Simon Cowell was a difficult child, but his mother brought him up to be a disciplined individual. After her death, he found the strength to move on because that’s what she wanted for him. He still talks to his departed parents to this day.

Simon Phillips Cowell was born on October 7, 1959, in East Sussex, England. Besides being famous for his cutting criticisms on “American Idol,” he is also an entrepreneur, recording executive, and television producer.

Before becoming the famous TV personality he is now, Simon started as a simple mailroom clerk at EMI Music Publishing and worked his way up. After his own company folded, he took a job with BMG records, and he made a name for himself in the music industry.

Simon Cowell at the Star Ceremony for Kelly Clarkson on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Between 2001 and 2003, the TV personality developed “Pop Idol,” a show where musical acts performed in multiple rounds. What set it apart was that the audience and home viewers could pick their favorites at the end.

Unlike with his father, Simon knew beforehand that his mother’s health was degrading.

Following “Pop Idol’s” success, the show was imported to America, where Simon became one of the judges for the newly branded ‘American Idol.” His often biting remarks made the show the highest-rated American television program at the time.

After he worked his way up from a mailroom clerk to where he is now, Simon faced his father’s death, which left him distraught. Following this, he became closer to his mother, Julie Cowell, who supported him through the loss.

Simon Lost His Parents

In 1999, Simon experienced an abrupt tragedy. His father, Eric Phillip Cowell, unexpectedly passed away. No one suspected he might be near his end, and when it happened. Simon was already close to his mother, but after the death of his father, the two grew even closer.

When his mom passed, Simon was broken and didn’t know if he could continue the new season of “X Factor” that had to start.

Julie was someone her son looked up to throughout her life, and they would often be seen spending time together after Eric passed. Simon also enjoyed taking Julie on luxurious holidays regularly to spend more time with her.

Simon Cowell with his mum, Julie Cowell and Sinitta at the Variety Club Showbiz Awards, at the Park Lane Hilton, central London, Sunday 13 November 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Unfortunately, in 2015, Simon also had to say goodbye to his mother. Unlike with his father, Simon knew beforehand that his mother’s health was degrading. She passed away at the age of 89 after suffering a stroke a few months earlier. Simon received the news that she had little time left, but didn’t believe it:

“I wouldn’t listen. I kept saying right to the end that there was hope. And I wasn’t prepared for it. You know, it all happened in my 50s. I have a son and then I lost my mother. It changes you. I’m still going through it.”

After her stroke, Simon looked after her, making sure to spend as much time together as possible. He spent the next nine months in what he referred to as “nine months of hell” while he had to witness her slowly pass on.

Bruno Tonioli and Julie Cowell watch the racing as they attend Royal Ascot Ladies Day at Ascot Racecourse on June 17, 2010 in Ascot, England | Source: Getty Images

Eventually, she breathed her last, and the family buried her at St. Margeret’s Church in Rottingdean with her late husband. Julie left a considerable amount to her family in her will, splitting it between her children, grandchildren, including Simon’s son, and even two friends.

Simon Found Hope in Speaking with His Parents

When his mom passed, Simon was broken and didn’t know if he could continue the new season of “X Factor” that had to start. After careful consideration, though, he decided to go on. He spent a few days after his mother’s death considering what he should do.

Although he was in a lot of pain, he knew Julie would want him to continue doing the show, since she was a big fan, and she knew it made him happy. The thought of his mom gave him the necessary strength to jump back in. He commented on losing his mom:

“I know I’ll miss her every day, but I also know I’m incredibly grateful to have had her.”

Eventually, he shared that being back on the show helped him through the tough time. Not only did it take his mind off everything, but the “X Factor” team also supported him while he was grieving. He valued their support and said, “I’m not going to lie, there were times it was incredibly difficult.”

They also write children’s books together, and the TV star has commented that writing books with his son “has been magical.”

When the show’s new season started, the newbie J Sol sang a song he wrote after his mother passed, which Simon could genuinely relate to. The judge addressed the singer and said he still spoke with his parents about every significant decision that came across his path.

Simon Cowell attends “America’s Got Talent” Season 14 Live Show Red Carpet at Dolby Theatre on September 17, 2019 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Simon praised the singer for his performance and noted that not only was his choice of song beautiful, but his voice was also exceptional. Simon said he was glad J Sol came on the show and the judges would all remember him.

Simon Is Also a Dad

Simon has children of his own, and is partnered with Lauren Silverman. His only son by blood, Eric Cowell, was born in 2014. The TV personality is also stepfather to Lauren’s son, Adam Silverman.

Lauren shares her son with her ex-husband, Andrew Silverman. Since 2013, when things she started dating Simon, the “Britain’s Got Talent” judge became close with young Adam. Simon recently proposed to Lauren, and a source said:

“Lauren was absolutely stunned and never in a million years expected Simon to pop the question. She burst into tears – happy tears – and obviously said ‘yes’ straight away.”

Simon Cowell, Lauren Silverman, Eric Cowell and Adam Silverman at a ceremony honoring Simon with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 22, 2018 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Simon and Eric are often seen spending time together, and the two are incredibly close. They also write children’s books together, and the TV star has commented that writing books with his son “has been magical.”

Simon often brings Eric to events, and the father-son pair seems inseparable. When the dad proposed to his girlfriend, he ensured both kids were there. Apparently, he believed it was important for both boys to be part of his new family.