At 20 years old, Natalia Bryant has endured more devastation than anyone should in their lifetime – after her dad, Kobe Bryant, aged 41 and younger sister Gigi, 13, died in a horrific helicopter crash back in 2020.
But the resilient young woman has overcome this tragedy to achieve more than many have at her age.
Natalia is currently studying film at the University of Southern California – a topic that she and her dad were both extremely passionate about and often bonded over before his death.
The college student debuted her first flick earlier this month – a feat her mom, Vanessa Bryant, was extremely proud of – but the movie industry is not the only one that she’s burst into.
Natalia Bryant, 20, has overcome the tragic death of her dad and sister to become a rising star in both the fashion and movie industries
Her dad, Kobe, and younger sister Gigi died in a horrific helicopter crash back in 2020. Natalia is seen with her mom, dad, and sister in 2018
As Natalia made her directorial debut this month. In honor of the feat. FEMAIL recapped her journey from start to finish
Natalia has also been making fierce waves in the fashion world. She landed a modeling contract with IMG in 2021, and has posed for a slew of big brands and magazines since then. She even stomped the runway at her first ever catwalk show in September.
The impressive 20-year-old has also made a slew of celebrity friends – like Taylor Swift, Timothée Chalamet, and Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham – and has attended some of the most sought after events on the globe, like the Met Gala, which is branded by some as the biggest night in fashion, and the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty.
Along the way, Natalia has become an online sensation – racking up more than 2.9 million followers on her Instagram, where she often shares snaps of herself jetting off on a lavish getaway or hanging with her star-studded pals.
Amid Natalia’s flourishing career and growing social media presence, she has credited her close bond with her family with keeping her grounded – and she has been outspoken about how she ‘continues to embody and cherish the many lessons’ that her dad ‘taught her’ before his life was cut short.
As Natalia makes her directorial debut, FEMAIL went ahead and recapped her journey from start to finish – from what it was like to grow up as the daughter of one of the most successful NBA players of all time to how she overcame his heartbreaking loss to launch a major career for herself.
Growing up in the spotlight: Natalia lived in a $21.3 million mansion and attended a ‘prestigious private school’ as a kid – and was often spotted cheering her dad on while sitting courtside at his games
Kobe and Vanessa started dating when he was only 21 and just starting out in the NBA, and she was 17 and working part time as a dancer after they met on the set of a music video
They were engaged six months after they met, and walked down the aisle in April 2001. Two years later, they welcomed their first daughter, Natalia
Kobe and Vanessa started dating when he was only 21 and just starting out in the NBA, and she was 17 and still in high school.
At the time, Kobe was also pursuing a career in music, while Vanessa was working part-time as a dancer – and the two met on set after she was cast in one of his music videos.
Vanessa then gave birth to their second little girl, who they named Gianna, known as Gigi, in 2006, followed by their third, Bianka, in 2016, and their fourth, Capri, in 2019
‘It was a two-day video shoot, and I was always looking for her. Like, I wanted to know where she was,’ the athlete previously recalled of the day he and Vanessa first crossed paths.
‘I would finish a take and then go to my trailer, but I’d wonder where she was the entire time.
‘I just wanted to talk to her some more in between takes and stuff like that. And [at the end of the shoot] she wrote her phone number down. I called her the very next day and we talked for hours.’
They were engaged six months after they met, and walked down the aisle together in April 2001.
Two years later, they welcomed their first daughter, Natalia, followed by their second, Gianna, known as Gigi, in 2006.
Vanessa then gave birth to their third little girl, Bianka, in 2016, and their fourth, Capri, in 2019.
As Kobe (seen with Natalia) became one of the biggest NBA stars on the globe – he never let his booming career get in the way of being a dedicated father to his four girls
‘I want to make sure the days that I’m away from them are days that I absolutely have to be,’ Kobe (seen with Natalia) previously said. ‘I’d rather be with them than doing anything else’
![Kobe was certainly a proud 'girl dad,' telling Extra after the birth of his fourth daughter, 'It takes a king to make a princess. It's pretty cool for me 'cause [they're] daddy's little princesses'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/14/15/78874241-12855411-Kobe_was_certainly_a_proud_girl_dad_telling_Extra_after_the_birt-a-181_1702567720272.jpg)
Kobe was certainly a proud ‘girl dad,’ telling Extra after the birth of his fourth daughter, ‘It takes a king to make a princess. It’s pretty cool for me ’cause [they’re] daddy’s little princesses’
By the time he became a dad, Kobe was already one of the biggest NBA stars on the globe – but he never let his booming career get in the way of being a dedicated father to his four girls.
