Meet Barack and Michelle Obama’s 2 Daughters – One Looks ‘Like Her Dad,’ While the Other Is a ‘Mini’ Version of Her Mom
The first lady and former president of the United States are now living as empty nesters. Over the years, their kids have developed a strong bond, which they have now extended by moving in together.
Internet fans can’t help but marvel at how Michelle and Barack Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, each take after their famous parents. While many insist that one is the spitting image of her father, others swear the other is a mini Michelle. Now in their 20s, the Obama sisters continue to capture attention, with admirers praising their grace, style, and striking resemblance to their parents.
The unbreakable bond between Malia and Sasha Obama has been a guiding force as they navigate life in the public eye. When the pandemic brought them back home, Malia, then 22, and Sasha, 19, found themselves under the same roof once again—almost four years after their father left the White House. Reflecting on this unexpected time together, Barack Obama shared in a heartfelt November 2020 interview, “Malia and Sasha have been with us almost continuously since March, with just a few breaks.”
The Obamas cherished the unexpected time together when their daughters returned home. Barack Obama fondly recalled how they relished nightly family dinners, played games, and watched movies, making the most of their time as a unit.
As they’ve grown older, Malia and Sasha have formed an even deeper bond. “I think part of what’s been also wonderful is seeing Malia and Sasha become such great friends,” Barack shared.
Though three years apart, their childhood was filled with the usual sibling squabbles—borrowing clothes, playful arguments, and all the little moments that make sisterhood so special.
As young adults, Malia and Sasha chose to live together, a decision that only deepened their bond. Michelle Obama admitted in a November 2022 interview that she had to contain her excitement when they shared their plans, not wanting to influence their choice.
“Well, that’s interesting that you guys are going to try living together,” she responded casually, masking her joy. “Let’s see how it turns out.”
But beneath her calm exterior, Michelle was deeply grateful. “It’s the one thing you want for them,” she reflected—knowing her daughters had found not just independence but comfort in each other.
After settling into their Los Angeles apartment, Malia and Sasha embraced a budget-friendly approach to decorating, furnishing their space with finds from Ikea and local yard sales. Their new chapter as roommates only deepened their bond, but their mother remains mindful of how much she shares about their lives.
When asked about the most difficult truth she revealed in her book The Light We Carry, Michelle Obama admitted that discussing motherhood was particularly challenging. “It is what it is,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to honesty.
As a devoted parent, she carefully protects her daughters’ privacy, recognizing that while they grew up in the public eye, they never sought the spotlight. “It’s important to keep their lives as private as possible,” she explained, ensuring they can navigate adulthood on their own terms.
Michelle emphasized that any mention of her daughters in The Light We Carry was intended to offer insight and inspiration to others. Before the book was published, Malia and Sasha had the opportunity to read the sections about them—a testament to the family’s open communication and respect for one another’s boundaries.
However, Michelle firmly reinforced the importance of privacy. She pointed out that her daughters are not social media influencers nor do they seek paparazzi attention, making it clear that their lives should not be defined by her book or public image. “Boundaries matter,” she stated, highlighting their choice to live away from the limelight despite their famous upbringing.
Despite Malia and Sasha carving out their own paths, the strong family bond that defines the Obamas remains as unshakeable as ever.
Malia: A Rising Star in Television and Film
Malia, born in July 1998, has grown into a creative force in the television and film industry. As she continues to make her mark, her journey is a testament to her talents and ambition. In July 2024, Barack shared a heartfelt tribute to his firstborn on her 26th birthday, a moment reflecting the pride and love he holds for his daughter as she steps further into her career.
Barack shared a heartfelt throwback photo of him and Malia holding hands on Instagram, along with a touching message: “Happy birthday, Malia. Seeing you develop into the remarkable woman you are today and the fact that you are still ready to hold your dad’s hand in public is one of the biggest pleasures of my life.”
Malia’s thoughtful and introspective nature, which her parents admired as she was growing up, has only deepened into adulthood. Described as “wise and thoughtful,” she showed signs of independence early on—setting her own alarm and making her own bed before even starting first grade. Whether it was her love for drama classes or her collection of keychains, Malia has always displayed a unique blend of sensitivity and self-sufficiency, qualities that continue to define her as she builds her career and life.
In a 2008 interview, Barack shared a touching memory, saying, “My 9-year-old is always coming up with remarkable things,” reflecting on how his daughters’ generosity had moved him to tears.
He recalled a moment when Malia, then just six years old, asked him, “Daddy, are we rich?” After he explained that they were doing well but not incredibly wealthy, Malia replied, “Well, that’s good because I don’t want to be really rich. I believe I wish to lead a modest life.” Barack was struck by her words, thinking to himself, “Where did she come up with that?” Her maturity and thoughtfulness at such a young age left a lasting impression on him.
