Sue Bownds is more than just Rebel Wilson’s mother. She is a proud mom who has always stood by her famous daughter’s side. At the same time, she has built her own career far from the Hollywood spotlight. While Rebel is known for her big-screen roles, Sue has spent decades working with dogs, breeding, and judging them at shows around the world.
In this article, we’ll explore the life of Sue Bownds in a simple and friendly way. You’ll learn about her early life, her love for dogs, her marriage, and how she raised four children, including Rebel Wilson. This first half will introduce you to her story and set the stage for her family life and personal details in the next part.
Sue Bownds Quick Bio
Full Name | Sue Elizabeth Bownds |
Known As | Sue Bownds |
Famous For | Rebel Wilson’s mother |
Nationality | Australian |
Birthplace | Sydney, Australia |
Profession | Dog handler, breeder, dog show judge |
Dog Judge Since | 1980 |
Other Job | Former school teacher |
Marital Status | Widowed (Jack Bownds) |
Current Partner | Peter Lock (unconfirmed) |
Children | 4 (Rebel, Liberty, Ryot, Annachi) |
Grandchildren | Yes |
Nickname | “Mamarazzi” (by Rebel Wilson) |
Social Media | Facebook & Instagram |
Lives In | Sydney, Australia |
Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $3 million |
Fun Fact | Fourth-generation dog expert |
Who Is Sue Bownds?
Sue Bownds is an Australian woman best known as the proud mother of actress Rebel Wilson. She became widely known when Rebel started appearing in hit movies like Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids. Yet long before Rebel found fame, Sue was already respected in her own world.
She is a professional dog handler and judge who has spent over 40 years working with different breeds. Her life may not be as public as her daughter’s, but it is full of dedication, care, and passion.
Sue Bownds’ Early Life in Australia
Sue Bownds was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. She grew up surrounded by animals, and from a young age, she developed a deep love for dogs. Her family was already involved in the dog business, making her a fourth-generation dog lover.
Not much is known about her school years or early family background, but one thing is clear—dogs have always been at the heart of her life. This passion would later become her profession.
Her Long Career as a Dog Handler and Judge
Sue Bownds began her career in dog shows in 1980. Since then, she has worked with many breeds, including Beagles, Bassets, English Springers, and Scottish Terriers. She has judged dog shows all over the world—in countries like the United States, Germany, Thailand, New Zealand, and Denmark.
Her long experience has earned her the title of an International All Breeds FCI Judge, which is a high honor in the dog world. Even today, she is still active in this field and continues to share her knowledge and love for dogs.
Sue Bownds and Her Love for Dogs
Sue Bownds’ passion for dogs is not just her job—it’s her life. Her family even gave her the nickname “Nangunyah” because of her strong bond with animals. Alongside her late husband, Jack, she co-owned a successful dog-handling company in Australia.
She is known for her gentle handling style and deep understanding of different breeds. Her work has taken her to many international shows, and she is respected as someone who truly loves what she does.
Her Work as a Teacher Before Retirement
Before focusing fully on dogs, Sue Bownds also worked in the education field for many years. She dedicated her time to teaching and helping others, showing the same care she puts into her work with animals.
In 2021, she retired from teaching. Rebel marked this big moment in her mom’s life by gifting her a beautiful Tiffany bracelet. It was a heartfelt way to say thank you for all her years of hard work.
Married Life with Jack Bownds
Sue Bownds was married to her late husband, Jack Bownds, for over three decades. They reportedly married in 1976 after several years of dating. Together, they built both a family and a dog-handling business.
Jack passed away in 2010, which was a very hard time for Sue and her children. Despite the loss, she continued to stay strong for her family and carry on the work they had built together.
Sue Bownds Is a Proud Mother of Four
Sue Bownds is not just Rebel Wilson’s mom—she has four children in total. Besides Rebel, she has two more daughters, Liberty and Annachi, and one son named Ryot. All of her children have their own lives and interests, and they’re very close as a family.
Liberty enjoys nature and shares pictures of her outdoor adventures. Annachi works as a Buyer’s Agent in Sydney and shares happy moments from her work and family life on Instagram. Ryot, her only son, is also active on social media and is known for loving animals, just like his mom. Even though only Rebel is famous, Sue is proud of all her kids equally.
A Close Bond with Rebel Wilson
The bond between Sue Bownds and Rebel Wilson is very special. Rebel often speaks lovingly about her mom during interviews. She once told a fun story on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, calling her mom the “Mamarazzi” because she takes too many pictures—even at red carpet events!
One time, Sue showed up in the paparazzi area at one of Rebel’s movie premieres and took photos just like the professional photographers. Rebel laughed about it and said her mom’s pictures weren’t the best, but she still loved getting them. This story shows how close they are and how proud Sue is of her daughter’s success.
Her Private Life and Relationship Today
After losing her husband Jack, Sue Bownds found love again. She is now in a relationship with Peter Lock, a man who works in home sales. He is a Senior Sales Consultant at a company called Allcastle Homes in Sydney.
They both live in Australia and seem happy together. While they don’t share a lot online, their Facebook profiles show they’re in a relationship. Peter supports Sue quietly, just like she has supported her family all these years.
Sue Bownds on Social Media
Even though Sue Bownds is not a celebrity, she does use social media. She has both Facebook and Instagram, where she shares pictures of her family, her dog show activities, and fun life moments. She also posted lovely photos from a family trip to Tahiti in 2021, showing her walking along the beach in a floral dress.
In early 2022, Sue warned her followers about a fake Instagram account pretending to be her. She asked people to report it and said it was frustrating. This shows that even celebrity parents like Sue can deal with online problems.
Interesting Facts About Sue Bownds
Here are a few fun and surprising things you might not know about Sue Bownds:
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She has judged dog shows in many countries, including the UK, USA, China, and Germany.
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She has been a licensed dog judge for over 40 years.
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Sue is a fourth-generation dog lover—her family has been working with dogs for generations.
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Even though her daughter is a Hollywood star, Sue still lives a quiet and happy life in Australia.
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She once worked as a school teacher before retiring in 2021.
Sue Bownds’ Net Worth and Legacy
Sue Bownds may not be a movie star, but she has done very well in her own field. Her estimated net worth is around $3 million as of 2025. This comes from her long career as a dog judge, breeder, and also from her work in education.
More than money, her true success is in her strong family, her passion for animals, and the love and respect she has from those who know her. Sue Bownds has raised successful and kind children and continues to live a life filled with purpose and love.
Final Thoughts
While Rebel Wilson shines in the spotlight, Sue Bownds has always been the quiet support behind the scenes. She’s a mother, a dog expert, a teacher, and a woman who never stopped doing what she loves. Her story is one of kindness, strength, and passion—all the things that helped shape Rebel into who she is today.
From judging dog shows to taking photos at red carpet events, Sue Bownds has had quite the journey. And even though she’s not chasing fame, she has touched many lives through her work and her family. That’s what makes her story worth telling.