‘I want to make sure the days that I’m away from them are days that I absolutely have to be,’ he previously told the Los Angeles Times. ‘I’d rather be with them than doing anything else.’
He also spoke to Barstool Sports in 2018 about learning to balance ‘family time’ with his busy work schedule, while explaining why he had started to take helicopters back and forth to his games and practices.
‘I had to figure out a way where I could still train and focus on the craft, but still not compromise family time,’ he dished.
‘I was sitting in traffic and wound up missing the school play. That’s when I looked into helicopters to be able to get down and back in 15 minutes.’
Kobe was certainly a proud ‘girl dad,’ telling Extra after the birth of his fourth daughter, ‘Guys keep teasing me.
Natalia (seen as a baby with her parents) grew up in a stunning custom-built, four-story mansion in Newport Coast, California
While being the daughter of a huge sports star certainly came with its perks, Natalia (seen with Gigi) insisted that her parents tried to give her as ‘normal’ a childhood as possible
Throughout her childhood, Natalia and her siblings were often spotted cheering their dad on while sitting courtside during his games and supporting him at various events
‘My friends say, “It takes a real man to make a boy.” I’m like, “Dude, it takes a king to make a princess.” It’s pretty cool for me ’cause [they’re] daddy’s little princesses.’
Natalia grew up in a stunning custom-built, four-story home in Newport Coast, California.
Kobe and Vanessa purchased the 15,760-square-foot mansion for $4 million in 2002 – before reconstructing the entire thing. And by the time it was done, it was said it was worth roughly $21.3 million.
The stunning estate comes with an at-home gym, sauna, steam room, movie theater, game room, enormous pool, multiple terraces with a seating area, BBQ, and and fire pit, among other things.
While being the daughter of a huge sports star certainly came with its perks, Natalia insisted to Teen Vogue that her parents tried to give her as ‘normal’ a childhood as possible.
‘Growing up, my parents made it as normal as possible. Thank God they did,’ she said.
While many expected Natalia (seen with her dad and sister as a kid) to follow in her dad’s footsteps and become a basketball star, she said it wasn’t for her because she ‘hated running’
Instead, she fell in love with volleyball after attending the 2012 Olympics with her mom, and played varsity volleyball during high school. She’s seen with her parents and Gigi in 2016
Throughout her childhood, Natalia and her siblings were often spotted cheering their dad on while sitting courtside during his games and supporting him at various events.
While everyone expected her to follow in her dad’s footsteps and become a basketball star, she explained to Teen Vogue that the sport wasn’t for her because she ‘hated running.’
Instead, she fell in love with volleyball after attending the 2012 Olympics with her mom.
She played varsity volleyball during high school – she attended the ‘prestigious private school’ Sage Hill High School – and she credits the sport with helping her to become more ‘confident’ in her skin.
‘I was watching the Olympics and [my mom] was like, “Nani, you’re going to love this sport. You’re going to love volleyball. I’m calling it right now,”‘ the star recalled.
‘I think [my mom] knew I wasn’t confident in my height. She’s like, “You’re going to play volleyball. You’re going to get confident because of this. There are all these other tall girls too, so you’re not the only one.”‘
Teenage years plagued by tragedy: Natalia lost her dad and sister during a horrific helicopter crash in January 2020 – but has tried to ‘keep their memories’ alive for her other siblings
Natalia tragically lost her dad and sister Gigi (seen together) in a horrific helicopter crash on January 26, 2020
Natalia tragically lost her dad and sister Gigi in a horrific helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.
The aircraft was flying from Orange County to Ventura County in California for 13-year-old Gigi’s basketball game.
Everyone on board, including Kobe, Gigi, six family friends, and the pilot, were pronounced dead after it crashed into the side of a mountain about 30 miles from downtown LA.
On what would have been Gigi’s 14th birthday in May 2020, Natalia shared a touching tribute for her late sister to Instagram, writing, ‘I miss your smile everyday’
The incident sent shockwaves throughout the globe, and left his millions of fans, as well as his teammates, friends, and family members completely heartbroken.
Natalia told Teen Vogue in her 2021 interview that she tried not to shy away from discussing the amazing memories that she shared with her dad in an effort to ‘keep his memory’ alive for her younger sisters.
