Gloria Darlene Fox is an American real estate professional best known as the mother of Megan Fox. Born on July 14, 1952, she built her life through hard work, strong faith, and deep dedication to her family. From raising her daughters as a single mother in Tennessee to supporting Megan’s rise in Hollywood, Gloria’s journey reflects resilience, discipline, and lasting influence.

Profile Summary

Early Life, Birth, Family, and Background of Gloria Darlene Fox

Gloria Darlene Fox was born in New York City. Her maiden name was Cisson. Even though she was born in a big city, her early life quickly moved to a very different place. She grew up in Tennessee, especially around Rockwood, where life was simple and quiet.

Her parents were Clay Harrison Cisson and Thelma Macel Nelson. They were part of a family deeply connected to the Appalachian region. This meant strong traditions, close family bonds, and a modest lifestyle. Gloria grew up in a setting where hard work and family values were very important.

Life in East Tennessee was not glamorous. It was simple and sometimes tough. But this kind of upbringing helped shape Gloria into a strong and determined person. She learned early how to handle responsibilities, which later helped her manage both work and family during difficult times.

Gloria Darlene Fox’s Faith, Personality, Parenting Style, and Public Identity

One of the most important parts of Gloria’s life is her faith. She follows a strict Pentecostal Christian lifestyle. This belief system played a big role in how she raised her children and how her household worked.

Her parenting style was very disciplined. She believed in rules, structure, and strong values. For example, her daughters were not allowed to have boyfriends or invite friends over during certain years. This may sound strict, but for Gloria, it was about protecting her children and guiding them in what she believed was the right way.

At the same time, Gloria was also very supportive. She stood by her daughters, especially Megan, during important life moments. She even used social media to warn people about fake accounts pretending to be Megan.

Meet Her 1st Husband: Franklin Thomas Fox and Their RelationShip Timeline

Gloria’s first husband was Franklin Thomas Fox. He worked as a parole officer in Tennessee. His job was to help people who were leaving prison adjust back to normal life. It was a steady job and gave the family a basic level of stability.

The couple got married in 1971. Some records even mention the exact date as August 28, 1971. At that time, they were young and starting a simple life together. They lived in Rockwood, Tennessee, where life was quiet and focused on daily routines. Franklin would often go hunting, and Gloria would take care of the home and cook meals.

They had two daughters together. Their first daughter, Kristi Michelle Branim Fox, was born in 1974. Years later, in 1986, their second daughter, Megan Fox, was born. The family lived a modest life, and Gloria also worked different jobs to help support the household.

Divorce, Separation, Single Motherhood, and Co-Parenting

Like many relationships, things changed over time. Gloria Darlene Fox and Franklin Thomas Fox separated and divorced in 1989. At that time, Megan was just three years old. This was a major turning point in Gloria’s life.

After the divorce, Gloria became a single mother. She had to raise her daughters on her own. This was not easy. She worked multiple jobs just to make sure her children had what they needed. Imagine balancing work, bills, and raising two kids at the same time. It required strength and determination every single day.

Franklin was not very present in the girls’ daily lives after the divorce. Megan later shared that she missed her father during her childhood. However, things did not stay that way forever. As Megan grew older and found success, she and her father reconnected. Their relationship slowly improved, showing that family bonds can sometimes heal over time.

Meet Her 2nd Husband: Anthony Matthew Tonachio and Their RelationShip

After spending several years as a single mother, Gloria Darlene Fox entered a new chapter in her life. She married Anthony Matthew Tonachio, often called Tony Tonachio, in 1996.

Tony was very different in many ways. He was older than Gloria and had a long career in education, recreation, and business. Tony worked as a physical education teacher and later became a director in the Farmingdale School District. He also ran summer camps and later worked in real estate, just like Gloria.

Tony had his own family before marrying Gloria. He had children from a previous marriage, which made the household more complex. When he married Gloria, he became the stepfather to Megan and Kristi. This created a blended family with new roles and responsibilities for everyone.

Florida Life, Strict Household, Family Transition, and Tony Tonachio’s Role as Stepfather

After Gloria married Tony, the family moved from Tennessee to Port St. Lucie, Florida. This move changed everything. It was not just a new place. It was a completely new lifestyle.

