Josie Lynn Shalhoub grew up in a well-known family. Her father is the actor Tony Shalhoub, and her mother is the actress and painter Brooke Adams. But Josie chose a calmer path. She is a writer, an editor, and a home cook. She writes stories and essays, and she keeps most of her life private. In this article, you will learn about her early life, her work, and her family. The goal is to share clear, true facts in simple words.
Personl Information
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Josie Lynn Shalhoub |
| Also known as | Josie Adams (her writing byline) |
| Born | 1989 (year), adopted at birth |
| Birthplace | Omaha, Nebraska, USA |
| Parents | Tony Shalhoub and Brooke Adams |
| Sibling | Sophie Shalhoub |
| Education | BFA in Theater (CalArts); culinary diplomas (International Culinary Center, Institute of Culinary Education); writing workshops at Sewanee Writers’ Conference and Yale Writers’ Workshop |
| Work | Writer, editor, producer, home cook |
| Notable writing | Essay “Home” (McSweeney’s); food media work at Bon Appétit; author of Audible sleep story “The Tea Shoppe.” |
| Company | House of Water (women-led production company, founded 2025) |
| Spouse | Traver |
| Children | One son (born summer 2020) |
| Lives | New Jersey (Summit area) |
Early life and family
Josie was adopted at birth in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Los Angeles. Her mother, Brooke Adams, adopted Josie as a single woman. Later, Brooke married Tony Shalhoub, and the family grew. In an interview, Brooke talks about adopting Josie and about how Josie “picked” Tony in those early days. The family story is warm and simple: they met through theater, married in 1992, and built a strong home.
Brooke adopted Josie in 1989. After Brooke and Tony married, they adopted a second daughter, Sophie, in 1994.
Although Josie keeps a low profile, public photo libraries show her at events over the years with her father. Captions sometimes use “Josie Lynn Adams,” which matches the last name she uses in her writing life. This helps link Josie Lynn Shalhoub and Josie Adams as the same person.
Studies and training
Josie studied theater and food, which fits her creative and culinary interests. She earned a BFA in Theater from CalArts and culinary degrees from the International Culinary Center and the Institute of Culinary Education. She also attended respected writing programs: the Sewanee Writers’ Conference and the Yale Writers’ Workshop.
This mix—storytelling and food—shows up later in her jobs and essays. It also explains why she writes about home cooking and food culture with ease.
Writing and media work
Josie’s byline is “Josie Adams.” She has written creative nonfiction and lifestyle pieces for well-known outlets.
- McSweeney’s published her essay “Home” in May 2020. The piece is personal. It tells the story of her parents during the first COVID months and of her own pregnancy. It also mentions her husband, Traver, by name.
- Bon Appétit lists her as an Integrated Editorial Assistant and shows many of her articles.
- The Kitchn author page says she is a writer, editor, and home cook from Los Angeles who now lives in Summit, New Jersey with her husband and dog.
- On Audible, she wrote the sleep story “The Tea Shoppe,” released in 2020 as part of Audible’s bedtime series.
In 2025, Josie founded House of Water, a women-led production company focused on writing and development for film, TV, books, audio, and theater.
A link between “Josie Adams” and “Josie Lynn Shalhoub”
Some readers ask, “Is the writer Josie Adams the same person as Tony Shalhoub’s daughter?” The answer is yes. Her author page and her social profiles connect the dots by naming her parents.
Personal life
Josie keeps her private life small and calm. In early 2020, Tony Shalhoub said he would become a grandfather that year. Later coverage notes that Josie welcomed her first child in summer 2020.
Her “Home” essay also shows that she was pregnant in 2020 and mentions her husband Traver. The piece is gentle and human. It is about care, fear, and family. It is less about fame and more about how a daughter supports her parents.
Style and themes in her writing
Josie writes in a clear, warm voice. She often writes about home, food, and daily life. In Bon Appétit, she worked across web and magazine stories. In The Kitchn, she wrote practical pieces about tools and habits in the kitchen. In McSweeney’s, she wrote a personal essay that shows empathy and detail.
Her Audible piece, “The Tea Shoppe,” fits another theme: comfort. It is meant to help you relax and fall asleep. That also fits her larger voice, which is calm and caring.
Why she stands out
Many children of actors try acting. Josie did not. She found her own lane in words and food. She studied both theater and cooking and then used both in media and writing. She values family, privacy, and honest work. She also started House of Water to develop new stories with other women. It is a quiet, steady path, and it fits her well.
Final thoughts
Josie Lynn Shalhoub shows that a “celebrity child” can choose a simple, private road. She writes about home, food, and love with care. She studies her craft. She builds new projects, like House of Water, to lift other stories. She is not loud, but her voice is steady. That is why many readers enjoy her work.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1) Is Josie Lynn Shalhoub the same person as the writer “Josie Adams”?
Yes. She writes under the name Josie Adams.
2) What does she do for work?
She is a writer, editor, and producer.
3) Where was she born?
She was adopted at birth in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Los Angeles.
4) Who are her parents?
Her parents are Tony Shalhoub and Brooke Adams.
5) Does she have a sister?
Yes, Sophie Shalhoub, adopted in 1994.
6) Is she married?
Yes. In her essay “Home,” she mentions her husband, Traver.
7) Does she have children?
Yes. She welcomed her first child in summer 2020.
8) Where does she live now?
She lives in New Jersey, in the Summit area.
9) What did she study?
She holds a BFA in Theater (CalArts) and culinary diplomas. She also attended writing programs at Sewanee and Yale.
10) What is House of Water?
A women-led production company she founded in 2025.
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