Doug Emhoff, who is recognized as the second gentleman of the United States, came into the limelight of the public eye when his wife, Kamala Harris, was elected as Vice President. While much public eye has been on Harris’s historic role, her stepchildren, Cole and Ella Emhoff, have ignited public interest. They are known for their closeness and beautiful relationship with Harris, whom they often call “Momala.”
Early Life and Family Background
Cole and Ella Emhoff are the biological children of Doug Emhoff and his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff, who is a successful film producer and co-founder of the Prettybird production company. Doug and Kerstin Emhoff were once married for about 16 years before they optioned for divorce in 2008. Nevertheless, the family has kept a close-knit relationship with Doug and Kerstin, who co-parent their children.
Cole was born in 1994, and Ella was born in 1999. Both of them grew up in Los Angeles, California. These siblings have inherited their parents’ creative talents and have pursued their own careers in the arts.
Career and Interests
Cole Emhoff, who is the older of the two, is a graduate of Colorado College with a degree in psychology. He has had some experience in the entertainment industry, which includes stints at top talent agencies such as William Morris Endeavor. Cole is recognized for his quiet demeanor and preference for staying out of the spotlight. However, sometimes he occasionally shares glimpses of his life on social media.
Ella Emhoff, on the other hand, is a Parsons School of Design graduate. Furthermore, Ella has become prominent as a model and fashion designer. In 2021’s presidential inauguration, she gained significant attention, where her distinctive style, which includes a Miu Miu coat, caught the exciting fashion world’s eye. Since then, Ella has gone further to sign with IMG Models and has also been featured in some major fashion publications.
Relationship with Kamala Harris: “Momala”
One of the most amazing aspects of the Emhoff family dynamic is the closeness Cole and Ella share with their stepmother, Kamala Harris. When Harris got married to Doug Emhoff in 2014, she wholeheartedly embraced her role as a stepmother, which has also led to the nickname “Momala.” Harris has taken the public stage to talk about her bond with Cole and Ella, oftentimes describing them as her “endless source of love and pure joy.”
This feeling is also mutual, as Cole and Ella have strongly been supportive of Harris in her political career. They do attend campaign events as well as publicly showing their pride in her accomplishments. Furthermore, the nickname “Momala” itself is a blend of “Mom” and Harris’s first name, which surely reflects the special bond they share.
Blended Family Success
The Emhoff family is oftentimes publicly seen as a successful example of a blended family, where love and respect do bridge the gaps that sometimes come with divorce and remarriage. Doug Emhoff has also praised Kamala Harris for her strong role in their family and also stated that she has been such a positive influence on his children’s lives.