While recalling a time that they went at midnight to watch the Star Wars movie Rise Of Skywalker together when it premiered in 2019, she said, ‘He was just like the best girl dad ever. He was just letting me play my playlist and jam out to Taylor Swift the whole ride back, and talk about Star Wars too. It was so much fun.
‘I love talking about my dad. It’s bittersweet, but I enjoy talking about him more than it’s sad for me.’
At the time, when asked how she was holding up, she said, ‘You do the best that you can.
‘[For] my little sisters [we’re] trying to keep that memory for them. And also just trying to remember to live out every day the way they would.’
On what would have been Gigi’s 14th birthday in May 2020, Natalia shared a touching tribute for her late sister to Instagram.
Natalia said she tried not to shy away from discussing the amazing memories that she shared with her dad and sister in an effort to ‘keep their memories’ alive for her younger siblings
‘I miss your smile everyday but I know you’re always smiling down on us from heaven with daddy,’ she wrote. ‘I love you.’
She also posted an emotional message to her dad on what would have been his birthday that August.
‘I miss your smile, laugh, and big bear hugs,’ she said. ‘Happy birthday to the best movie buddy I could have ever asked for.
‘I will always remember our late night drives to the movie theater with the windows rolled down and listening to our favorite songs. I love you forever and always.’
When Kobe was honored with a handprint at the TCL Chinese Theatre in March 2023, Natalia gave a moving speech about her father.
‘While most people knew him as a basketball player or a storyteller, I got to know and love him as my dad,’ she said.
‘And let me tell you, he is the MVP of girl dads, to say the least. Being a dad of four girls is definitely not easy, but despite the NBA and Lakers schedules, he always made sure to support me and my sisters.
‘Being his daughter is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I hope to continue to embody and cherish the many lessons he has taught me.’
Overcoming devastation to become a star: Natalia was signed to IMG models in 2021 and has made waves in the fashion world – while also studying film in college, something her dad was passionate about
After graduating from high school in 2021, Natalia headed to the University of Southern California, where she decided to switch her focus to the movie industry
While Natalia dreamed of being a volleyball star from a young age, she decided to stop playing after losing her dad and sister.
‘I wanted to play volleyball in college. I played club volleyball with the intention of becoming a D1 athlete,’ she told Teen Vogue.
She also became interested in fashion after watching a Chanel runway show that was livestreamed online and realizing: ‘I want to do that’
‘I love the sport. But I quit volleyball after the accident because I was so… a lot was going on at that time.
‘I knew I didn’t … love volleyball as much as they loved basketball. I’m OK with that.’
After graduating from high school in 2021, Natalia headed to the University of Southern California, where she decided to switch her focus to the movie industry.
She later explained that films were something that she and her dad were both extremely passionate about and often bonded over before his death.
Kobe won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film for his 2017 film Dear Basketball, which was an animated telling of his poem of the same name.
‘My dad and I would always watch as many movies as we can and we’d go on, like, movie marathons,’ she explained in a YouTube video shared in 2021.
‘And then we’d always analyze as many movies as we can, and we’d talk about it for months.
‘Anywhere we’d go, we’d just keep talking about different films and how they reminded us of where we were.
‘Like, “Oh, my gosh, that architecture reminds me of, like, this piece from this film.” That really inspired me, and I was like, “I want to do this, forever.”‘
Natalia was signed to IMG models in 2021, and since then, she has made serious waves in the fashion world
The 20-year-old told Vogue earlier this year that modeling felt like a ‘fresh start’ after spending years focused on sports, adding, ‘I wanted to do my own thing’
She also became interested in fashion after watching a Chanel runway show that was livestreamed online and realizing: ‘I want to do that.’
Natalia was signed to IMG models in 2021, and since then, she has made serious waves in the fashion world.
The 20-year-old told Vogue earlier this year that modeling felt like a ‘fresh start’ after spending years focused on sports, adding, ‘I wanted to do my own thing without having to worry about comparing myself to anyone or setting myself to anyone’s standard.’
Since joining the industry, Natalia has modeled for big brands like Adidas and Ugg, and has posed for the cover of numerous popular magazines including Teen Vogue and Elle.
She has also received invites to a some of the most elite events, including the 2021 Met Gala, the Vanity Fair Oscars after party in March 2022, and a slew of catwalk shows at New York, Paris, and Milan fashion weeks.
She herself made her runway debut at Milan Fashion Week this September, walking at Versace’s show.
