Shea Joelle James is the second daughter of famous comedian and actor Kevin James and his wife, Steffiana de la Cruz. Born on June 14, 2007, in Los Angeles, California, Shea has grown up in a loving Hollywood family and is now pursuing her own path in acting. She has appeared in several of her father’s movies, including Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, Pixels, and Hubie Halloween. Despite her famous last name, Shea keeps a fairly low profile and focuses on her education and acting career. She is one of four children in the James family and shares a close bond with her siblings and parents. This article explores her early life, family background, acting career, and what she is doing today.
Shea Joelle James biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Shea Joelle James |
| Born | June 14, 2007 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age | 19 years old (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 2015–present |
| Debut Role | Little Girl in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015) |
| Known For | Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, Pixels, Hubie Halloween, Kevin Can Wait |
| Father | Kevin James (actor and comedian) |
| Mother | Steffiana de la Cruz (actress and former model) |
| Siblings | Sienna-Marie (sister), Kannon Valentine (brother), Sistine Sabella (sister) |
| Family Background | Grew up in a famous Hollywood family |
| Name Meaning | First name inspired by Shea Stadium; middle name Joelle after her grandfather Joe |
| Education | Not publicly disclosed; focuses on studies and acting training |
| Personal Life | Keeps a low profile and stays mostly out of the spotlight |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known; family wealth linked to Kevin James (est. $80 million) |
| Current Status | Pursuing acting and education; attended Solo Mio screening in 2026 |
| Residence | Raised in Los Angeles, California |
Early Life and Family Background
Shea Joelle James was born on June 14, 2007, in Los Angeles, California, to actor Kevin James and actress Steffiana de la Cruz. She arrived a few weeks before her expected due date of July 1, 2007. Her parents had been married since June 19, 2004, and were excited to welcome their second child. Shea was born during a busy time in her father’s career, right around the time Kevin was starring in the film I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. She was given the middle name Joelle after her grandfather Joe, who had passed away. Her first name has a special story behind it—she was named after Shea Stadium, the former home of the New York Mets, because her father is a lifelong Mets fan.
Education and Personal Interests
Shea Joelle James is currently pursuing her education while also building her acting career. She has been acting since she was in middle school and studies voice acting and performance techniques. Her teachers and friends admire her talent. Shea loves learning new subjects and balances her schoolwork with her growing career in Hollywood. Her family is very supportive of both her education and her hobbies. While details about her specific school or college are not publicly known, it is clear that she values her studies. Shea has also shown interest in performance from a young age, which led her to take on small acting roles in her father’s films. She continues to learn and grow as a young actress.
Shea Joelle James’s Father – Kevin James
Kevin James is a well-known American actor, comedian, and producer. He is best known for playing Doug Heffernan on the hit sitcom The King of Queens and has starred in many popular movies like Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Hitch, and Grown Ups. Kevin was born on April 26, 1965, in New York. He married Steffiana de la Cruz in 2004, and together they have four children. Kevin is a devoted father and has often spoken about how much he enjoys family life. He named his second daughter, Shea, after his favorite baseball stadium, showing his fun and personal side. Kevin has also helped his daughters start their acting careers by giving them small roles in his movies.
Shea Joelle James’s Mother – Steffiana de la Cruz
Steffiana de la Cruz is an actress and former model who is married to Kevin James. She was born on August 28, 1974, in New York City, and has Filipino roots. Steffiana met Kevin on a blind date in 2001, and they got married in 2004 in Dana Point, California. Together, they have four children: Sienna-Marie, Shea Joelle, Kannon Valentine, and Sistine Sabella. Steffiana is known for being a hands-on mother who prioritizes family life. She supports her children’s interests and hobbies and often attends family events with Kevin. Her cultural heritage and strong family values have shaped the warm and close-knit household that Shea grew up in.
Siblings and Family Relationships
Shea Joelle James is one of four children in the James family. Her older sister, Sienna-Marie, was born in 2005. She has two younger brothers: Kannon Valentine, born in 2011, and Sistine Sabella, born in 2015. Shea is the second oldest and shares a close bond with all her siblings. The family is known for being tight-knit and supportive of one another. Kevin James often talks about how much his children mean to him, and the family is frequently seen together at movie premieres and public events. Shea’s siblings also have creative interests—her brother Kannon is a talented piano player. Growing up with three siblings in a Hollywood family has given Shea a strong support system.
