Ellery Walker Harper: The 5 Biggest Surprises About Laura Dern And Ben Harper’s Multi-Talented Son

Contents

Ellery Walker Harper is rapidly stepping out of the shadow of his famous parents, Oscar-winning actress Laura Dern and Grammy-winning musician Ben Harper, to forge a unique and multi-hyphenate career in the arts. As of December 23, 2025, the 24-year-old artist is making waves not just as a model signed to a major agency, but also as a burgeoning musician and a surprisingly talented photographer, proving that the creative gene runs deep in his family lineage.

Far from being just a "nepo baby," Ellery Walker Harper's work ethic and diverse talents are establishing him as a serious figure in the worlds of fashion, music, and film. This in-depth look explores his complete profile and the five most intriguing aspects of his fresh, evolving career.

Ellery Walker Harper: Complete Biography & Profile

  • Full Name: Ellery Walker Harper
  • Date of Birth: August 21, 2001
  • Age: 24 (as of December 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Parents: Laura Dern (Mother, Actress) and Ben Harper (Father, Musician)
  • Siblings: Jaya Harper (Sister) and three half-siblings from his father's other marriages (Charles, Joel, and Baya Harper)
  • Occupation: Musician, Model, Photographer, Actor, Director, Producer
  • Notable Agencies: IMG Models
  • Known For: Modeling for Calvin Klein, photography for Valentino, and his original music releases.

1. The Unexpected Pivot to a Serious Music Career

While his father, Ben Harper, is a celebrated figure in folk, blues, and rock music, Ellery is carving out his own sonic space. His music career is gaining traction, moving beyond a simple hobby to a professional endeavor, evidenced by his inclusion on the roster of a major agency like Wasserman Music.

His sound is often described as introspective and heartfelt, showcasing a maturity in songwriting that belies his age. A significant milestone in his musical journey is the release of his single, "Boyfriend Song."

The track, which he reportedly penned in a "trashy hotel on Sunset Boulevard," is a standout example of his lyrical style. Furthermore, the official music video for his track "POUGHKEEPSIE" is another indicator of his commitment to the visual and auditory aspects of his art, confirming a growing discography.

2. From Runway Model to Editorial Photographer for Valentino

Ellery Walker Harper is a true multi-hyphenate in the fashion world, engaging with it both in front of and behind the camera. Initially, he gained attention as a model, signing with the prestigious IMG Models.

He made a memorable runway debut, walking for the Calvin Klein Collection during New York Fashion Week (NYFW) for the Spring/Summer 2019 season.

However, one of his most surprising and impressive professional credits is his work as a photographer. In a major creative pivot, Ellery was one of the artists commissioned to shoot the Valentino Autumn/Winter 2020 "Empathy" campaign.

This star-studded campaign was a landmark project for the fashion house, featuring A-list talent like Gwyneth Paltrow, Christy Turlington, and Anwar Hadid. His involvement as a photographer demonstrates a keen artistic eye and a significant vote of confidence from a global luxury brand, solidifying his role as a creative force beyond modeling.

3. Navigating Hollywood as a Second-Generation Artist

The pressure on the children of celebrities is immense, a phenomenon often dubbed the "second generation" or "nepo babies" of Hollywood. Ellery’s parentage is a unique blend of film royalty and musical legend. His mother, Laura Dern, is an Oscar winner and a staple in the films of David Lynch and Steven Spielberg, while his father, Ben Harper, is a three-time Grammy winner known for his eclectic musical style.

Ellery and his younger sister, Jaya Harper, have grown up accustomed to the spotlight, often accompanying their mother to high-profile events. Recent public appearances, such as attending the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival in June 2023, show him continuing to support his family while managing his own career.

This lineage provides access but also scrutiny. Ellery’s decision to pursue music, photography, and modeling—areas that, while connected to his parents' worlds, allow him a distinct creative identity—is a clear strategy to forge his own path.

4. The Early Life Challenge and Its Impact

A lesser-known detail about Ellery's early life is a significant medical challenge he faced at birth. Shortly after he was born in August 2001, he had to undergo emergency surgery. His mother, Laura Dern, has spoken about this experience, noting the profound gratitude and perspective it gave her as a new parent.

This event, while personal, offers insight into the resilience and depth that may inform his creative output, particularly the "introspective and heartfelt lyrics" noted in his music. It's a foundational experience that adds a layer of complexity to the public persona of the young artist.

5. Exploring His Multi-Disciplinary Ambitions in Film and Art

Beyond his current visible successes in music and fashion, Ellery Walker Harper is officially credited as an actor, director, and producer. While specific, large-scale credits are still emerging, this broad portfolio suggests a deep-seated ambition to be a complete filmmaker and artist.

His work as a photographer for Valentino, where he was tasked with capturing the essence of the campaign's theme of "Empathy," is a strong indicator of his directorial eye and his ability to convey complex narratives visually. His interests span the entire spectrum of the arts, from composing and performing music to capturing images and, potentially, directing films. This multi-disciplinary approach positions him as a modern artist who refuses to be confined to a single medium, ensuring his career trajectory will be one to watch closely in the coming years.

The continued evolution of Ellery Walker Harper's career—from the Calvin Klein runway to the Wasserman Music roster and behind the camera for Valentino—confirms he is one of the most intriguing young talents to watch in the industry today.

Ellery Walker Harper: The 5 Biggest Surprises About Laura Dern and Ben Harper’s Multi-Talented Son
ellery walker harper
ellery walker harper

Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Ellsworth Roob
  • Username : marianna83
  • Email : wfranecki@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 2003-06-04
  • Address : 102 Jerrold Knoll Harrisonshire, DE 02491-5568
  • Phone : +1.949.659.1998
  • Company : Becker, Kozey and Predovic
  • Job : Dietetic Technician
  • Bio : Animi cupiditate aperiam et et. Sit et ducimus repellendus magnam. Necessitatibus possimus quidem soluta distinctio. Voluptatem eveniet rerum facere vel soluta suscipit tenetur.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/haskell_id
  • username : haskell_id
  • bio : Totam unde voluptatum sed quia itaque. Est culpa dolores nulla quis quia voluptate tempore velit.
  • followers : 4560
  • following : 1425

linkedin:

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@haskell_dev
  • username : haskell_dev
  • bio : Officiis in incidunt doloremque similique amet inventore corrupti.
  • followers : 6088
  • following : 2121

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/haskell_id
  • username : haskell_id
  • bio : Ut nihil doloribus ut cupiditate aut porro qui. Ipsam a quia sint.
  • followers : 1668
  • following : 1149