‘I am beyond excited about making my runway debut. It’s such an incredible opportunity and I’m so grateful to Donatella [Versace] and am honored that she has invited me to be a part of something so special,’ she gushed to Vogue at the time.
In addition, she previously interned with Beyoncé’s record label and management company, Parkwood Entertainment.
Since joining the industry, Natalia has modeled for big brands like Adidas and Ugg (seen), and has posed for the cover of numerous popular magazines including Teen Vogue and Elle
She has also received invites to a some of the most elite events, including the 2021 Met Gala (left) and the Vanity Fair Oscars after party in March 2022 (right)
She made her runway debut at Milan Fashion Week this September, walking at Versace’s show
!['I am beyond excited about making my runway debut. It's such an incredible opportunity and I'm so grateful to Donatella [Versace],' she gushed to Vogue at the time](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/14/15/78882735-12855411-_I_am_beyond_excited_about_making_my_runway_debut_It_s_such_an_i-a-190_1702567722471.jpg)
‘I am beyond excited about making my runway debut. It’s such an incredible opportunity and I’m so grateful to Donatella [Versace],’ she gushed to Vogue at the time
Earlier this month, she made her directorial debut – which her mom celebrated on Instagram.
Vanessa shared a snap that showed her hugging Natalia after a screening of her first movie at USC, while gushing, ‘I’m so proud of you @NataliaBryant.
Earlier this month she made her directorial debut – which her mom celebrated on Instagram
‘You’ve balanced school, friends, family, your sorority, your internship, your modeling jobs, runway debut, and film responsibilities and projects.
‘You still find time to be present and responsible for everything you do and show up for every family event your schedule permits you to attend.
‘I cannot express how proud we are of you. We love you so much. Proud mom, dad, and sisters for sure.’
As for her long-term goals, Natalia explained on YouTube that she wants to ‘make a film’ where she can ‘incorporate fashion’ to ‘combine her two passions.’
‘I love how fashion inspires different people from different cultures and different parts of the country,’ she added.
‘You can gain inspiration from everywhere and anyone, and I think that’s the most beautiful part about fashion is that you can find inspiration anywhere.’
Family first: Natalia often flaunts her lavish lifestyle online where she has racked up millions of followers – but she credits her close bond with her mom and sisters with keeping her grounded
Along the way, Natalia has mingled with some of Hollywood’s top stars and has built up a massive list of A-list friends. She’s seen with Timothée Chalamet
She was present at Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding last year (left), and is roommates with Euphoria actress Storm Reid at USC (right)
In addition, she has been pictured hanging out with the likes of Taylor Swift (seen), Ciara, Kris Jenner, and Corey Gamble over the years
Along the way, Natalia has mingled with some of Hollywood’s top stars and has built up a massive list of A-list friends.
She was present at Nicola and Brooklyn’s wedding last year, and is roommates with Euphoria actress Storm Reid at USC.
She also enjoys a jet-setting lifestyle, often embarking on glamorous vacations to some of the top destinations around the world
In addition, she has been pictured hanging out with the likes of pop sensation Taylor, actor Timothée, Ciara, Kris Jenner, and Corey Gamble over the years.
She also enjoys a jet-setting lifestyle, often embarking on glamorous vacations to some of the top destinations around the world.
The 20-year-old continuously flaunts her glamorous endeavors on Instagram, where she’s racked up more 2.9 million followers.
Her feed consists of posts that show her lounging on a yacht in Europe and sunbathing next to a pool in Spain.
She’s also been spotted dining at lavish restaurants, staying in five-star resorts, and hanging out in the VIP suite at some of the most sought-after shows like Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour and Taylor’s Eras concert.
Amid Natalia’s flourishing career and growing social media presence, she has credited her close bond with her family with keeping her grounded.
The 20-year-old continuously flaunts her glamorous endeavors on Instagram, where she’s racked up more 2.9 million followers
Amid Natalia’s flourishing career and growing social media presence, she has credited her close bond with her family with keeping her grounded
‘I’m very loyal to the people that I love. Loyalty is an important value,’ she told Teen Vogue.
‘I’m an outgoing introvert, I love talking to people… but part of me is such a homebody.’
She also told Elle: ‘My family is my rock. My mom and my sisters are amazing, and I can always lean on them for support.’
As for her love life, Natalia told Teen Vogue that boys were low on her list of priorities.
‘I don’t want to remember high school as dating some guy that I’m most likely going to be hating next [year],’ she said. ‘[There’s] no room for dating.’