As the eldest daughter of former President Barack Obama, Malia Ann Obama has led a life under the spotlight. Born on July 4, 1998, she was only six when her father became a U.S. Senator, and just ten when he was elected as the first African American president of the United States. Growing up in the public eye, Malia transformed from a sweet little girl into a confident young woman, all while navigating the unique pressures of her family’s political legacy.
Childhood: From Senate Beginnings to Presidential Campaigns
When Barack Obama won his Senate seat in 2004, little Malia was already getting accustomed to public life. She often appeared with her father at events, flashing her smile and showing off her missing front teeth. By 2007, as Barack announced his presidential run, Malia and her sister Sasha were firmly in the national spotlight. Although she was young, Malia occasionally wished her father wouldn’t win, hesitant to leave her hometown of Chicago and embrace the full public eye.
The White House Years and First Family Adjustments
In 2009, the Obamas moved to the White House, marking a new chapter for Malia and her family. Barack kept his campaign promise to his daughters and got them a dog—Bo, a Portuguese water dog gifted by Senator Ted Kennedy. While Malia loved Bo, the family needed a hypoallergenic breed due to her allergies. The family soon welcomed another dog, Sunny, making for a White House full of canine fun.
As the First Family, Malia’s parents tried to shield her from the intense media attention, including the decision to limit family interviews. Despite their prominence, the Obamas prioritized a sense of normalcy, with Malia taking on chores like any other kid, and the family often enjoying movie nights together.
Building Her Own Path in Entertainment
By her teen years, Malia was already exploring her interests in the entertainment world. While attending Sidwell Friends School, she interned as a production assistant for Halle Berry’s show, Extant, earning respect for her willingness to take on every task. Later, she interned at HBO on the set of Girls, impressing creator Lena Dunham with her knowledge of cinema. Malia’s journey continued with an internship at The Weinstein Company before her freshman year at Harvard in 2017, showing a clear passion for the film industry.
College, COVID, and Graduating with a Creative Edge
Malia began college at Harvard but faced interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdown, she spent time at home with her family, where they bonded over card games and puzzles. Her mother, Michelle, shared how the family found comfort in routine and treasured this unexpected time together. Malia graduated from Harvard in 2021 with a degree in Visual and Environmental Studies, ready to embark on her professional career.
Finding Her Voice in Social Justice
After years of growing up in a politically active family, Malia took her own steps into activism, participating in Black Lives Matter protests. Her father expressed pride in her dedication, noting that Malia and Sasha embraced their causes with practical focus. Michelle, however, admitted to being protective of Malia’s safety as a young Black woman in America, even as she grew more independent.
Moving Out and Life in Los Angeles
In 2022, Malia and Sasha moved in together in Los Angeles. Michelle shared funny stories about her daughters hosting family dinners, complete with improvised martinis and charcuterie boards. The sisters, who have distinct personalities, are enjoying living together and exploring their own lives away from the White House.
Romance and Growing Up in the Public Eye
Malia’s dating life has occasionally made headlines, beginning with her high school prom date. During the COVID lockdown, she introduced her British boyfriend, Rory Farquharson, to her family. Barack, showing his humorous side, joked about getting used to an extra person around. Both Michelle and Barack have expressed support for Malia’s dating life, trusting her to make wise decisions.
From her early years in Chicago to her White House adolescence and now her journey into adulthood in Los Angeles, Malia Obama has gracefully navigated a unique upbringing. Now a young woman with aspirations and a voice of her own, Malia continues to carve her path while honoring the values instilled by her iconic family.
Malia Obama’s Hair Transformation
For a time, Malia Obama seemed to have a signature hairstyle: long, elegant goddess braids. She even wore a striking waist-length version of these flowing braids. Her mother, Michelle Obama, also embraced braids after her time as First Lady, opting for a more natural style. While promoting her book, The Light We Carry, Michelle shared with Ellen DeGeneres that during her White House years, she wore her hair straight to avoid criticism, fearing braids would become a political distraction.
Michelle imagined critics labeling her hairstyle with unfair terms, joking that they’d say, “Those are terrorist braids! Those are revolutionary braids!” Her concerns were not unfounded: when Malia wore her hair in twists at just 11 years old, conservative critics questioned her suitability to “represent America.” Now, both Michelle and Malia feel a new sense of freedom, free from political scrutiny, able to wear their hair as they wish.
In October 2023, Malia debuted a fresh look—soft, flowing waves with a bold red hue, cascading down to her mid-back. With her mom frequently donning braids, perhaps Malia felt it was time for a change of her own.
Balancing Habits: Smoking and Working Out
Malia Obama has developed a pair of habits with opposing health effects: smoking and fitness. Her dad, Barack Obama, even mentioned in A Promised Land that it was her disapproving look that inspired him to quit smoking. Malia herself has been photographed with a “Smoking Kills” T-shirt and was once seen at Lollapalooza with what some speculated might be something other than a standard cigarette. In October 2023, paparazzi spotted her with a regular cigarette and, interestingly, a trendy Hydro Flask, suggesting she’s staying hydrated despite her smoking.
Malia also balances things out with intense workouts. In early 2024, Hola! reported she’d been spotted at Barry’s Bootcamp in LA, known for its demanding classes, and she’s also been seen at a CrossFit gym, showing her commitment to high-intensity fitness despite her smoking habit.
Malia’s Directorial Debut at Sundance
In 2024, Malia Obama made a major step in her career, moving from the writers’ room to the director’s chair with guidance from her mentor, Donald Glover. Through his production company, Gilga, Glover helped her bring her first short film, The Heart, to life. As Glover told GQ, “You’re Obama’s daughter, so if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.” At the Sundance Film Festival, Malia presented the film, credited as “Malia Ann,” choosing to use her middle name to maintain a sense of independence from her famous last name.
The film, which explores themes of grief and loss, reflects similar themes found in an episode of Swarm, which Malia had previously worked on. In a “Meet the Artist” video, she described The Heart as “an odd little story, somewhat of a fable, about a man grieving the death of his mother.” Although the Daily Beast called her debut “a little lifeless,” the film went on to win the best live-action short award at the Chicago International Film Festival. At Sundance, she attended in style, wearing a chic gray maxi coat and an ankle-length scarf, signaling her arrival as a filmmaker to watch.