The story of model and media personality Amber Rose is deeply rooted in her family background. Her journey from a challenging childhood in Philadelphia to international fame was significantly shaped by her parents, Michael Levonchuck and Dorothy Rose, and her close relationships with her siblings.
The Foundation: Amber Rose's Parents
Michael Levonchuck and Dorothy Rose raised Amber in South Philadelphia. Their divorce when she was a teenager marked a difficult period, leading to financial strain. Despite the separation, both parents remained pivotal figures in her life, instilling values that would define her resilience.
Her father, Michael Levonchuck, is an American of Irish and Italian descent. He served in the military for approximately two decades before taking on blue-collar work, including as a delivery driver. After his divorce from Dorothy, he remarried and had two more children, but has maintained a supportive relationship with Amber throughout her career.
Her mother, Dorothy Rose, is of Cape Verdean and Scottish heritage. As a single mother and waitress, she struggled to provide for Amber and her brother. In a 2011 interview, Amber recalled their poverty, stating, "We were really, really, really, really poor." Dorothy became Amber's primary source of confidence, constantly encouraging her daughter's ambitions. However, their relationship also involved complex emotional dynamics, as Amber revealed she often had to care for her mother, who suffered from severe anxiety and depression.
Amber Rose's Siblings: Her Support System
Amber Rose has three siblings who form part of her core family unit. Her only full biological sibling is her brother, Antonio Hewlett. Born in Philadelphia, Antonio is a graduate of Temple University and has largely kept his life away from the public spotlight, despite occasionally being seen supporting his sister.
From her father's side, Amber has two paternal half-brothers: Michael Levonchuck Jr. and Brian Levonchuck. Unlike their famous sister, these half-siblings lead very private lives and are rarely seen at public events or in media reports.
From Childhood Struggles to Fame and Advocacy
The experiences within her family directly influenced Amber Rose's personal development and public persona. Growing up in financial hardship with a single mother taught her grit and determination. The emotional challenges of her mother's mental health struggles, which she discussed on the Club Shay Shay podcast in March 2025, fostered a sense of responsibility and empathy from a young age.
This background is reflected in her activism, particularly through events like the Amber Rose SlutWalk, which her mother frequently attends in support. Amber has consistently credited her mother for her self-belief, telling Harper's Bazaar in 2016, "She's the one that always told me that I could be great and to never stop."
Today, at 42 years old, Amber Rose's identity as a model, actress, entrepreneur, and activist is a testament to the complex but foundational influence of her parents and siblings. Their story is one of divorce, economic hardship, emotional resilience, and unwavering support, which collectively forged the strong, outspoken woman known to the world.
