Meet Mykhailo Farmiga: The Father of Actresses Vera and Taissa Farmiga

Mykhailo Farmiga is the Ukrainian-American patriarch behind one of Hollywood’s most talented acting families. Best known as the father of actresses Vera Farmiga and Taissa Farmiga, he built a life defined by discipline, cultural pride, and unwavering devotion to his seven children. Long before his daughters stepped into global stardom, he quietly shaped the environment that would later allow them to thrive — a home steeped in Ukrainian traditions, faith, community, and artistic expression.

While he never sought fame or public attention, his influence is deeply woven into the success stories of multiple Farmiga siblings. His biography offers a compelling look at a man whose grounded lifestyle, career journey, cultural identity, and family-centered values laid the foundation for one of Hollywood’s most prominent multi-talented families.

Quick Bio – Mykhailo Farmiga

Early Life and Family Background

Mykhailo Farmiga was born in November 1942 in Ukraine, during a period marked by global conflict and displacement. His early childhood was shaped by the realities of post-war Europe, and like many Ukrainians, the search for safety and opportunity ultimately influenced his family’s path. His maternal grandparents famously met in a displaced persons camp in Karlsfeld, Germany, during World War II — a story that would become part of the Farmiga family’s generational folklore.

As a young man, Mykhailo immigrated to the United States and eventually settled in New Jersey, where a strong Ukrainian-American community was already flourishing. These tightly knit neighborhoods helped immigrants preserve their language, customs, and faith, and they played a major role in shaping his worldview.

By the time he became a father, Mykhailo had a clear vision of the environment he wanted for his children: one where Ukrainian identity remained vivid and alive. His household did not use English until the children entered school, and the family seamlessly incorporated folk dance, music, and cultural organizations into daily life. This insular but nurturing environment became an important pillar of their upbringing, deeply influencing who the Farmiga siblings would become.

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Education and Academic Journey

Although details about his schooling remain private, Mykhailo trained professionally as a computer systems analyst — a field requiring strong analytical thinking and technical expertise. His career path demonstrates both adaptability and ambition, especially considering his immigrant background and the era in which he entered the workforce. His technical career provided stability for his growing family throughout the early decades of adulthood.

Later in life, he shifted into landscaping, a transition his children often describe as grounded, sensible, and aligned with his nature-oriented lifestyle. This shift reflected a desire for hands-on, meaningful work rather than corporate ambition.

Mykhailo Farmiga’s Age, Birthday & Zodiac

Mykhailo Farmiga was born in November 1942, making him 83 years old as of 2026. While his exact birthdate is occasionally reported as January 10, the consistent detail across all verified sources confirms 1942 as his birth year. His longevity and continued involvement in family life reflect his commitment to health, discipline, and a culturally anchored lifestyle.

Physical Appearance and Public Image

Mykhailo is often described by those close to him as soft-spoken, calm, and steady, with an understated presence that commands respect. In his youth, he was known for being a gifted soccer player with what his teammates called “deceiving speed.”

Across the family, his children are recognized for their piercing blue eyes, a distinctive Farmiga trait believed to come from Mykhailo’s side of the family. Although he avoids the spotlight and rarely appears publicly, he remains an admired figure within Ukrainian-American circles.

Parents and Heritage

Mykhailo’s heritage is 100% Ukrainian. While the names of his parents are not publicly documented, family history confirms that he comes from a long line of Ukrainians who experienced displacement and immigration. His upbringing instilled in him a fierce dedication to cultural preservation, which he later passed down to his children.

Marriage and Family Structure

Mykhailo later married Lubomyra “Luba” Farmiga (née Spas), a Ukrainian-American former schoolteacher. Their marriage has endured for more than 40 years, reflecting shared values, complementary personalities, and a mutual commitment to raising their children with integrity and cultural grounding.

Unlike many immigrant families adapting to American life, the Farmigas chose to preserve their linguistic and cultural identity. Their marriage became the anchor of a home that embraced tradition without resisting growth or opportunity.

Siblings and Extended Family

No verified public records detail Mykhailo’s siblings, but his extended family history includes generational stories of immigration, faith, and resilience. The strongest line of connection comes from his grandparents’ experience in displaced persons camps, which shaped the Farmiga family’s intergenerational identity.

Career and Rise to Public Recognition

Mykhailo Farmiga’s career followed two distinct chapters:

1. Computer Systems Analyst — His early professional work involved technical systems and analytical problem-solving.
2. Landscaping — Later, he entered a career that aligned with his love for the outdoors and grounded lifestyle.

Although he never sought fame, public recognition eventually found him through his daughters’ achievements. When Vera Farmiga became an Oscar-nominated actress — followed years later by Taissa’s rise as a star of American Horror Story — attention inevitably extended to their parents. Mykhailo’s wisdom, cultural values, and parenting philosophy became points of interest for fans seeking to understand the roots of the Farmiga family’s talent and artistic depth.

Personal Life and Lubomyra “Luba” Farmiga

Mykhailo and Luba built a life centered on Ukrainian faith, discipline, family unity, and personal growth. Luba, known for her nurturing personality and career as a teacher, complemented Mykhailo’s calm, thoughtful nature. Together they created a home environment that blended cultural preservation with academic encouragement, music education, and religious guidance.

The family originally belonged to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church but later transitioned to Pentecostal Christianity, a shift their children describe as deeply formative. Faith played a central role in their household, influencing Vera and her siblings as they explored identity, spirituality, and personal purpose.

