Long before the names Vera and Taissa Farmiga lit up Hollywood marquees, their father, Mykhailo Farmiga, was building a life defined by resilience, hard work, and deep family roots. While he is now globally recognised as the patriarch of a celebrated acting dynasty, his own journey from Ukraine to the United States is a powerful story of quiet dedication.
From Ukraine to New Jersey: Building a Foundation
Mykhailo Farmiga was reportedly born on 10 January 1942 in Ukraine. A man of Ukrainian descent, he later immigrated to the United States, where he would establish the bedrock for his family's future. Together with his wife, Lubomyra “Luba” Farmiga, a former schoolteacher, Mykhailo fostered a close-knit, Ukrainian-American household. The family initially lived in Irvington, New Jersey, before moving to Whitehouse Station when their daughter Vera was 12 years old.
Ukrainian was the primary language spoken at home, ensuring the children remained connected to their rich cultural heritage. This heritage was profoundly shaped by the experiences of Vera Farmiga's maternal grandparents, who met in a displaced persons camp in Karlsfeld, Germany, after World War II. Mykhailo and Luba's commitment to their culture and family unit created a stable and supportive environment for their seven children.
A Life of His Own: Profession and Parenthood
Beyond his role as a father, Mykhailo Farmiga carved out a professional career marked by adaptability. He first worked as a computer systems analyst, a skilled technical profession, before later transitioning into landscaping. This shift demonstrates a practical, hands-on approach to providing for his large family.
Mykhailo and Luba have been married for over four decades. Their seven children include sons Victor, Alexander, and Stephan, and daughters Vera, Nadia, Laryssa, and Taissa. The children have pursued diverse paths: Victor worked as a product development engineer, while Nadia is an entrepreneur and CEO of Misto Eats. However, it is the accomplishments of Vera and Taissa that have drawn public attention to the Farmiga name.
The Legacy: Daughters in the Spotlight
Mykhailo Farmiga's fame is intrinsically linked to the stellar careers of his daughters. Vera Farmiga, born on 6 August 1973, earned critical acclaim for roles in major projects like The Departed, Bates Motel, and The Conjuring universe. Taissa Farmiga, the youngest sibling born on 17 August 1994, has also made a significant mark in Hollywood with performances in The Nun series, The Gilded Age, and The Final Girls.
The success of Vera and Taissa Farmiga is a testament to the foundation built by their parents. Mykhailo's story is not one of seeking the limelight, but of providing the unwavering support, strong ethics, and cultural identity that allowed his children to flourish. As of 2025, Mykhailo Farmiga is 83 years old, a patriarch who witnessed his family's dreams become a celebrated reality.
His life reminds us that behind many great successes stands a story of sacrifice, migration, and parental love. The Farmiga sisters' achievements in Hollywood are, in many ways, the fruits of their father's lifelong labour and the vibrant Ukrainian-American home he helped create.
