Who are Michel Oher’s Parents Denise Oher and Michael Williams, and his adoptive parents Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy?

Know all about Michael Oher's biological parents and the story of his former adoptive parents which inspired Hollywood blockbuster 'The Blind 'Side'.


Who are Michel Oher’s Parents Denise Oher and Michael Williams, and his adoptive parents Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy?

Michael Oher and the Tuohys (Getty Images)

Former NFL tackle Michael Oher has sparked a storm of controversy after he filed a lawsuit to end the conservatorship of his adoptive parents Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy. The star, whose early journey of stepping into the footballing world inspired the book and later the movie ‘The Blind Side’, has accused the Tuohy family of misusing his conservatorship to make millions from the film royalties. But exactly how much do we know about his real parents? 

Michael Oher was originally born to Denise Oher and Michael Jerome Williams in 1986. Since his mother suffered from drug abuse and his father was in prison for criminal offences, Oher was put in foster care at an early age. Tragically, his father Williams was murdered when Oher was only in high school and he often found himself in a state of homelessness.

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It was in 2004 that the Tuohy couple, who had two children attending the same high school as Oher, invited him to live with their family. Michael would excel in high school football and eventually went to play at Ole Miss. Now amid the heat of controversy, here’s what you need to know about Michael Oher’s parents. 

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Also Read: Sean Tuohy HITS BACK at Michael Oher over ‘fake adoption‘ allegations expressing his ‘disappointment’ in the ex-Ravens star

Who are Michael Oher’s Parents?

Denise Oher and Michael Jerome Williams were the biological parents of former NFL professional Michael Oher who played for the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers during his time in the league. Oher spent his early childhood between foster homes and in homelessness due to the alcohol addiction of his mother, while his father was in jail. 

Michael Oher and the Tuohys
Michael Oher and the Tuohys (Pinterest)

His footballing talent and remarkable physique set Michael apart from his peers. In 2004, Sean Tuohy and Leigh Anne invited him to live with their family and Oher grew up alongside their two children. He would eventually play college football at Ole Miss and this heartfelt story was transcribed by author Michael Lewis. 

Lewis wrote the celebrated book ‘The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game’ depicting Oher’s journey from being in a state of homelessness to pursuing his dreams. This was later adapted for the screen in ‘The Blind Side’, the 2009 blockbuster. 

However, almost two decades later, Oher argues that the Tuohys misused their conservatorship to make money out of the story royalties. As per the latest court orders, the conservatorship has been nulled. Needless to say, things have deteriorated drastically between the player and his former guardians. 

Where do Michael Oher’s parents live?

Michael Oher’s biological parents, Denise and Williams, were both from Memphis, Tennessee. His mother, Denise Oher, had eleven other children except Michael. Her addiction to drugs and alcoholism made her incapable of looking after her children. 

Michael Oher and the Tuohys
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His father, Michael Williams, was frequently in prison, and hence Oher was placed in foster care. Eventually, Oher grew up between foster homes in Memphis and often found himself without a roof over his head.

What did Michael Oher’s parents do for a living?

There are few details about Michael Oher’s biological parents and their profession. However, Sean Tuohy, his foster guardian, is an American sports commentator who also owns an extensive chain of restaurants across the States.

Oher and the Tuohys
(Getty images)

Oher’s other foster guardian and Tuohy’s wife, Leigh Anne is a renowned interior designer. She also co-authored the book In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving with her husband Sean.

What is the estimated net worth of Michael Oher’s parents?

Oher’s foster guardians, Sean Tuohy and Leigh Anne have a massive net worth of about $100 million in 2023. The power couple once owned over 100 restaurants across the United States and have since expanded their business in different sectors.

Oher and the Tuohys
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Sean has also made a significant fortune from his professional career as a sports commentator. His wife, Leigh Anne, is an award-winning interior architect. 

FAQs

Q. Who is Michael Oher’s biological mother?

Denise Oher is Michael Oher’s biological mother. 

Q. Who was Michael Oher’s biological father? 

Michael Jerome Williams is Michael Oher’s biological father. 

Q. How many siblings did Michael Oher have?

Michael Oher had 11 siblings.

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