Tony became the main father figure in the home. The household became even more strict, especially in terms of religion and behavior. Megan later described this time as very controlled. She was often grounded and had strict rules about her social life.

Even though the environment was strict, Gloria still supported her daughters. She continued to guide Megan toward her interests in dance and acting. This balance between strict rules and strong support played a big role in shaping Megan’s personality and future.

Gloria Darlene Fox’s Career in Real Estate, and Work Life

After all the changes in her personal life, Gloria Darlene Fox focused on building a stable career. She did not start in a high-level job. In the beginning, she worked many small jobs just to support her daughters. These jobs helped her pay for daily needs and also for Megan’s early dance and acting classes.

Over time, she moved into real estate. This became her main career. She worked as a real estate manager and later as a sales associate. She built her experience step by step. Today, she is connected with eXp Realty. Her work includes helping people buy and sell homes, managing property deals, and working with clients in Florida.

Her work life shows patience and growth. She did not reach success quickly. Instead, she stayed consistent for many years. She built her career while also raising a family. This balance between work and home life is one of the strongest parts of her story.

Meet Her Daughter: Megan Fox

To understand Gloria’s life fully, you also need to look at her daughter, Megan Fox. Megan was born on May 16, 1986, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She grew up first in Rockwood and later moved to Florida after her mother remarried.

From a very young age, Megan showed interest in performing. She started dance and drama training at just five years old. Gloria noticed this early and supported her. Think about it like this. Many kids have dreams, but not all parents take those dreams seriously. Gloria did. She made sure Megan had classes, training, and chances to improve.

Megan later attended Morningside Academy in Florida. At some point, she switched to correspondence education so she could focus more on her career. In 1999, she took part in the American Modeling and Talent Convention. She won several awards there. This was a big moment because it opened the door to bigger opportunities.

Soon after, Megan moved to Los Angeles as a teenager. Gloria went with her and stayed for about a year. This support helped Megan settle into a new and competitive world. Later, Megan became famous for her role in the movie Transformers (2007), directed by Michael Bay. She played Mikaela Banes, a role that made her known worldwide.

Her career continued with projects like Jennifer’s Body and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. She also released a poetry book called Pretty Boys Are Poisonous. In her personal life, she was married to Brian Austin Green and later connected with Colson Baker. She is also a mother to four children, including Noah, Bodhi, Journey, and Saga. Through all of this, Gloria remained a steady presence in her life.

Gloria Darlene Fox’s Legacy, Family Circle, and Grandchildren

Now when you look at the full picture, the life of Gloria Darlene Fox becomes very clear. She is not just a mother of a celebrity, She is someone who built her life step by step. She faced divorce, raised children alone, worked hard, and later created a stable career in real estate.

Her family circle is also very important. Her older daughter, Kristi Michelle Branim Fox, chose a different path and built a career in education. Kristi stayed more private but remained close to the family. Together, both daughters represent different paths, but both are connected by their mother’s influence.

As a grandmother, Gloria is now part of a new generation. She spends time with Megan’s children and stays connected to her growing family. Her life today is more stable compared to her early years, but her role as a supportive figure has not changed.

Final Thoughts

In the end, Gloria Darlene Fox’s story is about strength, faith, and support. She moved from a simple life in Tennessee to being part of a global Hollywood story. She worked hard, stayed strong, and always stood by her family. That is what truly defines her legacy.

FAQs

Who is Gloria Darlene Fox?

Gloria Darlene Fox is an American real estate professional and the mother of actress Megan Fox. She is known for raising her daughters with strong values and supporting Megan’s early acting career.

How old is Gloria Darlene Fox?

She was born on July 14, 1952, which makes her 73 years old as of 2026.

What is Gloria Darlene Fox’s height and ethnicity?

She is about 5 feet 4 inches tall and has primarily English and Irish ancestry.

Who are Gloria Darlene Fox’s husbands?

She was first married to Franklin Thomas Fox and later married Anthony Matthew Tonachio, who became the stepfather to her daughters.

What is Gloria Darlene Fox’s net worth?

Her estimated net worth is over $1 million, mainly from her long career in real estate. She is currently associated with eXp Realty.

