Jennifer Lopez Gushed About Raising a ‘Conscientious, Kind, Loving’ Son Max, 17 – His Transformation in 40 Photos

He was born into a world of flashing cameras, red carpets, and soaring expectations, but Max Muñiz, the son of global superstar Jennifer Lopez and salsa icon Marc Anthony, has grown up far from the spotlight his famous bloodline would suggest.

Now seventeen, Max Muñiz, with his brooding charm, thoughtful soul, and a striking resemblance to his father, has blossomed into a mysterious teen heartthrob.

His journey is chronicled below in a series of rare, revealing family photos — each one capturing a boy growing into himself.

Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez and their kids Max and Emme on stage before he performs Valentine's Day show on February 14, 2009 | Source: Getty Images

In February 2008, Jennifer Lopez and then-husband Marc Anthony welcomed their twins, Maximilian David Muñiz and Emme Maribel Muñiz, marking a new, emotional chapter for the multi-hyphenate superstar.

Jennifer Lopez is seen carrying Maximilian David Muniz during the 63rd Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

As infants, Max and his sister were regulars at family outings and high-profile events — rolled through airports, carried past cameras, cradled by fame before they could even speak.

A bodyguard carries Jennifer Lopez's son, Maximilian "Max" David Muñiz Lopez on the streets of Manhattan on July 16, 2009 | Source: Getty Images

Benny Medina holds Maximilian David Muniz during the 63rd Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez and Maximilian David Muniz attend the Launch of Gucci Children's Collection on November 20, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

Between 2011 and 2013, Max began appearing more frequently alongside Jennifer and Emme at public events.

Maximilian David Muniz leaves an Upper East Side hotel on November 8, 2011 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez with daughter Emme and son Max at FOX's American Idol Season 11 on May 10, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez with her son Maximilian David Muniz and her mother, Guadalupe Rodriguez attend the Pre-Concert Celebrity Football Game Benefiting Hurricane Sandy Relief on December 22, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

This coincided with Jennifer's reemergence in TV and music, as well as her highly publicized separation from Marc.

Jennifer Lopez and Maximilian David Muniz visit The Grove on April 5, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez and Maximilian Muniz visit The Grove on April 5, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

Maximilian Muniz poses as Jennifer Lopez is honored with the 2500th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 20, 2013 | Source: Getty Images

As a toddler, Max often appeared at family gatherings and events, surrounded by loved ones.

Maximilian Muniz with Jennifer Lopez as she is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 20, 2013 | Source: Getty Images

Maximilian Muniz with his grandmother Guadalupe Rodriguez as Jennifer Lopez is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 20, 2013 | Source: Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez reads to Max and Emme, as seen in a post dated November 9, 2021 | Source: Instagram/jlo

Jennifer, caught between the demands of a booming career and motherhood, opened up when the twins were six. "It's unconditional love," she told People. "I just feel like they're super special[…] I feel like my job is to not mess them up too much."

Jennifer Lopez with daughter Emme and son Max attend the premiere of "HOME" on March 22, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

As Max entered his early school years, his face continued to appear in family photos and at public events. During her Las Vegas residency, Jennifer shared the realities of raising children in the spotlight.

Jennifer Lopez with Max and Emme attend the premiere of "HOME" on March 22, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

"We don't have a normal life. I don't have normal kids," she admitted. "I'm not normal. So our life is not normal. I've come to terms with that." She also addressed criticism over homeschooling the twins.

Yolanda, Felipe, and Emme Muniz, Marc Anthony, Max Muniz, Shannon De Lima, and Bigram Zayas pose backstage at Radio City Music Hall on August 27, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

"Everybody's like, 'You should have them in school, they need friends.' It drives me – it can drive you crazy," she said. Still, Jennifer remained resolute in her parenting.

Jennifer Lopez takes Max and Emme to Cipriani for dinner on May 16, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

"They are super happy, well-adjusted, loving, caring kids, and that's the most important thing," she asserted. "We'll get them educated — homeschool is great for them, when we have to do it. The most important thing is that[...] they don't feel abandoned by a parent."

Jennifer Lopez pictured with Maximilian Muniz during the pre - tape for the 41st annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks over the East River on June 30, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

Between 2017 and 2019, Max was still a familiar figure in family photos with Jennifer, Emme, and then-fiancé Alex Rodriguez. He was frequently seen with Rodriguez's daughters, part of a modern blended family enjoying holidays and special moments together.

