Tommy Lee Jones has built a legendary career in Hollywood, but his children have led much quieter lives. Get to know the actor’s kids, including the one he fired for a surprising reason.
Tommy Lee Jones may be known for his iconic roles in Hollywood, but his family life has often remained a mystery, with his two grown-up children taking unique paths away from the spotlight.
Tommy Lee Jones and Kathleen Turner filming “House of Cards,” circa 1992. | Source: Getty Images
However, their stories hold more surprises than most realize. In fact, one of them even faced being fired by their own father on a film set.
Tommy Lee Jones during at the premiere of “JFK” in Westwood, California, circa 1991. | Source: Getty Images
Tommy Lee Jones’ Private Life in the Spotlight
Tommy, 78, the iconic actor known for his gruff, no-nonsense characters, has enjoyed a career spanning decades. With memorable roles in films like “The Fugitive,” “No Country for Old Men,” and the “Men in Black” series, Tommy has carved out a space for himself as one of Hollywood’s most respected talents.
Tommy Lee Jones at the 66th Annual Academy Awards on March 21, 1994. | Source: Getty Images
However, despite his fame, the actor is notoriously private about his personal life, preferring to stay away from the spotlight when he’s not filming. When he’s not on set, Tommy enjoys spending time playing polo, either on his Texas ranch or at a seventy-four-acre equestrian facility near Buenos Aires.
Tommy Lee Jones playing polo at the International Polo Club Palm Beach on February 6, 2004, in Wellington, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
However, his reserved nature extends far beyond his hobbies. His longtime agent, Michael Black, once commented on his elusive personality, “Some people say he’s a hard guy to get to know. I suppose he is. Tommy doesn’t open up.”
“You meet some actors in the parking lot waiting for your car, and they tell you their life story in five minutes. Tommy doesn’t do that. He’s private,” Michael continued.
Tommy Lee Jones spotted at Palm Beach International Polo Club on March 21, 2010, in Wellington, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
In June 2024, the actor made a rare public appearance with his family. He was spotted with his wife, Dawn Laurel-Jones, and his children on a night out in New York City.
The family was seen leaving Matsuhisa, a well-known restaurant, appearing to share a laugh as they exited. This sighting stirred up renewed interest in Tommy’s children and their lives, as the actor tends to keep his family out of the public eye.
Tommy Lee Jones at the Los Angeles premiere of “Finestkind” on December 12, 2023, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Tommy Lee Jones’ Son – Austin Leonard Jones
Austin Leonard Jones, born on November 9, 1982, in Auckland, New Zealand, has inherited his father’s creative talents. Like his famous dad, Austin ventured into the world of entertainment, making a name for himself as both an actor and a composer.
Tommy Lee Jones, wife Kimberlea Jones and son Austin Jones at the world premiere of “Batman Forever” on June 9, 1995, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Some of his notable works include “The Homesman” in 2014, “Metamorphosis: Junior Year” in 2017, and “Frontera” in 2012. Although Austin has made a mark in the entertainment industry, he also explored other artistic avenues.
At the time of writing, he had over 2,000 Instagram followers, where he frequently shared his artwork and creative musings. His bio described him as a “prolific songwriter” who now resides in Ojai, California.
Over the years, Austin released several music projects, including two notable works, “At Folsom Prison” in 2024 and “At The Polo Club” in 2023, showcasing his evolving sound and artistic voice.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Austin also found love. He entered a relationship with Gia Jones, and in February 2024, she celebrated Valentine’s Day by sharing a heartwarming series of photos on social media, announcing their engagement.
Tommy Lee Jones’ Daughter – Victoria Jones
Victoria Jones, born on September 3, 1991, in San Antonio, Texas, is Tommy’s youngest child. Over the years, she has appeared in films like “Men in Black II” in 2002, “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” in 2005, and even the TV show “One Tree Hill” in 2003.
Tommy Lee Jones and Victoria Jones at a screening of “Stuart Little 2” on July 14, 2002, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Victoria has also played polo since the age of six, a passion she shared with her father. Tommy once mentioned how the family built a world-class polo field, where his team and his kids’ teams could play. She often participated in intense six-chukker matches, showcasing her skills and dedication to the game.
Tommy Lee Jones and Victoria Jones at the premiere of “Men In Black 2” in Paris, France, on July 18, 2002. | Source: Getty Images
At the age of 14, she was cast in a film where she played a young Mexican girl, a role that seemed perfect for her given her ability to speak fluent Spanish. This talent stemmed from her childhood, as her father had instructed her nurse, Leticia, to speak to her only in Spanish when she was a baby.
Tommy Lee Jones and Victoria Jones at the “The Missing at the Bryant Park Grill” premiere afterparty on November 16, 2003, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
“She’s a good actress, has her SAG card, speaks impeccable Spanish,” Tommy said of his daughter. However, despite her talent, the experience didn’t go as smoothly as planned.
“She had to get up at 5 a.m. for her part. One morning, she wouldn’t get out of bed. I said, ‘Honey, this is work.’ But she wouldn’t budge. So I fired her,” the actor revealed.
Victoria and Tommy Lee Jones at the screening of “The Homesman” during the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2014, in France. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on the incident, Tommy added that the production staff, without his knowledge, woke Victoria up and rushed her to the set just in time to film her scene. Despite this bump in the road early on, Victoria continued to pursue acting.
Victoria and Tommy Lee Jones at the premiere of “Just Getting Started” on December 7, 2017, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Like their father, Tommy Lee Jones’ children aren’t often in the public eye. However, they’ve both proven that they inherited his love for entertainment, through acting, music, and beyond.
