Mira Sorvino's 4 Children: All About Mattea, Johnny, Holden and Lucia

Mar. 15, 2025

Christopher Backus, Johnny Backus, Mira Sorvino, Lucia Backus, Holden Backus, Mattea Backus at the premiere of “Sound of Freedom” in 2022.Photo:Fred Hayes/Getty

Fred Hayes/Getty

Oscar-winning actressMira Sorvinois protective of her four kids: Mattea, Johnny, Holden and Lucia.

“I have become a very fierce mama bear, and I’d lay down my life in a heartbeat if it could save theirs,” she told PEOPLE in 2010, adding that her kids are “so loving and bright and cute and funny."

Sorvino and her actor husband,Christopher Backus, who have beenmarried since 2004, have done their best to instill “grit” and compassion in their children.

“As they grow,they become more complex human beingsand they suffer more intense issues the way every person does, and you have to be there for that,” the actress told PEOPLE in 2020. “[Parenting] goes from being constant delight, laughing and exhaustion to starting to realize your kids have so much to give back to you, and you have to sort of meet them halfway and see them as these emerging individuals who are going to have this whole incredible life.”

In November 2024, the couple spoke to PEOPLE about the best parenting advice Sorvino’s father, actorPaul Sorvino, ever gave them. Prior to his death in 2022, Paul encouraged them to “never” draw from their love for Mattea, Johnny, Holden and Lucia while acting. Sorvino explained that Paul “never slept through the night” after drawing from the fantasy of one of his daughters dying to act out a scene in 1985’sSurviving.

Here’s everything to know about Sorvino’s four children: Mattea, Johnny, Holden and Lucia.

Mattea Angel Backus, 20

Mira Sorvino and Mattea Angel Backus.Mira Sorvino Instagram

Mira Sorvino Instagram

Sorvino and Backus welcomed their first child, daughter Mattea Angel, on Nov. 3, 2004, in Los Angeles.

Sorvino’s eldest child loves clothes and has plenty of opinions about her mother’s style. “Mattea already is so much more fashionable than I ever was, and she’s always correcting me on my style: ‘Oh no, Mom, don’t wear … no,’ " Sorvino told PEOPLE in 2020. “I’m still not such a fashionista, but my daughter is very conscious and she wants all of my good bags,” she added.

Besides her interest in fashion, Mattea is a dedicated dancer andfrequently shares photos from her performanceson Instagram. In October 2023, Mattea even shared these talents with the world, joining her mom on stage during an episode ofDancing with the Stars. The pair, and Sorvino’s partnerGleb Savchenko, remade Sorvino’s iconic dance fromRomy and Michele’s High School Reunion, adding elements of their mother-daughter connection.

In rehearsals leading up to the season 32 episode,Sorvino toldEntertainment Tonightthat dancing with her firstborn has always been her dream. “Gleb choreographed this incredible dance to ‘Time After Time’ about the love between parents and a daughter and, you know, her going away and coming back — but love always returns, and we always end up together in the end,” Sorvino said.

Matteagraduated from high school in June 2022, and her mom wrote a sweet tribute to her eldest on Instagram alongside videos of Mattea in her cap and gown. “I can’t believe you’re off to college in the fall … I still remember you as a tiny, perfect being in my arms when you were born that made my heart expand several sizes in an instant,” Sorvino wrote. “You have exceeded all my hopes and dreams for you and the world’s your oyster kid!! I love being your mom and your bestie and I can’t wait for the next adventures together.”

Mattea is currently a student at Tufts University and regularly posts about traveling and hanging out with her friends.

Johnny Christopher King Backus, 18

Mira Sorvino and Christopher Backus with their kids, Johnny and Holden.Mira Sorvino Instagram

“She pets his head and gives him kisses. She seems to love Johnny,” Sorvino told PEOPLE shortly after his birth. “They are really close in age, which we wanted, because we want them to be best friends … They are just so beautiful and joyful that you want to cry with happiness all the time. They have unconditional love for you and you have it back for them.”

Johnny is a freshman at the University of Michigan, where he committed to playingDivision 1 baseballin September 2023.

Holden Paul Terry Backus, 15

Mira Sorvino and Christopher Backus with their kids, Mattea, Johnny, and Holden.Mira Sorvino Instagram

Like his older brother, Holden also plays baseball. In May 2023, Sorvino shared some of her younger son’s interests whilecelebrating his eighth-grade graduation.

“I could not be prouder of you Holden! English Award, outstanding grades and love from all your teachers-congratulations for your 8th grade graduation,” the actress wrote on Instagram. “You are kind, brilliant, hilarious, fantastic baseball player, amazing son and crack us up with your dancing! Love you with all my heart!!

Lucia Backus, 12

Lucia Backus and Mira Sorvino at the Napa Valley Film Festival food and wine showcase in 2022.Tim Mosenfelder/Getty

Tim Mosenfelder/Getty

Sorvino and Backus’ youngest child,daughter Lucia, was born on May 3, 2012. “We are thrilled beyond measure to have been blessed with our fourth precious, healthy child,” the couple shared in a statement after her birth.

The family wore their looks for a special dinner and even sent Kudrow a picture. “I sent her the finished product,” Sorvino shared of the dress-up session. “She said it was good, but she’s so polite. Who knows?”

source: people.com