The Nine Lives Of Danielle Steel’s Children: Where Are The Traina Sisters And Sons Now?

Danielle Steel's family life is as dramatic and compelling as the plots of her 200+ bestselling novels. While the world knows her as the most prolific living author, to her family, she is simply a dedicated mother of nine children, a complex and sprawling brood that has gone on to achieve remarkable success in fields ranging from high fashion and diplomacy to film production and social work. As of late 2025, the surviving eight children continue to make headlines and shape their own industries, a testament to the author's relentless work ethic and dedication to her family.

The story of Danielle Steel's children is one of immense privilege mixed with profound tragedy, most notably the loss of her son, Nick Traina, whose life and death have deeply influenced the author's personal advocacy and writing. This article dives into the complete list of her nine children, their current careers, and the latest updates on the Traina family legacy.

The Complete List of Danielle Steel's Nine Children and Their Biographies

Danielle Steel's family is a blended one, a result of her five marriages. She is the mother of seven biological children and raised two of her fifth husband's sons as her own, resulting in a total of nine children.

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• Beatrix "Beatie" Lazard Seidenberg (Daughter)
  • Born: 1968
  • Father: Claude-Eric Lazard (1st husband)
  • Profession: Social Worker at UCSF's Benioff Children's Hospital.
  • Status: Adopted by John Traina.
• Trevor Traina (Step-Son)
  • Born: 1968
  • Father: John Traina (5th husband)
  • Profession: Serial Tech Entrepreneur, Investor, and former U.S. Ambassador to Austria (2018–2021).
• Todd Traina (Step-Son)
  • Born: Circa 1970
  • Father: John Traina (5th husband)
  • Profession: American Film Producer, founder of Red Rover Films and Traina Productions.
• Nick Traina (Son, Deceased)
  • Born: 1978
  • Father: Bill Toth (3rd husband)
  • Profession: Musician (Frontman for the punk/ska band Link 80).
  • Status: Adopted by John Traina. Died by suicide in 1997 at age 19.
• Samantha Traina (Daughter)
  • Born: Circa 1982
  • Father: John Traina (5th husband)
  • Profession: Fashion Stylist and Brand Consultant.
• Victoria Traina (Daughter)
  • Born: Circa 1984
  • Father: John Traina (5th husband)
  • Profession: Director of Fashion and Visual Merchandising at Proenza Schouler.
• Vanessa Traina (Daughter)
  • Born: Circa 1985
  • Father: John Traina (5th husband)
  • Profession: Executive Creative Director, Co-founder of The Line, and Founder of the fashion brand Khaite.
• Zara Traina (Daughter)
  • Born: Circa 1988
  • Father: John Traina (5th husband)
  • Profession: Entrepreneur, founder of the tie-dye apparel business "zees tees."
• Maxx Traina (Son)
  • Born: Circa 1990s
  • Father: John Traina (5th husband)
  • Profession: Surviving son, details of his public career are less publicized than his siblings.

The Traina Sisters: Fashion, Style, and Entrepreneurship

The four youngest daughters—Samantha, Victoria, Vanessa, and Zara—are often referred to as the "Traina sisters" or the "Traina trinity" (referring to the three oldest of the four) and have become influential figures in the high-fashion and lifestyle industries. Their careers demonstrate a powerful creative and entrepreneurial streak, often making them muses and consultants for major global brands.

Vanessa Traina, perhaps the most prominent of the sisters in the business world, is a titan of modern minimalist style. She is the founder of the luxury fashion brand Khaite, which has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following for its elevated basics. Prior to Khaite, she was the co-founder and creative director of the influential concept store and lifestyle brand, The Line. Her work as an executive creative director and stylist has cemented her reputation as a leading voice in contemporary aesthetics.

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Victoria Traina also holds a significant position in the fashion world, working as the Director of Fashion and Visual Merchandising for the luxury label Proenza Schouler in New York. Her sister, Samantha Traina, is a prominent Los Angeles-based fashion stylist and brand consultant, whose editorial work has appeared in prestigious publications like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue Australia.

The youngest, Zara Traina, has carved out her own unique niche as an entrepreneur in San Francisco with her popular tie-dye apparel business, "zees tees." Danielle Steel herself has frequently been photographed wearing her daughter's colorful creations, highlighting the family's support for each other's ventures.

The Sons: From Diplomacy to Hollywood and Social Work

The sons of the Traina family have pursued equally high-profile careers, demonstrating a wide range of interests that span government, entertainment, and technology. This generation of the Steel-Traina family is not content to live in their mother's shadow; they are actively shaping their respective fields.

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Trevor Traina is arguably the most politically and technologically accomplished of the sons. A serial tech entrepreneur and investor, his career took a significant turn when he was appointed by the U.S. government to serve as the United States Ambassador to Austria from 2018 to 2021. His background in technology and diplomacy showcases a drive for continuous reinvention.

Todd Traina found his calling in the film industry. He is an American film producer and the founder of Red Rover Films and Traina Productions. Traina has produced over 25 feature films, many of which have premiered or won awards at major international film festivals, establishing him as a respected independent film producer.

The eldest daughter, Beatrix Lazard Seidenberg, maintains a more private life focused on public service. She works as a social worker at UCSF's Benioff Children's Hospital, a career choice that reflects a deep commitment to helping others.

The Tragic Loss of Nick Traina and Its Lasting Impact

The most heartbreaking chapter in Danielle Steel's family life is the loss of her son, Nick Traina. Nick, a talented musician and the frontman for the punk/ska band Link 80, tragically died by suicide in 1997 at the age of 19.

Nick Traina suffered from bipolar disorder throughout his short life, a struggle that his mother has openly discussed to raise awareness. The grief of losing her son led Danielle Steel to found the Nick Traina Foundation, which funds organizations dedicated to treating mental illness and child abuse. She also penned a non-fiction book, His Bright Light: The Story of Nick Traina, which is a powerful and candid memoir detailing Nick's life, his battle with mental illness, and the profound impact of his death. This work stands as a cornerstone of her philanthropic efforts and a deeply personal tribute, ensuring Nick's musical legacy and memory continue to inspire action in mental health advocacy.

Today, Danielle Steel often speaks about the importance of family and the joy her children and grandchildren bring her, frequently mentioning the "new additions to the family" as her children become "great parents" themselves. The Traina family, while maintaining a presence in the public eye, remains a close-knit unit, supporting each other's diverse and impressive careers while honoring the memory of their lost brother.