Society often dictates that family and children are an essential part of life, especially for women. But many stars openly say: parenthood is a conscious choice, not a social obligation. They chose career, freedom, or simply a life without children, and boldly voiced their stance! There are also those stars who were not allowed to become parents due to health reasons... 

Renée Zellweger

Back in 2008, in an interview with The London Times, Renée Zellweger openly admitted that she never saw herself as a mother: “Motherhood has never been my goal. I never made plans like, ‘At 19, I’ll do this, and by 25, I’ll do that.’”

@Paras Griffin/Getty Images 

The actress prefers to live without expectations and enjoy each day as it comes: “For me, the most important thing is to be independent and able to take care of myself. Everything else is just a nice bonus.”

Chelsea Handler

Renowned TV host Chelsea Handler has always been vocal about her decision not to have children. In a conversation with Amanda de Cadenet on The Conversation (2013), she bluntly stated: “I don’t want kids. I don’t think I’d be a great mother.

@JOHN RUSSO/usmagazine.com 

Handler also expressed concerns about parenting: “I don’t want to have a child who would be raised by a nanny because I simply don’t have the time for it.”

Kim Cattrall

As a child, Kim Cattrall dreamed of having a big family. In a 2003 interview with O, The Oprah Magazine, she recalled: “When I was five, I fantasized about having a hundred dogs and a hundred kids.“

@Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

But as she grew older, she realized that this was an idea imposed by society rather than her own true desire. “I understood that the pressure I felt came from external expectations rather than my own needs.” Cattrall chose freedom and independence, dedicating herself to her acting career and other aspects of life. And honestly, looking at her confidence and success, it’s hard to doubt that she made the right decision.

Winona Ryder

Actress Winona Ryder has admitted that she occasionally thought about motherhood but her father reminded her: “There are other ways to have children in your life.” In a 2014 interview with The Telegraph, she shared that being an aunt is more than enough for her: “I get these amazing doses of love from my brother’s kids, and that’s all I need.”

@JB Lacroix/WireImage/Getty Images

She also admitted she’s tired of societal pressure: “Women are told so many things! We need to stop listening to everyone.”

Portia de Rossi & Ellen DeGeneres

The couple has been happily together for over 15 years and has no plans to have children. In an interview with Today, Ellen admitted that the idea of having a child scares her. According to her, it's too long-term of a commitment, and she’s not sure she would handle it well.

@Kelly Sullivan/Getty

Portia, as People wrote, shared that she once considered motherhood but later asked herself: "Do I want kids because I genuinely need it, or because it's expected of me?" The answer was clear—she was perfectly happy just being with Ellen.

Oprah Winfrey

In an interview with Good Housekeeping U.K., Oprah revealed that she never wanted to become a mother. Instead, she found her true calling in her Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.

@hola.com

She firmly believes that motherhood isn’t defined by biology. Her academy is home to 172 girls, for whom she has become both a mentor and a second mother. This, she says, brings her more joy than she ever imagined.

Patricia Clarkson

In the podcast Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi (iHeartPodcast), the actress admitted that she consciously chose not to marry or have children. At 38, she went through a phase where she seriously considered having a child with an artist she was involved with. But ultimately, she realized she was more drawn to her career.

@Getty/indiewire.com

Clarkson believes that parenthood is a huge responsibility, and if you’re not entirely sure, it’s better not to take the risk. Her mother once feared she would regret her decision but Patricia insists that even at 50, she woke up just as happy as ever, fully enjoying her life of freedom.

Seth Rogen

The actor honestly admitted on The Howard Stern Show that not having children is one of the reasons he manages to work so much. People often ask him how he balances his acting career, screenwriting, and producing. The answer is simple: he doesn’t have children who take up all of his free time.

@britannica.com

His wife, Lauren Miller, is even more adamant. According to Rogen, if he were to be persuaded, Lauren would never consider it. They are both content with their life without children.

Alison Brie

In a conversation with The Sunday Times Magazine, the actress admitted that she has no desire to become a mother. According to her, it's a huge commitment, and just thinking about it stresses her out.

