You may know Victoria Justice, the popular actress and singer from Nickelodeon’s Zoey 101 and Victorious. But behind her success is a strong and caring mother: Serene Justice-Reed. While Serene isn’t as famous as her daughter, she has played a major role in shaping Victoria’s life and career.
So who exactly is Serene Justice-Reed? Where did she come from, and how did she help build one of Nickelodeon’s biggest stars? Let’s take a simple and clear look at her story, family life, and how she became such a positive force behind her daughters.
Serene Justice-Reed Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Serene Justice-Reed (also known as Serene Reed / Serene Justin) |
| Date of Birth | February 26/27, 1959 |
| Age (2026) | 66 years old |
| Birthplace | Bronx, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Native/Euro–Puerto Rican |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 6 in |
| Parents | Not publicly known |
| Siblings | Not publicly known |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Profession | Talent mentor, former telecommunications worker |
| Known For | Mother and mentor of actress Victoria Justice |
| Ex-Spouse | Zack Justice |
| Current Spouse | Mark Reed (seafood sales professional) |
| Children | Victoria Justice and Madison Grace Reed |
| Notable Role in Career | Guided Victoria’s early acting path; led 2003 family move to LA |
| Public Presence | Seen at Hollywood events; private Instagram (@serene_45) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed (supported by family earnings and husband’s career) |
Early Life, Background, and Culture
Serene Justice-Reed was born on February 26 or 27, 1959, in the Bronx, New York. She is of Native/Euro–Puerto Rican descent, which gives her a rich cultural background. Serene grew up surrounded by music, tradition, and a close family environment. This upbringing helped her become the kind of person who values strength, honesty, and creativity.
Later in life, she moved to Hollywood, Florida, where she raised her children before eventually relocating to Los Angeles. Even though Serene never became a huge celebrity, her influence can be seen clearly in her daughters — especially Victoria.
She often brought cultural inspiration into the home, playing Motown music, including songs by Stevie Wonder, and showing movies like Funny Girl. These things helped spark Victoria’s early interest in performance and music.
Serene Justice-Reed Family and Personal Life
Serene’s personal life has been all about her family. She was first married to Zack Justice, with whom she had her first daughter, Victoria Justice, in 1993. After their divorce, Serene later married Mark Reed, a hardworking man in the seafood business. Together, they had another daughter — Madison Grace Reed, born in 1996.
Serene and Mark raised their girls with love, discipline, and support. They didn’t have a glamorous lifestyle at first. Mark worked in seafood sales at Seatrade International / East Coast Seafoods, and Serene worked in telecommunications sales, often from home.
A Big Move That Changed Everything
In 2003, something big happened. Serene noticed that Victoria had real talent. At just 10 years old, Victoria was already showing signs that she could make it in the entertainment world. So Serene made a bold decision: she moved the whole family from Florida to Los Angeles.
It wasn’t easy. Moving to a new city meant starting fresh. But Serene believed in her daughter. She wanted Victoria to have every chance to chase her dreams. Thanks to that move, Victoria got into the Millikan Performing Arts Academy and started getting roles in TV shows and commercials.
A Strong, Supportive Mentor
Even though she didn’t have a job in Hollywood, Serene Justice-Reed became her daughter’s most important guide. She didn’t just drive Victoria to auditions — she also helped her stay grounded. Serene wasn’t a typical “stage mom.” She didn’t push for fame just for the spotlight. Instead, she focused on values, kindness, and self-belief.
Victoria has said in interviews that her mom is her “incredible mentor” and the person she trusts most. They weren’t always best friends, though. When Victoria was younger, she sometimes felt frustrated by rules like curfews or when her mom said “no” to things. Serene even said, “For a while, she viewed us as enemies for enforcing a curfew or saying no.”
Parenting with Purpose
Serene’s parenting style is both loving and wise. She’s known for turning real-life events into “teachable moments.” For example, if a celebrity made a mistake in public, she would use that to explain right and wrong. She wanted her daughters to learn not just how to be successful, but how to be good people.
