Ava Oldham Vincent: Life, Career, and Family of Peri Gilpin’s Daughter

Ava Oldham Vincent has captured public interest as the daughter of Emmy-nominated actress Peri Gilpin, best known for playing Roz Doyle on the hit NBC sitcom Frasier. Born on May 7, 2004, along with her twin sister Stella May Oldham Vincent, Ava is now carving her own path in the entertainment industry as a singer, songwriter, and actress.

Who is Ava Oldham Vincent?

Ava Oldham Vincent was born on May 7, 2004, in Las Vegas, Nevada, through a surrogate mother. Her arrival, along with twin sister Stella, came just six days before the finale of Frasier aired on May 13, 2004. This timing marked a significant transition for her mother, Peri Gilpin, who shifted from a demanding television career to focus on motherhood.

The twins were born via surrogacy after Peri Gilpin and her husband, Christian Vincent, experienced years of unsuccessful attempts at in vitro fertilization (IVF). Their birth represented a long-awaited dream come true for the couple, who had been married since July 31, 1999.

At 20 years old as of 2024, Ava has emerged from her private childhood to pursue creative endeavors in music and film. Unlike many celebrity children who avoid the spotlight entirely, Ava has chosen to build her own presence in the entertainment world while maintaining a grounded approach to her career.

Ava’s Entertainment Career

Ava began performing at age eight, singing the National Anthem at professional and collegiate sporting events. This early exposure to public performance helped develop her confidence and stage presence.

As a singer and songwriter, Ava has written and recorded her first EP, showcasing original music that reflects her personal experiences and artistic vision. Her work demonstrates a commitment to developing her craft beyond simply trading on her family name.

In acting, Ava has completed work on short films, including projects titled “We’ve Been Here Before” and “Split Ends,” which appear in her IMDb credits. Industry professionals who have worked with her describe Ava as positive, professional, and talented beyond her years.

Ava maintains professional representation through East West Management and Aligned Stars Agency, indicating serious career intentions in entertainment. She has an Instagram presence at @avac.oldham, managed by her parents, where she shares updates about her artistic pursuits.

Family Background and Parents

Peri Gilpin, born Peri Kay Oldham on May 27, 1961, in Waco, Texas, achieved widespread recognition for her role as radio producer Roz Doyle on Frasier, which ran for 11 seasons from 1993 to 2004. Her portrayal earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award in 1999 for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, along with multiple nominations throughout the show’s run.

Beyond Frasier, Peri has worked extensively in television, with roles in “Make It or Break It” (2009-2011), for which she received a Gracie Award, and guest appearances on shows including “Desperate Housewives,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” She has also built a substantial voice acting career, lending her talents to characters in “Danny Phantom,” “Superman: The Animated Series,” “Hercules,” and “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.”

Christian Vincent, Ava’s father, is an established realist painter whose work has been exhibited in galleries across the United States. His artistic practice focuses on themes of human connection and emotion. Christian maintains an active presence on social media at @christianjvincent, where he shares his artwork with over 31,000 followers.

The Vincent-Gilpin household has been shaped by creativity on multiple fronts, with both parents contributing to an environment that values artistic expression and professional dedication.

The Surrogate Birth Story

The twins’ birth through surrogacy came after years of fertility challenges for Peri and Christian. After multiple failed IVF attempts, the couple turned to surrogacy, a decision shared by Peri’s Frasier co-star Kelsey Grammer and his then-wife Camille Grammer, who also welcomed children through a surrogate.

The timing of the twins’ May 7, 2004, birth held special significance, arriving during the final week of Frasier‘s broadcast run. Peri has described the experience of becoming a mother as overwhelming but transformative, marking a complete life change from her previous focus on her acting career.

Childhood and Education

Ava and Stella attended a private school in Los Angeles, where their parents prioritized a stable, grounded upbringing despite the family’s Hollywood connections. The twins were shielded from excessive media attention during their formative years, allowing them to develop normally away from constant public scrutiny.

Growing up in a household steeped in the arts, Ava was exposed to both her mother’s acting work and her father’s painting practice. This dual creative influence helped shape her own artistic interests and pursuits.

Ava’s Interests and Hobbies

In addition to her music and acting work, Ava participates in competitive swimming and basketball. These athletic pursuits provide balance to her creative activities and demonstrate her well-rounded approach to personal development.

Ava has shown interest in animal welfare, occasionally accompanying her mother to animal rescue events and charity functions. This reflects the family’s broader commitment to giving back to the community.

The Twin Bond: Ava and Stella

Ava and Stella share the unique connection that exists between twins. From their earliest years, the sisters have been inseparable, sharing not only a birthday but also many interests and experiences. They have made occasional public appearances together at red carpet events and charity functions alongside their mother, displaying poise and maturity.

While Ava has pursued entertainment, Stella’s path has been more private, with her primary focus remaining on education and personal growth. The twins complement each other, with their different approaches to public life reflecting their individual personalities while maintaining a strong sisterly bond.

Peri Gilpin’s Cancer Advocacy

A significant aspect of Ava’s family history involves her grandmother’s and aunt’s battles with leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Peri’s mother, Sandra Jo Hauck (later Sandra Oldham), was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma at age 42 and died from the disease in 1997 at age 55.

Years later, Peri’s sister Patti was diagnosed with the same cancer, experiencing similar symptoms. The family history helped doctors identify the disease more quickly in Patti’s case, improving her prognosis compared to their mother’s experience.

These personal tragedies motivated Peri to become an active advocate for cancer research and awareness. She has worked with the Sarcoma Foundation of America and the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation, organizing fundraising events and using her platform to increase awareness of this rare disease.

Peri’s brother, Marc Gilpin, also an actor known for his role in “Jaws 2,” died in July 2023 at age 56 from complications of glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Her sister April died in 2017. These losses have reinforced the family’s commitment to cancer research and awareness efforts.

Current Life and Prospects

At 20, Ava Oldham Vincent stands at the beginning of her adult life with clear artistic ambitions. Her early work in music, songwriting, and acting suggests a serious commitment to building a career in entertainment on her own terms.

Unlike some celebrity children who rely solely on family connections, Ava has invested in developing actual skills and gaining professional experience. Her performance work since age eight, combined with her completed film projects and recorded music, demonstrates sustained effort rather than casual interest.

The support system provided by her parents, who understand the entertainment industry’s demands and challenges, gives Ava valuable guidance as she navigates her early career. Their emphasis on staying grounded and maintaining perspective appears to have influenced her professional approach.

Conclusion

Ava Oldham Vincent represents a new generation of performers who grew up with Hollywood access but are working to establish their own identities and careers. The daughter of actress Peri Gilpin and painter Christian Vincent, she was born through surrogacy in 2004 and raised in a creative, supportive environment.

Her pursuits in music, songwriting, and acting demonstrate genuine artistic interests rather than simply capitalizing on family fame. With professional representation and completed projects already under her belt at age 20, Ava is building a foundation for a potential long-term career in entertainment.

While her mother’s role on Frasier remains a significant part of the family’s public identity, Ava is creating her own narrative. Her story reflects the opportunities and challenges faced by those born into famous families who choose to pursue similar creative paths while establishing their own distinct voices.