Perez Hilton, born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., is widely known as a trailblazing celebrity blogger, but his favorite role is being a father.
He is a single father by choice to three children: son Mario Armando Lavandeira III (born February 2013), daughter Mia Alma (born May 2015), and daughter Mayte Amor (born October 2017). Over the years, Hilton has been remarkably transparent about his journey to parenthood, advocating for non-traditional families and showing what it takes to raise a thriving household as a solo dad.
Below are five fast facts you need to know about Perez Hilton’s three children, their unique biological backgrounds, and their current family life.
1. They Were Welcomed via Gestational Surrogacy
Hilton’s path to fatherhood began over a decade ago through the help of modern reproductive technology. All three of his children were brought into the world via gestational surrogacy. Hilton has openly discussed the rigorous and expensive process, which involves implanting an embryo into a surrogate mother who has no genetic tie to the child. After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of his own father when he was just a teenager, Hilton felt a deep desire to pass on his family’s lineage, deciding to use his own DNA to build his family.
2. All Three Siblings Share the Same Genetic Background
GettyThough Mario, Mia, and Mayte were carried and delivered by three different surrogate mothers, they are fully biological siblings. Hilton intentionally utilized the exact same anonymous egg donor for all three of his successful pregnancies. This choice ensured that his son and two daughters share the exact same genetic makeup and a strong biological bond, creating a unified family unit despite being born years apart to different carriers.
3. Their Names Hold Deep Family Sentimental Value
GettyFamily legacy heavily influenced the names Hilton chose for his kids. His eldest child, 13-year-old Mario, proudly carries on his father’s and late grandfather’s namesake, frequently going by the affectionate family nickname “J.R.” His youngest daughter, 8-year-old Mayte Amor, also carries a sentimental tribute to his inner circle. Her unique name blends “May,” which honors Perez’s beloved sister, with “Teresita,” a nod to his mother.
4. His Mother, Teresita, Helps Raise the Trio
GettyWhile Hilton is a single father, he does not raise his children alone. He frequently credits his mother, Teresita Lavandeira, as his primary partner in parenting. Teresita moved into Hilton’s home the very day his eldest son was born, establishing a tight-knit, multi-generational household. She has provided a steady, loving maternal presence in the children’s lives, helping manage their daily schedules and schooling.
5. The Family Recently Relocated to Miami, Florida
GettyAfter spending several years raising his children in Los Angeles and later Las Vegas, Hilton made a major geographical shift in mid-2026. He packed up his household and moved back to his hometown of Miami, Florida. Hilton cited a strong desire to raise his three growing kids closer to his extended family, their cultural roots, and the beachside community he grew up loving.
Authorities confirmed the children were safely away from the home during a recent emergency welfare incident involving Perez in August 2026.
