Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella Biography: Inside the Life of Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella’s Son
Born into a world of celebrity, music festivals, and media attention, Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella represents a new generation of children growing up in the public eye—yet shielded from it with intention. As the son of Holly Madison, a former reality television star and bestselling author, and Pasquale Rotella, founder of Insomniac Events and creator of Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Forest’s life has been shaped by fame, family values, and thoughtful privacy.
Despite his high-profile lineage, his upbringing reflects a careful balance between visibility and protection, making his story both fascinating and refreshingly grounded.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella |
| Date of Birth | August 7, 2016 |
| Time of Birth | 8:44 p.m. |
| Place of Birth | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| Age (as of 2026) | 9 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian (paternal side), American |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Famous For | Being the son of Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella |
| Father | Pasquale Rotella (Founder of Insomniac Events, creator of EDC) |
| Mother | Holly Madison (TV personality, author, entrepreneur) |
| Siblings | Rainbow Aurora Rotella (Older sister, born March 9, 2013) |
| Grandparents (Maternal) | Steve Cullen and Patsy Cullen |
| Grandparents (Paternal) | Vincent Rotella and Irene Rotella (deceased 2015) |
| Parents’ Marital Status | Divorced (Finalized February 2019) |
| Current Residence | Primarily Las Vegas & Los Angeles (shared custody) |
| Health at Birth | Brief NICU stay due to fluid in lungs and jaundice |
| Meaning of Name | “Forest” (nature-inspired), “Leonardo” (Leo zodiac), “Antonio” (Italian heritage) |
| Public Presence | Limited; protected by parents from media exposure |
| Social Media | Not independently active (parents limit online exposure) |
Early Life and Birth of Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella
Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella was born on August 7, 2016, at 8:44 p.m. in Las Vegas, Nevada. He entered the world weighing 8 pounds, 14 ounces, a healthy weight that delighted his parents and older sister. His birth came during a significant moment for the family, as his father had recently resolved a lengthy legal matter, allowing the Rotella household to celebrate without looming uncertainty.
Shortly after birth, Forest experienced minor health complications. He spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to fluid in his lungs and jaundice, conditions that can affect newborns. Holly Madison later described the experience as emotional and stressful, yet ultimately positive, as doctors quickly stabilized him. Within weeks, he was home, bonding with his family and thriving.
Growing up in Las Vegas, a city closely tied to his father’s professional empire, placed Forest at the heart of the entertainment world from infancy. However, his parents were intentional about limiting public exposure, ensuring his earliest experiences centered on family warmth rather than media attention.
The Meaning Behind His Unique Name
The name Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella carries deep symbolic and cultural significance. His first name, “Forest,” aligns beautifully with the nature-inspired name of his older sister, Rainbow Aurora Rotella, creating a thematic sibling connection rooted in natural imagery and beauty.
The middle name Leonardo reflects his Leo zodiac sign, as he was born in early August. “Antonio,” meanwhile, nods to his father’s Italian heritage, adding a traditional and timeless element to his identity. Together, the name blends creativity, culture, and personality.
Holly Madison has shared that the name choices were deeply personal rather than designed for publicity. In an era where celebrity baby names often attract headlines, Forest’s name reflects intention rather than trend, symbolizing growth, strength, and cultural pride.
Family Background and Relatives of Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella
Parents: Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella
Forest’s mother, Holly Madison (born Hollin Sue Cullen on December 23, 1979), rose to fame through the reality series The Girls Next Door, which chronicled life at the Playboy Mansion. Beyond television, she became a bestselling author, releasing memoirs that detailed her personal experiences and growth. Holly later expanded into entrepreneurship and podcasting, establishing herself as a multifaceted public figure.
Her parents are Steve Cullen and Patsy Cullen, and she grew up between Alaska and Oregon. She has two siblings, Joseph Cullen and Stephanie Cullen, who maintain largely private lives.
Forest’s father, Pasquale Rotella, was born on August 8, 1974, in Glendale, California. He is the founder and CEO of Insomniac Events, the company behind Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)—one of the largest electronic dance music festivals in the world. Pasquale is of Italian descent and was raised by Vincent Rotella, a businessman, and Irene Rotella, an entrepreneur and talented home cook who passed away in 2015.
Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella married in September 2013 at Disneyland. Their relationship blended entertainment glamour with entrepreneurial ambition. However, they announced their separation in 2018, and their divorce was finalized in February 2019. Both emphasized mutual respect and committed to peaceful co-parenting.
Siblings: Rainbow Aurora Rotella
Forest’s older sister, Rainbow Aurora Rotella, was born on March 9, 2013. The siblings share a strong bond, strengthened by their close age gap and shared upbringing. Rainbow reportedly embraced her role as a big sister enthusiastically, helping care for Forest during his early months.
Their matching nature-themed names reinforce their family connection. Though both children are kept largely out of the spotlight, occasional family posts reveal affectionate sibling interactions and shared milestones.
Extended Family and Privacy
On his maternal side, Forest’s grandparents, Steve and Patsy Cullen, played important roles in shaping Holly Madison’s grounded values. His aunt Stephanie Cullen and uncle Joseph Cullen remain private individuals, with limited public information available.
On his paternal side, Forest carries the legacy of Vincent Rotella and the late Irene Rotella. His grandmother’s Italian roots and family traditions remain a meaningful cultural influence.
