The entertainment industry is full of celebrities whose personal lives often fascinate the public just as much as their work on screen. Among these stories is the family life of actor Benjamin McKenzie, best known for his roles in the television hits The O.C. and Gotham. At the center of his personal life is his daughter, Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan, who has drawn attention since the moment she was born. Despite being the child of two Hollywood stars—Benjamin McKenzie and his wife, actress Morena Baccarin—Frances has largely been shielded from the public eye. This balance between fame and privacy is a significant part of her story.

In this article, we explore who Frances is, the meaning of her unique name, her parents’ relationship, her family background, and what her life represents as a child growing up with famous parents. While she is still very young, Frances’s life story so far provides an interesting insight into how celebrity families navigate public attention while striving for normalcy.

Quick Bio

Category	Information
Full Name	Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan
Date of Birth	March 2, 2016
Place of Birth	New York City, United States
Parents	Benjamin McKenzie (father), Morena Baccarin (mother)
Nationality	American
Known For	Celebrity child of Benjamin McKenzie and Morena Baccarin
Siblings	Stepbrother Julius, half-sister (born 2021)

Early Life and Birth

Frances was born on March 2, 2016, in New York City, an event widely covered by the media due to her parents’ celebrity status. At the time of her birth, Benjamin McKenzie was starring in the Fox television series Gotham, while Morena Baccarin was also part of the same show. This meant that Frances entered the world while both of her parents were at high points in their acting careers.

What made Frances’s arrival even more notable was the love story of her parents. Benjamin and Morena first met while working together on Gotham. Their on-screen chemistry soon developed into a real-life relationship. The couple’s joy at welcoming Frances into their lives was shared with fans, though they were careful not to overshare personal details, reflecting their desire to balance fame with family privacy.

The Meaning of Her Name

One detail that drew immediate attention was her unique and memorable full name—Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan. While “Frances” is a classic name that conveys strength and elegance, the middle names “Laiz” and “Setta” are less common, giving her identity a distinctive flair. Finally, “Schenkkan” is Benjamin McKenzie’s family surname.

Interestingly, Benjamin McKenzie was born Benjamin McKenzie Schenkkan, and his stage name “McKenzie” comes from his middle name. By giving Frances the Schenkkan name, the family chose to honor their heritage and maintain a connection to their ancestry. This balance of traditional and unique elements makes her name stand out, just like her family’s story.

Parents’ Background: Benjamin McKenzie

Benjamin McKenzie is a respected American actor who first rose to fame in the early 2000s with the teen drama The O.C., where he played Ryan Atwood, a troubled but intelligent young man navigating life in Orange County, California. The role turned him into a household name and teen idol. Afterward, McKenzie reinvented himself as an actor through more mature roles, particularly with his portrayal of James Gordon in Gotham, which explored the origins of the Batman universe.

Beyond acting, Benjamin has also worked as a director and producer, proving his versatility in the entertainment world. His strong career foundation has provided a stable life for his family, which includes Frances. His decision to keep his daughter out of the spotlight demonstrates his commitment not only to his career but also to his role as a father.

Parents’ Background: Morena Baccarin

Frances’s mother, Morena Baccarin, is also a celebrated actress. Born in Brazil and raised in New York, she has had a highly successful career spanning television and film. Morena is best known for her work in the sci-fi series Firefly, the hit television drama Homeland, and her portrayal of Vanessa in the Deadpool films.

Her multicultural background and versatile acting skills have made her one of the most recognizable actresses in Hollywood. Morena’s personal life has occasionally made headlines, especially her marriage to Benjamin McKenzie, but like her husband, she values privacy when it comes to their children. For Frances, having such a successful and talented mother adds another fascinating layer to her family heritage.

The Love Story of Her Parents

The story of Benjamin McKenzie and Morena Baccarin’s relationship has been widely discussed in the media. The two actors first crossed paths while working together on the set of Gotham. What started as colleagues on a popular television show eventually developed into a romantic relationship. Their connection deepened, and the couple soon welcomed Frances into their lives.

After Frances’s birth in 2016, Benjamin and Morena tied the knot the following year in 2017. The marriage took place in a private ceremony at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens in New York City, showing their preference for intimate, family-oriented celebrations rather than large public events. Their story highlights how their shared career and personal lives intertwined, ultimately shaping the family environment in which Frances is being raised.

Siblings and Extended Family

Frances is not an only child. She has a stepbrother named Julius, born in 2013, from Morena Baccarin’s previous marriage. In 2021, Frances’s family grew once more with the arrival of her younger sister, making her an older sibling. These family dynamics give Frances a unique upbringing that blends different family ties and connections.

On her father’s side, Frances belongs to the Schenkkan family, which has its own notable history. Benjamin’s father, Pieter Meade Schenkkan, is an attorney, while his uncle, Robert Schenkkan, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. This lineage means Frances comes from a family with achievements in both law and the arts, giving her a diverse heritage that is both academic and creative.

Growing Up in Privacy

Although Frances’s birth was a celebrated event in the media, her parents have worked hard to keep her out of the spotlight. Unlike some celebrity children who are frequently photographed and exposed to public attention, Frances has largely been kept private. Benjamin and Morena rarely share photos of her, and when they do, it is done with careful thought.

This approach reflects a broader trend among celebrity parents who want to give their children as normal a life as possible despite their fame. For Frances, this means growing up in a home where love, family, and privacy are prioritized over media attention. This balance is not always easy for Hollywood families, but Benjamin and Morena’s approach has set a healthy example.

Life in a Hollywood Family

Being the daughter of two successful actors inevitably places Frances in a unique position. While her parents work in Hollywood, they ensure that family life is not overshadowed by their careers. Frances’s upbringing reflects a mix of exposure to the arts, cultural diversity, and the importance of staying grounded.

Hollywood families often face the challenge of balancing public life with personal needs. Frances’s parents’ decision to maintain boundaries around her public presence demonstrates their dedication to raising her with values outside of fame. Though still young, Frances benefits from her parents’ experiences in the industry, which allows them to guide her away from the pitfalls of celebrity culture while still giving her opportunities to explore her interests as she grows.

Future Prospects for Frances

At her young age, Frances’s future remains open and undefined. Whether she chooses to follow in her parents’ footsteps in the entertainment industry or pursue a completely different career, she will undoubtedly have a supportive family to back her. With a strong educational foundation and exposure to diverse cultural and professional influences, Frances is positioned to thrive in whatever field she chooses.

Her parents’ determination to let her grow up outside of public pressures is likely to shape her character positively. For now, Frances remains a symbol of love and family for Benjamin McKenzie and Morena Baccarin, representing a new generation in their lives.

Conclusion

Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan may only be a child, but her life story so far has captured the interest of fans of her famous parents. She represents the union of two accomplished actors, a multicultural heritage, and a family dedicated to privacy and love. While she is unlikely to be seen in the limelight anytime soon, Frances embodies the values her parents hold dear—family first, fame second. Her story is not just about being a celebrity child, but also about how her parents strive to raise her in an environment of balance, stability, and love.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are the parents of Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan?

• Frances is the daughter of actor Benjamin McKenzie and actress Morena Baccarin.

2. When was Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan born?

• She was born on March 2, 2016, in New York City.

3. Does Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan have siblings?

• Yes, she has a stepbrother named Julius and a younger sister born in 2021.

4. Why is Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan’s name unique?

• Her name combines classic and unique elements, with “Schenkkan” honoring her father’s family heritage.

5. Are there public photos of Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan?

• Her parents have chosen to keep her life private, so very few photos are publicly available.