For decades, Maria Bello has captivated audiences with her gritty performances in A History of Violence, her bar-top dancing in Coyote Ugly, and her tough-as-nails portrayal of Jack Sloane on NCIS.
Yet, behind the magazine covers and red carpet premieres, the role she values most is being a mother.
QUICK BIO
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Jackson Blue McDermott |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 2001 |
| Age | 24 years (2025) |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Maria Bello (Mother), Dan McDermott (Father) |
| Education | The New School, New York City |
| Hometown | Los Angeles, California |
| Net Worth | Private; influenced by family background |
| Spouse | Not publicly known |
| Children | None |
| Sibling | None |
| Married/Single | Single |
| @jackson_mcd | |
| Notable Moments | Viral “Love is Love” response to mother’s coming out |
| Education | High School Graduate (2019), College Graduate (2023) |
| Current Residence | New York City, New York |
The Early Years of Jackson Blue
Jackson Blue McDermott was born on March 5, 2001. He is the only child of Maria Bello and television executive Dan McDermott.
His parents’ relationship dates back to the late 1990s. Although they never married and eventually separated, they remained committed to co-parenting their son effectively.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Jackson was inevitably exposed to the entertainment industry. However, Maria worked diligently to shield him from the more invasive aspects of celebrity culture.
While he was occasionally spotted as a toddler building sandcastles in Hawaii or being carried by his mother at farmers’ markets, his childhood was kept relatively private compared to his peers.
A “Modern Family” Dynamic
One of the most defining aspects of Jackson’s life is the open and honest relationship he shares with his mother.
Maria Bello has never shied away from discussing her unconventional family life, often referring to it as a “modern family.”
The “Love is Love” Moment
In 2013, Maria Bello penned a powerful essay for the New York Times titled “Coming Out as a Modern Family.”
In the piece, she revealed a pivotal moment involving Jackson, who was 12 years old at the time.
Maria had fallen in love with her best friend, Clare Munn. She was terrified to tell her son, worried about how he would react to his mother being in a same-sex relationship.
When she finally sat him down to break the news, Jackson’s reaction was wise beyond his years. He simply looked at her and said, “Mom, love is love, whatever you are.”
This moment went viral and became a testament to Jackson’s character. It showcased his maturity, open-mindedness, and the deep bond of trust he shares with his mother.
A Strong Co-Parenting Unit
Despite the split between his parents, Jackson grew up with a strong support system. His father, Dan McDermott, remained an active presence in his life.
Maria has often credited Dan for being a fantastic father, and the family prioritized spending time together to ensure Jackson felt supported from all sides.
Growing Up and Moving Away
As Jackson transitioned from a teenager into a young adult, he began to carve out his own identity. In 2019, he graduated from high school, a milestone his mother celebrated publicly on social media.
Unlike many celebrity children who immediately launch acting or modeling careers, Jackson chose education.
Reports indicate that he moved to New York City to pursue his academic studies. This move signaled a desire for independence and a life outside the Hollywood bubble of Los Angeles.
While in New York, he has kept a low profile. He does not maintain a public social media presence, preferring to keep his personal life and relationships private.
This level of discretion is rare in the age of digital oversharing, suggesting that Jackson values his privacy highly.
The Resemblance is Uncanny
One thing fans often note is the striking physical resemblance between Jackson and Maria. As he has aged, the similarities have become even more apparent.
In June 2023, Maria posted a photo celebrating Jackson’s graduation, presumably from college,where the duo was all smiles.
Dressed in academic regalia, Jackson looked every bit the proud graduate, while Maria beamed beside him.
Fans and media outlets were quick to point out that he is practically a “carbon copy” of his famous mother, sharing her smile and facial features.
Who is Dan McDermott?
To understand Jackson, it is helpful to know a bit about his father. Dan McDermott is a successful executive in the television industry.
While he operates behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera, his influence in Hollywood is significant.
His career in television management and production meant that Jackson was raised by two parents who understood the industry.
This dual perspective likely gave Jackson a realistic view of show business, stripping away the glamour to reveal the hard work required to succeed.
Jackson’s Impact on Maria Bello
While Jackson keeps to himself, his influence on his mother’s life is public and profound. Maria frequently refers to him as her greatest teacher and inspiration.
In her book, Whatever… Love Is Love: Questioning the Labels We Give Ourselves, Maria explores themes of identity and partnership, many of which were inspired by her conversations with Jackson.
His acceptance of her fluid sexuality gave her the courage to live her truth publicly.
On his 18th birthday, Maria shared a touching tribute, stating that he was the “greatest blessing” of her life. It is clear that while Maria is the star, Jackson is the center of her universe.
What Does the Future Hold?
Currently, Jackson Blue McDermott is in his early 20s. With a college education under his belt and a foot in New York City, the world is open to him.
Will he eventually follow in his parents’ footsteps? He certainly has the connections to enter the entertainment world if he chooses.
However, his track record suggests he might opt for a quieter life, perhaps in a field entirely removed from acting or production.
Regardless of his career choice, Jackson has already made an impact. He has shown the world what supportive, modern family dynamics look like.
He has proven that it is possible to grow up in the shadow of fame without losing your head. Most importantly, he has been a steady source of love and support for his mother.
A Legacy of Love
He represents a new generation of celebrity children who are defining themselves not by their parents’ fame, but by their own character and choices.
From the wise 12-year-old who understood that “love is love” to the college graduate forging his own path in New York, Jackson appears to be a well-adjusted, thoughtful young man.
For Maria Bello, he is simply her son,and that is the most important role of all.
Maya Collins is a writer at WorthAura.com with over 3 years of experience researching celebrity lifestyles and net worth facts. She enjoys sharing clear and trustworthy information about how famous athletes and sports stars earn and grow their money. Maya makes sure every article is accurate and easy to understand for readers.
