Who is Myles Jonathan Brando? Quick facts about Marlon Brando's son with Maria Cristina Ruiz

Who is Myles Jonathan Brando? Quick facts about Marlon Brando's son with Maria Cristina Ruiz

Myles Jonathan Brando is one of Marlon Brando's 11 children. He was born from the late actor's long-term relationship with his housekeeper, Maria Cristina Ruiz. In February 1991, Jonathan's half-brother, Christian Brando, told the Los Angeles Times of their large, blended family:

My family is spaced out because my dad had kids even in his 70s. Sometimes, I would meet my half-siblings during family gatherings and be like, "Who are you?"
Marlon Brando in 1965 and 1963 (L-R)
Marlon Brando in 1965 and 1963 (L-R). Photo: Leo Fuchs, Screen Archives (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Myles' dad, Marlon, is regarded as one of the greatest actors in cinema history.
  • Jonathan has two biological siblings: Ninna Priscilla (b. 1989) and Timothy Gahan Brando (b. 1994).
  • Myles' half-brother, Christian, was imprisoned for five years for fatally shooting their half-sister's lover.
  • Unlike his father, Myles Jonathan has largely stayed away from the limelight.

Profile summary

Full name

Myles Jonathan Brando

Gender

Male

Date of birth

16 January 1992

Age

33 years old (2025)

Birthplace

Los Angeles, California, USA

Nationality

American

Parents

Maria Cristina Ruiz and Marlon Brando

Siblings

10

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Myles' dad, Marlon Brando, was an award-winning actor

Marlon made his Broadway debut in the 1944 play Remember Mama. Six years later, he bagged his first film role as G.I. in The Men. Some of Brando's other acting credits include The Chase, Guys and Dolls and A Dry white Season.

He won a Cannes Film Festival Award and two Golden Globe Awards in his six-decade career. Marlon is credited with being one of the first actors to bring method acting to mainstream audiences.

Myles Jonathan Brando's facts
Actor Myles Jonathan Brando. Photo: Silver Screen Collection (modified by author)
Source: Original

He had at least 11 kids: A look at Myles Jonathan's siblings

Myles' dad was in three unsuccessful marriages. His former spouses were Anna Kashfi (m. 1957; div. 1959), Movita Castaneda (m. 1960; ann. 1968) and Tarita Teriipaia (m. 1962; div. 1972).

Three of Brando's 11 children were adopted (Tarita's daughter Maimiti, her niece Raiatua and Pedra Corval).

Christian Brando (1958-2008)

Marlon Brando and Christian Brando in 1990
Marlon Brando and Christian Brando in 1990. Photo: Jim Smeal
Source: Getty Images

Christian was the only child Marlon had with his first wife, Anna. On 16 May 1990, his half-sister, Cheyenne, confided in him that her boyfriend, Dag Drollet, was physically abusing her.

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Christian fatally shot him in a heated confrontation while in the Brando residence. In his interview with the Los Angeles Times, Marlon's son recalled the incident, saying:

My intention was not to kill him; I just wanted to scare him.

Christian served a 5-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to murder. He passed away due to pneumonia on 26 January 2008, aged 49.

Miko Castaneda (b. 1961)

Miko Brando in 1995
Miko Brando in 1995. Photo: Vinnie Zuffante
Source: Getty Images

Miko is Marlon's first child with his second wife, Movita. According to his IMDb profile, he starred in This Is It and Inchon. Castaneda was Michael Jackson's longtime bodyguard. Speaking with The Guardian in 2015, he shared a glimpse of who his dad was off-screen, revealing:

He was a loving and caring father. At home, he was not the legendary actor Marlon Brando; he was just dad.

Rebecca Brando (b. 1966)

Rebecca Brando at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, California
Rebecca Brando at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Olivia Wong
Source: Getty Images

Rebecca is Marlon and Movita's daughter. In 2015, she endorsed a documentary about her dad, Listen To Me Marlon. She told Metro about the film:

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I am glad the film shows my father as a person and not just a superstar. I know he would be proud of it.

In a 2020 interview with British GQ, she jokingly narrated how her dad would intimidate some boyfriends she brought home.

Simon Teihotu (b.1963)

Marlon Brando in 1972
Marlon Brando in 1972. Photo: CBS
Source: Getty Images

Simon is Marlon and Tarita's first child. Per his IMDb profile, he maintains a low profile, per his dad's wishes. The father of three resides and works in The Brando (The family resort in French Polynesia).

Tarita Cheyenne (1970-1995)

Cheyenne Brando in 1991
Cheyenne Brando in 1991. Photo: Eric Bonamy
Source: Getty Images

Cheyenne was Simon's biological sister. She was pregnant with Dag's child at the time of his passing. A former model, she fell into depression after Christian's arrest and turned to substance abuse. After losing custody of her son, Tuki, she took her life in her mother's house in Tahiti.

What happened to Myles Jonathan's father?

Marlon had liver cancer and diabetes. On 1 July 2004, he passed away due to respiratory failure from pulmonary fibrosis with congestive heart failure. The actor was cremated, and his ashes were partly scattered in Death Valley and Tahiti.

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Frequently asked questions

How old was Marlon Brando Jr.?

Marlon (80 at his passing) was born on 3 April 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. He was the only son of Dorothy Pennebaker and Marlon Brando Sr.

The former was a stage actress, while the latter was a salesman. The actor had Irish, English, German and Dutch ancestry. He briefly attended Shattuck Military Academy and Libertyville High School.

How much was Marlon Brando worth when he died?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Marlon had an estimated net worth of $100 million at the time of his passing. His liquid assets were reportedly worth $23 million.

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Brando ranks among the highest-paid deceased celebrities, with his estate amassing approximately $9 million annually. His fortune primarily stemmed from his illustrious acting career.

Why did Marlon Brando reject his Oscar?

In 1973, Marlon won an Academy Award for his role in The Godfather, but sent actress Sacheen Littlefeather to decline it on his behalf. He cited the "poor treatment of Native Americans in the film industry" as the reason behind his decision.

Wrapping up

Myles Jonathan Brando is Marlon Brando's second child with his housekeeper, Maria Cristina Ruiz. Despite his late dad's prominence, the celebrity son maintains a low-key profile.

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Clint had several extramarital escapades and is the doting father of eight kids from six different women. Despite rejecting her at birth, he shares a close relationship with his daughter, Kathryn.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News

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Ruth Gitonga (Lifestyle writer) Ruth Gitonga has a background experience in Mass Communication for over six years. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014. In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has worked for Briefly.co.za for seven years now. She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports. Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.

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