Billy Bernthal is the middle child of acclaimed actor Jon Bernthal, famous for his intense portrayals in The Walking Dead and The Punisher, and trauma nurse Erin Angle, niece of wrestling legend Kurt Angle. Born into a family that blends Hollywood stardom with athletic legacy, Billy represents the next generation of the Bernthal family. Despite his parents’ prominence, Billy has been raised away from the spotlight in the peaceful town of Ojai, California, where his family prioritizes privacy, normalcy, and strong values over public attention.
Quick Facts About Billy Bernthal
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Billy Bernthal |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 2013 |
| Age | 12 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Ojai, California, USA |
| Parents | Jon Bernthal (father), Erin Angle (mother) |
| Siblings | Henry Bernthal (older brother), Adeline Bernthal (younger sister) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Jewish and Italian heritage from father’s side) |
| Known For | Being the son of actor Jon Bernthal and trauma nurse Erin Angle |
| Residence | Ojai, California |
| Education | Currently attending school in California |
Early Life and Family Background
Billy Bernthal was born on January 1, 2013, in the serene town of Ojai, California, making him the middle child in a tight-knit family of five. His birth came during a pivotal time in his father’s career, just as Jon Bernthal was gaining widespread recognition for his role as Shane Walsh in AMC’s The Walking Dead.
Growing up in Ojai, a small community known for its artistic culture and natural beauty, has provided Billy with a childhood far removed from the typical Hollywood experience. The peaceful environment away from the usual hustle of Hollywood reflects his parents’ priority to provide their children with a calm, grounded upbringing.
From his earliest days, Billy has been surrounded by love, creativity, and discipline. His father’s dedication to his craft and his mother’s compassionate nature as a healthcare professional have created a unique family environment where both artistic expression and practical values are equally emphasized.
Father: Jon Bernthal – The Hollywood Powerhouse
Jonathan Edward Bernthal was born on September 20, 1976, in Washington, D.C., to a Jewish family. Billy’s father has built an impressive career playing some of television and film’s most intense and complex characters.
Jon came to prominence for portraying Shane Walsh on the AMC horror drama series The Walking Dead from 2010 to 2012, where he was a starring cast member in the first two seasons. This breakthrough role established him as one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors, known for his method acting approach and total commitment to his characters.
Bernthal achieved further recognition as Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in the second season of Daredevil in 2016 and the spin-off series The Punisher from 2017 to 2019. His portrayal of the vigilante anti-hero earned critical acclaim and a devoted fan following.
More recently, Jon won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his recurring role as restaurant owner Michael Berzatto in the series The Bear. This achievement highlights his versatility as an actor capable of delivering both dramatic intensity and nuanced emotional performances.
Jon’s film roles include Snitch, The Wolf of Wall Street, Fury, Sicario, The Accountant, Baby Driver, Wind River, Widows, Ford v Ferrari, King Richard, The Many Saints of Newark, and Origin. His extensive filmography demonstrates his range and commitment to taking on challenging, diverse roles.
Despite his success, Jon remains deeply committed to his family. In a 2018 interview with Esquire, Jon described his wife as someone who comes from a family of champion wrestlers and truly understands him. His approach to balancing career and family life has significantly influenced Billy’s upbringing.
Mother: Erin Angle – The Healthcare Professional with Wrestling Roots
Erin Angle was born on February 14, 1976, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Billy’s mother brings a completely different but equally impressive background to the family dynamic.
Erin completed her secondary education at Canon McMillan High School in Canonsburg in 1994, then enrolled at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1998. Her commitment to education didn’t stop there—she later pursued advanced studies in anesthesiology.
Erin has worked at several prestigious medical centers, including USC University Hospital and Georgetown University Medical Center, as a registered nurse. Her experience as a trauma nurse has given her unique skills in handling high-pressure situations, a quality that has proven invaluable during family crises.
