Jill Tavelman shows us that you can thrive in a world of celebrities with a bit of gracefulness. Jill is the ex-wife of musician Phil Collins and the mother of Hollywood star Lily Collins. She has stayed out of the spotlight. But, she is popular for the same reason. This article takes some essential facts from several sources to give you a fair idea about who Jill Tavelman is as an educator and entrepreneur, mother, and woman.
Early Life of Jill Tavelman
Jill was born in Los Angeles County, California, on April 9, 1956. Her upbringing inspired a sense of creativity and independence in her. Jill’s father was a Canadian Jew who owned a men’s clothing shop in Beverly Hills. She was the daughter of theatre actress Jane Hale. From a young age, Jill was encouraged to become creative through art. Being where the world of arts became her passion. This gave her interest in modelling, acting and design.
She went to local schools and became involved in community service, serving as the president of the Beverly Hills Women’s Club. Her acting career aside, this shows she also had strong leadership qualities.
Teaching and Early Career
Before she met Phil Collins, Jill used to be a school teacher in L.A. Because of her interest in learning and historical construction, she became an entrepreneur. Jill was fulfilled by teaching and grounded in community, a theme that re-emerges years later in her business endeavours.
Love Story with Phil Collins
Jill Collins met Phil Collins in 1980 at the Rainbow Bar in Hollywood. Before Collins joined Genesis, he was already a rising star. They fell in love and married on 4 August 1984. They moved to England where they welcomed their daughter Lily Jane Collins on 18 March 1989. However, the demands of Phil’s career and time away from home were a strains on the marriage. Jill and Phil’s split in 1993 and divorce in 1996 (finalised in 2001) allegedly stemmed from Phil’s affair and the pressures of fame. Although they disputed details, such as divorce papers being faxed to Phil (which he says didn’t happen), they’ve always committed to co-parenting Lily.
Jill returned to Los Angeles after her separation from actor Billy Bob Thornton. She concentrated on bringing up her daughter, Lily, as a single parent. This turned her into a target for public interest, especially since she got a custody arrangement with Billy on the quiet.
Quiet Strength After Divorce: Building a New Life
Rather than fading into obscurity, Jill focused on entrepreneurship, privacy, and community service. She opened Waverly on Doheny, her eclectic antique store in West Hollywood, in 2014. The boutique reflects Jill’s keen eye for timeless design, showcasing rare collectables and “resurrected oddities” that speak to her love for history and storytelling.
Jill’s approach to business embodies her personal philosophy: authenticity over flash. She curates items that spark conversation, collecting everything from hand-annotated books to quirky vintage decor. The store’s Instagram feed (@waverlyondoheny) offers glimpses of her taste, humour, and devotion to beauty.
Jill as a Mother: Shaping Lily Collins
Jill’s legacy extends far beyond her relationships. Lily Collins says thanks to her mum, who helped her stay grounded despite the chaos of Hollywood. Jill took Lily to various corners of the globe, teaching her much about empathy, culture and strength. In various interviews, as well as her memoir Unfiltered. No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, Lily discusses Jill’s warmth, sacrifices, and the inspiration behind her creativity.
Lily has written, “Thankful that I’m on this ride with you.” Though she often sees the influence of her famous father in the media, Lily publicly acknowledges her mother’s influence.
Although she was thrust into the limelight, Jill has remained quiet and contemplative while funnelling her passions into parenting, the arts, and business. As a businesswoman and community supporter, she shows how quietly forging your own path is powerful.
Personal Traits and Lesser-Known Facts
- Privacy and Authenticity: Jill is known for keeping her personal life private, prioritising real moments over public drama.
- Community Leadership: Prior to her marriage, Jill was active in charitable causes and served as president of the Beverly Hills Women’s Club.
- Business Acumen: She built Waverly on Doheny into a respected destination, combining design flair and savvy.
- Acting Cameo: She appeared briefly in the 1988 film Buster, which starred Phil Collins.
- Social Media: Jill shares curated moments via her boutique’s Instagram, showcasing her finds and aesthetic.
Net Worth and Independence
Jill’s net worth is estimated at £20–25 million, largely stemming from her divorce settlement (£17 million), business successes, and investments. This financial independence has allowed her to pursue her artistic and entrepreneurial dreams on her own terms.
FAQs About Jill Tavelman
When was Jill Tavelman born?
April 9, 1956, in Los Angeles County, California.
What is Jill Tavelman’s current profession?
Jill runs Waverly on Doheny, an antique store in West Hollywood, and is noted as a businesswoman, designer, and architect.
What is Jill known for apart from her famous relationships?
She is recognised for her work in education, her business ventures, community leadership, and as the supportive mother of Lily Collins.
Did Jill Tavelman remarry after her split from Phil Collins?
There are no public records or reports indicating Jill has remarried since her divorce from Phil Collins.
How did Jill influence Lily Collins’ life and career?
Jill’s parenting emphasised education, travel, and emotional intelligence, helping Lily blossom as an actress and person.
Does Jill keep in touch with her fans?
She maintains a modest social media presence, mostly through her boutique’s Instagram account, sharing insights into her aesthetic and vintage finds.
What is Jill Tavelman’s estimated net worth?
Her net worth is estimated between £20–25 million.
Is Jill still close to Phil Collins?
Jill and Phil maintain a supportive co-parenting relationship focused on Lily Collins. The details of their personal relationship remain private.
Has Jill appeared in any movies or TV shows?
Jill had a cameo in the film Buster and has made brief appearances in media related to her daughter.
What sets Jill’s store apart from others in LA?
Waverly on Doheny is unique for its “resurrected oddities,” historic antiques, and Jill’s personal touch in curating meaningful, emotive pieces.