Growing Up in a Hollywood Family
Growing up as Kevin James’s daughter meant that Shea was exposed to the entertainment industry from a very young age. She attended movie premieres, visited film sets, and watched her father work on comedies and TV shows. Despite the fame, her parents worked hard to give their children a normal and grounded childhood. Shea and her siblings were raised with strong family values and were encouraged to pursue their own interests. Her father has said that his kids prefer being behind the camera rather than in front of it, but Shea decided to try acting anyway. The James family is known for being down-to-earth and supportive, which has helped Shea navigate life in the spotlight.
Shea Joelle James’s Acting Career
Shea Joelle James began her acting career with small roles in her father’s films. She has appeared in three movies so far: Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015), Pixels (2015), and Hubie Halloween (2020). She also had a role in the TV series Kevin Can Wait (2016). Her first credited role was as “Little Girl” in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. She has also been credited as “Classroom Scout Girl” in Pixels and “Cooky’s Friend” in Hubie Halloween. Her films have collectively earned over $351 million at the worldwide box office. While her roles have been small, she is steadily building her experience in the entertainment industry.
Shea Joelle James in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2
In Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015), Shea Joelle James played the role of “Little Girl.” The movie is a comedy sequel starring her father, Kevin James, as the lovable mall security guard Paul Blart. The story follows Paul as he attends a security officers’ convention in Las Vegas and gets caught up in stopping a heist at a hotel. Shea’s role is small but memorable, and it marked her first credited appearance in a feature film. Working alongside her father was a special experience for her. The film was released on April 17, 2015, and became a commercial success. For Shea, it was a fun introduction to acting in a big Hollywood production.
Her Roles in Pixels and Hubie Halloween
Shea Joelle James appeared in two more of her father’s films after Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. In Pixels (2015), she played a “Classroom Scout Girl.” The movie is a sci-fi comedy about aliens who misinterpret video game feeds as a declaration of war. In Hubie Halloween (2020), she played “Cooky’s Friend.” This Halloween-themed comedy stars Adam Sandler and was released on Netflix. Both roles were small, but they gave Shea more experience on set and the chance to work with well-known actors. Her appearances in these films show that she is slowly building her acting resume while still focusing on her education and personal growth.
Television Appearances in Kevin Can Wait
Shea Joelle James appeared in the TV series Kevin Can Wait, which aired from 2016 to 2018. She played the character “Lucy” in the show. Kevin Can Wait is a sitcom starring her father, Kevin James, as a retired police officer who decides to become a stay-at-home dad. The show ran for two seasons and had 48 episodes. Shea’s role, while small, was another step in her acting journey. Working on a TV show gave her a different experience compared to films. It also allowed her to work closely with her father in a new format. The show was popular with audiences and helped Shea gain more on-camera experience.
Shea Joelle James and Her Family’s Stage Performances
The James family has occasionally appeared together at public events and screenings. In 2026, Shea attended the New York screening of her father’s movie Solo Mio along with her mother, sister Sienna-Marie, and brother Kannon Valentine. While Shea did not perform on stage at the event, she showed her support for her father’s work. The family is known for attending premieres and special events together, presenting a united and loving front. Shea’s presence at these events shows how close the James family is and how they support each other’s careers. These family outings are a way for them to bond while also celebrating their father’s achievements in the entertainment industry.
Shea Joelle James in Solo Mio
Solo Mio is a 2026 film starring Kevin James. The movie received positive reviews, and Kevin said it was his entire family’s favorite film he has made. Shea Joelle James did not act in Solo Mio, but she attended the New York screening with her family to support her father. The event was a family affair, with her mother and siblings also present. Kevin shared that his kids gave him rave reviews for the film, which meant a lot to him. While Shea was not part of the cast, her attendance shows her strong family bond and support for her father’s career. It was a proud moment for the James family.
Her Relationship With Kevin James
Shea Joelle James shares a very close relationship with her father, Kevin James. Kevin has often spoken about how much he loves being a dad and how important his children are to him. He named Shea after his favorite baseball stadium, Shea Stadium, which shows the personal and fun side of their bond. Kevin has also helped Shea start her acting career by casting her in small roles in his films like Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 and Pixels. Shea has said that her father is very supportive of her career and always encourages her to follow her dreams. Their relationship is built on love, trust, and mutual respect.
