Welles has grown up in a household surrounded by creativity, storytelling, and artistic influence.

A Blended Family Environment

Declan Welles is part of a blended family. She has half-siblings from her parents’ previous relationships.

• Madison Elizabeth McMahon is her half-sister from Brooke Burns’ earlier marriage.
• Bronwen O’Connor is her half-sister from Gavin O’Connor’s previous relationship.

Growing up in a blended family offers unique experiences. For Declan Welles, this likely means learning about relationships, shared traditions, and strong sibling bonds from an early age. Blended families in Hollywood often navigate busy schedules and public attention, but they also create supportive family networks.

The presence of older siblings can provide guidance and companionship, helping Declan Welles enjoy a balanced childhood despite her family’s public profile.

Growing Up in a Hollywood Household

Being born into a family connected to Hollywood comes with both advantages and challenges. Declan Welles has access to opportunities and experiences that many children do not, but her parents appear committed to ensuring she has a grounded upbringing.

Growing up in Los Angeles means being close to film studios, production sets, and industry events. However, Declan Welles is not frequently seen at red carpet appearances or public events. This suggests that her parents are focused on maintaining normalcy in her life.

Children of celebrities often experience:

• Increased media attention
• Public curiosity about their daily lives
• Limited privacy
• Access to unique educational and cultural opportunities

In the case of Declan Welles, her parents have managed to reduce unnecessary public exposure while still sharing occasional family moments.

Privacy and Public Interest

One of the most notable aspects of Declan Welles’ upbringing is the balance between public visibility and privacy. In today’s digital era, many celebrity families share regular updates on social media. However, Brooke Burns and Gavin O’Connor have chosen a more measured approach.

Declan Welles does not have public social media accounts, and her appearances online are limited to carefully selected family photos shared by her mother. This controlled exposure helps protect her from excessive media scrutiny.

This parenting style reflects a growing trend among celebrities who prefer to:

• Limit their children’s online presence
• Share only meaningful milestones
• Avoid constant media coverage
• Prioritize emotional well-being over publicity

As a result, Declan Welles enjoys a childhood that appears relatively private compared to many other celebrity children.

Education and Childhood Milestones

At her current age, Declan Welles is likely focused on her education and early childhood experiences. While specific details about her schooling remain private, it is common for families in Los Angeles to enroll their children in reputable private or community-based schools.

Childhood milestones such as starting school, celebrating birthdays, and participating in family traditions are occasionally acknowledged through family posts. These moments give a glimpse into the life of Declan Welles without revealing too much personal information.

Education plays an essential role in shaping any child’s future. For Declan Welles, growing up in a supportive household with creative influences may inspire her interests, whether in the arts or another field entirely.

Financial Background and Lifestyle

Since Declan Welles is still a child, she does not have an independent career or personal net worth. However, she benefits from the financial stability of her parents.

Brooke Burns has an estimated net worth of several million dollars due to her acting and hosting career. Gavin O’Connor’s work as a director and producer has also contributed significantly to the family’s financial position.

This financial security likely provides:

• Comfortable living conditions
• Access to quality education
• Travel opportunities
• Exposure to cultural and artistic experiences

Despite these advantages, the family appears to emphasize privacy and normalcy rather than a lavish public lifestyle.

Media Curiosity and Online Searches

Interest in Declan Welles has grown over time, particularly among fans of Brooke Burns and Gavin O’Connor. Many online searches revolve around questions about her age, family background, and daily life.

The curiosity surrounding Declan Welles reflects a broader fascination with celebrity families. Readers often want to understand how public figures balance fame with parenting responsibilities.

Some of the common areas of interest include:

• Her relationship with her parents
• Whether she will pursue a career in entertainment
• Details about her siblings
• Insights into her daily life

Although there is no indication that Declan Welles is pursuing acting or filmmaking at this stage, growing up in a creative household could influence her future interests.

The Influence of Her Parents’ Careers

Both Brooke Burns and Gavin O’Connor have worked on projects that require dedication, creativity, and strong storytelling skills. Being raised in such an environment may shape the perspective of Declan Welles as she grows older.

Children often absorb values from their parents, such as:

• Work ethic
• Discipline
• Creativity
• Professional commitment

While it is too early to predict her career path, the influence of her parents’ achievements may provide inspiration and guidance.

What the Future May Hold for Declan Welles

As Declan Welles continues to grow, public curiosity is likely to remain strong. However, her future remains entirely open. She may choose to follow in her parents’ footsteps or pursue a completely different path.

Some possible directions her life could take include:

• Exploring the arts or entertainment industry
• Choosing a career outside of Hollywood
• Maintaining a private lifestyle away from the spotlight

Ultimately, the choices of Declan Welles will depend on her personal interests and the guidance she receives from her family.

Conclusion

Declan Welles may be young, but her connection to two respected figures in the entertainment world has placed her in the public eye. Born in Los Angeles in 2017, she is growing up in a supportive and creative household led by Brooke Burns and Gavin O’Connor. Despite the natural curiosity surrounding her life, her parents have chosen to prioritize privacy and balance.

Through a careful approach to media exposure, Declan Welles enjoys a childhood that appears grounded and protected. As she continues to grow, public interest will likely follow, but her story remains one shaped by family values, creativity, and thoughtful parenting. Whether she steps into the spotlight one day or chooses a quieter path, Declan Welles represents a new generation growing up at the intersection of fame and family life.