Alex Rodriguez and Maximilian Muniz are seen on September 26, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez and Maximilian Muniz seen on location for "Second Act" in Central Park on December 4, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

As Max entered adolescence, Jennifer's social media began to show subtle signs of his changing presence — growing taller, more expressive, quietly charismatic.

Emme Muniz, Guadalupe Rodriguez, and Maximilian Muniz attend the MTV Video Music Awards on August 20, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Emme and Maximilian Muniz pictured backstage during their mother's "It's My Party" tour dated July 8, 2019 | Source: Instagram/jlo

In 2020, Max took a quiet but powerful step forward. After the death of George Floyd, he asked Jennifer to speak publicly in support of Black Lives Matter.

Emme and Max Muñiz are seen on screen for the E! People's Choice Awards held on November 15, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

"He wanted me to make sure I realized that I had power and that I should use it," she told Elle. "It was one of those parenting moments when you're like, 'Oh, maybe I'm raising a conscientious, kind, loving kid here.'"

Jennifer Lopez with Max and Emme, dated December 5, 2022 | Source: Facebook/jenniferlopez

Max attended a protest in Los Angeles with Jennifer, Emme, and Alex. The twins helped make signs for the event. That same year, Emme spoke about their bond.

Maximilian Muniz poses with his dad Marc Anthony, dated June 21, 2020 | Source: Facebook/jenniferlopez

"Max and I have a special relationship," she shared. "Since we were very little, I could always understand him when no one else could."

Maximilian Muniz pictured with Jennifer Lopez, dated May 10, 2020 | Source: Facebook/jenniferlopez

In his early teens, Max appeared frequently alongside Jennifer and Emme as her relationship with Ben Affleck made headlines.

Maximilian Muniz, seen in a post dated November 1, 2021 | Source: Instagram/jlo

Jennifer Lopez with Emme and Maximilian Muniz, seen in a post dated November 1, 2021 | Source: Instagram/jlo

Jennifer Lopez celebrates Mother's Day with Maximilian and Emme Muniz, seen in a post dated May 10, 2021 | Source: Instagram/jlo

Jennifer Lopez celebrates Mother's Day with her children, Maximilian and Emme Muniz, and her mom Guadalupe Rodriguez, seen in a post dated May 10, 2021 | Source: Instagram/jlo

Emme and Maximilian Muniz, seen in a post dated June 4, 2021 | Source: Instagram/jlo

Still, Max remained steady, composed, and largely out of the spotlight. His father, Marc, offered rare insight in an interview. "Max is a very quiet, introspective soul," he revealed.

Jennifer Lopez and Max Muniz arrive at a restaurant on July 26, 2022 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez, Emme and Max Muniz are seen leaving the Crillon hotel on July 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Seraphina Affleck and Maximilian David Muniz are seen leaving "Into the Woods" Broadway musical on August 14, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Maximilian David Muniz and Ben Affleck visit McDonald's in Maspeth on November 25, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

As Max entered his mid-teens, a new side of him emerged. A video of him performing Lukas Graham's "7 Years" surfaced online. His voice was soft, strong, and confident — and fans took notice.

Max Muniz is seen on November 2, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Now 17, Max continues to appear occasionally alongside Jennifer and Emme. Their recent outing to the "Kiss of the Spider Woman" screening drew warm reactions online, not just for their style but for Max's striking transformation.

Jennifer Lopez pictured with Max Muniz, dated July 29, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jlo

One person wrote, "Max looks exactly like his dad," while another commented, "Those kids look NOTHING like her! All Dad!" A third noted, "Omggggg her son is Marc Anthony's face from his first salsa album, palabras del Alma."

Max, Emme Muniz and Jennifer Lopez attends the "Kiss of the Spider Woman" New York screening on October 6, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

A fan echoed the observation, "Both kids 100 % dad genes," while another one complimented their appearance, "Max and Emme look so grown and very stylish!"

Emme Muniz and Max Muniz are seen attending a special screening of "Kiss of the Spider Woman" on October 6, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Max's presence over the years has not gone unnoticed. From early outings to recent appearances, his transformation continues to draw attention.