In an era where the “nepo baby” discourse dominates Hollywood, Esther-Rose McGregor stands as a complex counter-narrative. Yes, she is the daughter of Scottish acting titan Ewan McGregor and production designer Eve Mavrakis, but her artistic trajectory has been defined less by privilege and more by a raw, punk-infused rebellion against it.
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From inking “ignorant style” tattoos in a pink-walled studio to delivering searing, meta-performances that critique her own lineage, Esther is an artist of the “New Gen” who refuses to be categorized. She traverses the worlds of high fashion (Miu Miu, Fendi), underground art (Pink Ether), and prestige drama (Babygirl, We Were Liars) with an aesthetic that is unapologetically queer, gritty, and authentic.
This definitive biography delves deep into the life of Esther McGregor, exploring the family scandals that shaped her music, her rise as a fashion icon, and her breakout roles that are finally stepping out of her father’s shadow.
Esther McGregor Profile: Vital Statistics & Physical Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Esther-Rose McGregor |
| Date of Birth | October 22, 2001 |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Current Age | 24 (as of late 2025) |
| Birthplace | London, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British-American (Dual Citizenship) |
| Parents | Ewan McGregor (Actor), Eve Mavrakis (Production Designer) |
| Siblings | Clara McGregor, Jamyan McGregor, Anouk McGregor, Laurie McGregor (Half-brother) |
| Height | 5’6″ (1.68 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Distinctive Features | Short/Androgynous hair, bleached brows, multiple tattoos |
| Education | New York University (NYU) |
| Artistic Collectives | French Thyme (Band), Pink Ether (Tattoo Studio) |
Early Life: A Childhood Between Two Worlds
Esther’s upbringing was a trans-Atlantic tapestry of culture. Born in London in 2001, she spent her early years in the UK before relocating to Los Angeles in 2011. Raised in a bilingual household, she is fluent in both English and French, a skill inherited from her mother, Eve Mavrakis.
Unlike the typical Hollywood childhood shielded from reality, Esther’s early years were steeped in the arts but grounded in discipline. She attended New York University (NYU), where she studied while navigating the complexities of young adulthood in the public eye. It was during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic that Esther’s true artistic voice began to emerge—not on a film set, but in her dorm room, where she began teaching herself the art of tattooing using oranges as practice skin.
The Family Scandal & “Made You A Man”
In 2017, the McGregor family was thrust into the tabloid spotlight following Ewan McGregor’s separation from Eve Mavrakis and his subsequent relationship with actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The public fallout was intense, and unlike many celebrity children who remain silent, Esther channeled her pain into art.
In January 2018, she went viral after posting a video of herself performing an original song titled “Made You A Man” on Instagram. The lyrics were a devastatingly raw critique of the situation:
“I don’t know how to forgive. I don’t know if I can. Ruining me sure made you a man.”
This moment was pivotal—it introduced Esther to the world not just as a daughter, but as a songwriter with a piercing, honest voice. Years later, the family has healed, with Esther even tattooing her father, signaling a profound reconciliation.
The McGregor Sisterhood: A Bond Beyond Hollywood
While Esther shines individually, she is deeply embedded in the “McGregor Clan,” a tight-knit unit of sisters who have supported each other through public storms.
- Clara and Esther McGregor: The “Power Duo.” Clara (born 1996) is Esther’s older sister and closest collaborator. They often model together, most notably for Fendi’s #MeAndMyPeekaboo campaign. Clara, an actress and producer herself (Bleeding Love), often acts as a protective shield for Esther.
- Jamyan McGregor: Adopted from Mongolia in 2006, Jamyan is the same age as Esther (born 2001). The two share a “twin-like” bond, often appearing on each other’s Instagrams. Jamyan pursues photography, complementing Esther’s visual arts.
- Anouk Esther Rose McGregor: The youngest sister, Anouk (born 2011), is often shielded from the limelight, though Esther frequently references her as the “baby” of the group she dotes on.
