Alfre Woodard's 2 Children: All About Mavis and Duncan Spencer

Mar. 15, 2025

Alfre Woodard and Mavis Spencer attend the Badgley Mischka book signing to celebrate “Badgley Mischka: American Glamour” on June 23, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. ; Duncan Spencer and Alfre Woodard attend the 43rd NAACP Image Awards on February 17, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.Photo:Todd Williamson/Getty ; Mark Davis/Getty

Todd Williamson/Getty ; Mark Davis/Getty

Alfre Woodard’smost important role is being a mother to her two children, Mavis and Duncan Spencer.

Woodard shares her kids with her longtime husband, writer and producerRoderick Spencer. They have been married for over 40 years and welcomed their daughter and son via adoption.

When speaking to PEOPLE in 2021, Woodward revealed that becoming parents was something that deepened her connection with Spencer.

“First it was just us and the things that we love and what we wanted in the world. Then it was raising children,” she said. “And now it’s the project of being copartners with our children in their lives.”

Woodard’s kids are all grown up now and have successful careers of their own.

Here’s everything to know about Alfre Woodard’s children: Mavis and Duncan Spencer.

Mavis Spencer, 33

Mavis Spencer arrives at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 17, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California.Frazer Harrison/Getty

Frazer Harrison/Getty

Woodard and Spencer welcomed daughter Mavis Spencer on June 13, 1991.

Today, Mavis is known as an accomplished professional show jumper and horseback rider. She has had a passion for horses since she was a child growing up in California.

“I wasn’t allowed to take lessons until I was five, so on my fifth birthday, I ran into my parents’ room at six in the morning begging to get on a horse. My parents found a barn for me to ride at and from there I never gave it up,” Mavis toldWellington Internationalin 2023.

Since then, she has gone on to become a top equestrian, but she worked hard to get there. After competing as a junior in college, Mavis became a working student and groomer for some of the most respected equestrians in the field.

“It taught me to always put your best foot forward and give one hundred percent to every opportunity that presents itself,” she told Wellington International about her work.

Mavis returned to riding in 2014, according toElysian, and has carved out a successful professional riding and show jumping career in the years since.

She has competed forTeam USAat the FEI Jumping Nations Cup, is an ambassador for US Equestrian and is also a Grand Prix level show jumper. According to herInstagrampage, she currently works atFioravanti Horse Farmin Rome, Italy, alongside her boyfriend, Christian Fioravanti.

Alfre Woodard and Mavis Spencer attend the 9th Annual Awards Season Diamond Fashion Show Preview on January 14, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California.Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Mavis attributes much of her success to her parents: While speaking to Elysian, she talked about how dedicated they were to supporting her throughout her horseback riding journey, explaining that even though they tried to get her to pursue other hobbies and careers, they were ultimately encouraging of her horseback riding dream.

Woodard discussed Mavis’ passion for riding with Elysian, saying, “I could see her commitment and see that she was on her way.”

Mavis currently lives in Italy and in aFacebook postposted in June 2024, she wrote about why she loves living in Europe, saying she appreciates the food, lower cost of living and the way the horses are treated.

Aside from riding and show jumping, Mavis is also one of the hosts of the podcastSlightly Stable, where she discusses all things horses, life and more. Prior to her riding career, she wasMiss Golden Globein 2010.

The equestrian has been open about her close relationship with her mom, including on social media.

In a May 2024Instagrampost dedicated to her mom, Mavis wrote, “I don’t know where I would be without your love, support and guidance. Your grace, power and mere presence inspire everyone to be smarter, funnier, kinder, more open and accepting, and a better human being all around.”

Duncan Spencer, 31

Roderick M. Spencer, Duncan Spencer, Alfre Woodard and Mavis Spencer attend the “Juanita” New York screening on March 07, 2019 in New York City.Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Woodard and Spencer welcomed their son Duncan Spencer on Nov. 12, 1993.

Unlike his sister, Duncan does not spend a lot of time in the public eye. His Instagram account is private and he does not have a high profile career like the rest of his family.

However, he has attended public events with his mom and family, includingThe Lion Kingworld premiere in Los Angeles in June 2019.

Alfre Woodard and Duncan Spencer attend the 63rd Annual Emmy Awards Performers Nominee Reception on September 16, 2011 in West Hollywood, California.Tommaso Boddi/WireImage

Tommaso Boddi/WireImage

In her interview with Elysian, Mavis talked about how her parents tried to give her and her brother a normal childhood despite their fame, teaching them the importance of hard work.

“My parents kept us really grounded. They made a huge effort to have us grow up as normally as possible, if there is such a thing,” she said.

According to Elysian,Duncan is a professional golfer in Arizona.

source: people.com