Sophia Michaels
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David Bowie is a legendary figure in music, but few know the full story of his son, Duncan Jones. Born to Bowie and his first wife, Angela, Duncan, originally called Zowie Bowie, grew up amidst the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle that often involved excess. His early years were challenging, filled with instability as he was mainly cared for by hired help before being placed in boarding school.
Despite the difficulties of his upbringing, Duncan cherishes the memories he made with Bowie, recalling unique experiences like attending a sumo wrestling event in Japan. While he appreciates these moments, he also candidly admits that his childhood was marked by boredom while waiting in the wings of concerts. In contrast, his relationship with his mother has been strained and distant, leading to significant challenges in his life.
Estrangement from his Mother
David and Angela Bowie were married for nearly a decade before their divorce in 1980. Following their split, Angela received a significant financial settlement but left Duncan’s custody with David. Growing up primarily with his father, Duncan eventually severed ties with Angela, revealing that their last communication occurred when he was just 13 years old. He described her as a negative influence and expressed that his nanny, Marion Skene, played a motherly role during his earliest years.
Angela later recounted an encounter with Duncan when he visited her as a teenager, recalling a confrontation over her living conditions. While they briefly reconnected in the early 2000s, the relationship faltered again. Reflecting on her past, Angela expressed regret over the lack of effort in maintaining their bond.
Supporting His Wife Through Cancer
In late 2012, Duncan shared the news that his wife, Rodene Ronquillo, had been diagnosed with breast cancer. After discovering a lump, they learned it was stage 2 cancer, prompting their decision to marry shortly thereafter. Following surgery, Duncan expressed his relief over the successful procedure and raised awareness about breast cancer through social media, urging women to be vigilant about their health.
As Rodene underwent chemotherapy and additional treatments, Duncan provided updates to fans, blending humor with serious undertones about their journey. Fortunately, after a year of treatment, Rodene emerged healthy. However, tragedy struck again when Duncan learned that his father David was also battling cancer.
The Loss of His Father
On January 10, 2016, the passing of David Bowie devastated fans and was a significant loss to Duncan. The impact of losing a parent is profound, and for Duncan, the grief was compounded by the ongoing challenges he faced in his own life.
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David Bowie’s Death and Duncan Jones’ Reflections
On January 10, 2016, news broke on David Bowie’s Facebook page, announcing his peaceful passing surrounded by family after a brave 18-month fight against cancer. The statement urged fans to respect the family’s privacy during their mourning. His son, Duncan Jones, confirmed this heartbreaking news on X, expressing his sorrow and indicating he would be offline for a while, sending love to everyone.
Months later, Duncan shared on “The Nerdist” (as reported by NME) his feelings about his father’s absence. He mentioned the lingering sense of loss and described Bowie as a significant presence in his life, reflecting on how he shaped Duncan’s identity.
On the five-year anniversary of Bowie’s passing in 2021, Duncan posted a tribute on X, acknowledging the sadness they all felt while recognizing the enduring love for his father, who remains alive through his artistic legacy.
Duncan Jones on the Challenges of Directing Warcraft
Duncan Jones, known for several successful films, faced challenges while directing the highly anticipated 2016 movie “Warcraft.” The film received negative reviews, and Jones described the production process as unexpectedly tough and overwhelming. He noted the difficulties faced when navigating the complexities of filmmaking, stating that it was a politically charged situation that proved to be quite traumatic.
In an interview with Thrillist, he revealed that the three-year journey to complete “Warcraft” was fraught with difficulties, as he often encountered bureaucratic hurdles from higher-ups that made the project feel like a series of small, cumulative setbacks.
Duncan Jones on the Realities of Parenting
After David Bowie’s death, Duncan Jones became a father for the first time in six months, welcoming Stenton David Jones with his wife, Rodene Ronquillo. They had a daughter, Zowie Tala Mabsie Jones, in 2018. Duncan candidly expressed the challenges of parenting on X, noting the exhausting and frustrating nature of raising young children. He emphasized that while moments of joy exist, parenting is often difficult and not always what people expect.
He humorously commented on social media about parenting, likening it to caring for an untrained dog and jokingly addressing a fan’s inquiry about the origins of babies by stating, “Hell.” While some criticized his honesty, many found his remarks relatable and entertaining.
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