Meet Barack and Michelle Obama’s 2 Daughters – One Looks ‘Like Her Dad,’ While the Other Is a ‘Mini’ Version of Her Mom #35

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Michelle and Barack Obama | Source: Getty Images

The former U.S. president and first lady are now experiencing life as empty nesters. Their children have formed a close friendship over the years and have now taken it a step further by becoming roommates.

Barack and Michelle Obama share two daughters, and online users say one looks “like her dad,” while the other is a “mini” version of her mom. Now in their 20s, Malia and Sasha Obama have earned praise from their parents.

The siblings share a deep connection that has guided them through life in the public eye. Nearly four years after their father’s presidency ended, both were in college — Malia at 22 and Sasha at 19 — when the pandemic brought them back home.

“Malia and Sasha have been with us almost continuously since March, with just a few breaks,” Barack divulged in a joint November 2020 interview.

With their daughters back home, the Obamas appreciated the unexpected time together. Barack noted that having their children join them for dinner each night, playing games, and watching movies brought them a great deal of joy.

As they grew older, the sisters became even closer. “I think part of what’s been also wonderful is seeing Malia and Sasha become such great friends,” Barack expressed.

Though three years apart, their younger days involved the usual sibling rivalries — from borrowing clothes to playful disagreements, according to their father.

The duo’s bond has only strengthened, and as young adults, they chose to share a home. In a November 2022 interview, Michelle admitted she tempered her excitement when Malia and Sasha decided to move in together, not wanting to influence their decision.

Instead, she casually responded, “Okay, well that’s interesting that you guys are going to try living together. We’ll see how it goes.” Deep down, she was grateful her daughters found comfort in each other, saying, “It’s like the one thing you want for them.”

The sisters settled into their Los Angeles apartment, decorating on a budget with finds from yard sales and Ikea. Their new chapter as roommates has brought them even closer, but their mother remains mindful of how much she shares about their lives.

When asked about the hardest truth she revealed in her book, “The Light We Carry,” Michelle explained that honesty has never been difficult for her. “It is what it is,” she said, though she admitted that discussing parenthood came with challenges.

To protect Malia and Sasha’s privacy, the doting parent was cautious about how much she shared, explaining that it was important to limit details about their lives and exposure to the public since they were not seeking attention.

Her daughters reviewed passages about them before publication, and Michelle emphasized that their inclusion was intended to help others. However, she maintained the importance of boundaries, stating that they were not social media figures and did not seek paparazzi attention due to her book.

That said, the Obamas’ close-knit family dynamic remains strong, even as Malia and Sasha continue carving their own paths.

Malia: A Creative Force in Film and Television

Michelle and Barack welcomed their first daughter in July 1998. Now 26, she received a birthday tribute from her father in July 2024.

On Instagram, Barack shared a throwback photo of them holding hands, writing, “Happy birthday, Malia. One of the greatest joys of my life is watching you grow into the extraordinary woman you’ve become today – and the fact that you’re still willing to hold your dad’s hand in public!”

Malia has grown into adulthood with the same thoughtful nature her parents admired in her as a child. Described as “wise and thoughtful,” she collected keychains, took drama classes, and showed independence early — setting her own alarm and making her bed by first grade.

Malia, Michelle, Sasha, and Barack Obama during his caucus night rally on January 3, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa. | Source: Getty Images

“My 9-year-old is always coming up with remarkable things,” Barack said in a 2008 interview, sharing how his daughters’ kindness often moved him to tears.

Malia and Barack Obama during an outing on December 26, 2008, in Hawai’i Kai, Hawaii. | Source: Getty Images

He recalled a moment when Malia, then six, asked, “Daddy, are we rich?” After he explained they were well off but not extremely wealthy, she responded, “Well, that’s good because I don’t want to be really rich. I think I want to live a simple life.” Her words left him wondering, “Where did she come up with that?”

 

Malia and Barack Obama pictured at the Honolulu Zoo on January 3, 2009, in Honolulu, Hawaii. | Source: Getty Images

Malia’s independent spirit carried into young adulthood. At 18, she graduated from Sidwell Friends School in June 2016 and planned to attend Harvard after a gap year. As the Obamas prepared to leave the White House, Barack admitted, “They’re ready to get out, just out from their parents’ house… But Malia’s going off to college. She’s a grown woman.”

Malia Obama is seen in Tribeca on March 29, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Malia’s journey after college took her into the entertainment industry, where she pursued her passion for storytelling. After graduating from Harvard in 2021, she became a writer and director. She directed the 2023 short drama film, “The Heart.”

Malia Ann Obama attends the premiere of “The Heart,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images

In addition, the Chicago native’s work in television gained attention with her contributions to a high-profile streaming series. She made her TV writing debut on “Swarm,” co-writing episode five, “Girl, Bye,” for the Prime Video series created by Donald Glover and Janine Nabers.

Nabers, the showrunner, described the episode as “probably one of the wildest” and praised Malia as “an incredible writer” with bold and hilarious ideas. Before joining “Swarm,” she interned on “Girls” and worked as a production assistant on “Extant.”

Glover later recruited her as a staff writer for the series, where she collaborated with Stephen Glover, Ibra Ake, and other industry professionals. Malia’s role in the “Swarm” writers’ room brought a fresh perspective to the show’s storytelling. With the series centered on characters in their 20s, Nabers valued her insight.

“She’s a very professional person,” said the showrunner in an interview, emphasizing how the team wanted to give her the chance to explore television writing. The opportunity allowed the Chicago native to refine her skills and gain experience in a fast-paced creative environment.

Malia’s work in film earned her international recognition when she won the New Generation prize for “The Heart” at the Festival de Deauville in September 2024 As she walked the red carpet, online users shared their thoughts on her appearance and success.

Some were struck by her resemblance to her parents, with one noting, “She’s her dad’s twin, but her mother is written all over her… she’s amazing.” Others focused on her likeness to Barack, with comments like “Looks just like her dad. Soo beautiful” and “OMG. She looks just like Barack.”

Another echoed,“She’s just like her dad omg.” Meanwhile, one pointed out how she embodies both of her parents, “She is such an exact combination of her parents.”

Malia Obama arrives at the 50th Deauville American Film Festival on September 6, 2024, in Deauville, France. | Source: Getty Images

As Malia continued making strides in the entertainment industry, Sasha embraced her own journey, earning just as much love and admiration from her family.

Malia Obama during the 50th Deauville American Film Festival on September 6, 2024, in Deauville, France. | Source: Getty Images

 

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