Erin is the niece of WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle and his brother, amateur and professional wrestler Eric Angle. This connection to wrestling royalty adds another dimension to Billy’s family heritage, blending entertainment, athletics, and healthcare in unique ways.
While Erin could have pursued opportunities in entertainment given her family connections, she chose a path of service through nursing. This decision reflects the values she has instilled in her children—prioritizing meaningful work and helping others over seeking fame or public recognition.
How Jon and Erin Met: A Love Story
Jon and Erin met in 2000 at a party at a bar in Washington, D.C., when both were in their early twenties and just getting started in their careers. Jon had just returned from studying at the Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia, and his friends threw him a welcome-home party.
Jon later recalled that when he first saw Erin, it was literally like angels were singing, saying he had never seen anyone so beautiful. This love-at-first-sight moment marked the beginning of a relationship that would eventually create the family Billy was born into.
The couple dated for nearly a decade before tying the knot, though their relationship wasn’t without challenges. They went through a breakup while Bernthal admitted he did a bunch of dumb stuff, but country legend Willie Nelson was instrumental in getting them back together.
At a Willie Nelson concert, Jon snuck backstage and requested that Nelson play “Always on My Mind” for Erin. Nelson brought them back together, and Angle and Bernthal were married in Potomac, Maryland, in September 2010, with Bernthal’s acting teacher serving as officiant.
This romantic reconciliation paved the way for Billy’s birth just over two years later, making him part of a love story that nearly didn’t have a happy ending.
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Billy’s Siblings: Henry and Adeline
Billy shares his childhood with two siblings who play crucial roles in his life. Jon and Erin have three children together: Henry, Billy, and Adeline.
Henry Bernthal – The Older Brother
Henry was born in August 2011, making him approximately two years older than Billy. As the eldest child, Henry often takes on protective and leadership roles with his younger siblings. The brothers share interests in sports and physical activities, often practicing together and supporting each other’s pursuits.
Jon has mentioned in interviews how he encourages his sons to help their younger sister, teaching them responsibility and kindness from an early age. This approach to parenting has fostered a strong bond between the brothers, who navigate their unique childhood circumstances together.
Adeline Bernthal – The Younger Sister
Adeline was born in February 2015, when Billy was just two years old. The age gap between Billy and Adeline has positioned him as both a protective older brother and a bridge between the oldest and youngest siblings.
Adeline’s life took a frightening turn in 2017 when she faced a serious health crisis. Jon was about to start filming First Man alongside Ryan Gosling in 2017 when Adeline, who was two years old at the time, had an unexpected seizure and entered a coma due to encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain tissue.
After Adeline woke from the coma three days later and made a full recovery, Jon made sure to give Erin credit for being a warrior during the horrific ordeal, telling Men’s Health that people talk about bravery like fake macho bravery, but his wife didn’t flinch.
This traumatic experience brought the Bernthal family even closer together. For Billy, watching his parents navigate this crisis with strength and unity likely left a lasting impression about family, resilience, and the importance of staying calm under pressure.
The Bernthal Family Legacy
Billy’s family background is rich with talent, determination, and diverse accomplishments that extend beyond his immediate parents and siblings.
Paternal Grandparents and Extended Family
Jon’s parents are Joan Lurie (née Marx) and Eric Lawrence “Rick” Bernthal, a former lawyer with Latham & Watkins LLP and chair of the board of directors for The Humane Society of the United States until 2019.
Jon’s paternal grandfather was musician and producer Murray Bernthal. This artistic lineage suggests that creativity runs deep in Billy’s family tree, potentially influencing his own interests and talents.
Jon has two brothers: Nicholas, an orthopedic surgeon and professor at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Thomas, a consulting agency CEO who is married to former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg. Billy’s uncles have achieved significant success in medicine and business, demonstrating that the Bernthal family values excellence across diverse fields.
