Jo Miller, born Josephine Miller, is best known to the public as the mother of actress Sienna Miller and fashion designer Savannah Miller. But beyond her famous family, Jo has lived a richly varied life that spans continents, cultures, and careers. From her roots in South Africa to her years immersed in modelling, performing arts management, and even working for David Bowie, her journey has been marked by reinvention and resilience. Her story weaves together glamour, creativity, hardship, and determination — elements that have profoundly shaped the world in which her daughters would grow and thrive. What follows is a detailed look at Jo Miller’s life, told in the style of a modern celebrity profile, capturing both the public persona and the woman behind it.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Josephine “Jo” Miller |
| Date of Birth / Age | Not publicly confirmed; estimated late 60s as of 2025 |
| Birthplace | South Africa |
| Nationality | British |
| Height, Hair & Eye Colour | Approx. 5ft 6in; blonde hair; blue eyes |
| Education | Schooling in South Africa; later trained in yoga and arts management |
| Profession | Former model, personal assistant, performing arts manager, yoga instructor |
| Family | Former spouse: Edwin “Ed” Miller; Children: Savannah Miller and Sienna Miller |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | £1–2 million |
| Known For | Mother of Sienna and Savannah Miller; former model; manager at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute |
Early Life and Education
Jo Miller was born in South Africa to British parents, giving her a childhood that merged the warm vibrancy of her birthplace with the traditions of her family’s heritage. Very little about her early schooling has been made public, but what is known paints the picture of a young woman drawn to the creative arts and deeply influenced by British culture despite her geographical roots.
Growing up in South Africa, when international travel was far less common, Jo developed an early appreciation for global culture through her family and community. She was known for her natural poise and elegance even as a young woman, qualities that would later help her break into the modelling world.
Her interests included dance, fashion, and literature, and friends from her youth have described her as imaginative, independent, and quietly ambitious. These early fascinations shaped her later professional choices, guiding her toward the fashion world and later toward arts management. Her South African upbringing also instilled in her a sense of groundedness — something that would become essential as she navigated the more unpredictable chapters of her adult life.
Personal and Family Life
Jo’s life changed significantly when she married Edwin “Ed” Miller, an American investment banker and dealer in Chinese art. Their life together was international and mobile — a lifestyle typical of global finance families of that era. They welcomed their first daughter, Savannah, while living in Hong Kong, and later their second daughter, Sienna, in New York City.
Despite the apparent glamour, the marriage eventually broke down. When Sienna was six years old, Jo and Ed divorced, leaving Jo to raise both daughters on her own. She settled in Parsons Green, London, where she sought stability for her family while continuing to pursue work in the arts.
During these years, Jo faced one of her most difficult personal challenges: a breast cancer diagnosis. While caring for two young daughters and working full-time, she also underwent medical treatment. Her resilience through this period has been frequently cited by both Sienna and Savannah as a profound influence on their understanding of strength and perseverance.
After her recovery, Jo remained a central figure in her daughters’ lives, often appearing alongside them at film premieres, fashion events, and awards ceremonies. Her presence at high-profile moments — such as the Golden Globe Awards and the premieres of Alfie and Casanova — has helped shape the public’s understanding of her as a supportive, stylish, and quietly powerful figure behind two successful women.
Career Journey
Jo Miller’s professional path is notable for its breadth. Beginning as a model in her youth in South Africa, she entered a world that valued her natural elegance and poise. Her modelling career offered opportunities to travel, collaborate with photographers, and gain insight into the wider international creative industries.
A significant turning point came when she shifted into the performing arts world. She moved to New York, where she became involved with the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute — one of the most renowned acting schools in the United States. Jo eventually became the Institute’s manager. Her role placed her at the heart of New York’s artistic scene, surrounded by actors, directors, and teachers who shaped modern film and theatre. The experience contributed significantly to the creative upbringing of her daughters, both of whom spent their formative years surrounded by Manhattan’s artistic energy.
In addition to her managerial role, Jo worked as a personal assistant to music icon David Bowie. This chapter of her life offers a glimpse into the dynamic, sometimes unpredictable world of celebrity and creative production. While details remain relatively private, the experience added yet another layer to her understanding of the performing arts and entertainment worlds.
