Discovering The Starman’s Lineage: All About David Bowie’s Children and Family Life

Credits: TheSun, SZ, RogerEbert.com

During the 20th century, David Bowie revolutionized the music scene, infusing rock and roll with theatrical spectacle and uncanny imaginativeness through his iconic Ziggy Stardust persona in the glory days of the 70s. 

Beyond that decade, Bowie consistently defied expectations, continually expanding the conceivable scope of popular music. When he succumbed to cancer in 2016 at the mere age of 69, the profound grief that swept the nation underscored the depth of his influence. The impact he made on music and countless artists over his illustrious career solidified Bowie’s legacy.

In addition to his musical contributions, he left behind an equally significant personal legacy: his two children. But who are they? What paths have they embarked on now? Here’s everything you need to know:

Bowie’s First Son: Duncan Jones, the Award-Winning Director

Born Duncan Zowie Haywood Jones on May 30, 1971, in London, he holds the distinct honor of being David Bowie’s first child, born of his union with his former spouse, Angie. 

While David Bowie, often absent due to his active career, did not release his iconic Ziggy Stardust until a year after Duncan’s arrival, he was nonetheless a devoted father. Duncan’s upbringing comprised frequent relocations, including extended stays in Vevey, Switzerland, and Berlin, Germany.

When his parents divorced, Duncan was entrusted to the care of his father, living under his roof until his enrollment at Gordonstoun, a co-educational boarding school in Scotland. Duncan maintained a close relationship with his father throughout his adolescence and early adulthood, even filling the pivotal role of the best man at his father’s wedding to Iman in 1992.

Upon graduation from Gordonstoun, Duncan relocated to the U.S. for university education, graduating from the College of Wooster in Ohio with a Bachelor’s Degree in philosophy. Even while pursuing a Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University, Duncan found his calling in filmmaking, turning to the London Film School, where he graduated in 2001.

Though debatable, it has been suggested that Duncan initially aspired to be a professional wrestler—an ambition even acknowledged by David Bowie. Duncan and his late father shared a deep interest in science, space, and futurism, themes that are prominently displayed in Duncan’s productions.

Like many, Duncan’s film career began humbly, working various jobs within the industry. Additionally, he was called upon to film significant events in his father’s career, including his televised 50th birthday party and two BowieNet concerts in 2000.

His moment in the spotlight came in 2009 with the release of his debut film, Moon. The film was commended by critics and received multiple nominations, with victories including Best British Independent Film and the Douglas Hickox Award.

Duncan continues to add more films to his résumé, such as Source Code (2011), Warcraft (2016), and Mute (2018). He currently is focused on a film based on the 2000 AD Comics character Rogue Trooper.

Beyond his professional achievements, Duncan’s personal life includes a private marriage to photographer Rodene Roquillo, and their two children, Stenton (born in 2016), and Zowie (born in 2018). The family currently resides in Los Angeles. Instead of basking in the limelight, Duncan prefers to maintain a low profile.

He maintains a close bond with his stepmother, Iman, and half-sister, Lexi, but has publicly acknowledged being estranged from his mother. Social media activity is minimal, visible only during significant events.

Daughter of the Starman: Alexandria “Lexi” Jones

Born on August 15, 2000, in the bustling city of New York, Alexandria “Lexi” Jones is part of a widely known family. 

Her parents, legendary musician David Bowie and supermodel Iman, had a strenuous journey to parenthood, their efforts even included in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Just as they were considering adoption, they discovered Iman was expecting.

For them, Lexi was their long-awaited “miracle” child. Her name, Alexandria, was chosen as a tribute to the historic Greco-Egyptian city.  

Much about Lexi’s personal life remains undisclosed. However, Lexi actively engages on social media and frequently treats her followers to heartwarming images and footage featuring a softer, more familial side of the famous rockstar. Her posts often present her dad as a doting father, dancing and celebrating occasions within their New York home. 

As of today, Lexi has carved a successful path for herself in the realm of art, selling her original prints through her website; all of which are printed within New York City. While much speculation surrounds her current residence, with some conjecturing that she resides in LA closer to her brother, her social media landscape indicates that she leads a bi-coastal life between NYC and California. 

Despite her notable popularity on Instagram, Lexi retains her privacy and remains rather low-key about certain aspects of her life. It’s interesting to note that she has embraced her father’s creative inclination rather than her mother’s high-fashion lifestyle. Lexi upon turning 18, had quite a few modeling contracts offered her way, but she declined them all.

The Inheritors of Bowie’s Fortune

The world mourned on 10th January 2016 with the sudden passing of music icon David Bowie from cancer. His transformative life and numerous personas left a lasting impression on music lovers around the globe. Although he may no longer be with us, his rich musical heritage promises to endure, living as a testament to his extraordinary talent.

Beyond his musical legacy, Bowie left behind a substantial fortune, estimated at over $100 million at the time of his death.

Bowie’s will directed that his wealth should be divided among his wife, Iman, and his two offspring. He also expressed his desire for his remains to be scattered on the beaches of Bali.

His generosity extended to his assistant, Corinne Schwab, who inherited $2 million, and Marion Skene – Bowie’s former nanny and close family friend – to whom he bequeathed $1 million. 

Alexandria, Bowie’s 15-year-old daughter, and his son, Duncan, each received a quarter of his estate. Alexandria was also granted a house near Woodstock. The property’s value remains unknown, but speculation suggests that its true worth lay not in its monetary value, but rather the sentimental significance it held between Bowie and his daughter. 

The remaining half of Bowie’s estate, along with their Manhattan apartment and other properties, were assigned to his wife, Iman. Consistently an unconventional artist, Bowie chose a non-traditional farewell, requesting a Buddhist ceremony in Bali, where his family solemnly dispersed his ashes in accordance with his wishes.

Farewell to The Blackstar: David Bowie’s Death 

Renowned English artist David Bowie unexpectedly passed away at his residence in New York City on January 10, 2016. Unbeknownst to many, Bowie had been quietly battling liver cancer, a diagnosis he received 18 months prior.

His passing came just two days after his 26th, and tragically his final, studio album, Blackstar, was released, a poignant milestone that coincided with his 69th birthday. Despite his illness being kept under wraps, the impact of Bowie’s passing was felt globally.

Fans and well-wishers in London, New York City, Berlin, and his other adopted cities commemorated him with heartfelt memorials. In the aftermath of his death, there was an unprecedented spike in his albums and singles sales. Many musicians and prominent personalities paid tribute and expressed their sorrow.

The loss of Bowie reverberated through the world, prompting discussions about his significant influence on music, fashion, and overall culture. Many highlighted his unparalleled legacy, underscoring his status as one of the most transformative musical artists in history.

David Bowie was not only a musical genius but a voracious reader. Reports tell that he always loved reading, continuously seeking knowledge and inspiration from books. This thirst for learning is a passion shared with Blinkist, an app summarizing key insights from best-selling nonfiction books.

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Who knows? You might just stumble upon one of David Bowie’s favorite reads or pick up a book which gives you a deeper appreciation of the world, much like Bowie’s music does. Dive into a world of knowledge today, with Blinkist.

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