In the world of Hollywood, the name Marlon Brando is synonymous with acting greatness. But what about his children? One son, Simon Teihotu Brando, has largely stayed out of the limelight. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Simon’s life, from his famous parents to his current pursuits. Get ready to discover the untold story of this private member of the Brando family.
Who Is Simon Teihotu Brando?
Simon Teihotu Brando was born on June 12, 1963 in Tahiti. He is the son of legendary actor Marlon Brando and Polynesian actress Tarita Teriipaia. Simon is 61 years old as of 2025. Unlike some of his siblings, Simon has kept a very low public profile throughout his life. He has not pursued a career in acting or Hollywood. Instead, he lives and works at his father’s hotel, The Brando, located on the private atoll of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia.
Despite being the child of famous parents, Simon has successfully maintained his privacy over the years. He rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances. His life is largely a mystery to the outside world, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding this member of the iconic Brando clan.
Early Life and Family Background
Simon Teihotu Brando was born into acting royalty. His father, Marlon Brando, is widely considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. Marlon starred in classic films like A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, and The Godfather. He was known for his brooding good looks, raw acting talent, and tumultuous personal life.
Simon’s mother is Tarita Teriipaia, a French Polynesian actress who caught Marlon’s eye in the early 1960s. The two met while filming Mutiny on the Bounty in Tahiti. Despite a language barrier and 18-year age gap, Marlon and Tarita fell in love. Simon was born shortly after in 1963.
Growing up, Simon split his time between LA and Tahiti. He got to experience the best of both worlds – the glitz of Hollywood and the tropical beauty of French Polynesia. But life in the Brando household was far from idyllic. Marlon was a complicated man with a volatile temper and numerous affairs. This put a strain on his relationship with Tarita.
Father Marlon BrandoTo understand Simon Teihotu Brando, it helps to know more about his legendary father. Marlon Brando is a Hollywood icon, known for his incredible acting range and rebellious persona. He helped popularize method acting in the 1950s with his raw, naturalistic performances.
On screen, Marlon was electric. He brought a smoldering intensity to roles like Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire and Terry Malloy in On the Waterfront, for which he won his first Oscar. Later, he played Vito Corleone in The Godfather, cementing his status as a cinematic legend.
But off screen, Marlon was a deeply troubled soul. He struggled with obesity, depression, and numerous failed marriages. His relationships with his children were often strained. He could be distant, critical and sometimes even abusive. Growing up in Marlon’s shadow could not have been easy for young Simon.
Still, it’s clear Marlon loved Tahiti and French Polynesia, which is perhaps why Simon feels such a strong connection there today. Marlon first visited the islands while filming Mutiny on the Bounty and was captivated by their beauty. He ended up buying the small atoll of Tetiaroa, which is now the site of The Brando luxury eco-resort that Simon helps run.
Mother Tarita Teriipaia
Simon’s mother, Tarita Teriipaia, was a Polynesian actress who became Marlon Brando’s third wife. She was born on December 29, 1941 on the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia. Tarita first met Marlon in 1960 when she auditioned for a role in his film Mutiny on the Bounty.
Despite having no acting experience, Tarita’s exotic beauty caught Marlon’s eye. He cast her as his love interest, Maimiti. During filming, life imitated art as the two embarked on a passionate love affair. Tarita was only 19 years old, while Marlon was 36 and still married to his second wife.
After production wrapped, Tarita discovered she was pregnant with Marlon’s child. She gave birth to their son, Simon Teihotu Brando, in 1963. Two years later, she and Marlon married in a lavish Tahitian ceremony. Tarita then moved to LA with Marlon, where they had a second child together, a daughter named Cheyenne.
By all accounts, Tarita found life in Hollywood difficult. She missed the simplicity and beauty of her island home. Marlon’s infidelities and misogynistic tendencies also contributed to the demise of their marriage. The couple divorced in 1972 after 7 tumultuous years together.
After the divorce, Tarita returned to French Polynesia with her two children. She raised Simon and Cheyenne far from the chaos of LA, in a more peaceful, traditional Polynesian lifestyle. Tarita acted in a few more films over the years but largely faded from the spotlight. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 73.
Siblings and Family Connections
As the son of Marlon Brando, Simon Teihotu Brando is part of an extensive and famous family tree. Marlon was married three times and had numerous affairs, resulting in at least 11 children that he acknowledged. Some of Simon’s half-siblings include:
– Christian Brando (1958-2008) – Marlon’s eldest son with actress Anna Kashfi. Christian had a troubled life and spent 5 years in prison for killing his sister Cheyenne’s boyfriend. He died of pneumonia at age 49.
– Cheyenne Brando (1970-1995) – Simon’s full sister. Cheyenne struggled with depression, addiction and mental health issues. Tragically, she died by suicide at age 25.
– Miko Brando (b. 1961) – Son of Marlon and actress Movita Castaneda. Worked as a security guard and driver for his father.
– Rebecca Brando (b. 1966) – Daughter of Marlon and his housekeeper, Christina Ruiz. Became an actress and model.
– Ninna Priscilla Brando (b. 1989) – Marlon’s youngest child with his maid, Christina Ruiz. Born when Marlon was 65 years old.
Other notable relatives include Tuki Brando (Cheyenne’s son and a model), Shane Brando (son of Marlon’s assistant) and Marlon’s famous sister Jocelyn Brando, who was also an actress.
