When you are born into a family that blends reality television royalty with the high-energy world of electronic dance music, your arrival is bound to make headlines. For Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella, life began under the flashing lights of Las Vegas fame, yet his story is defined by a surprisingly grounded upbringing.
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As the son of The Girls Next Door star and best-selling author Holly Madison and Insomniac Events founder Pasquale Rotella, Forest occupies a unique space in pop culture. While his name suggests whimsy and grandeur, his parents have worked hard to shield him from the intense scrutiny that defined their own careers.
Whether you are a long-time fan of Holly’s journey from the Playboy Mansion to independence, or you follow the EDM empire built by Pasquale, you likely have questions about the youngest member of the Rotella clan.
From his dramatic entrance into the world to the meaning behind his distinct nature-themed name, here is everything you need to know about Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella.
Quick Bio: Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella
Before exploring the details of his life, here is a quick snapshot of the key facts surrounding Forest.
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella |
| Date of Birth | August 7, 2016 |
| Birthplace | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Father | Pasquale Rotella (CEO of Insomniac Events) |
| Mother | Holly Madison (Author, TV Personality) |
| Sibling | Rainbow Aurora Rotella (Older Sister) |
| Birth Weight | 8 lbs, 14 oz |
| Name Meaning | Nature-themed; Leonardo honors his zodiac sign |
A Dramatic Arrival: The Birth Story
Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella made his grand entrance on Sunday, August 7, 2016. He was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at a healthy 8 pounds, 14 ounces. While the birth announcements were celebratory, the moments immediately following his delivery were terrifying for his parents.
Shortly after his birth, Forest was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Holly Madison revealed in interviews that her newborn had fluid in his lungs, a common but frightening condition for infants. The situation escalated when doctors noted he also had jaundice and his eyes weren’t dilating properly.
Holly later described the experience as incredibly stressful, admitting she spent hours terrified that her baby couldn’t see. Fortunately, the medical scare was temporary. After being hooked up to monitors and receiving expert care, Forest was deemed perfectly healthy. After a few emotional days in the hospital, Pasquale and Holly were able to bring their son home to meet his big sister.
What is the meaning behind his name?
Celebrity baby names are often a topic of intense discussion, and Forest’s name is no exception. Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella put significant thought into the moniker, ensuring it had personal significance and flowed well with their family dynamic.
The First Name: Forest
Holly has always had an affinity for whimsical, nature-inspired names. She wanted a name that paired well with her daughter’s name, Rainbow Aurora. “Forest” continues this earthy, natural theme. It evokes a sense of calm, strength, and grounding qualities any parent would want for their child.
The Middle Names: Leonardo Antonio
The middle names serve a different purpose. Holly chose “Leonardo” specifically because of her son’s birth date. During her pregnancy, friends and family kept pointing out that he would be born under the sign of Leo. She took this as a sign and chose Leonardo as a nod to the lion of the zodiac.
“Antonio” pays homage to Pasquale Rotella’s Italian heritage. It adds a classic, traditional touch to the otherwise modern and unique full name.
Who are his famous parents?
To understand Forest’s life, you have to look at the powerhouse careers of his parents. Both Holly and Pasquale have built massive empires in their respective fields.
Holly Madison: From Reality Star to Best-Selling Author
Holly Madison first captured the world’s attention as one of the stars of E!’s hit reality series The Girls Next Door. After leaving the Playboy Mansion, she didn’t just fade away; she reinvented herself. She headlined her own burlesque show, Peepshow, in Las Vegas and starred in her own reality spinoff, Holly’s World.
However, her biggest pivot came as an author. Her memoir, Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny, debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list.
It critically examined her past and established her as a voice for women in the industry. Today, she continues to influence pop culture through successful podcasts regarding crime and Playboy history.
Pasquale Rotella: The King of EDM
Pasquale Rotella is a titan in the music industry. He is the founder and CEO of Insomniac Events, the company responsible for Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). EDC is one of the largest electronic dance music festivals in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees annually. Pasquale’s work has shaped the modern festival landscape, making him one of the most influential figures in live entertainment.