After relocating to London following her divorce, Jo brought the legacy of the Lee Strasberg Institute with her. She founded and managed a branch of the acting school in the UK, helping aspiring young actors train under a method-based philosophy. Her contribution broadened the reach of the Institute and strengthened London’s already vibrant drama scene.
Later, Jo expanded her career again by becoming a yoga instructor — a path that reflected her personal interest in wellness, spirituality, and mindfulness. Yoga not only offered her a new professional direction but also provided a form of balance during a time of personal reinvention.
Life Challenges and Turning Points
Jo Miller’s life has not been without hardship. Her divorce from Ed Miller was a significant personal and emotional turning point, leaving her solely responsible for raising two daughters who would later become known around the world. Financial pressures, career transitions, and health crises added layers of difficulty.
Her breast cancer diagnosis during the years she lived in London with her young daughters was one of the most significant challenges she faced. Undergoing treatment while managing a household and maintaining employment demanded immense strength. Jo’s determination and composure during this time became part of the family’s mythology — a narrative of resilience that profoundly influenced Sienna and Savannah.
Another challenge came from navigating the glare of public attention once her daughters achieved fame. Media scrutiny, rumours, and online commentary often extend beyond celebrities to their families, and Jo had to learn how to protect her privacy while supporting her daughters’ careers.
Current Life and Career
Today, Jo Miller maintains a far more private lifestyle, stepping back from public-facing roles while remaining occasionally visible at high-profile events alongside her daughters. While she no longer manages the London branch of the Lee Strasberg Institute, she remains connected to the creative community and has been known to teach yoga and wellness practices on a smaller scale.
Her life now appears to centre on family, personal wellbeing, and creative engagement rather than large-scale professional ventures. Unlike many contemporary public figures, Jo does not maintain an active social media presence, preferring a quieter and more grounded routine.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Jo Miller’s estimated net worth is around £1–2 million. This figure takes into account her varied professional career — including her modelling work, management roles in the performing arts sector, personal assistance positions, and her role in founding the London branch of the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.
Her lifestyle today is comfortable and stable, but not ostentatious. She is believed to value experiences, personal well-being, and time with family more than material excess. Her financial standing reflects decades of steady work and personal reinvention across different fields.
Public Image and Media Presence
Although Jo is not a mainstream public figure, she is well known within fashion and film circles due to her daughters’ visibility. Media portrayals often highlight her stylish appearance, serene presence, and the close bond she shares with Sienna and Savannah.
Fans of Sienna Miller frequently admire Jo for her elegance and strong maternal influence. Interviews with Sienna often reference Jo’s sense of independence, creativity, and unconventional spirit — traits that shaped Sienna’s artistic identity.
Jo’s story of surviving cancer, supporting two daughters into successful creative careers, and maintaining a diverse professional life has added to her reputation as a resilient and multi-dimensional woman. She is viewed not merely as a celebrity parent but as a personality in her own right.
Fun Facts and Anecdotes
Jo once worked as David Bowie’s personal assistant, giving her a rare backstage view of the life of one of music’s biggest icons.
Her daughters often credit her bohemian and artistic influence for their love of creativity — both spent childhood summers in a house filled with art, music, and different accents from her international circle of friends.
Despite having lived in multiple cities worldwide, she still speaks fondly of her South African roots.
Those close to her describe her as both serene and spirited—a combination that makes her equally suited to the worlds of yoga and performing arts.
Conclusion
Jo Miller’s life is a testament to versatility, courage, and creative passion. From her beginnings as a model in South Africa to her years managing celebrated acting institutions and raising two daughters who would become internationally known, her journey is rich and layered. She has navigated personal trials, professional transformations, and public attention with grace and determination. Today, Jo remains an integral figure behind the success of Savannah and Sienna Miller, while her own legacy stands as one of resilience, reinvention, and quiet influence.
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(FAQs)
Who is Jo Miller?
Jo Miller, born Josephine Miller, is the British mother of actress Sienna Miller and fashion designer Savannah Miller. She is a former model and arts manager from South Africa.
Was Jo Miller married?
Yes, she was married to American investment banker Ed Miller. They later divorced when Sienna was six years old.
Does she have children?
She has two daughters: Savannah Miller, a fashion designer, and Sienna Miller, an actress.
What is her profession now?
Jo has worked as a model, personal assistant, performing arts manager, and yoga instructor. She now leads a more private life, occasionally engaging in wellness and creative activities.
What is Jo Miller’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between £1 and £ 2 million.