Mae Whitman: Partner, Baby, Endometriosis, and Career

Actors who start young often grow up quietly, but Mae Whitman turned her years of silence into a public mission. After spending decades in the spotlight—first as a child star in Independence Day, then as the beloved Amber Holt on Parenthood—she revealed a 15-year battle to get a correct diagnosis for endometriosis. This article traces her career, her family life with partner Carlos Valdes and son Miles, and why she now fights to shorten the diagnostic delay for millions of other women.

Born: June 9, 1988 ·
Age (2025): 36 ·
Known for: Parenthood, The DUFF, Avatar: The Last Airbender ·
Partner: Carlos Valdes ·
Child: Son Miles (born 2024) ·
Health condition: Endometriosis

Seven key facts about Mae Whitman, compiled from verified sources.

Who is Mae Whitman’s partner?

Who is Carlos Valdes?

Carlos Valdes is a musician and actor best known for his role as Cisco Ramon / Vibe on The CW’s The Flash (2014–2021). He and Mae Whitman have been in a relationship for several years, though neither has publicly disclosed the exact start date.

How long have Mae Whitman and Carlos Valdes been together?

The couple has kept their relationship largely private. Public glimpses emerged around 2023–2024, when Whitman’s pregnancy became known. According to Good Good Good (lifestyle media outlet), the two share a son named Miles, born in 2024.

Are Mae Whitman and Carlos Valdes married?

Whitman and Valdes have not confirmed a marriage. No wedding announcement, public record, or official statement exists. The Wikipedia entry for Mae Whitman (authoritative biographical database) lists Valdes as her “partner,” not spouse.

The implication: even with public interest, the couple maintains control over personal boundaries.

What is Mae Whitman’s disability?

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease where cells of the uterine lining grow outside the uterus, causing severe pain, inflammation, and often infertility. According to the World Health Organization (global health authority), it affects roughly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide.

When was Mae Whitman diagnosed?

Whitman first experienced symptoms at age 15, before filming Arrested Development. She received her official diagnosis after a 15-year delay, around 2020, when she was 32 years old, as reported by Good Good Good (health-focused media). The average U.S. diagnosis delay is 10 years, per the Mayo Clinic (leading U.S. medical institution), making Whitman’s wait 50% longer than the norm.

How does endometriosis affect her life?

Whitman has described the pain as “gunshot-wound pain” and told Salon (editorial news outlet) via YouTube that the lack of understanding from doctors was “the most infuriating and isolating thing.” The condition led to multiple hospital visits, morphine use, and lost acting jobs. She serves as an executive producer of the documentary Below the Belt, which follows four endometriosis patients through the U.S. healthcare system; co-producers include Rosario Dawson and Corinne Foxx, all motivated by personal experience. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2023, according to the Below the Belt Official Site (documentary’s primary website).

The pattern: despite severe health challenges, Whitman transformed personal suffering into systemic advocacy.

Does Mae Whitman have a baby?

What is the name of Mae Whitman’s child?

Yes. Whitman and partner Carlos Valdes welcomed a son named Miles in 2024. The news was confirmed by Good Good Good (lifestyle and health outlet), citing social media posts from Whitman’s Parenthood co-star Lauren Graham.

When was Mae Whitman’s baby born?

Miles was born in 2024. Whitman has not disclosed the exact date, maintaining the same privacy boundary she applies to her relationship.

Who is the father of Mae Whitman’s child?

The father is Carlos Valdes. Good Good Good (media outlet covering health) reported that Lauren Graham, Whitman’s on-screen mother on Parenthood, revealed the news via an Instagram comment, confirming Valdes as the father.

What this means: Whitman’s motherhood challenges common misconceptions about endometriosis.

What movies and TV shows has Mae Whitman appeared in?

Notable film roles

Whitman’s film career began at age 5 when she played Meg Ryan’s daughter in When a Man Loves a Woman (1994), as noted by Good Good Good (film and lifestyle coverage). At age 7, she appeared in Independence Day (1996). She later led the comedy The DUFF (2015), a role that earned her critical praise for bringing depth to a high-school archetype. Her filmography also includes Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Perks of Being a Wallflower, and the upcoming Freakier Friday, alongside the Cast of Freakier Friday.

Notable television roles

Her breakout television role was Amber Holt on NBC’s Parenthood (2010–2015), a performance that earned her multiple award nominations. She then starred as Annie Marks on NBC’s Good Girls (2018–2021), a dark comedy-crime drama. Earlier roles include a recurring part on Arrested Development (2004–2006) as Ann Veal, and a guest spot on Grey’s Anatomy, per her IMDb profile (authoritative film database).

Voice acting roles

Whitman is one of the most prolific voice artists of her generation. She voiced Katara in the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008), a role that has gained a lasting fan following. More recently, she voiced a character in Disney’s The Owl House (2020–2023).

What is Mae Whitman’s age and height?

Mae Whitman’s birth date

Mae Margaret Whitman was born on June 9, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, according to Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia with high authority). That makes her 36 years old as of 2025, turning 37 later in 2025.

Mae Whitman’s height and weight

Whitman stands 5’2″ (157 cm) tall, a detail confirmed across multiple biographical sources including her IMDb biography (industry standard database). Weight is approximately 115 lbs (52 kg), though this is not confirmed from primary sources.

Seven facts in a single snapshot: born in Los Angeles, started acting at age 5, voiced one of animation’s most beloved heroines, carried two network dramas, endured a 15-year health battle, and became a mother in 2024. The pattern is a career built on resilience, not just talent.

The trajectory: from child star to advocate, each phase built on the last.

The consequence for millions of women is clear: Whitman’s platform may accelerate change in diagnostic protocols, but for every patient whose pain is dismissed for 15 years, the system still fails before the camera ever starts rolling.

Related reading: Jim Parsons Biography: Net Worth, Husband, and Life After Sheldon