Claudia Heffner Peltz Is Nicola Peltz’s Mother and a Former Model

Claudia Heffner Peltz is the third wife of billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, whom she’s been married to for nearly forty years. The former model welcomed eight children with Nelson and is a philanthropist and entrepreneur.

Claudia Heffner Peltz descended from a wealthy family and continued to amass her own affluence. One of her most famous children is model Nicola Peltz, on whose Instagram she often appears. From Nicola’s posts, it’s clear the mother-daughter duo has a tight-knit bond.

Claudia’s husband, Nelson Peltz, had been married twice before tying the knot with her. Born in June 1942, the New York native became a billionaire businessman and was recognized as one of the most influential people in global corporate governance for three consecutive years, from 2010 to 2012.

Claudia Peltz and her daughter, Brittany Peltz, pose for a photo at the Giambattista Valli show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2018/2019 on March 5, 2018, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

Claudia Heffner Peltz

Claudia took her first breath on March 12, 1955. She was born to Bunny, who worked as a nurse, and the late William Heffner, who worked as a lawyer and later became an entrepreneur. Claudia’s father passed away in March 2009 after a long battle with an illness.

Born December 6, 1928, the Maryland native was a two-time graduate with a qualification from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from the University of Maryland. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war.

Afterward, William got into commercial banking and founded Mt. Vernon Capitol Management. He’d been married to his wife for 58 years when he died. Their daughter grew up to be a model—a profession from which she has since retired—and a philanthropist and became well-known for her diamonds.

Nelson Peltz and Claudia Peltz are pictured at the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Humanitarian Award Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on March 28, 2011, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Claudia co-founded the Claudia and Nelson Peltz Family Foundation alongside her husband in 2011. She also has an older sister, Charlene “Chandi” Heffner, a Notre Dame Prep graduate born in August 1953.

Claudia Heffner Peltz Is a Mother of Eight Children from Nelson Peltz

Nelson was already a father of two from his previous marriage when he started expanding his family with Claudia. Their sons are Will, Brad, Matthew, Zach, Greg, and Diesel, and their daughters are Brittany and Nicola.

All their children lead successful careers in different fields, with Nicola following in her mom’s footsteps as a model. Her sister, Brittany, a fashion influencer and businesswoman, is a mom of three. Her children are Eva, Lila Rae, and Phoenix Blue.

Claudia Peltz (L) and guests attend an event at Lincoln Center on June 28, 1988, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Claudia’s Youngest Daughter Married the Son of a Famous Soccer Player

Last year in April, Nicola tied the knot with famed soccer player David and fashion designer Victoria Beckham’s son, Brooklyn Beckham. The couple had dated for nine months when they became engaged in July 2020.

They tied the knot at Claudia and Nelson’s home in Palm Beach with many celebrities in attendance, including Richard Williams’ daughters, Serena Williams—a mom of one with Alexis Ohanian—and Venus Williams, and actress Eva Longoria.

Claudia Heffner Peltz Is Not on Social Media But Appears on Her Daughter’s Instagram Frequently

Claudia may not have social media to showcase it herself, but the mother of eight shares a loving relationship with her daughters. In March 2018, she attended the Giambattista Valli show with Brittany during Paris Fashion Week.

That year in November, Nicola posted a sweet tribute to Claudia, describing her as her “idol,” “best friend,” and “strength.” Two years later, she shared a throwback photo of Claudia posing fiercely while still working as a model, referring to her as “my queen.”

In March 2021, Nicola shared another photo of herself and Claudia, where the pair’s resemblance was clearly evident. Claudia, who donned a black knitted cardigan with her hair down, embraced her daughter from behind as she smiled at the camera.

“I am you, you are me,” Nicola captioned the post. The comment section was full of compliments, with one commenter saying Claudia looked like models Bella and Gigi Hadid’s mother, Yolanda Hadid.