The three brothers are cousins of rock musician Adam Schlesinger, who died in 2020. This connection to the music industry adds yet another creative dimension to Billy’s extended family.
Maternal Family and Wrestling Heritage
On his mother’s side, Billy is connected to one of wrestling’s most legendary families. Erin’s parents are Cindy Abbondanza Angle and Dave, and she grew up alongside five siblings: four sisters named Cassidy, Jackie, Kristen, and Lea, and a brother named Mark.
Most notably, Erin is the niece of Kurt Angle, an Olympic gold medalist and WWE Hall of Fame wrestler. Kurt Angle grew to fame after he competed in the 220-pound freestyle wrestling competition category at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, winning despite doing it with a broken neck.
This wrestling legacy brings values of discipline, physical excellence, and mental toughness into Billy’s family culture, complementing the creative and intellectual traditions from his father’s side.
Education and Interests
Billy’s education reflects his parents’ commitment to providing their children with well-rounded experiences that emphasize both academic learning and personal development.
Billy attends schools that support artistic expression and physical activity, which help him develop skills beyond just academics. This educational approach aligns with his parents’ philosophy of raising children who are creative, physically active, and socially aware.
Physical Activities and Sports
Billy has developed a keen interest in various sports and physical activities, likely influenced by both his father’s physically demanding acting roles and his mother’s athletic family background.
Billy has a keen interest in jiu-jitsu, a martial art that he practices regularly. Jiu-jitsu not only helps Billy stay in shape but also teaches him important lessons in discipline, perseverance, and mental focus.
His passion for sports extends beyond martial arts; he also enjoys playing basketball and football, often spending time practicing with his older brother, Henry. These shared activities strengthen the bond between the brothers while teaching valuable life skills about teamwork, competition, and sportsmanship.
Creative Pursuits
While specific details about Billy’s creative interests are kept private, growing up in a household where storytelling and artistic expression are valued has likely influenced his perspective on the arts. Watching his father prepare for roles and fully embody different characters provides Billy with a unique education in dedication and creative process.
The family also maintains a love for animals, with pit bulls named Bam, Boss, and Venice, and Erin previously had English Mastiffs. Caring for pets teaches children responsibility, empathy, and the importance of commitment—all values that Jon and Erin emphasize in their parenting.
Family Values and Parenting Philosophy
Jon and Erin have been intentional about the values they instill in their children, despite—or perhaps because of—Jon’s celebrity status.
Privacy and Protection
The Bernthal family is notably private about their personal lives, especially concerning their children. Unlike many celebrity families who document every moment on social media or include their children in public appearances, Jon and Erin have created clear boundaries to protect Billy and his siblings.
This commitment to privacy allows Billy to develop his own identity outside of his father’s fame. He can attend school, play with friends, and explore his interests without the constant pressure of public scrutiny or social media attention.
Teaching Responsibility and Empathy
Jon has spoken in interviews about teaching his children to care for one another. He mentioned having his sons help their little sister with her schoolbag—simple acts that build kindness and responsibility. These everyday lessons shape Billy’s character more profoundly than any public gesture could.
The family’s experience with Adeline’s health crisis also taught Billy important lessons about resilience, family unity, and the importance of remaining strong during difficult times.
Balancing Fame and Normalcy
Living in Ojai rather than Los Angeles or New York allows the Bernthal children to experience a more typical childhood. They can ride bikes, play outdoors, and engage with their community without the constant presence of paparazzi or fans.
Jon has been deliberate about choosing projects that allow him to maintain work-life balance. While he’s committed to his craft, he prioritizes being present for his children’s important moments and daily routines.
Life in Ojai, California
The family lives in Ojai, California, a choice that reflects their values and priorities. Ojai is a small city in Ventura County, known for its artistic community, natural beauty, and relaxed atmosphere.
The town offers a stark contrast to Hollywood’s glitz and glamour. Here, Billy can grow up surrounded by nature, attend local schools, and be part of a community where people are valued for who they are rather than who they know or what they do for a living.