Growing up with these two as parents means Forest is exposed to creativity, business acumen, and the importance of hard work from a very young age.
The Sibling Dynamic: Forest and Rainbow
Forest is not an only child. He has an older sister, Rainbow Aurora Rotella, who was born in March 2013. The age gap between the two is roughly three and a half years, which is often considered a “sweet spot” for sibling bonding.
When Forest was brought home from the hospital, reports indicated that Rainbow took to her role as a big sister immediately. The shared nature theme of their names, Rainbow and Forest, creates a sweet linkage between the two.
While their parents are divorced, both children are frequently seen (with faces obscured for privacy) enjoying time together, suggesting a close and supportive sibling relationship.
Navigating Divorce and Co-Parenting
In 2018, when Forest was just two years old, his parents made the difficult decision to separate. Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella finalized their divorce in February 2019. Despite the public nature of their careers, the couple managed to keep the details of their split largely private.
Court documents regarding custody and support were sealed, a move designed to protect Forest and Rainbow from the tabloid gossip cycle.
Both Holly and Pasquale have publicly committed to amicable co-parenting. They have prioritized stability for the children, ensuring that both Forest and Rainbow maintain strong relationships with both parents. Pasquale stated on Instagram at the time of the split that they remain “best of friends” and “forever partners and parents.” This healthy approach to separation is crucial for Forest’s emotional well-being as he grows up.
A Life of Intentional Privacy
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella’s childhood is the privacy his parents fight to maintain.
In the age of “sharenting,” where many celebrities post daily updates of their children, Holly Madison has taken a different route.
While she shared photos of them as infants, she stopped showing their faces on social media as they grew into school age. If you look at her Instagram today, you will likely see emojis covering Forest’s face in any family photos.
Holly has explained this decision in interviews. She wants to protect her children’s anonymity so they can attend school and make friends without the burden of being recognized as “Holly Madison’s son.” She also cited safety concerns and a desire to let them consent to their own public presence once they are older. This protective strategy ensures Forest gets to be a normal kid, despite his extraordinary lineage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella?
Forest was born on August 7, 2016. You can calculate his current age based on the current year (e.g., in 2024, he turns 8 years old).
Why does Holly Madison cover her son’s face on Instagram?
Holly covers Forest’s face to protect his privacy and safety. She believes her children should have the right to choose when and if they want a public social media presence.
Does Forest Rotella have any siblings?
Yes, he has one older sister named Rainbow Aurora Rotella.
Who is Forest Rotella’s father?
His father is Pasquale Rotella, the founder of Insomniac Events and the creator of the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC).
What happened to Forest when he was born?
Forest spent time in the NICU immediately after birth due to fluid in his lungs and jaundice. He recovered fully and went home a few days later.
Are Forest’s parents still married?
No, Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella finalized their divorce in February 2019, though they continue to co-parent amicably.
Where was Forest Rotella born?
He was born in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What is the meaning of the middle name Antonio?
The middle name Antonio honors his father Pasquale’s Italian heritage.
Does Forest appear on reality TV?
No. While his mother was a reality TV star, Forest has not appeared on any reality shows, as his parents prioritize his privacy.
What is Forest’s zodiac sign?
Born on August 7, Forest is a Leo. His middle name “Leonardo” is a direct nod to this star sign.
A Future of His Own Making
Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella may have been born into the spotlight, but his life is being crafted with intention and care. His parents, despite their separation, have united to provide a stable, private environment where he can grow up without the pressures of fame.
From his nature-inspired name to his resilience as a newborn in the NICU, Forest’s story is just beginning. Whether he chooses to follow his father into the music business, his mother into the world of media, or carve out a completely different path, he has the support and protection to do it on his own terms.
For now, he is simply a child growing up in Las Vegas, loved by his family and shielded from the cameras, exactly the way his parents want it to be.