@Austin Hargrave/hollywoodreporter.com

She jokes that if she and her husband, Dave Franco, are already so worried about their cats, imagining themselves as parents to a child is even harder.

Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally

The couple talked about their choice in an interview with GQ. Megan admits that she never felt a strong desire to have children. When she met Nick, she thought, "If we were to have children, it would only be with him."

@Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

They even tried but it didn’t work out. However, the couple didn’t turn this into a drama. Now they are sure that their happy and strong marriage is partly due to not having children. So, it happens!

Tracee Ellis Ross

Although in the series Black-ish Tracee Ellis Ross plays a caring mother, in real life, she decided to stay true to herself and not follow imposed standards. In an interview with The Sunday Times in 2018, Ross admitted that she regularly asks herself: "Is this choice really mine? Or am I doing this because it's expected?" 

@npr.org

According to her, society views marriage and children as an obligatory stage in life but not everyone finds this to be a natural path. "People say, 'The purpose of human existence is reproduction.' And I look at the world and think, 'Do we really need more children? Maybe someone of us should just make the world a better place or just be happy?'"

Ellie Gonsalves

Australian model Ellie Gonsalves started a real internet flash mob by posting a list of 118 reasons why she doesn’t want children on Instagram. Among them were both humorous reasons ("they can poop inside you" and "pregnancy changes the shape of your nose") and more serious ones — health, the huge responsibility, and the impact on relationships.

@news.com.au

In her post, she emphasized that women shouldn't be pressured with the idea of motherhood: "I'm sure it's not for me, and I think feeling this way is absolutely normal." She also noted that she doesn’t judge those who choose parenthood.

Helen Mirren

The legendary actress always knew that motherhood was not her path. In an interview with British Vogue in 2013, she admitted, “I thought it would happen. I waited. But no — and I didn’t care what others thought about it.” She was especially irritated by men who would ask, "No kids? Well, it's time for you, old woman!" And she would just reply, "No! Go to hell!"

@Maarten de Boer/Shutterstock

Mirren chose to dedicate herself to her career, travel, and personal happiness — and judging by her energy and successes, it was the right choice.

Lily Tomlin

The legendary actress and comedian Lily Tomlin always knew that motherhood was not her path. In an interview with Metro Weekly in 2006, she honestly confessed: "I really like children but there simply wouldn't be room for them in my life."

@David Crotty/Getty Images

She added that she would have had to give up her career for children, and she didn’t want that. "I couldn't work at half capacity and still be a good mother." And here, it's hard to argue — Tomlin built a phenomenal career and became one of the most influential comedians of her time.

Betty White

Comedy queen Betty White also never regretted her decision. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning in 2011, she confessed: "I'm too passionate about what I do. If I had children, that would become my only priority."

@glamour.com

She understood that with her workaholism, balancing a career and raising children would be impossible. And judging by her longevity and incredible life energy, Betty certainly didn't make a mistake in her decision. Betty White has died at 99 years old in 2021.

Jon Hamm

The actor has never hidden the fact that fatherhood doesn’t appeal to him. "I’d be a terrible father! When I see my friends with kids, I’m just amazed—how do they manage to stay on their feet and still make it to work at six in the morning?!" he shared in an interview with Us Weekly in 2012.

@Splash News Online

And he has a point. Jon honestly admits that he’s not ready for such a challenge. If he finds it much easier to enjoy life without the chaos of kids and endless exhaustion, who are we to judge?

Kylie Minogue

Kylie who had many health problems has spoken multiple times about considering motherhood but ultimately accepting her path in life. In an interview with The Sunday Times in 2018, she admitted, "Of course, I sometimes wonder what it would be like to be a mom. But I understand that it just didn’t happen for me. Yes, there’s a slight sadness but I don’t dwell on it." 

@Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

And that’s an important point: regret doesn’t mean rejecting life. You can feel a tinge of sadness about roads not taken and still be completely happy with the life you have.

Dita Von Teese

At one point, Dita was open to the idea of having children but marriage changed her perspective. "My ex-husband could barely take care of himself, let alone a child," she told The Independent in 2007. "So I reevaluated my stance and decided that being child-free is perfectly fine."

