At a Glance
- Sarah Rafferty has two daughters, Oona and Iris, who were born in 2007 and 2012.
- The actress balances a busy acting career with a close-knit family life, often sharing moments on Instagram.
- Rafferty’s daughters have grown up on a bicoastal schedule between Los Angeles and Toronto during her Suits run.
- Why it matters: Fans see a different side of the former Suits star, revealing how motherhood shapes her perspective and public persona.
Sarah Rafferty, best known for her role as Donna Paulsen on Suits, has a rich personal life that extends beyond the screen. The actress, married to Santtu Seppälä since 2001, shares her two daughters-Oona Gray Seppälä, 18, and Iris Friday Seppälä, 14-with her husband. In recent interviews, Rafferty has highlighted the profound influence her children have on her daily life and career choices.
Family Background
Rafferty and Seppälä welcomed their first child, Oona, on Oct. 22, 2007. The couple’s second daughter, Iris, arrived on Jan. 27, 2012. The family’s dynamic grew more complex during the filming of Suits, which required a bicoastal lifestyle between Los Angeles and Toronto. This arrangement meant Oona attended two different schools and experienced a diverse cultural environment.
> ‘I also am a proud mom in my real life,’ Rafferty told News Of Los Angeles in December 2023. ‘My life revolves entirely around my children at this point in my life.’
In a 2013 interview with Redbook, Rafferty admitted she was initially worried about the dual-school setup. She later reflected that the experience was ultimately amazing and self-esteem-building for Oona.
Oona Gray Seppälä
Oona, now 18, celebrated her 13th birthday in 2020 with a sweet Instagram post. Rafferty captioned the photo:
> ‘How did that happen? We officially have a teenager. We love her so much we must sing it from the mountaintops. My heart hurts.❤️’
The actress has emphasized the importance of open communication with her daughters. In a 2016 Univision interview, Rafferty shared:
> ‘I hope that as she grows and moves about in the world independently, she will feel confident because she feels deeply connected to her family.’
Rafferty also revealed that both Oona and Iris enjoyed visiting the Suits set. They loved the craft services truck, the hair and makeup trailer, and attending fittings. “My girls have been dressed up in outrageously gorgeous couture on a few occasions,” she said.
Iris Friday Seppälä
Iris, 14, has always been close to her sister. In a 2016 Univision interview, Rafferty described a moment when Iris comforted Oona:
> ‘When her sister was crying the other day, we literally got a tissue and wiped away her tears and kissed her. It was so lovely.’
Although the girls rarely watched Suits, they were present on set and interacted with cast and crew. In a 2024 interview with New Beauty, Rafferty noted:
> ‘They were calling “action” and “cut” sometimes and they’re incredibly close to the cast and their families.’
Iris’s first exposure to the show came when she was 11. She reportedly felt uncomfortable and preferred her mother’s presence:
> ‘I just thought it was weird, Mommy. I just want you to be my mommy.’
However, Iris enjoyed watching My Life with the Walter Boys and expressed excitement about her mother’s upcoming role in the teen Netflix series. In a 2023 Glamour interview, Rafferty said that, according to Iris, My Life with the Walter Boys would become the next hit series.
Rafferty on Motherhood
Rafferty’s devotion to her daughters is evident in her public statements and social media posts. She often highlights how her children inspire her to stay grounded. In 2014, she told Parents Canada:
> ‘They are the light of my life. They are so outgoing and funny and silly. They love to sing and dance, they love each other and they are incredibly affectionate. They crack me up every single day.’
She also stresses the importance of authenticity and emotional safety within the family. In 2016, she emphasized:
> ‘Being true to herself and knowing she can talk to us about absolutely anything.’
These values resonate with fans who see a genuine, caring side of the actress beyond her on-screen persona.
Key Takeaways
- Sarah Rafferty balances a high-profile acting career with a close-knit family life, sharing her journey with fans.
- Her daughters, Oona and Iris, have grown up in a unique bicoastal environment and have been part of her professional world.
- Rafferty’s parenting style focuses on openness, authenticity, and emotional support.
- The family’s experiences on set and in daily life highlight the intersection of celebrity and normalcy.
Sarah Rafferty’s candid sharing of her family life offers fans a deeper understanding of the actress’s personal priorities and how motherhood shapes her public narrative.