- Laurie McGregor: Esther has also embraced her half-brother Laurie (born 2021), Ewan’s son with Mary Elizabeth Winstead, signaling a mature bridging of the family’s blended dynamics.
Acting Career: Deconstructing the “Star Wars” Legacy
Esther’s approach to acting has been deliberate. She has avoided the blockbuster route (with one notable exception) in favor of character-driven, indie-spirited projects.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022): The Meta-Commentary
Her cameo in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi was a masterclass in meta-casting. Playing Tetha Grig, a spice peddler on the neon-lit streets of Daiyu, she shared a brief but significant scene with her father’s character.
- The Line: When Obi-Wan says he is looking for a girl, Tetha replies, “I was someone’s daughter once, too.”
- Analysis: This line served as a double entendre, acknowledging her real-life status while grounding her character in the gritty reality of the Star Wars universe. It was a “passing of the torch” moment that acknowledged her heritage without letting it define her performance.
Babygirl (2024): The Breakout Role
In A24’s erotic thriller Babygirl, Esther plays Isabel Mathis, the daughter of Nicole Kidman’s high-powered CEO character.
- Role Significance: Isabel represents the Gen Z perspective—observant, rebellious, and sexually fluid. She acts as a mirror to her mother’s repressed desires.
- Critical Reception: Critics praised Esther for holding her own against powerhouses like Kidman and Antonio Banderas, noting her ability to convey teenage angst with a sophisticated, naturalistic edge.
We Were Liars (2025): Leading Lady Status
Esther’s most significant role to date is Mirren Sinclair Sheffield in the Amazon Prime adaptation of We Were Liars.
- Character Deep Dive: Mirren is one of the titular “Liars,” a character defined by the pressure of perfection. As a Sinclair, she is expected to be blonde, beautiful, and silent about the family’s dark past.
- Performance: Esther brings a tragic vulnerability to Mirren, capturing the character’s internal conflict between loyalty to her family and the need for truth. This role marks her transition from supporting player to leading television actress.
Artistic Philosophy: The “Pink Ether” & Tattoo Culture
Esther is a legitimate figure in the New York tattoo scene, co-founding the studio Pink Ether.
- The Aesthetic: Her tattoo style is often categorized as “Ignorant Style” or Fine-Line Illustrative. It is characterized by whimsical, sketch-like quality, often featuring rough lines, text, and surreal imagery. It rejects the hyper-realism of traditional tattooing in favor of raw emotion and punk DIY ethos.
- The Mission: Pink Ether was designed as a “safe space.” Painted entirely pink, it was created to be an antithesis to the often intimidating, gate-kept energy of traditional male-dominated tattoo shops. It became a haven for queer individuals and women to reclaim ownership of their bodies.
- The Healing Session: In a profound full-circle moment, Esther tattooed a Swallow bird on her father’s arm. The six-hour session was described by Esther as a therapeutic bonding experience, bridging the gap between their past conflict and present closeness.
Fashion Muse: The “Anti-It Girl” Aesthetic
Esther McGregor has become a darling of the high-fashion world precisely because she refuses to conform to it.
- Miu Miu & The Miuccia Connection: Esther opened the Spring/Summer 2023 show for Miu Miu, cementing her status as a muse for Miuccia Prada. Her runway look—bleached brows, choppy micro-bangs, and visible arm tattoos—challenged the polished “nepo model” stereotype (e.g., the Hadid/Jenner aesthetic).
- Refusing the Male Gaze: In a defining interview with Metal Magazine, Esther critiqued the industry’s sexualization of young women. She recounted moments on set where she refused to show more skin, stating, “You didn’t hire me for a piece of my ass.” Her style is deliberately androgynous, often mixing oversized tailoring with punk accessories, signaling that she dresses for herself, not for male validation.
Music: French Thyme & Sonic Identity
Esther’s musical output is channeled through her band, French Thyme, a duo formed with producer Leo Major.