Mykhailo Farmiga’s Children and Family Life

Mykhailo and Luba raised seven children, each uniquely shaped by the family’s cultural immersion:

Victor Farmiga (born 1981)
The eldest, known for his musical background and work as a composer. He also has entrepreneurial interests.

Vera Farmiga (born 1973)
Their second child and first daughter. Vera is an Academy Award-nominated actress known for films like Up in the Air, The Conjuring, and The Departed. She credits Mykhailo for instilling self-definition and autonomy of faith.

Stephan Farmiga (born 1984)
A musician, lawyer, and manager who has collaborated creatively with his siblings.

Nadia Farmiga (born 1977)
A former mechanical engineer turned culinary entrepreneur. She co-founded the Hudson Valley pop-up dining business Misto with her husband.

Alexander “Alex” Farmiga (born 1989)
An artist and musician whose creative expressions reflect the family’s cultural influences.

Laryssa Farmiga
Born with spina bifida and raised with extraordinary support and care. She maintains a private life.

Taissa Farmiga (born 1994)
The youngest, born when Mykhailo was 51. Today she is a successful actress known for American Horror Story, The Nun, and The Gilded Age.

The household was one of creativity, discipline, and cultural pride. Music practice, Ukrainian folk dance, scouting through Plast, and bilingual communication shaped the siblings’ senses of identity and confidence.

Cultural Identity and Influence

Mykhailo’s dedication to cultural heritage was one of the most defining aspects of his fatherhood. His children grew up speaking Ukrainian first, learning dances through the Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, and practicing piano and classical music daily.

This strong cultural foundation served as both emotional grounding and creative inspiration for the family — especially the artistic siblings who entered entertainment industries.

Religious Influence and Spiritual Foundations

Raised in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Mykhailo later embraced Pentecostal Christianity. Faith shaped how he viewed family, purpose, and discipline. Vera often credits him for teaching the importance of spiritual autonomy — encouraging his children to “define holiness for themselves.”

His role in fostering a reflective, values-based household helped the siblings navigate public life with humility and strength.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

While Mykhailo’s personal net worth remains private, his financial life is known to have been supported primarily through his careers in systems analysis and landscaping. He lived modestly but comfortably, providing a stable upbringing for his seven children.

However, his family’s collective net worth is substantial due to the success of his daughters and other accomplished children. Vera Farmiga’s successful acting career in major films and series, along with Taissa’s rising profile in Hollywood, has elevated the financial standing of the entire family. Though Mykhailo himself lives privately and avoids luxury, his family’s achievements contribute to an overall strong financial picture for the Farmiga household.

Mykhailo Farmiga’s Current Life, Legacy, and Influence

Now in his eighties, Mykhailo Farmiga lives a quiet, private life in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, surrounded by family and community. His intentional privacy reflects the grounded, modest approach he has maintained throughout his life — choosing home, faith, and cultural connection over public attention.

His lasting influence is evident in the achievements and character of his seven children. By preserving Ukrainian traditions, encouraging discipline, and fostering creativity, he helped shape an environment where each child could thrive in fields such as film, music, business, and the culinary arts. His steady guidance and strong values continue to echo through the family’s accomplishments. Though he remains out of the spotlight, his presence is unmistakable in the work, integrity, and public grace of his children.

Conclusion

Mykhailo Farmiga’s life is a powerful example of how a father’s devotion, cultural identity, and spiritual grounding can shape the destiny of a family. From his early years in Ukraine to his career transitions in America, from raising seven children to witnessing global success through Vera and Taissa, his journey reflects resilience, humility, and purpose. Although he remains out of the spotlight, his influence radiates through the artistic brilliance and integrity of his children — securing his place as a foundational figure behind one of Hollywood’s most admired families.

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FAQs

1. How old is Mykhailo Farmiga today?

Mykhailo Farmiga is 83 years old as of 2026, born in November 1942. His longevity and active family involvement remain central to his life.

2. What is Mykhailo Farmiga known for?

He is widely known as the father of acclaimed actresses Vera Farmiga and Taissa Farmiga, whose Hollywood success brought attention to their family background.

3. What was Mykhailo Farmiga’s career before retirement?

Mykhailo first worked as a computer systems analyst before transitioning into landscaping, a profession he embraced later in life for its hands-on, grounded nature.

4. Where was Mykhailo Farmiga born and raised?

He was born in Ukraine and later immigrated to the United States, settling in New Jersey within a close-knit Ukrainian-American community.

5. Who is Mykhailo Farmiga married to?

He is married to Lubomyra “Luba” Farmiga, a former schoolteacher. Their marriage of over 40 years is the foundation of their culturally rich family.

6. How many children does Mykhailo Farmiga have?

He has seven children: Victor, Vera, Stephan, Nadia, Alexander, Laryssa, and Taissa — each with diverse careers in the arts, business, and culinary fields.

7. What is Mykhailo Farmiga’s net worth?

His personal net worth remains private, but the Farmiga family’s overall financial standing is elevated by the substantial earnings of daughters Vera and Taissa Farmiga.

8. What cultural values did Mykhailo Farmiga pass down to his children?

He emphasized Ukrainian heritage, bilingual upbringing, faith, folk dance, music, and scouting — values that shaped the character and creativity of all seven siblings.

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