The Five Film-Inspired Names Of Jon M. Chu’s Children: Willow, Jonathan Heights, Ruby, Iggy, And Newborn Stevie Sky

Director Jon M. Chu, the visionary behind cinematic hits like *Crazy Rich Asians* and the *Wicked* film adaptation, has captivated audiences with his vibrant storytelling. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the latest buzz isn't just about his blockbusters, but about his bustling life at home. Chu and his wife, Kristin Hodge, are now a family of seven, having recently welcomed their fifth child, a detail that perfectly encapsulates the director’s commitment to his dual roles: a devoted filmmaker and a dedicated father.

The director's personal life often provides a subtle, heartfelt foundation for his professional work, a connection made beautifully clear through the unique, film-inspired names he and his wife have chosen for their five children. This article dives into the complete family life of Jon M. Chu, revealing the names and stories behind his growing brood and the woman who supports his creative journey.

Jon M. Chu: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Jonathan Murray Chu, known professionally as Jon M. Chu, is a highly acclaimed American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is celebrated for his ability to blend dynamic visuals with diverse, heartwarming narratives.

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• Full Name: Jonathan Murray Chu
• Date of Birth: November 2, 1979
• Place of Birth: Palo Alto, California, U.S.
• Spouse: Kristin Hodge (m. 2018)
• Children: Five (Willow, Jonathan Heights, Ruby, Iggy, and Stevie Sky)
• Education: University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts
• Family Background: Chu is the youngest of five siblings. His father, Lawrence Chu, is a renowned chef, and his family owns the popular Chef Chu's restaurant in Los Altos, California.
• Notable Works: *Step Up 2: The Streets* (2008), *G.I. Joe: Retaliation* (2013), *Jem and the Holograms* (2015), *Crazy Rich Asians* (2018), *In the Heights* (2021), *Wicked* (2024)
• Career Highlight: *Crazy Rich Asians* was a cultural phenomenon, marking one of the first films by a major Hollywood studio in decades to feature a majority cast of Asian descent.

The Five Children of Jon M. Chu and Kristin Hodge

Jon M. Chu and his wife, Kristin Hodge, are parents to five young children, a number that has grown rapidly alongside Chu’s most ambitious projects. The couple has been open about the fact that many of their children were born during the intense production phases of his major films, leading to some truly unique and memorable names.

The family structure is a testament to the couple’s ability to balance a demanding Hollywood career with a large, loving family. Kristin Hodge, a talented graphic designer and former art director, has been a central figure in supporting Chu's work while managing their home life.

1. Willow (Born July 2017)

Willow is the eldest daughter of the Chu-Hodge family. Born in July 2017, she arrived just before the massive success of *Crazy Rich Asians* (2018). As the oldest, she has seen her father's career reach new heights, providing a grounded perspective for the director.

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2. Jonathan Heights (Born July 2019)

Jonathan Heights is perhaps the most famously named of the Chu children, with a moniker that directly connects to one of his father’s most cherished projects. He was born in July 2019, right in the middle of the production for the musical film *In The Heights*.

Chu has openly stated that his son’s middle name, "Heights," is a tribute to the film and the vibrant, diverse community it represents. This choice reflects how deeply his creative and personal worlds are intertwined, immortalizing a major professional milestone in his son's name.

3. Ruby and 4. Iggy

The couple’s third and fourth children, Ruby and Iggy, were born in quick succession as Chu continued his demanding schedule, including the pre-production and filming of the two-part *Wicked* adaptation. Ruby is the third daughter, and Iggy is the second son.

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The rapid growth of their family during this period highlights the logistical challenges, but also the joy, of balancing a major directorial career with parenthood. They are often seen accompanying their parents to public events, including the recent *Wicked* premieres, showcasing a tight-knit family unit.

5. Stevie Sky (Born November 2024)

The birth of the fifth child, Stevie Sky, in November 2024, made headlines because director Chu had to miss the Los Angeles premiere of *Wicked: Part One* to be with his wife for the delivery.

Stevie Sky's name is a double tribute, connecting Chu's personal heroes with his current project. The first name, Stevie, is an homage to several legendary figures Chu admires, including Steve Jobs, Steven Spielberg, Steven Schwartz (composer of *Wicked*), and Stevie Wonder.

The middle name, Sky, is a direct, beautiful nod to the world of *Wicked*, which is set in the magical land of Oz. This newest addition to the family, born right as his latest masterpiece was unveiled, is a profound symbol of the director's commitment to both his art and his family.

Kristin Hodge: The Woman Behind the Director

While Jon M. Chu is the public face of their family, his wife, Kristin Hodge, is a formidable creative professional in her own right. Kristin is a highly educated and accomplished graphic designer and former art director.

She studied integrated marketing communications and digital design at New York University and later graduated from the prestigious Parsons School of Design. She has held positions as an art director and creative director at various companies, including ATTN.

The couple married in 2018, the same year *Crazy Rich Asians* premiered. Her background in visual arts and design gives her a unique perspective that complements Chu's filmmaking career, making them a true creative partnership both personally and professionally.

Despite their high-profile lives, the couple maintains a preference for keeping their most personal moments private, only sharing details about the children when it feels relevant or when a major life event, like the birth of Stevie Sky, coincides with a professional one. This careful balance allows Chu to draw inspiration from his family life—as seen in the names of his children—without completely exposing them to the Hollywood spotlight.

Topical Authority: Family as a Recurring Theme in Chu's Work

The theme of family is not just a personal aspect of Jon M. Chu's life; it is a recurring, central motif in his directorial work, adding significant topical authority to his filmography. His own upbringing as the youngest of five siblings in a close-knit family, whose restaurant, Chef Chu's, served as a gathering point, profoundly shaped his worldview.

This personal experience is directly reflected in the narratives he chooses to tell:

• *Crazy Rich Asians*: The film is fundamentally about the tension between familial duty, cultural identity, and personal happiness. The strong, often complicated, family dynamics are the core of the story.
• *In The Heights*: This musical celebrates the concept of a chosen family—the vibrant, supportive community of Washington Heights—and the dreams passed down through generations. The film's message of finding "home" resonates deeply with a director who values his own large family.
• *Wicked*: While a fantasy, the story explores themes of sisterhood, mentorship, and the struggle to define oneself against societal expectations, all of which are powerful familial and personal themes.

By naming his children after his projects, Jon M. Chu is not just giving them unique names; he is cementing the idea that his family is the ultimate inspiration and co-star in his life's work. The latest addition, Stevie Sky, born during the *Wicked* production, serves as the most recent, beautiful example of this powerful, continuous connection.