Her Mother’s Influence on Family Life
Steffiana de la Cruz plays a central role in the James family. She is a devoted mother who prioritizes her children’s well-being and happiness. Her Filipino heritage and strong family values have shaped the warm and nurturing home environment that Shea grew up in. Steffiana supports her children’s interests and hobbies and is often seen accompanying them to events and premieres. She has been married to Kevin James since 2004 and has been a steady and loving presence in their children’s lives. Her influence has helped Shea become a grounded and focused young woman who values family above everything else.
Life Away From the Spotlight
Despite being the daughter of a famous actor, Shea Joelle James lives a relatively private life. She does not have a large social media presence and prefers to stay out of the public eye. When she is not acting, she focuses on her education and spending time with her family. She has been described as a quiet and determined young woman who is building her career thoughtfully. Shea has not given many interviews and keeps her personal life largely private. This approach allows her to grow and learn without the pressure of constant public attention. She is focused on her studies and her acting career, taking things one step at a time.
Where Is Shea Joelle James Today?
As of 2026, Shea Joelle James is 19 years old and continues to pursue acting while focusing on her education. She recently attended the New York screening of her father’s film Solo Mio with her family, showing she remains close to her loved ones. She has not announced any new acting projects recently, but she is still young and has plenty of time to grow her career. Shea is known for being private and taking a thoughtful approach to her future. Her family remains her biggest support system. Whether she continues acting or chooses another path, Shea has the love and encouragement of her parents and siblings.
Net Worth and Financial Life
Shea Joelle James’s personal net worth is not publicly known. She is still a young actress and a student, so her earnings from acting have been limited to small roles in her father’s films. However, she comes from a wealthy family. Her father, Kevin James, has an estimated net worth of around $80 million from his successful career in comedy, television, and film. Her mother, Steffiana de la Cruz, is a former model and actress. Shea enjoys a comfortable lifestyle as part of the James family but is not known to have significant personal earnings yet. Her financial life is likely managed by her parents.
Legacy and Family Life
Shea Joelle James is still early in her career, so her personal legacy is yet to be fully written. However, she is already part of the James family legacy in Hollywood. Her father, Kevin James, is a beloved comedian and actor, and her mother, Steffiana de la Cruz, has also worked in entertainment. Shea is building her own path while carrying the family name. She is known for her quiet determination and thoughtful approach to life. Her family remains the center of her world, and she values the love and support they give her. As she grows older, Shea has the potential to make her own mark in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Shea Joelle James is a talented young actress and the beloved daughter of Kevin James and Steffiana de la Cruz. Born on June 14, 2007, she has grown up in a loving Hollywood family and has begun building her own career in acting with roles in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, Pixels, Hubie Halloween, and Kevin Can Wait. Despite her famous last name, Shea keeps a low profile and focuses on her education, family, and personal growth. She shares a close bond with her parents and three siblings. As she continues to grow and learn, Shea has a bright future ahead of her, whether she stays in acting or chooses a different path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kevin James’ first wife?
Kevin James has only been married once. His first and only wife is actress and former model Steffiana de la Cruz. They tied the knot on June 19, 2004, in Dana Point, California. The couple met on a blind date in 2001 and have been together ever since.
How many kids does Kevin James have in real life?
Kevin James has four children with his wife Steffiana de la Cruz. Their children are daughters Sienna-Marie (born 2005) and Shea Joelle (born 2007), son Kannon Valentine (born 2011), and daughter Sistine Sabella (born 2015). The family lives together in California.
Does Leah Remini still talk to Kevin James?
Yes, Leah Remini and Kevin James remain very close friends. In a 2025 interview, Remini confirmed they are “always” in touch, saying, “We talk all the time. He’s the real deal”. James has also called Remini “family,” and the two share a strong bond from their years working together on The King of Queens.
How many times has Kevin James been married?
Kevin James has been married only once. He wed Steffiana de la Cruz in 2004, and they remain married today. There is no record of any previous marriages for the actor.
What happened to Kevin’s wife?
Nothing tragic has happened. Steffiana de la Cruz is alive and well, and she and Kevin James are still happily married after more than 20 years. In January 2026, she attended the New York premiere of Kevin’s film Solo Mio alongside him and three of their children.
What happened to Kevin James’ daughter?
Kevin James’ daughter Shea Joelle James is alive and doing well. She is now 18 years old and continues to pursue acting while focusing on her education. In 2026, Kevin James revealed he fasted and prayed for 40 days for one of his daughters who was experiencing health challenges related to autism.