Franklin Thomas Fox is a retired American parole officer from Tennessee, widely known as the father of actress Megan Fox. While he lived a quiet and private life away from fame, his story gained attention through his connection to his daughter’s success. From a modest working-class background to rebuilding his family bond later in life, Franklin’s journey reflects resilience, family struggles, and reconciliation, making him an interesting figure behind one of Hollywood’s most recognized stars.

Profile Summary

Franklin Thomas Fox’s Early Life, Family Background, and Tennessee

Franklin Thomas Fox was born on January 15, 1951, in Tennessee. He grew up in a quiet and simple environment, surrounded by nature and strong family values. His life was rooted in places like Rockwood, Tennessee, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Roane County. These places shaped who he became.

His parents were Ewell Thomas Foxx and Vivian Vier. His father even served during World War II, which shows the strong background of service in the family. Franklin also has English and Scots-Irish roots, something that connects him to a long family history.

Growing up, life was not fancy. It was simple and sometimes tough. He went to local schools and lived like most working families in Tennessee. There is also a small detail that often confuses people — he has a sister named Kristi Fox, and many mix her up with his daughter Kristi Branim Fox.

Career, Lifestyle, Net Worth, and Private Life

Unlike his famous daughter, Franklin Thomas Fox never worked in movies or TV. He chose a different path. He worked as a parole officer for the state of Tennessee. This means he helped people who were trying to rebuild their lives after prison. It was a serious and responsible job.

His life was very simple. He lived in a modest home and focused on taking care of his family. In fact, during his early married life, he even hunted ducks to help provide food. It may sound unusual today, but at that time, it was a normal way to support a household.

Even in 2026, Franklin Thomas Fox prefers to stay out of the spotlight. He does not use social media and does not share much about his private life. His income mostly comes from his past government job and retirement benefits. Compared to his daughter’s millions, his life has always been about simplicity, not luxury.

His Marriage and Divorce Timeline with Gloria

Franklin Thomas Fox married Gloria Darlene Cisson on August 28, 1971. At the time, they were building a life together in Tennessee. Like many young couples, they started with hope, dreams, and plans for the future.

They lived in Rockwood, Tennessee, where Franklin worked and supported the family. Over the years, they had two daughters, Kristi Branim Fox and Megan Fox. Life seemed stable on the outside, but things slowly changed behind the scenes.

In 1989, their marriage ended in divorce. This moment changed everything. Their daughters were still very young, especially Megan, who was only three years old. After the divorce, the family split, and this created a long distance between Franklin and his children.

Meet His Ex-Spouse: Gloria Darlene Tonachio

After the divorce, Gloria Darlene Cisson became known as Gloria Darlene Tonachio. She took on the main role of raising the children. She later married Tony Tonachio, who became the stepfather of Megan and Kristi.

Gloria worked very hard to support her family. She built a long career in real estate, working as a property agent and later as a manager. Over time, she spent more than 28 years in this field. Before that, she even worked multiple jobs just to keep things running.

One of the most important decisions she made was moving the family to Port St. Lucie, Florida. This move helped Megan start chasing her dreams. Gloria supported her daughter’s early acting journey, helping her attend auditions and build confidence.

Meet His Daughter: Megan Fox

Now let’s talk about the most well-known member of the family, Megan Denise Fox. She was born on May 16, 1986, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Her early life was not easy, especially after her parents’ divorce.

She grew up in a strict household. Her stepfather, Tony Tonachio, was very strict, and Megan has spoken about how difficult that time was. She was not allowed to date or even invite friends over. It made her childhood feel very controlled.

But Megan had a passion. She started learning dance and acting at the age of five in Kingston, Tennessee. Later, she moved to Florida with her mother and continued her training. At just 17, she moved to Los Angeles to follow her dream.

Her big break came with the movie Transformers, where she played Mikaela Banes. After that, her career took off. She became known worldwide and starred in films like Jennifer’s Body and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series.

But her life is not just about movies. Megan also became an author with her poetry book Pretty Boys Are Poisonous. She also worked in voice acting, including a role in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.

Her personal life also gained attention. She married Brian Austin Green in 2010, and they later divorced in 2021. She then started a relationship with Machine Gun Kelly, also known as Colson Baker.