When Victoria made a new friend, Serene would ask what she liked about them — then remind her to grow those same good traits in herself. That’s the kind of thoughtful guidance Serene gives. It’s no wonder both of her daughters — Victoria and Madison — respect her so much.
She’s also known for being cheerful and full of energy. Victoria once joked, “I wish I could wake up as happy and perky as she is!”
In the Spotlight, But Staying Private
Even though Serene Justice-Reed is often seen at red carpet events, movie premieres, and fashion shows with her daughters, she likes to keep her own life private. She has a private Instagram account (@serene_45) and a Flickr page where she shares family memories. She isn’t chasing fame — she’s just proud of her daughters and wants to support them.
She’s been seen at major events like the amfAR Gala, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, and New York Fashion Week 2025. She also attended the Bob Marley “One Love” Experience and the NBA Abu Dhabi Series, showing how closely she’s tied to her daughters’ public lives.
Serene Bond with Madison Grace Reed
Besides Victoria, Serene Justice-Reed is also the proud mom of Madison Grace Reed. Madison was born in 1996 and is Serene’s second daughter with her husband Mark Reed. Just like her older sister, Madison has grown up to become a creative and talented young woman.
Madison is a model, influencer, and musician. She often shares her style and fashion work on social media. Serene has supported Madison in her career too — always giving advice and cheering her on. Madison and Victoria have even performed together on stage. In 2013, they did a concert where Madison played the piano while Victoria sang.
Serene Justice-Reed Life in Los Angeles Today
Today, Serene Justice-Reed lives in Los Angeles with her husband and family. Even though both her daughters are grown up now, they stay close to her. She is still part of their lives, whether they are working, traveling, or attending events.
Serene is often seen at red carpet shows and big Hollywood events. But outside the spotlight, she lives a peaceful and private life. She likes to stay out of drama. She focuses on her home, her family, and staying happy.
Known for Kindness, Strength, and Style
People who meet Serene Justice-Reed always say the same things: she is kind, strong, and very stylish. Whether she’s at a Hollywood event or just spending time with her daughters, she always looks classy and calm.
She doesn’t try to be someone she’s not. She is honest, simple, and loving. She’s known for wearing elegant clothes, always looking neat and graceful on red carpets. But more than that, people admire her peaceful personality.
Victoria has said before, “My mom is always in a good mood. She lifts me up when I’m down.” That shows how much she means to her family — not just as a mom, but as a strong woman who leads with love.
A Lasting Legacy
Even though Serene Justice-Reed is not a celebrity in the usual way, she has left a big mark. She helped shape the lives of two successful daughters. She taught them values, guided them through challenges, and supported their dreams.
Her decision to move across the country in 2003 changed everything. That moment gave Victoria the chance to chase her dream. And it showed just how far a mom would go to help her child succeed.
Today, both daughters are known around the world. But they never forget who helped them get there. And that person is Serene.
Final Thoughts
Serene Justice-Reed is more than just the mother of a star. She’s a mentor, a guide, and a powerful force in her family’s life. She gave up her own dreams to help her daughters live theirs. She showed love through action, not just words.
Her story is a reminder that behind every success, there is often someone who helped make it happen. In Victoria and Madison’s lives, that person is Serene. She may stay quiet and behind the scenes — but her impact is loud and lasting.
FAQs
1. How old is Serene Justice-Reed today?
Serene Justice-Reed is 66 years old as of 2026, born on February 26 or 27, 1959.
2. What is Serene Justice-Reed known for?
She is best known as the mother and mentor of actress Victoria Justice, guiding her early acting career and supporting her move to Los Angeles.
3. Who is Serene Justice-Reed married to now?
She is married to Mark Reed, a longtime seafood sales professional who supported the family during Victoria’s rise to fame.
4. What is Serene Justice-Reed’s background and ethnicity?
She was born in the Bronx and is of Native/Euro–Puerto Rican heritage, which shaped the cultural environment of her home.
5. Does Serene Justice-Reed have social media?
Yes, she has a private Instagram account (@serene_45) and an older Flickr account where she shares family photos.