Out of respect for privacy, further details regarding extended relatives or custody arrangements have not been publicly disclosed. His parents have consistently chosen to keep legal and personal matters sealed, prioritizing their children’s security and emotional well-being.
Childhood and Upbringing in a Celebrity Environment
Growing up primarily between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella has experienced a childhood shaped by both excitement and structure. His father’s deep connection to the Las Vegas entertainment scene places him near large-scale festivals and creative events, yet his daily life remains intentionally low-key.
Holly Madison has been vocal about protecting her children from overexposure, limiting social media sharing and avoiding unnecessary publicity. This measured approach ensures that Forest’s development centers on education, friendships, and family routines rather than celebrity culture.
By 2026, Forest is approaching his tenth birthday, navigating elementary school years in an environment designed for stability. Though surrounded by opportunity, his parents emphasize normalcy, ensuring he enjoys hobbies, school activities, and everyday childhood experiences.
Public Appearances and Media Presence
Unlike many celebrity children, Forest maintains a minimal public footprint. His birth announcement received media coverage, particularly after Pasquale Rotella shared a heartfelt photo online. However, subsequent public appearances have been rare and carefully curated.
Occasional glimpses from family-oriented social media accounts show moments of celebration, birthdays, and family outings. Yet, Holly Madison has openly discussed the importance of shielding her children from digital overexposure, especially as conversations around child privacy continue to evolve.
At large events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, family appearances remain brief and controlled. Media outlets generally respect boundaries, focusing coverage on his parents’ professional endeavors rather than his personal life.
Life After His Parents’ Divorce
The separation of Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella was announced in 2018 with a tone of mutual respect. Their divorce, finalized in February 2019, included sealed custody arrangements to protect both children’s privacy.
Forest was just two years old at the time. Both parents publicly affirmed their dedication to positive co-parenting. They continue to share responsibilities, ensuring that both Rainbow and Forest experience stability and consistent love from each household.
This mature approach to divorce has been widely noted as an example of healthy modern co-parenting. The family dynamic prioritizes emotional security, communication, and flexibility, allowing Forest to thrive despite structural changes.
Cultural Influences and Lifestyle
Forest’s upbringing reflects a blend of Italian heritage, West Coast culture, and entertainment industry exposure. Through his father’s background, he inherits strong Italian family traditions and entrepreneurial drive. From his mother, he gains exposure to storytelling, creativity, and media literacy.
Las Vegas offers a unique cultural landscape—vibrant, artistic, and entrepreneurial. However, Holly Madison has emphasized balancing city life with quieter family experiences. Vacations, educational pursuits, and private celebrations create a holistic childhood.
The family’s conscious approach to privacy aligns with broader societal shifts recognizing children’s digital rights. Forest’s limited online presence demonstrates evolving parenting philosophies among public figures.
Potential Interests and Future Prospects
Although still young, Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella stands at the crossroads of multiple inspiring influences. His father’s leadership in global music festivals could spark interest in event production, music, or business. His mother’s literary and media work may inspire creativity in writing, performing arts, or storytelling.
At this stage, however, speculation about his future remains purely theoretical. His parents have expressed that they want their children to pursue passions organically rather than follow predetermined paths.
As he grows, Forest may choose a public career, a private professional route, or something entirely unexpected. His strong family support system provides a foundation for diverse possibilities.
Privacy and Modern Celebrity Parenting
The story of Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella highlights a significant cultural shift. Unlike earlier generations of celebrity children frequently exposed to tabloids, he benefits from parents who consciously manage public visibility.
Holly Madison has spoken openly about the psychological impact of fame and the importance of boundaries. Pasquale Rotella similarly limits public discussion of his children. Together, their philosophy centers on autonomy, allowing Forest to define his identity independently of media narratives.
This balanced approach positions him as an example of how celebrity families can adapt responsibly in the digital age.
Conclusion
Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella embodies a thoughtful intersection of fame, family, and privacy. Born on August 7, 2016, to Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella, he entered a world rich with opportunity and public curiosity. Yet his life story so far reflects intentional parenting, cultural pride, and emotional stability.
From his meaningful name to his protected upbringing and supportive co-parenting environment, Forest’s journey stands as a modern example of raising children responsibly within celebrity culture. As he continues to grow, his narrative remains centered not on fame, but on family, resilience, and personal development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella born?
He was born on August 7, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at 8:44 p.m., weighing 8 pounds, 14 ounces.
2. Who are the parents of Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella?
His parents are Holly Madison, a television personality and author, and Pasquale Rotella, founder of Insomniac Events.
3. Does Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella have siblings?
Yes, he has one older sister, Rainbow Aurora Rotella, born on March 9, 2013.
4. Why is his name nature-inspired?
His first name, “Forest,” complements his sister’s name “Rainbow,” reflecting a shared nature theme. His middle names honor his zodiac sign and Italian heritage.
5. Are Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella still married?
No, they separated in 2018 and finalized their divorce in February 2019, maintaining amicable co-parenting.
6. Where does Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella live?
He primarily splits time between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, under shared custody arrangements.
7. Is Forest active on social media?
No, his parents limit his online presence to protect his privacy and ensure a normal upbringing.
Get more updates or Stories on Next Magazine