Megan Fox is also a mother of four children. Her kids are Noah Shannon, Bodhi Ransom, Journey River, and Saga Blade Fox-Baker.

Meet his Other Child and his Parents

Now let’s look at the other important members of the family. First is Kristi Branim Fox, the older daughter of Franklin Thomas Fox. She has always stayed more private compared to her sister Megan. Because of that, many people do not know much about her life.

Kristi is believed to have been born in the 1970s, though some sources give slightly different years. This confusion often happens because of limited public information. She has worked as an assistant director and has been linked to projects like The Saints of the Rue Scribe and Jack & Jill. But her work is not just in film. She is also known for her focus on education, social justice, and helping people through advocacy work.

She plays an important role in the family. Even though she stays out of the spotlight, she is seen as a strong support system. For example, during Megan’s pregnancy in 2025, Kristi was there to support her. This shows that even without fame, she has a big place in the family.

Now let’s talk about Franklin’s parents. His father, Ewell Thomas Foxx, was a man with a strong background. He served in World War II and lived most of his life in Roane County. He was known as a hardworking and disciplined person.

Franklin’s mother, Vivian Vier, also played a key role in shaping the family. She married Ewell in 1965 and raised the family with simple values. These values clearly passed down to Franklin. His calm and grounded lifestyle reflects the way he was raised.

Franklin Thomas Fox Relationship with Megan Fox, and Grandchildren

One of the most emotional parts of the story of Franklin Thomas Fox is his relationship with his daughter Megan. After the divorce in 1989, there was a long period where they were not close. Megan grew up mostly with her mother and stepfather, while Franklin stayed in Tennessee.

This distance affected both of them. Franklin later shared that it was painful to miss important years of his daughter’s life. Imagine not being there when your child is growing up, facing challenges, and chasing dreams. That is something many parents would find very hard.

But the story did not end there. Around 2016, things started to change. Megan reached out, and they slowly rebuilt their bond. Franklin has said that becoming a grandfather played a big role in this. It helped bring everyone back together.

Today, their relationship is strong and full of respect. Franklin spends time with his grandchildren and enjoys being part of their lives. His grandchildren include Noah Shannon Green, Bodhi Ransom Green, Journey River Green, and Saga Blade Fox-Baker. He often says they are the reason the family came close again.

Franklin has also appeared in public a few times with Megan. One example is when he joined her at The Today Show in New York. These moments show that even though he is private, he supports his daughter when it matters.

Final Thoughts

When you look at the full story, Franklin is not just “Megan Fox’s father.” He is a man who lived a simple life, worked hard, faced family struggles, and later found peace again. His journey is about real life, not fame.

His story shows something very important. Families can go through hard times, but they can also heal. Even after years of distance, people can reconnect and build strong bonds again. Franklin’s life is a clear example of that.

In 2026, people are interested in Franklin because his story feels real. It is about love, mistakes, learning, and second chances. And in the end, it reminds us that family is always worth fighting for.

FAQs

Who is Franklin Thomas Fox and why is he famous?

Franklin Thomas Fox is a retired parole officer from Tennessee. He is best known as the father of actress Megan Fox. His life became publicly known due to his connection with her career and their family story.

How old is Franklin Thomas Fox in 2026?

Franklin Thomas Fox was born on January 15, 1951. As of 2026, he is 75 years old.

Who are the parents of Franklin Thomas Fox?

His parents are Ewell Thomas Foxx, a World War II veteran, and Vivian Vier. They raised him in Tennessee with strong traditional values.

What is Franklin Thomas Fox’s relationship with Megan Fox?

He is Megan Fox’s father. After years of distance following his divorce, they reconnected around 2016 and now share a close and respectful relationship.

Richard L Cox Sr was a respected American businessman, U.S. Air Force pilot, and the father of Courteney Cox. He built a successful life in Alabama through companies like Cox Pools and Cox Engineering Sales Company. Known for his strong personality, business skills, and deep family values, he played an important role in shaping his children’s lives. Even after his passing in 2001, his legacy continues through his family, especially through his daughter’s global success.

Profile Summary

Who Is Richard L Cox Sr?

Richard L Cox Sr, whose full name was Richard Lewis Cox Sr, was born on January 28, 1931. He lived a full life and passed away on September 3, 2001, at the age of 70. He was an American citizen and came from a family with roots in English, Scottish, and Welsh history.

