In the glamorous world of Hollywood, celebrity children often become points of curiosity for fans and media alike. While many star kids grow up in the public eye, some parents make conscious efforts to give their children a more private and grounded upbringing. Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan, the daughter of renowned actors Benjamin McKenzie and Morena Baccarin, is one such child. Despite being born to two of television’s most recognizable faces, Frances has largely been shielded from the public spotlight. This article takes a closer look at her life, her famous parents, her family’s background, and what it means to grow up as the daughter of two acclaimed actors.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan |
| Date of Birth | March 2, 2016 |
| Age | 9 years (as of 2025) |
| Parents | Benjamin McKenzie (Father), Morena Baccarin (Mother) |
| Nationality | American |
| Siblings | One younger brother (born 2021) |
| Known For | Being the daughter of Benjamin McKenzie and Morena Baccarin |
| Residence | United States |
Early Life of Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan
Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan was born on March 2, 2016, in the United States, into a family that was already established in Hollywood. Her birth received media coverage, especially because both of her parents were successful actors with ongoing careers at the time. However, from the very beginning, Benjamin McKenzie and Morena Baccarin made it clear that they wanted to raise Frances away from the constant glare of paparazzi and celebrity media. Unlike many celebrity couples who frequently post photos of their children online, McKenzie and Baccarin have kept Frances’s life private, sharing very limited information about her childhood.
The decision to protect Frances from media attention was deliberate. Both parents have spoken about the challenges of balancing a public career with private family life. Frances has therefore enjoyed a childhood that, while unique due to her parents’ fame, is relatively normal compared to the typical Hollywood star kid lifestyle.
The Significance of Her Name
One of the first things that catches attention is her unique and meaningful name: Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan. Unlike more common celebrity baby names, Frances’s name carries cultural and family significance. “Frances” is a classic name, often associated with strength and grace. “Laiz Setta” reflects her mother Morena Baccarin’s Brazilian heritage, while “Schenkkan” connects her directly to her father’s lineage. Benjamin McKenzie’s full birth name is Benjamin McKenzie Schenkkan, making Frances’s surname a continuation of family tradition.
Her name reflects not just her identity but also her diverse cultural background. Frances is growing up with influences from both her father’s American roots and her mother’s Brazilian origins, giving her a rich cultural legacy.
Benjamin McKenzie: The Father of Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan
Frances’s father, Benjamin McKenzie, is widely recognized in the entertainment industry. Born in Austin, Texas, McKenzie first rose to fame for his role as Ryan Atwood in the hit television series The O.C. in the early 2000s. His portrayal of the troubled yet resilient teenager made him a household name. Later, McKenzie continued his success with his role as Detective James Gordon in the DC television series Gotham, where he became a fan favorite once again.
In addition to his acting career, McKenzie has also ventured into writing and directing, further solidifying his position in Hollywood. Despite his fame, McKenzie has always valued privacy and family, which is why he and Morena decided to keep Frances’s life away from the constant scrutiny of the media. His role as a father has often been highlighted in interviews, where he speaks with pride about raising his children.
Morena Baccarin: The Mother of Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan
Frances’s mother, Morena Baccarin, is equally prominent in Hollywood. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Morena moved to the United States as a child and eventually pursued a career in acting. She is best known for her roles in television series such as Homeland, where she earned critical acclaim, and Firefly, a cult favorite. Morena also became widely recognized for her portrayal of Vanessa in the blockbuster Deadpool movies.
Her Brazilian background adds cultural richness to Frances’s heritage. Morena has often spoken about her pride in her roots and her desire to share her traditions and language with her children. As a mother, she has embraced a balance between her career and family life, ensuring that Frances receives a strong foundation of love, care, and cultural awareness.
The Family Dynamic and Siblings
Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan is not an only child. She has a younger brother, born in 2021, who expanded the family and gave her the role of an older sister. The addition of another child further strengthened the bond between Benjamin, Morena, and Frances. As a family, they have been described as private yet deeply connected, choosing quality time together over the spotlight.
Frances’s upbringing has been shaped by her parents’ decision to prioritize family over fame. While her parents continue to pursue successful acting careers, they also emphasize the importance of stability and a grounded environment for their children. This family dynamic is essential in helping Frances navigate life as the daughter of two Hollywood stars.
Growing Up With Famous Parents
Being the daughter of well-known actors naturally attracts public interest, but Frances’s childhood has been carefully shielded. Unlike many celebrity children who are frequently seen in public events or on social media, Frances rarely makes appearances. This approach ensures that she can grow up without the pressures often associated with fame.
Her parents’ commitment to privacy sets an example in Hollywood, where many children are thrust into the spotlight at an early age. By keeping Frances out of constant public view, Benjamin and Morena give her the opportunity to develop her personality, education, and friendships in a more normal environment. This conscious effort reflects their love and sense of responsibility as parents.
The Influence of Heritage and Culture
Frances’s cultural background is one of her most fascinating aspects. On her father’s side, she inherits American roots with ties to Texas. On her mother’s side, she has Brazilian heritage that brings language, traditions, and cultural richness. Morena Baccarin has expressed her desire to pass down aspects of her Brazilian culture to her children, which means Frances is likely growing up bilingual and familiar with both American and Brazilian customs.
This dual heritage offers Frances a broader worldview from an early age. She is being raised in an environment that values diversity, tradition, and identity—an upbringing that can shape her future perspectives and opportunities.
Media Attention and Public Interest
Although Benjamin McKenzie and Morena Baccarin avoid exposing Frances to constant media attention, the public still shows curiosity about her life. Celebrity magazines, entertainment websites, and fan pages occasionally cover updates about Frances, but always with limited information. This balance helps satisfy public curiosity while protecting the child’s privacy.
The fascination with celebrity kids like Frances highlights the culture of Hollywood fandom. However, Frances’s parents’ firm stance on privacy ensures that she remains more of a mystery, which may ultimately be beneficial for her personal growth.
What the Future Holds for Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan
As of now, Frances is still very young, and her future remains unwritten. Whether she chooses to follow in her parents’ footsteps in the entertainment industry or pursue an entirely different career path, she will always have the support and guidance of her family. With two talented actors as parents, Frances has access to creative inspiration, but her parents’ protective nature suggests that she will be encouraged to explore her own passions and make independent choices.
What is certain is that Frances is being raised in an environment filled with love, cultural diversity, and stability. Her childhood experiences, family background, and values instilled by her parents will play a crucial role in shaping the person she becomes in the future.
Conclusion
Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan may be a child of Hollywood stars, but she is also being raised in a way that emphasizes normalcy, privacy, and strong family values. With a rich cultural heritage, supportive parents, and a grounded family environment, Frances’s story is not just about being a celebrity child but about the careful balance between fame and family. While the world remains curious about her life, her parents’ protective approach ensures that she will grow up with the freedom to define her own identity and path in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the parents of Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan?
- Frances is the daughter of actors Benjamin McKenzie and Morena Baccarin.
2. When was Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan born?
- She was born on March 2, 2016, in the United States.
3. Does Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan have siblings?
- Yes, she has a younger brother born in 2021.
4. Why do Benjamin McKenzie and Morena Baccarin keep Frances out of the spotlight?
- They want to give her a private and normal childhood, away from constant media attention.
5. What is unique about Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan’s name?
- Her name reflects both her American and Brazilian heritage, combining family traditions and cultural influences.
