Halle Berry continues to maintain a close relationship with one of her elementary school teachers, who holds the special role of godmother to her children. The award-winning actress, 59, recounted how this particular teacher influenced her deeply during her childhood years in the Cleveland suburbs, where she attended an all-white school. Berry’s children, daughter Nahla, 17, and son Maceo-Robert, 12, share a unique connection to this figure from their mother’s past.
Life Lessons Learned in Childhood Shaping Today’s Parenting
In a candid conversation with The Cut, Berry revealed that Yvonne Sims, one of the only two Black teachers at her school, remains a valued friend and guide, also serving as godmother to both Nahla and Maceo-Robert. This mentor taught Berry a vital lesson about personal accountability early on.
“I had a teacher, Yvonne Sims — she’s still a close friend and the godmother to both of my kids — who was one of the only two Black teachers at the school,”
Berry explained.
“She got me to understand early on that nothing happens to you; it happens with you.”
“If you don’t take responsibility for your part, you will make the same mistake again and again…until you do,”
she added, emphasizing the significance of owning one’s actions.
Berry’s Family and Her Children’s Growth
Halle Berry shares her daughter Nahla with her former partner Gabriel Aubry, while her son Maceo-Robert is from her marriage to Olivier Martinez. Earlier this year, Berry celebrated a major milestone with Nahla, announcing her early college acceptance with a heartfelt gesture. A photo shared on social media captured a celebratory pink funfetti cake adorned with congratulatory icing.
“Congratulations to my sweet Angel Nahla for her early college acceptance!”
Berry wrote.
In a June appearance as guest co-host on Today with Jenna & Friends, Berry discussed Nahla’s upcoming college plans, highlighting her daughter’s preparations to attend a summer program at the university she hopes to enroll in next year.
“She’s 17. She’s going to a college summer program, the college that she’s hoping to go to next year,”
Berry noted.
“She’s going away this year to the college summer program.”
During the interview, Jenna Bush Hager expressed surprise at how quickly this moment approached, to which Berry responded thoughtfully about her feelings as a mother.
“It is, but I’m not one of these moms that feels like, ‘Oh, she’s leaving.’ Yes, will I worry? Of course,”
Berry said.
“But am I excited for her to start her life and figure out who she’s gonna be? Absolutely. I’m dying to see who she’s gonna be and what she’s gonna do and what she’ll discover.”
Balancing Career and Parenthood as a Single Mother
Berry reflected on the challenges of motherhood, especially as a single parent managing a demanding career. She described how she strives to teach her children the importance of resilience, responsibility, and ambition without guilt.
“I’ve felt some guilt, but I want to teach my daughter, ‘Don’t have guilt. Have a family, if you want, have a career if you want. You can do it all, just maybe not all at the same time,”
the actress shared, underscoring the value of balancing different priorities over time.
The Lasting Impact of Early Influences on Berry’s Family Life
Berry’s lasting friendship with her former teacher Yvonne Sims, who now serves as godmother to her children, exemplifies how meaningful early connections can shape and support a family across generations. This relationship highlights the deep respect Berry holds for mentorship and accountability, lessons she continues to pass on to Nahla and Maceo-Robert as they step into new phases of their lives.
