From Hollywood Dynasties To Interior Design: 7 Surprising Facts About Lilly McDowell In 2025

Lilly McDowell, known for her roles in critically acclaimed TV series, has transitioned from the bright lights of Hollywood to a new, creative passion as an interior decorator, making her one of the most intriguing figures from a legendary acting family in December 2025. Her journey from the set of *Sons of Anarchy* to a thriving career in design, alongside her life as a wife and mother of three, offers a unique perspective on managing a creative professional life with a famous, interconnected family legacy.

This article dives deep into the life of Lilly McDowell Walton, exploring her powerful Hollywood lineage, her most notable acting credits, and the surprising entrepreneurial path she has forged in the design world, confirming her status as an accomplished individual in her own right, separate from her iconic parents.

Lilly McDowell: Complete Biography and Profile

Lilly McDowell is an American actress and interior designer, born into one of Hollywood's most distinguished families. Her personal and professional life is a fascinating blend of entertainment history and modern creative entrepreneurship.

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• Full Name: Lilly Amanda McDowell (also known as Lilly McDowell Walton)
• Date of Birth: January 22, 1981
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 44 years old
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Parents: Malcolm McDowell (Father, actor) and Mary Steenburgen (Mother, actress)
• Step-Parent: Ted Danson (Stepfather, actor)
• Sibling: Charlie McDowell (Brother, director and writer)
• Spouse: Charles Abram Walton (Married September 25, 2010)
• Children: Three daughters (including Clementine Mae, born 2012)
• Notable Acting Roles: Katey Petrie in *Sons of Anarchy*, recurring role in *Over There*.
• Current Profession: Interior Designer/Decorator

The Surprising Career Shift: From Actress to Interior Designer

One of the most compelling aspects of Lilly McDowell's life is her transition away from the demanding world of acting to pursue a passion for design. After years of work on television and film sets, she found a new creative outlet that allows her to shape physical spaces.

A New Canvas: Interior Decorating

Lilly McDowell has successfully pivoted her career, moving from the screen to the home. She is now recognized as an interior designer and decorator, a move that showcases her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. This career shift highlights her desire to create tangible, lasting beauty, a stark contrast to the often-ephemeral nature of film production.

Her work in interior design is a reflection of a creative mind that thrives on aesthetics and structure. While she keeps her design portfolio relatively private, her new profession establishes her as an accomplished professional in the Ojai, California community and beyond, separate from her famous parents' careers.

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Key Acting Roles That Defined Her Early Career

While her focus has changed, Lilly McDowell's acting career was notable and included significant roles in major television productions. These roles established her presence in the industry and provided the foundation for her later creative pursuits.

• *Sons of Anarchy* (2010): She is perhaps best known for playing the role of Katey Petrie, the wife of Mark Petrie. Her character was central to the emotional drama of the series' third season, as she and her husband adopted Abel Teller, the son of the protagonist Jax Teller. This role brought her significant attention from fans of the FX series.
• *Over There* (2005): Lilly had a recurring role in this Steven Bochco-produced FX series, which focused on the lives of soldiers serving in the Iraq War. This role demonstrated her capacity for dramatic, serious material.
• Other Notable Credits: Her filmography includes a range of genres, from the horror film *Mischief Night* (where she played Mrs. Payton) to the courtroom drama *Suing the Devil*. She also appeared in popular shows like *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* and had a guest appearance on *Curb Your Enthusiasm*.

The Hollywood Royalty Family Tree: A Legacy of Talent

Lilly McDowell's family connections are a cornerstone of her biography, linking her to some of the most respected names in film and television. Her life is intertwined with a multi-generational legacy of acting and directing talent.

The Iconic Parents: Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen

Lilly is the daughter of two acting titans: British actor Malcolm McDowell and American actress Mary Steenburgen.

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• Malcolm McDowell: Her father is famous for his roles in classics such as *A Clockwork Orange* and *Caligula*.
• Mary Steenburgen: Her mother is an Academy Award-winning actress known for films like *Melvin and Howard* and numerous television roles.

Although her parents divorced in 1990, they successfully co-parented Lilly and her brother, Charlie McDowell.

The Extended Family: Danson, Collins, and Charlie McDowell

Lilly's family tree extends even further, connecting her to more Hollywood power players:

• Ted Danson: She gained a famous stepfather when her mother, Mary Steenburgen, married actor Ted Danson in 1995. Danson, known for *Cheers* and *The Good Place*, is a significant figure in her life.
• Charlie McDowell: Her brother, Charlie McDowell, is a successful director and writer, known for the film *The One I Love*.
• Lily Collins: Through her brother, Lilly is the sister-in-law of actress Lily Collins, the star of *Emily in Paris*.

This extensive network of family talent means Lilly is constantly surrounded by creative inspiration and a deep understanding of the entertainment industry.

Private Life: Marriage, Motherhood, and Martha's Vineyard

Away from the professional spotlight, Lilly McDowell has built a strong family life with her husband and three children, prioritizing privacy and stability.

Marriage to Charles Abram Walton

Lilly married Charles Abram Walton on September 25, 2010, in a beautiful ceremony on Martha's Vineyard. The location holds a special place for the family, as Lilly had been vacationing there since she was a child. Charles Walton is an accomplished professional who has supported Lilly’s transition into interior design.

Three Daughters and Family Focus

The couple shares three daughters. Their first child, Clementine Mae Walton, was born in January 2012, making Malcolm McDowell a grandfather for the first time. Lilly’s dedication to her family is evident in her shift to a career that allows for more time and flexibility than a full-time acting schedule. Her focus now is on raising her three girls and building a life in Ojai, California, where her mother also has strong ties.

Potential Return to the Screen

While her main focus is interior design, Lilly has not entirely closed the door on acting. She is listed as having upcoming work in the feature film *Almost Grace*. This potential project, along with vague mentions of a suspense thriller *Echoes of Time* and a drama series *The Art of Deception*, suggests that she may take on select roles that fit into her life as a designer and mother, allowing fans a glimpse of her talent on screen once more.