He was known as a businessman and contractor, but many people recognize him today as the father of Courteney Cox. Even though he stayed away from fame, his influence can still be seen in his daughter’s personality and success. People often say Courteney shares his strong facial features, like high cheekbones and a sharp look.

In his later years, he had silver-grey hair, blue eyes, and a calm personality. He lived a simple life, focused on family, work, and his values. He was not active on social media, but today, his memory lives on through the posts shared by his daughter.

Early Life, Family Background, Education, and U.S. Air Force Service

Richard was born into a strong family. His parents were Wilmore Pearson Cox Sr. and Margaret Elizabeth Lewis. He grew up with several siblings, including W. Pete Cox Jr., James Leonard Cox, Joseph Thomas Cox, and Mary Elizabeth Cox Waitzman. This large family helped shape his values and work ethic.

Even though he was born in the Northeast, his life became closely connected to the South. His family later moved, and he spent important years in Alabama. This is where he built his future and created strong roots that lasted for the rest of his life.

For education, Richard attended the University of Alabama. During his time there, he became a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. This experience helped him build connections and confidence.

After finishing his studies, he served in the United States Air Force as a pilot for two years in the early 1950s. This was an important part of his life. It taught him discipline, focus, and leadership — qualities that later helped him succeed in business.

Business Career, Major Companies, and Financial Legacy

After his time in the military, Richard moved into business. He did not take a small path. Instead, he built companies that became well known in the Southeast. One of his biggest achievements was founding Cox Pools in 1955. This company focused on building swimming pools and quickly became popular.

He did not stop there. In 1958, he started another company called Cox Engineering Sales Company in Birmingham. This business became a strong part of his career and showed his ability to grow in different industries.

He also founded Red Bay Sand Company, which supported construction and landscaping work. Together, these businesses made him a successful entrepreneur. Over time, he became known as a multi-millionaire businessman, even though his exact net worth was never shared publicly.

In 1991, he made a big decision. He sold the Birmingham location of Cox Pools to Gordie Robinson. But the company name and legacy continued, especially through branches like Cox Pools of the Gulf Coast. This shows that his work did not end with him — it continued through his family and business network.

Personal Life, Faith, Personality, and Interests

Outside of business, Richard L Cox Sr lived a simple and meaningful life. He was a man of faith and followed the Roman Catholic religion. In his later years, he became an active member of St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church. This church was an important part of his daily life and community.

He had a strong personality but was also very relatable. He believed he was a good salesman, and interestingly, he once told his daughter to use that same skill instead of acting. Before Courteney Cox became famous, he encouraged her to come back to Alabama and help sell swimming pools. It sounds surprising now, right?

He also loved movies. One of his favorite films was Ben-Hur, and he watched it many times. He had a special love for Halloween too, something his daughter still celebrates today. These small details make him feel more real — not just a businessman, but a father with hobbies, opinions, and a warm personality.

Meet His Wives: Mary Cox and Courteney Bruce Bass

Richard’s personal life included two important relationships that shaped his family story. His first wife was Courteney Bruce Bass, who later became known as Courteney Copeland. They got married on June 7, 1955, in Birmingham, Alabama. Together, they built a family and raised four children.

Their marriage lasted nearly 19 years before they divorced in 1974. Even after the separation, Courteney Bruce Bass remained an important figure in the family. She later married Hunter Copeland in 1976 and lived until 2020. Her influence is still seen through her children, especially her daughter Courteney Cox.

After his divorce, Richard found love again. In 1975, he married Mary Cox. This marriage lasted until his death in 2001. Mary Cox became his life partner during his later years and shared a peaceful life with him in Florida.

This second marriage also brought a blended family. Through Mary, Richard became a stepfather to Craig Mullins, Lee Mullins, Cheryl Vincent, and Jennifer Russo. This shows how his family grew over time, not just through birth but also through relationships.

His Marriage, and Relationship Timeline

Let’s look at his life step by step to understand it better. In 1955, Richard married Courteney Bruce Bass. Over the next few years, they had four children: Virginia, Dottie, Richard Jr., and Courteney. Their home in Mountain Brook, Alabama, became the center of their family life.