Ojai’s emphasis on arts, outdoor activities, and community engagement aligns perfectly with Jon and Erin’s vision for their children’s upbringing. The town hosts various cultural events, outdoor adventures, and educational opportunities that enrich Billy’s childhood experience.
Public Appearances and Media Presence
Billy has made few public appearances, and when he does appear with his family, it’s typically at low-key events or casual settings. Jon and Erin carefully control when and how their children are photographed or mentioned in the media.
There are no verified social media accounts for Billy, and any profiles claiming to be him should be viewed with caution. This absence from digital platforms is deliberate, protecting Billy from cyberbullying, privacy violations, and the pressures that come with online presence.
Jon occasionally shares stories about his children in interviews, but he’s careful not to reveal identifying details or anecdotes that could invade their privacy. When he does discuss his kids, it’s usually to illustrate a point about parenting values or family life rather than to share personal information about them.
Future Prospects and Potential
At twelve years old, Billy’s future is full of possibilities. While many celebrity children eventually pursue careers in entertainment, Billy’s interests in sports, martial arts, and other activities suggest he may forge his own unique path.
Following in Family Footsteps?
With a father who’s one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, an extended family that includes successful professionals in medicine, business, and entertainment, and maternal connections to Olympic-level athletics, Billy has numerous potential paths he could explore.
However, his parents’ emphasis on education, character development, and finding one’s own passion suggests that Billy will be supported in whatever direction he chooses—whether that’s entertainment, sports, healthcare, academics, or something entirely different.
The Value of a Strong Foundation
What’s clear is that Billy is being raised with a strong foundation of values, diverse role models, and the freedom to discover his own interests. His parents’ success in their respective fields, combined with their commitment to keeping family life grounded and private, provides him with both opportunity and stability.
The lessons Billy learns from watching his father fully commit to his craft, seeing his mother balance career and family while working in a demanding healthcare profession, and experiencing the strength his family showed during Adeline’s health crisis will serve him well regardless of what path he ultimately chooses.
The Importance of Privacy for Celebrity Children
Billy’s story highlights an important conversation about children of celebrities and their right to privacy. While public interest in famous families is natural, children who haven’t chosen public lives deserve protection from constant scrutiny.
Jon and Erin’s approach to raising their children demonstrates that it’s possible to have a successful career in the public eye while maintaining meaningful privacy for one’s family. They’ve shown that setting boundaries, choosing where to live thoughtfully, and being selective about public appearances can give celebrity children something precious: a relatively normal childhood.
This protection allows Billy to make mistakes, learn, and grow without those moments being documented and potentially haunting him later. It gives him the freedom to discover who he is without the pressure of public expectations or the burden of living up to his father’s fame.
Final Thoughts
Billy Bernthal represents the next generation of a family rich in talent, achievement, and strong values. Born into extraordinary circumstances—with a Hollywood star for a father and a healthcare professional for a mother—Billy is being raised to understand that success comes in many forms and that character matters more than celebrity.
At twelve years old, he’s still discovering who he is and what he wants to become. Whether he eventually pursues acting like his father, healthcare like his mother, wrestling like his great-uncle, or something completely different, Billy has been given the tools to succeed: a loving family, strong values, diverse role models, and the freedom to choose his own path.
His story reminds us that behind every famous family are real children living real lives, facing challenges, celebrating victories, and simply trying to grow up. The Bernthal family’s commitment to privacy, normalcy, and strong values in the midst of Hollywood fame offers a refreshing alternative to the typical celebrity family narrative.
As Billy continues to grow and mature, he does so with the support of parents who have successfully balanced professional achievement with personal integrity, siblings who share his unique childhood experience, and an extended family that demonstrates success across multiple fields. Whatever his future holds, Billy Bernthal is well-positioned to make his own mark on the world—on his own terms and in his own time.
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