@vanityfair.com

Life doesn’t always go according to plan but Dita proves that you can adapt and find happiness outside of traditional roles.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton loves kids but never had her own. "I love my nieces and nephews as if they were my own," she said in an interview with People Country in 2014. "They call me 'Aunt Granny,' and now even 'Gigi'—Grandma-Granny. I think I wasn’t meant to have my own children because I was supposed to care for everyone."

@getty/biography.com

And she truly has. Dolly has dedicated her life not just to music but also to philanthropy. If motherhood is about care and love, hasn’t she proven she’s more than capable of that?

Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem has always challenged societal norms, and her views on children are no exception. "I’m completely happy without kids," she said on Chelsea Lately in 2011. 

@Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 

"Not everyone has to live the same way. After all, just because someone has vocal cords doesn’t mean they have to become an opera singer." It’s hard to argue with that logic.

Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple doesn’t want kids, yet she finds herself reading parenting books. "I’m just curious," she said in an interview with NPR in 2012. "Sometimes I think, if I read about how to instill a work ethic in a child, maybe I can apply it to myself?"

@Jack Vartoogian/GI

It’s funny but it makes sense. Who among us hasn’t tried using parenting advice to get our own life in order?

Gabby Windey

The former Bachelorette star got candid in Bethenny Frankel’s podcast in 2023: "My girlfriend and I don’t want kids. We both had tough childhoods, and now we just want to be kids ourselves."

@Craig Sjodin via Getty Images

This perspective isn’t super common but it’s valid. Gabby and her partner want to focus on each other and their own lives—and that’s absolutely okay.

Mary J. Blige

For Mary, it’s simple. "I have tons of nieces and nephews, and I see people scrambling to find nannies. I don’t want to go through that. I love the freedom of doing what I want without worrying about someone else," she told E!’s Daily Pop in 2022.

@Leon Bennett/Getty Images

And that’s a perfectly understandable reason. Not everyone wants to build their life around kids—and that’s fine.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë never felt pressured to have kids by a certain time. In an interview with Elle in 2022, she said she hadn’t even considered freezing her eggs when her doctor suggested it. 

@Mike Marsland/Getty Images

"I want to travel, have fun, and watch the sunrise. Life isn’t a race with a finish line you have to cross in time. Even when I’m 70, I want to stay curious and playful. Life is meant to be lived and played with."

Steve-O

Famous stuntman Steve-O also has no plans of becoming a father. In 2022, he confessed that neither he nor his fiancée, Lux Wright, want children. 

@Phillip Faraone/Getty Images

"Instead, we've decided to dedicate ourselves to animal rescue. We plan to buy a large piece of land and open our own shelter." A perfectly logical choice: caring for animals is also a huge responsibility.

John Cena

John Cena has often said that his life is already quite full, and children just don't fit into it. In a 2022 interview with Drew Barrymore, he explained: "I need time to function properly, to be a good husband, to stay connected with loved ones. 

@tvtropes.org

And honestly, parenthood is a whole separate passion. It's like if someone said to me, 'You're good with your hands, why not become a carpenter?' but I just want to be an actor."

Marisa Tomei

Marisa has always wondered why people believe a woman has to have children to be complete. 

@Michael Loccisano—FilmMagic/Getty Images

In a 2019 interview with Manhattan Magazine, she openly stated: "I don't understand why society still thinks that without children, a woman is somehow an unfinished version of herself." It seems Marisa is perfectly fine without the role of a mother.

Sarah Paulson

The star of American Horror Story never wanted to make the choice between career or children. 

@gq.com

In a 2018 interview with Town & Country, she said: "I don't want to one day look at my child and say, 'You are the most wonderful thing that happened to me but at the same time, the end of my previous life.' It sounds selfish but honestly, the word 'selfish' unfairly has a negative connotation."

Stevie Nicks

The legendary singer from Fleetwood Mac has always chosen music over motherhood. 

