Lily Collins as Emily Cooper in Emily in Paris© Netflix

Inside Emily in Paris star Lily Collins' relationship with famous dad

Emily in Paris star Lily isn't the only famous face in her family

TV & Film Editor
Updated: July 19, 2024

Emily in Paris will soon be back on our screens, and while we can't wait to see how the drama of that season 3 finale is resolved, we also can't wait to see Lily Collins' incredible energy as lead character Emily. But, did you know that Lily isn't the only famous face in her family?

The actress is the youngest daughter of musician Phil Collins, who he shared with his second wife, Jill Tavelman. Lily has two older half-siblings, Simon and Joely Collins, and two younger half-brothers from Phil's first and third marriages.

WATCH: Lily Collins teases Emily in Paris season 4

Phil is best known for songs including In the Air Tonight, Two Hearts and Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now). He also previously starred in the band Genesis.

Lily and Phil have had a rocky relationship over the years, with Lily growing up with her mum in Los Angeles instead of remaining with the singer in London. The actress would still have contact with her father, but due to his touring lifestyle, the moments were often fleeting.

© Steve W. Grayson

Lily grew up apart from her father

In her 2017 memoir, Lily recounted: "Because my dad was often gone, I never wanted to do anything that would make him stay away even longer. I became extra careful about what I said and how I said it, afraid he'd think I was angry or didn't love him. And the truth is, I was angry. I missed him and wanted him there."

The Love, Rosie star previously opened up about how she believed her eating disorder as a teenager was linked to him. Speaking at Sundance back in 2017, she said: "I couldn't handle the pain and confusion surrounding my dad's divorce, and I was having a hard time balancing being a teenager with pursuing two different grown-up careers. Many of my deepest insecurities stem from these issues with my dad." 

© Kevin Winter

Lily and her father now have a close bond

She also released an open letter to her father, where she wrote: "I forgive you for not always being there when I needed and for not being the dad I expected. I forgive the mistakes you made. And although it may seem like it's too late, it's not. There's still so much time to move forward." 

Chatting to The Sun in 2019it appears that Lily and Phil have since become close, as she said: "Someone told me they were listening to the radio and they were playing classic hits. At the end the DJ said, 'For all of you who don’t know, that was Phil Collins — Lily Collins' dad.' That was the weirdest thing, just so bizarre. Even my dad has said to me, 'You know, I am known as your dad now.'"

© Instagram / @emilyinparis

Lily has the lead role in Emily in Paris

In 2022, the actress made sure to be present at Phil's final gig with Genesis and sharing her emotions following the experience, she said: "To have witnessed this last show was truly the memory of a lifetime and an event I shall hold in my heart forever."

PHOTOS: Lily Collins turns 35: her most stylish moments of all time

READ: When does Emily in Paris season 4 come out? Everything you need to know

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