Malia’s independence has been evident throughout her journey into adulthood. After taking a gap year, she enrolled at Harvard following her graduation from Sidwell Friends School in June 2016 at 18. As the Obamas prepared to leave the White House, Barack remarked, “They’re ready to get out, just out from their parents’ house.” He acknowledged, however, that Malia was now an adult woman, ready to embark on her college journey.
Upon graduating from Harvard in 2021, Malia followed her passion for storytelling and ventured into the entertainment industry. Her talents quickly shone through as she became a writer and director. In 2023, she directed the short play The Heart, which earned praise for its poignant storytelling. She also made her mark in television, co-writing the episode “Girl, Bye” from the Prime Video series Swarm, a project co-created by Janine Nabers and Donald Glover. This marked her first writing gig for television and showcased her growing influence in the industry.
The Swarm episode, which Malia co-wrote, was praised by showrunner Janine Nabers as “probably one of the wildest” episodes, calling Malia an “incredible writer” with bold and comedic ideas. Before joining Swarm, Malia gained valuable experience working as a production assistant on Extant and interning on Girls. Her big break came when she was hired by Donald Glover to join the Swarm writers’ room, where she worked alongside industry veterans like Stephen Glover and Ibra Ake. Malia’s fresh perspective on the show’s narrative, especially given the characters’ young age, brought a unique layer to the story. Nabers especially valued her insight, recognizing the richness her contributions added to the series.
In an interview, the Swarm showrunner praised Malia for being “a very professional person,” emphasizing the team’s commitment to giving her the opportunity to explore television writing. This role allowed the Chicago native to refine her skills and gain experience in a fast-paced, creative environment. Malia’s talent soon garnered international recognition, particularly when she won the New Generation prize for The Heart at the Festival de Deauville in September 2024. As she walked the red carpet, online fans celebrated both her success and her elegant appearance, applauding her for making a mark on the global stage.
Fans couldn’t help but comment on Malia’s striking resemblance to her parents, with one person noting, “She’s her dad’s twin, but her mother is written all over her… she’s amazing.” Others were equally stunned by how much she resembled both of her parents, with one saying, “Looks just like her dad,” and another adding, “OMG, she resembles Barack exactly.” The compliments continued, with fans calling her “amazingly gorgeous” and saying, “She’s just like her dad, omg.” A particularly insightful comment pointed out, “She is such an exact combination of her parents,” emphasizing how beautifully she reflects both Michelle and Barack.
Sasha, like Malia, embraced her own journey and garnered the same love and admiration from her family as she carved out her path in the entertainment world.
Sasha: Embracing Independence and Achieving Success
Born in June 2001, Sasha quickly became an integral part of the Obama family. To celebrate her 21st birthday in June 2022, Barack shared a heartfelt tribute along with a cherished vintage photo of him holding baby Sasha in his arms.
“Happy birthday, Sasha! It’s been such a joy to watch you grow into the wise, beautiful, and compassionate young woman you are today. And you’ll always be my baby girl, no matter how old you get,” Barack wrote, fondly remembering her baby cheeks.
Sasha’s lively and spirited personality has always brought laughter to the Obama family. As Barack has shared, she is the “comedian in the family” and full of energy, always keeping things lighthearted.
One moment that particularly stood out to Barack occurred when Sasha, still half asleep, jokingly resisted an early wake-up call. When Michelle turned on the lights to get them ready for school, Sasha, not quite awake, exclaimed, “Awww, Mommy, we are peace!” It was a humorous mix-up, probably meaning “serene,” but the phrase became a family inside joke, used whenever they wanted some quiet time.
Sasha’s childhood years were filled with a mix of academics, sports, and the arts. She dabbled in gymnastics and tap dance, played basketball, and studied tennis and piano alongside her older sister, Malia.
Sasha embarked on her college journey at the University of Michigan in 2019, graduating from Sidwell Friends School. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she began her classes virtually. As the situation evolved, the university offered in-person instruction alongside virtual options.
Sasha’s determination and hard work paid off in May 2023, when she graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in sociology. Malia, Michelle, and Barack were all by her side to celebrate this milestone, proudly cheering her on as she marked yet another significant accomplishment in her educational journey.
In a birthday tribute photo the following year, online commenters couldn’t help but highlight how much Sasha resembled her mother. Many noted the striking similarity, with one commenter writing, “So gorgeous like her mummy [sic].” Another expressed, “I’m stuck on watching her grow up in front of my eyes! Beautiful inside and out!!!” Others added, “Wow!! She’s just as gorgeous as her mother” and “She’s absolutely stunning like her mother.” Some even marveled at her transformation, with one exclaiming, “Oh my god! She has transformed into a stunning woman,” while another simply said, “She’s a mini you.”
Michelle Obama has cherished the joy of watching her daughters grow over the years. On The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she expressed how much she enjoys spending time with them, calling it “fun” and describing Malia and Sasha as “amazing young women.”