@getty/biography.com

In 2002, she explained it simply: "When you have children, your focus inevitably shifts. But I wanted to be an artist, to write music. I don’t want to go to school parent meetings." A very reasonable choice.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer, who was never able to become a mother due to miscarriages, had to answer questions about pregnancy for so many years that at some point, she simply grew tired of it. In a 2017 interview with Glamour, she clearly stated her position: "Having a child is a personal choice."

@getty/vogue.com

But for some reason, women still face pressure to believe that their happiness must include children. "My life can be happy without that."

Christopher Walken

The legendary actor believes that if he had children, his career would have taken a completely different path. 

@Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

In 2013, he told The Guardian: "Many of my friends could have stayed in show business but they had families, and they had to choose more stable jobs. I didn’t have those commitments, and that allowed me to keep going my way."

Sarah Silverman

Sarah has often said that women and men with children are treated differently in show business. In 2017, she tweeted: "As a comedian who’s constantly on the road, I had to choose: kids or a life fully lived. I chose the latter.

@upi.com

" Later, she added in her show: "If I could be the kind of parent that my male friends are, I’d do it without hesitation. But in the industry, it’s different for women: it’s either work or children, and I chose the former."

Anastacia

Anastacia has always remained a mystery to her fans. She hardly ever reveals anything about her personal life, and it’s nearly impossible to find any sensational details or behind-the-scenes glimpses into her world. However, there is one thing she speaks openly and frequently about: her battle with breast cancer. Anastacia faced this diagnosis twice and overcame it both times. 

@Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Going through such a serious struggle, the singer decided not to become a mother, even though she once dreamed of having a family. She admitted that she had even considered adoption but after defeating cancer, she realized that her priorities had shifted, as People reported. For the first time in a long time, she rediscovered her deep love for the stage and her career.

Rebel Wilson

Actress Rebel Wilson is also going through a significant phase in her life. At 40, she decided to seriously think about her future and family. Recently, her life underwent major changes: she lost 30 kg and was preparing for the next step — egg freezing. This procedure was meant to help her preserve the possibility of becoming a mother in the future, despite her age. But unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.

@JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images

On her Instagram, Rebel shared some disappointing news that shocked her. The actress admitted that she had faced difficulties in her path to motherhood and felt frustrated that she couldn’t share her feelings with someone close to her.

Kamala Harris

As soon as Kamala Harris became a Democratic presidential candidate for 2024, she was criticized for not having biological children, as CNN reported. Senator JD Vance was particularly vocal about this. 

@Noah Berger/AFP via Getty Images

However, Harris actually has "adopted" children — her stepson and stepdaughter, Ella and Cole Emhoff, whom she raises together with her husband Doug Emhoff. She has repeatedly stated how proud she is to be their "Momala."

Andrew Garfield

At one point, Andrew Garfield considered having children but in 2024, he admitted in an interview with Esquire that he is now unsure about his desire to become a father, especially after once again playing a dad on screen: “I’m already tired all the time,” he said. “I don’t want to be a tired dad.”

@Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Additionally, he understands that raising a child in the world of fame is a huge responsibility. "Bringing new life into such conditions is a serious challenge," the actor added in the Esquire interview.

Miley Cyrus

In an interview with Elle, the singer spoke not only about her personal choices but also about global issues. She believes society pressures women into thinking they must want children.

@getty/biography.com

But for her, the biggest concern is the state of the planet. Miley feels that the world she grew up in is no longer the same, and until environmental issues improve, she sees no point in bringing a child into a world burdened with such challenges.

Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick has long laughed at being labeled a "childfree cat lady." In her book Scrappy Little Nobody, she wrote that "motherhood is not for her." In October 2024, she raised the issue of double standards for men and women when it comes to parenting in an interview with Flow Space.

@annakendrick47/Instagram.com

"I’ve heard men say, 'Well, maybe someday, a couple of kids running around.' But I’ve never heard a woman say that! Because in this scenario, she’s always somehow in a dress, out in the backyard, while the guy is making himself a cocktail. Um, where are you in all of this?"

Jared Leto

Jared Leto stated back in 2017 in an interview with ES Magazine that he has too many other priorities at the moment to have children.

