Mike Epps, the celebrated comedian and actor known for his sharp wit and memorable performances, embraces one of his most meaningful roles far from the Hollywood spotlight: that of a devoted father to seven children. With a family that spans nearly three decades, Epps has built a dynamic, blended household that reflects both his personal evolution and the generational legacy of large families into which he was born.
Roots in a Large Family Tradition
Epps' comfort with a bustling household stems from his own upbringing. His grandmother raised an impressive eleven children, while his mother managed a household of nine—eight sons and one daughter. This familial pattern of expansive households clearly influenced Epps' own path, though fate added a twist: where his mother was surrounded by boys, Epps has been blessed with six daughters and only one son. He once humorously reflected on this reversal, telling PEOPLE magazine, "My mother cried every day. A woman can't control a little boy that much. You think they can, but it's like dealing with a little man. I think the gene pool switched up. I had all the girls that she wanted!" This self-deprecating humor captures Epps' approach to fatherhood—filled with laughter, adaptability, and profound love for his children exactly as they are.
The Foundation: Bria and Makayla
Epps' fatherhood journey began on May 9, 1993, with the birth of his firstborn, Bria Epps. Now in her early thirties, Bria has not only maintained a close relationship with her father but has also made him a grandfather with the arrival of her daughter, Skylar. Their bond was particularly visible when Bria supported Epps during his high school graduation in 2016—a milestone achievement for the comedian who had left school early to pursue his career. For his 50th birthday, Bria shared a since-deleted Instagram tribute that read, "Happy 50th Birthday to the coolest dad a girl can have! I love you for all that you are! I'm so proud to be your daughter." She continues to be a fixture at her father's performances, often bringing friends along. In 2022, Epps proudly posted backstage photos from a Georgia show, writing, "My beautiful daughter @briaepps and crew came out to support the comedy show."
Six years after Bria's arrival, Makayla Epps was born on August 4, 1999. Now an adult, Makayla has carved her own path while remaining connected to her father's world. She joined Epps and Bria at the January 2016 premiere of "Fifty Shades of Black" in Los Angeles, where the father-daughter trio made a striking impression in coordinated all-black attire that perfectly suited the event's theme. Epps has consistently celebrated Makayla's milestones publicly, posting for her 19th birthday in 2018: "Happy birthday to my beautiful smart and talented daughter, man time flies! Happy birthday and love you!!" These public displays of affection demonstrate Epps' commitment to being present and vocal in his children's lives, regardless of their age.
The McCain Years: Three More Daughters
Epps' marriage to Mechelle McCain brought three additional daughters into the family. Moriah Epps, born February 23, 2005, represents the first child from this union. McCain has been particularly vocal about her pride in Moriah, posting for her 16th birthday in 2021, "Happy Sweet 16 Birthday Moriah!!! To my first born. You have grown up so fast. I love the young lady you are becoming." This motherly tribute highlights the co-parenting dynamic that Epps and McCain have maintained since their 2017 separation.
The year 2007 proved particularly momentous for the Epps-McCain family with the arrival of two daughters. Madison Epps was born first, expanding the family once again. Later that same year, River Epps made her entrance, giving the household two infants within months of each other. While Madison and River have maintained lower public profiles than their older sisters, they remain integral parts of Epps' life. The comedian has been careful to balance their privacy with his public persona, sharing glimpses of family life while protecting their childhood experiences from excessive media attention.
A New Beginning with Kyra Epps
Following his divorce from McCain, Epps found love with Kyra Epps, whom he married in 2019. This new chapter brought not only marital happiness but also two more children, further blending the family tapestry. In March 2020, as the world grappled with the onset of the pandemic, the couple welcomed Indiana Epps, Epps' sixth daughter. Her arrival during such an uncertain time seemed to anchor the newlyweds, providing joy amidst global chaos.
The Epps family story reached a delightful climax in 2021 with the birth of Mike Epps Jr., the comedian's first and only son. After nearly thirty years of raising daughters, the arrival of his namesake represented a new and exciting dynamic for Epps. While still a toddler, Mike Jr. has already become a central figure in his father's social media presence, with Epps sharing the joys and challenges of raising a boy after so many girls.
Navigating Modern Fatherhood
What distinguishes Epps' parenting approach is his ability to maintain meaningful relationships across vastly different life stages and family structures. He simultaneously navigates being a grandfather to Skylar, a supportive father to adult daughters building independent lives, and an engaged dad to young children requiring daily hands-on care. This multi-generational parenting role showcases a versatility that mirrors his professional range as an entertainer.
His public narrative consistently emphasizes presence and celebration. Whether attending red carpet events with his adult daughters, posting birthday tributes on Instagram, or sharing backstage moments at comedy shows, Epps constructs a visible record of involved fatherhood. This transparency resonates with fans who appreciate seeing a celebrity prioritize family amid demanding career obligations.
The Legacy Continues
As Epps continues to evolve professionally—most notably through his work on Netflix's "The Upshaws"—his role as a father remains his most authentic and enduring performance. His seven children represent distinct chapters of his personal story: Bria and Makayla from his early years, Moriah, Madison, and River from his marriage to McCain, and Indiana and Mike Jr. from his current marriage to Kyra. Together, they form a modern, blended family that reflects contemporary American life, where love, commitment, and humor transcend traditional family structures.
From his grandmother's eleven children to his mother's nine, to his own seven, Epps carries forward a legacy of large, loving families. And with his grandson Skylar already part of the next generation, the Epps family tree continues its robust growth. Through it all, Mike Epps demonstrates that whether on stage or at home, his greatest strength lies in connecting with people—especially the seven young people who call him Dad.