- Genre: Lo-fi Indie Pop / Dream Pop.
- Lyrical Themes: The music is deeply personal and bilingual, switching seamlessly between English and French. Songs like “Grapefruit High” and “Nuit Rose” explore themes of youth, nostalgia, and identity confusion.
- Philosophy: Esther views music as “therapy” rather than a commercial pursuit. She has stated she refuses to sign to a major label to keep the project pure and pressure-free.
Personal Life: Queer Identity, Dating & Lifestyle
Esther McGregor is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, casually and confidently living her truth in New York and LA.
Queer Identity & LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Esther identifies as queer. She has spoken candidly about not fitting into the “femme” box and finding confidence in androgyny. While online searches often ask “is Esther McGregor trans?”, she has not identified as transgender but rather rejects traditional gender binaries in fashion and expression. She has detailed instances from her childhood where she was labeled a “lesbian” as an insult, only to embrace the identity with pride as an adult.
Dating History: Joseph Zada & The “French Boyfriend”
Esther keeps her romantic life relatively private, but key figures have emerged:
- The “French Boyfriend”: In past interviews, she referenced a serious relationship with a French partner. This romance was immortalized by a “rotting pear” tattoo she gave herself, inspired by a pear tree outside his Brooklyn apartment.
- Joseph Zada Rumors: Following their palpable chemistry in We Were Liars, fans speculated about a romance with co-star Joseph Zada. However, interviews suggest the two are close friends and creative collaborators, bonding over the intense six-month filming schedule in Nova Scotia.
Lifestyle & Interests
- Depop & Thrift Culture: Esther is known for selling vintage clothes on Depop, reinforcing her sustainable fashion ethos.
- Hobbies: She is an avid knitter, often making scarves during downtime on set. She also owns a hairless cat named Azure.
Net Worth & Income Sources
As of late 2025, Esther McGregor’s estimated net worth is between $1 Million and $3 Million. Unlike many celebrity offspring who rely on family trusts, Esther has multiple active income streams:
- Modeling Contracts: Campaigns with Miu Miu, Celine, and Fendi are highly lucrative, likely contributing the bulk of her early wealth.
- Acting Salaries: Roles in Disney+ (Obi-Wan Kenobi) and Amazon Prime (We Were Liars) come with significant paychecks, especially for main cast roles.
- Tattoo Business: As the co-owner of Pink Ether in NYC, she generates income as a skilled artisan, charging premium rates for her custom designs.
- Music: While less commercial, her band French Thyme generates streaming revenue via Spotify and Apple Music.
Conclusion: The McGregor Evolution
Esther-Rose McGregor has successfully navigated the treacherous waters of celebrity childhood to emerge as a distinct, multifaceted artist. She is not merely “Ewan’s daughter”—she is the founder of Pink Ether, the voice of French Thyme, the face of Miu Miu, and the soul of Mirren Sinclair.
By turning her pain into music, her rebellion into fashion, and her empathy into acting, she has crafted a career that is as indelible as the ink she etches into skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Esther McGregor related to Ewan McGregor? Yes, Esther is the second daughter of actor Ewan McGregor and his first wife, Eve Mavrakis.
How old is Esther McGregor? Esther was born on October 22, 2001, making her 24 years old as of late 2025.
What is Esther McGregor’s role in ‘We Were Liars’? She plays Mirren Sinclair Sheffield, a central character in the Amazon Prime series. Mirren is one of the “Liars” and deals with the pressure of her family’s secrets.
Is Esther McGregor a tattoo artist? Yes, she is a professional tattoo artist who specializes in fine-line and “ignorant style” tattoos. She co-founded the studio Pink Ether in New York City.
Does Esther McGregor speak French? Yes, she is fluent in French, which she speaks with her mother and incorporates into her band French Thyme’s lyrics.
Is Esther McGregor queer? Yes, Esther identifies as queer and has spoken openly about her fluidity and rejection of traditional gender norms in fashion and life.