@Lia Toby/Getty Images Entertainment

"I think it’s important to be as involved as possible if you’re going to be a parent. But I have too many... things to take care of," he said.

Ricky Gervais

Comedian and actor Ricky Gervais has never wanted to be a father. In 2009, he told Metro that his anxiety was to blame for this.

@the-talks.com

“I already worry about everything. Imagine if I had a child just like me? I didn’t start making money until I was 36! I already check three times to see if the door is locked, and if I had a kid, I’d probably spend the whole day just making sure they were breathing.” Whether he’s joking or not — he really doesn’t have children, so it seems his words may be true after all.

Jay and Mavis Leno

In an interview with The Washington Post back in 2014, Jay Leno shared that he had been certain since childhood that he did not want to marry or have children.

@Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images

"I remember telling my mom at seven that I would never get married or have kids. Women get trapped in this, and I didn’t want that for myself or my wife," he said. His wife, Mavis, fully shares this view.

Ina Garten

Famous TV personality and chef Ina Garten decided at a young age that she would not have children. In an interview with The Cut, she explained: “I really respect people who become parents but it’s just not for me. I could never live the way I do now if I had kids.”

@Christopher Simpson/The New York Times 

Her choice is entirely conscious — and she doesn’t regret it, as The Cut reported.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leo rarely speaks about his personal life but in a 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, he openly admitted: "Do you want to ask me if I want children in this world? If it happens, it happens. But honestly, I don’t really want to go into details because it’ll just get twisted later."

@dailymail.com

It seems the actor views parenthood philosophically but without much enthusiasm.

Jennifer Westfeldt

Screenwriter and actress Jennifer Westfeldt had a long-term relationship with Jon Hamm but they never had children. 

@variety.com

In a 2012 interview with The New York Times, she explained: "We don’t have children because we don’t feel the need to. If one day we feel ready — then we’ll see." Her choice is linked to her desire to maintain independence in life.

Katie Thurston

Katie Thurston, star of The Bachelorette, made it clear from the start that children were not a must-have in her life plan. In the very first episode of the show, she openly said: "If I have kids, great. If not, that’s fine too. The most important thing is meeting someone with whom I feel good." 

@ABC/Getty Images

This moment became significant for the show, as typically, participants in such shows look for a partner with whom they want to start a family. Supporting women with similar views, she tweeted: "A woman may not want children — and that’s absolutely okay!"

Issa Rae

Actress, writer, and creator of Insecure, Issa Rae has always known exactly what she wants from life. In an interview with Self, she admitted: "I love my life. 

@ASI

I know that women, especially Black actresses, have a 'window of opportunity,' but I want to make the most of my time." She recognizes that motherhood requires immense commitment and is unsure if she wants to change her lifestyle.

Liza Minnelli

Legendary singer and actress Liza Minnelli once tried to have children but she wasn’t able to. However, instead of feeling sorrow, she found a new purpose in life. 

@nytimes.com

In an interview with Access Hollywood, she said: "I work with children who need help. Maybe that’s my destiny." Her story shows that happiness can be found in other areas of life beyond motherhood.

Rachael Ray

Famous TV personality and chef Rachael Ray admits that she simply doesn’t have the time for children. 

@getty/foxnews.com

In an interview with Salon, she said: "I’m not even sure I can handle a dog! I don’t want to be a mom if I can’t be the best mom." She prefers to focus on her career and other life priorities and makes no secret of it.

Allison Janney

Oscar-winning actress Allison Janney honestly admits that she has never been sure if she wanted children. 

@George Pimentel/WireImage

In an interview with Drew Barrymore, she said: "I’d rather regret not having kids than have them and regret it." At the same time, she emphasizes that she’s happy with her life and values the freedom she has.

Margaret Cho

Comedian and actress Margaret Cho has often deeply reflected on parenthood. In 2012, she wrote in her blog: "I’m not sure I could be that vulnerable with another person. 

@improv.com

I’ve never fully given myself in relationships, not even to myself, and a child would take all of my heart." She understands that motherhood requires huge emotional commitment, something she’s not ready for.