Naomi Watts got her first big break aged 33 starring in the late David Lynch’s neo-noir mystery Mullholland Drive.
Her reality is far different from that of her youngest child, Kai Schreiber, who, at the age of just 16, has already established their position on the world stage as a budding model and actor.
It’s one of the many reasons that their Australian actress mother, 56, is bursting with pride when it comes to Kai, and regularly gushes on social media about how ‘lucky’ she is to be their mother.
The model, raised in New York by her parents Naomi and Liev Schreiber, 57, who amicably split in 2016 after 11 years together, launched their career in the 2016 adaptation of The Jungle Book, voicing a character alongside Idris Elba and Scarlett Johansson.
Despite their Hollywood appearance, it’s modelling that the 16-year-old is now pursuing after making a showstopping debut at Paris Fashion Week earlier this month – walking for none other than Maison Valentino.
‘That’s my baby,’ Naomi gushed on Instagram alongside footage of the runway, adding, ‘I’m squealing with pride. Ilysm’.
Modelling royalty Christy Turlington agreed, writing in the comment section, ‘She is beyond! Seriously stunning Kai’.
Kai’s voyage into the spotlight continued yesterday, with the teen posing up a storm alongside Naomi at a screening of The Friend at New York’s The Cinema Society.
At just 16-year-old, Kai Schreiber (pictured) is making a mark in the creative world – and mother Naomi Watts couldn’t be prouder
Naomi’s unwavering support for her youngest child predates her modelling career, with the actress celebrating Kai’s milestones for some time.
Birthdays are no exception, and in December 2022, Naomi celebrated Kai’s 13th birthday on Instagram, with a solo shot of the teen.
‘My darling Kai, 13 today! What?!’ she captioned the post.
‘You shine the brightest light, from the depth of your soul, we feel it. Thank you for choosing me as your mummy. I’m beyond proud of you.’
‘Happy birthday baby (baby forever!) we celebrate your mind, your talent, your wit and your incredible courage today and every day.’
Soon after, Naomi marked Kai’s high school graduation on Instagram, sharing a photograph of her ‘modern family’, with her eldest child Sasha, 17, her former partner Liev and his wife Taylor Neisen.
The youngest child of Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber has racked up over 12 thousand Instagram followers
With bleached eyebrows and lightened hair, the model has revealed a new high fashion makeover on Instagram
Naomi beamed as she took to a film premiere with her youngest child in New York City on Monday evening
‘Congratulations Kai Class of 2022,’ Naomi wrote in the caption, adding the hashtags, #modernfamily and #graduation’.
Naomi continued the proud parent posts with a photograph of herself with her arms around Kai, as the graduate held a bouquet of pink tulips.
‘My baby,’ she wrote. ‘Congrats Kai!’
Naomi has previously discussed her co-parenting approach with Liev, explaining that maintaining a solid relationship is their priority.
‘Having a good relationship has always been our endgame, and we’ve put a lot of energy and effort into making that so,’ she told Sunday Times Style magazine.
‘It’s not always a cakewalk, as they say in America. But it makes complete sense that it is an absolute priority because it really matters to the children.
‘You can see how there are so many things that can make a kid feel anxious and knowing that their parents can be in the same room and joyfully, it means a lot to them.’
Meanwhile, on their own Instagram page, Kai, who is signed to the renowned IMG Models, has given a glimpse into their glamorous lifestyle.
Kai donned a Valentino leopard print dress on a Paris Fashion Week debut earlier this month
The glamorous 16-year-old accompanied their mother to the Balenciaga show at last year’s Paris Fashion Week
Pictured: Taylor Neisen, Liev Schreiber and Kai Schreiber at ‘Doubt: A Parable’ Broadway Revival Preview in New York, February 2024
Whether it’s highlighting luxury holidays in France, Mexico, and Barbados, or sharing glam selfies, Kai has built up over 12 thousand Instagram followers.
The model has not shied away from sharing political opinions on Instagram Stories, and said they are ‘disappointed’ to be an American following President Trump’s election win.
‘I am disappointed to be an American today,’ they wrote, continuing, ‘I am disappointed in those who voted for a convicted felon over a woman.
‘I am disappointed in those who care more about gas prices than a woman’s own right to her body and reproductive freedom.
‘I am disappointed to see that teenage girls have fewer rights than their grandmothers did.
‘I am beyond disappointed in those who chose to vote for a sexual predator, racist, homophobe, and transphobe over a woman. I am disappointed to see that people my age in my generation is in support of such terror.’
The model concluded: ‘I am deeply worried for this country and our people. We can do better’.
Meanwhile, on the grid, Kai has showcased a high fashion makeover, revealing newly bleached eyebrows and lightened hair – no doubt done in preparation for her Paris Fashion Week debut.
The model isn’t afraid of voicing opinions on American politics and took to Instagram to share their thoughts on the recent election
After observing Dior’s Pre-Fall show at the event last year, Kai found themselves on the runway for the French fashion house’s hottest designs this year.
The budding model, donning a knit snakeskin mini dress with a feathered collar, uploaded a gallery of photos of her catwalk debut for Valentino, including pictures from behind the scenes in the hair and makeup chair.
‘Omg my heart is so full,’ Kai captioned the reel of images.
Naomi also shared content of Kai walking for Valentino, including a video which saw her excitedly re-watching the show online.
‘Oh my god,’ the Hollywood star exclaimed several times as she laid in bed watching her child model for the huge brand.
Meanwhile, Kai’s father defended his child amid claims that they secured the position due to nepotism.
The American actor, 57, told TMZ that it’s unfair to claim 16-year-old Kai’s success is a result of their famous parents.
‘I don’t have many thoughts for the haters. What if you were a professional actor and your child decided they wanted to do something in this world?’ he said.
‘Do they have a choice? It doesn’t matter. That’s her life and she do what she wants with her life.
‘I’m super proud of her and I thought she did an amazing job with the show,’ Liev gushed.
The comments haven’t deterred Kai, and the budding thespian yesterday made a glamorous appearance at a film premiere alongside her mother.
Naomi slipped into a draped maxi dress from Jacquemus with black feathered detailing on her pleated skirts for the occasion.
Meanwhile, Kai opted for a darker black-and-pink polka-dotted jacket with a ruffled skirt and pink top.
The teen accessorised with lace stockings, black leather boots and, no doubt in homage to the brand helping launch her career, a black-and-white Valentino handbag.