The Brando family has dealt with its share of tragedy and scandal over the years, from Christian’s murder trial to Cheyenne’s untimely death. Through it all, Simon has remained a stable, grounding presence, choosing to live a quiet life out of the spotlight.
Professional Pursuits and Career Interests
Unlike his famous father and some of his siblings, Simon Teihotu Brando has not pursued a career in acting or the entertainment industry. He has largely eschewed the spotlight, preferring to live a peaceful life in French Polynesia.
However, Simon has not been idle. For many years, he has worked at the luxury resort, The Brando, located on the private atoll of Tetiaroa. This small island was purchased by Marlon Brando in 1966 after he fell in love with its natural beauty while filming Mutiny on the Bounty.
After Marlon’s death in 2004, the Brando estate partnered with a luxury hotel brand to develop an eco-friendly resort on Tetiaroa. The Brando opened in 2014 and has since become one of the most exclusive and sought-after destinations in the South Pacific.
As a resident of Tetiaroa, Simon plays an active role in the resort’s daily operations and management. He serves as a liaison between the local Polynesian community and the hotel staff and guests. Simon’s deep knowledge of the island’s history, culture and ecosystem is invaluable.
While the specifics of Simon’s job are not public knowledge, it’s clear that he has found a way to honor his father’s love of Tetiaroa while still maintaining his own privacy and autonomy. By all accounts, he takes great pride in helping to preserve and share this pristine paradise with others.
Maintaining Privacy in a Famous Family
One of the most remarkable things about Simon Teihotu Brando is how he has managed to stay out of the public eye, despite his famous pedigree. In an age where celebrity children are often fodder for the tabloids, Simon has successfully kept a low profile.
Part of this can likely be attributed to his upbringing in French Polynesia, far from the glare of Hollywood. After his parents divorced in 1972, Simon and his sister Cheyenne were raised primarily by their mother, Tarita, in Tahiti. They enjoyed a relatively normal childhood, immersed in Polynesian culture and traditions.
As an adult, Simon has continued to prioritize his privacy. He rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances. Not much is known about his personal life, including whether he is married or has children of his own. For someone in Simon’s position, this level of anonymity is quite remarkable.
Of course, being a Brando comes with a certain level of scrutiny and interest, no matter how low-key one tries to be. In 1990, Simon made headlines when he was involved in a bar fight in Tahiti that left him with a gunshot wound to the jaw. The incident highlighted the challenges of bearing such a famous name.
However, for the most part, Simon has managed to avoid the pitfalls of celebrity. He seems content living a simple life in the islands, far from the drama and dysfunction that have plagued some of his family members. In many ways, his quest for privacy and normalcy can be seen as an act of self-preservation.
Simon Teihotu Brando’s Personal Life
As mentioned, Simon Teihotu Brando is extremely private and little is known about his personal life. He has never been married and does not have any children that have been publicly acknowledged.
Simon’s relationship with his famous father was complicated, as was the case with many of Marlon’s children. In his memoir, Songs My Mother Taught Me, Marlon admitted that he was often an absent and emotionally distant father. He wrote, “I have always been a distant father. I was never there for my children when they needed me.”
However, it seems that Marlon and Simon did share a special bond, particularly in the later years of Marlon’s life. According to some reports, Simon was one of the few people who could really get through to Marlon and understand him. They shared a love of Tetiaroa and the Polynesian way of life.
After Marlon’s death in 2004, Simon, along with the other executors of Marlon’s estate, was tasked with carrying out his father’s final wishes. This included overseeing the development of The Brando resort on Tetiaroa, which Marlon had envisioned as a way to preserve and protect the atoll’s natural beauty.
Today, Simon continues to honor his father’s legacy by working at The Brando and serving as a steward of Tetiaroa. While he may not have followed in Marlon’s acting footsteps, it’s clear that Simon inherited his father’s love for French Polynesia and his desire to live life on his own terms.
Carrying Forward Marlon Brando’s Legacy
Simon Teihotu Brando may not be a household name like his famous father, but he is playing a crucial role in preserving Marlon Brando’s legacy, particularly when it comes to the island of Tetiaroa.
Marlon first purchased Tetiaroa in 1966 after falling in love with its pristine beaches and lush landscapes while filming Mutiny on the Bounty. He envisioned turning the atoll into a self-sustaining, eco-friendly paradise that could serve as a model for the world.
However, Marlon’s grand plans for Tetiaroa were never fully realized in his lifetime. It wasn’t until after his death in 2004 that the Brando estate began working in earnest to develop a luxury eco-resort on the island, in partnership with hotelier Richard Bailey.
The Brando officially opened its doors in 2014, a decade after Marlon’s passing. The resort is a testament to Marlon’s vision, combining luxury accommodations with cutting-edge sustainability practices. Solar power, seawater air conditioning, and organic gardens are just a few of the innovative features.
Final Words!
As someone who knew Marlon intimately and shares his love for Tetiaroa, Simon is uniquely positioned to carry forward his father’s legacy. By working at The Brando and serving as a liaison with the local community, Simon is helping to ensure that Marlon’s dream of a sustainable paradise is being fulfilled.
In many ways, Simon embodies the best of his father – his passion, his principles, his connection to the land and sea. While he may not have Marlon’s fame or acting talent, Simon possesses a quiet strength and dignity that commands respect.
As The Brando continues to thrive and Tetiaroa remains a protected sanctuary, it’s clear that Marlon Brando’s legacy is in good hands with his son Simon at the helm. Though he avoids the spotlight, Simon’s dedication to his father’s vision speaks volumes about his character and the enduring power of the Brando name.