Perez Hilton (real name: Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr.) has spent decades in the spotlight as one of Hollywood’s most notorious gossip bloggers, but apart from the headlines, he prioritizes his children. As a father of three, the media personality — known for his controversial celebrity gossip platform — has frequently shared glimpses of his family life over the years.
Learn more about Perez, his personal life and his three kids below.
Who Is Perez Hilton?
Perez rose to fame in the early 2000s with his celebrity gossip website, PerezHilton.com. Known for his often controversial commentary on some of Hollywood’s most famous stars, he became one of the internet’s most influential bloggers at the height of tabloid culture.
On top of managing his website, Perez has appeared on numerous TV programs, hosted podcasts and written books. Though, over the years, he has shifted his focus toward parenting and his own family.
Is Perez Hilton Married?
No, Perez has never been married. While the openly gay blogger has been open about his dating life over the years, Perez chose to become a parent on his own.
The Miami, Florida, native has spoken candidly about his decision to have children as a single father, explaining that building a family was a lifelong dream regardless of whether he had a partner.
During a March 2013 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Perez said he knew he’d be a single father because “boyfriends and husbands may come and go, but kids are forever.”
“I didn’t want to keep waiting,” he added.
Does Perez Hilton Have Children?
Yes, Perez is the father of three children, all of whom were born via surrogate.
Perez welcomed his first child in 2013 and has since dedicated his life to being a hands-on single dad. He frequently celebrates his children’s birthdays and other milestones on social media.
Who Are Perez Hilton’s Kids?
Perez is the proud father of three children: Mario Armando III, Mia Alma and Mayte Amor.
Mario, Perez’s first child, was born in February 2013. Mia was born in May 2015, and Mayte was born in September 2017.
In a past op-ed with the Huffington Post, Perez noted that his children are “all [his] genetically.”
“Each was born thanks to the generosity of a different surrogate, using eggs from the same anonymous donor,” he explained at the time. “I used an agency to guide me through the whole process, which can be quite complicated (and expensive).”
