Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel is the supermodel, fashion designer, and TV host Heidi Klum’s thirdborn child with her ex-husband and musician Seal. The mother of four drew inspiration for a clothing line from Johan Riley and his siblings’ artworks many years ago.
Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel was raised in a household where his mother encouraged creative expression, telling him and his siblings to always keep an open mind. Although he was born to rightfully famous parents, Johan Riley rarely graced the spotlight with them.
Johan Riley’s mother, Heidi Klum, guarded him and his siblings against prying eyes and continued to do so even in adolescence. Still, the fashion designer has revealed a little about her son and their family dynamic.
Johan Riley Was Born via Cesarean
Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel drew his first breath in Los Angeles, California, on November 22, 2006. He weighed 8 pounds and 11 ounces. Johan Riley was his mother’s first Cesarean birth, which People suggested may not have been the first delivery choice.
Before Johan Riley, Heidi Klum welcomed his older brother, Henry, and sister, Leni, via natural birth. People reported that after Heidi gave birth to Henry, the model stated that she had a few reasons why she “would never” consider the Cesarean birth option, but the main one was her fear of having her abdomen cut open.
Johan Riley’s father, Seal, shared a blog post following his birth. The “Kiss From A Rose” singer said Johan Riley looked much like his sister when she was born, yet looked utterly different from Henry. He then expressed his gratitude for the kind wishes from his and his ex-wife’s supporters.
Seal also marveled at how well-behaved Johan Riley had been on his first night alive, saying:
“He is so precious and really hasn’t been that noisy on his first night spent on earth. Wow! what an amazing experience to have been a part of.”
The singer then dedicated a lovely prose on his Heidi’s page, which read:
To our children, a brother
To our parents, a grandson
To my wife and I, a son
To our family, a blessing.
Since his birth, Johan Riley rarely made public appearances or featured in his parents’ socials. Among the only exceptions are birthday tributes posted by his mom on Instagram. Last year, Heidi posted a black-and-white video of herself and little Johan Riley sitting on her lap as they enjoyed a boat ride.
She wore a loose-fitting patterned top, a bikini underneath, and sunglasses with her hair tied. Alongside the video, she wished her Johan Riley a happy 15th birthday, complimenting his “bright mind” and “heart of gold.” The mom of four also expressed her pride for the young man Johan Riley was becoming.
The Meaning behind Johan Riley’s Long Name
Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel’s names all have ethnic origins. As reported by People, the 15-year-old’s first name is derived from Johannes, which is Hebrew for “The Lord is Gracious.” His second name, Riley, is Irish for “small creek of stream,” and his third name, Fyodor, is Russian for “God’s gift.”
In African heritage, Johan Riley’s fourth name, Taiwo, is often the name or nickname of the firstborn of twin babies and may have been taken from his father’s background, which is English, Nigerian, and Brazilian. Taiwo is Yoruba for “to smell or taste the world.”
Johan Riley’s Drawings Became an Inspiration for His Mother
In 2013, Johan Riley’s mother, Heidi Klum, talked about the little art gallery full of her kids’ artworks in her home. The model reserved a large wall on which she displayed her children’s “gigantic” canvases, watercolor paintings, and their 3D contraptions.
The mother of four thought their work was beautiful, saying:
“Not only is the whole thing beautiful, but it makes the kids feel proud to see what they did hanging on the wall, and that really builds their confidence.”
Johan Riley’s mother believed in allowing him and his siblings creative freedom. Yet, while his siblings sometimes watched a movie, Johan Riley preferred letting his creative juices flow. His mother recalled watching him draw multiple monsters for nearly an hour.
Heidi was inspired by her son’s artistic prowess that she created a children’s clothing line based on his monster drawings. She called it “Truly Scrumptious,” and Johan Riley couldn’t be more excited to see his designs printed on t-shirts. His mom recalled how proud he was:
“Sometimes he wears his shirt and tells everyone, ‘I painted this shirt!'”
Johan’s Big Family
Johan Riley’s eldest sibling is Leni Olum Klum, born to Heidi Klum and Italian businessman Flavio Briatore. Heidi and Flavio separated while she still carried their daughter. Leni Olum was born in New York City on May 4, 2004.
Her mom married Seal in 2005, and the singer adopted her in 2009. Today, the 18-year-old follows in her mother’s footsteps, pursuing a professional modeling career. Leni Olum has appeared on many magazine covers, her first being on Vogue Germany alongside Heidi.
Johan Riley’s older brother, Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel, was the first son born into Heidi and Seal’s marriage. He drew his first breath on September 12, 2005. According to People, Henry has a unique fashion style. Even as a child, he didn’t mind trying on his sister’s princess dresses.
Johan Riley’s youngest sibling is Lou Sulola Samuel, born to Seal and Heidi once more on October 9, 2009. Lou Sulola shares a love for Halloween with her mother and loves to dance. Like her siblings, she makes occasional appearances on her mom’s Instagram.