By 1974, the marriage ended in divorce. Life changed, but it did not stop. Just one year later, in 1975, he married Mary Cox. This marked a new chapter. His family grew again, now including stepchildren from Mary’s side.

During these later years, Richard moved to Panama City Beach. He spent his time enjoying life with Mary, staying active in his church, and staying connected with his children and grandchildren. This part of his life shows a calm and settled phase, after years of work and family building.

Children, Stepchildren, Grandchildren, and Royal Ancestry

Now let’s talk about the family side of Richard L Cox Sr, because this is where his legacy really lives on. He had four children with his first wife. These were Virginia “Jennie” Cox McFerrin, Dorothy “Dottie” Cox Pickett, Richard Lewis Cox Jr., and Courteney Cox. All of them grew up in Mountain Brook, Alabama, which was known as a peaceful and well-off area.

Each child chose a different path. Virginia and Dottie stayed mostly private and lived simple lives. Richard Jr. followed his father’s path and worked in business and real estate. And then there was Courteney, who went on to become one of the most famous actresses in the world. Even though their lives were different, the family stayed connected.

Through his second marriage, Richard also had stepchildren. These included Craig Mullins, Lee Mullins, Cheryl Vincent, and Jennifer Russo. This made his family bigger and more connected. At the time of his death, he had seven grandchildren. One of the most well-known is Coco Riley Arquette, the daughter of Courteney Cox and David Arquette.

There is also something very surprising about his family history. Through genealogy research, his family was linked to famous historical figures. These include William the Conqueror, Edward I of England, and Thomas de Berkeley. This means his family line connects to royal history in England. It is interesting to think that a modern American businessman had roots going back to kings and castles.

Meet His Daughter: Courteney Cox

Let’s now focus on the most famous child of Richard L Cox Sr, Courteney Cox. She was born on June 15, 1964, in Birmingham. She grew up in the same family home as her siblings and had a normal childhood before entering the world of fame.

Her journey started with modeling and small roles. She joined the Ford Modeling Agency and later got a big break in the music video Dancing in the Dark, directed by Brian De Palma. This moment helped her get noticed in Hollywood.

Her biggest role came when she played Monica Geller in the TV show Friends. The show ran for ten years and made her a global star. She also became well known for her role as Gale Weathers in the Scream series. Later, she starred in shows like Cougar Town and worked as a director and producer.

She also built a strong business side. She co-founded Coquette Productions and later launched her brand Homecourt. In her personal life, she married David Arquette and had a daughter, Coco. She later continued her life with musician Johnny McDaid.

Richard L Cox Sr’s Death, Burial, and Media Tribute

The final chapter of Richard L Cox Sr’s life was emotional but meaningful. He passed away on September 3, 2001, at his home in Panama City Beach. He was 70 years old. He died after a battle with cancer, and his family was with him during his final moments.

His funeral service was held at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church, the same church where he was an active member. His burial took place at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham. The family also asked people to donate to the University of Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospice of the Emerald Coast in his memory.

One very touching tribute came from the show Friends. An episode titled “The One with Rachel’s Date” was dedicated to him

Final Thoughts and Legacy

So what is the real legacy of Richard? It is not just his businesses or his wealth. It is his family, his values, and the life lessons he passed on. He was a father, a husband, a businessman, and a man who lived with purpose. Even today, his story continues through his children and the memories they share.

FAQs

Who is Richard L Cox Sr?

Richard L Cox Sr was an American businessman, entrepreneur, and former U.S. Air Force pilot. He is best known as the father of Courteney Cox.

How old was Richard L Cox Sr when he died?

He was 70 years old when he passed away on September 3, 2001, after battling cancer in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Who were the parents of Richard L Cox Sr?

His parents were Wilmore Pearson Cox Sr and Margaret Elizabeth Lewis. They played an important role in shaping his early life and values.

What was Richard L Cox Sr’s net worth?

His exact net worth was never publicly shared. However, he was known as a multi-millionaire businessman due to his successful companies like Cox Pools and Cox Engineering Sales Company.

What is the ethnicity of Richard L Cox Sr?

Richard L Cox Sr was of Caucasian background, with ancestry linked to English, Scottish, and Welsh roots. His family history also connects to notable historical figures in England.