Tommy Lee Jones’ Ex-Wife Kimberlea Cloughley: Her Story, Her Kids, Her Life Now

You’ve probably heard of Tommy Lee Jones — the tough guy from Men in Black, The Fugitive, and many more big Hollywood movies. But behind the scenes, there was someone who shared a big part of his life — Kimberlea Cloughley.

She isn’t a celebrity, but she’s lived an interesting life. She was married to Tommy Lee Jones for 15 years and is the mother of his two children, Austin and Victoria. Even though their marriage ended years ago, Kimberlea’s story is still worth knowing.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Kimberlea Cloughley’s life — where she came from, her love story with Tommy Lee Jones, her role as a mom, and what she’s been doing in recent years.

Kimberlea Cloughley Quick Bio

Early Life of Kimberlea Cloughley

Kimberlea Cloughley was born in 1958 in San Antonio, Texas. She comes from a well-known family. Her father, Phil Hardberger, was a respected judge and later became the Mayor of San Antonio. Her mother, Linda Hardberger, was a journalist and a survivor of a tragic plane crash in the 1960s.

Kimberlea grew up in a home that valued education, public service, and strong community values. She went to private schools and later studied photography — something she loved from a young age. Her childhood was filled with strong family ties and a focus on creativity and learning.

Even though her background was impressive, Kimberlea always stayed humble and private. She didn’t chase fame — she built her life quietly and with purpose.

Career as a Photographer

Kimberlea didn’t follow a Hollywood path. Instead, she became a photographer. She worked behind the scenes, capturing moments through a camera lens. Some sources even describe her as a photojournalist, which means she may have worked on real-life stories through photos.

Her work was more about creativity and passion, not publicity. She loved her craft and used it to express herself, far from the spotlight. In fact, it was her photography work that led her to cross paths with a rising actor named Tommy Lee Jones.

While many people know her only as an actor’s ex-wife, Kimberlea Cloughley’s career shows she had her own goals and talents. She built a quiet but meaningful life doing something she loved.

How Kimberlea Met Tommy Lee Jones

So, how did Kimberlea and Tommy meet? It all started on the set of a 1980 movie called Back Roads. Kimberlea was working as an extra and photographer during the production, while Tommy Lee Jones was already gaining fame as an actor.

Something clicked between them. They had very different lives — he was rising in Hollywood, and she was living a quieter, more artistic life — but they connected deeply. After dating for about a year, they decided to get married.

On May 30, 1981, Tommy Lee Jones and Kimberlea Cloughley tied the knot in a private ceremony. It wasn’t a flashy wedding — just simple and meaningful, just like the way Kimberlea lived her life.

Life as Tommy Lee Jones’ Wife

For the next 15 years, Kimberlea was not just the wife of a Hollywood star — she was a partner, a mother, and a steady presence behind the scenes. They didn’t live in the heart of Hollywood. Instead, they settled on a cattle ranch in Texas, away from the noise and cameras.

Tommy’s career was booming during these years. He starred in some of his biggest films, but Kimberlea stayed out of the spotlight. She focused on raising their children and enjoying the calm, country life.

They also had a home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they spent quiet time as a family. Even when attending red carpet events together, Kimberlea always appeared calm, elegant, and humble. She supported her husband’s career but never tried to steal the show.

Kimberlea Cloughley and Tommy Lee Jones’ Children

Kimberlea and Tommy shared something truly special — their two children, Austin and Victoria. These kids were their biggest joy, and Kimberlea played a huge role in raising them with love and care.

Even though their dad was a famous actor, Kimberlea made sure her children had a normal and grounded upbringing. She kept them away from too much fame and helped them grow up with strong values and creativity.

Both children ended up joining the entertainment world in their own ways — but with their own unique style. In the next sections, we’ll take a closer look at each of them.

Who Is Austin Leonard Jones?

Austin Leonard Jones was born on November 9, 1982. He grew up on the family ranch in Texas, where music and creativity were part of everyday life. While his dad was known for acting, Austin followed his heart into the world of music and film.

He’s a composer, musician, and actor. You might have heard his music in movies like Frontera and Metamorphosis: Junior Year. He also worked closely with his father on The Homesman, where he played the banjo and served as music supervisor.

Austin has released albums like Dead Calm (2022) and At the Polo Club (2023), and he tours across the U.S. with his band. In one of his Instagram posts, he shared how he and his musical crew have been playing together “for well over a decade.”

He’s clearly someone who values art, friendship, and staying true to his roots — just like his mom.

Who Is Victoria Kafka Jones?

Victoria Kafka Jones was born in September 1991, almost 10 years after her older brother, Austin. Like her mom, she was raised mostly away from Hollywood’s noise. But she still found her way into acting at a young age — following in her father’s footsteps.

Victoria appeared in a few well-known projects. She acted in Men in Black II in 2002, alongside her dad, and later had a small role in One Tree Hill. In 2005, she played a part in The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, a movie directed by her father. Her stepmother, Dawn Laurel, worked as the stills photographer for that film too — making it a family affair.

Though she showed talent, Victoria stepped away from acting not long after. She now lives a quiet life but sometimes appears at red carpet events with her dad. Kimberlea Cloughley, as her mother, helped Victoria stay grounded, even with all the fame around her.

Why Kimberlea and Tommy Lee Jones Split

After 15 years of marriage, Kimberlea Cloughley and Tommy Lee Jones divorced in 1996. The reason? Some sources say it was due to “personality conflicts.” Others believe their lives were simply growing in different directions.

Tommy’s acting career was moving fast. He was traveling, filming, and living under constant public attention. Kimberlea, on the other hand, preferred a peaceful life — close to her kids and away from the spotlight.

There were also rumors that Tommy had met Dawn Laurel, his future wife, during the filming of The Good Old Boys in 1995. Whether or not that was the final reason, the divorce was done quietly. Kimberlea chose not to speak publicly, showing strength and grace.

Life After Divorce for Kimberlea Cloughley

After the divorce, Kimberlea Cloughley focused on her own path. She stayed close to her children and continued working as a photographer. Instead of chasing headlines, she chose peace, family, and privacy.

She is said to have remarried later to a man named James Taylor, though this part of her life has stayed very private. What’s clear is that she didn’t let the divorce define her. She kept moving forward — quietly but confidently.

While Tommy Lee Jones continued building his career and remarried in 2001, Kimberlea stepped out of the Hollywood circle. She kept doing what she loved and remained a strong, caring mother to Austin and Victoria.

Kimberlea Cloughley’s Relationship with Her Kids Today

Even as adults, Kimberlea remains close to her children. She’s always been a big support in their creative lives — whether it’s Austin touring with his band or Victoria joining her dad at film events.

Her parenting style helped shape who they are today. Both kids grew up in a calm, creative home. They weren’t just “celebrity kids.” They were taught to be humble, kind, and true to themselves.

Kimberlea Cloughley may not be famous like her ex-husband, but her role as a mother made a lasting difference. Her bond with her kids shows the quiet strength of a woman who put love and care above everything else.

Where Is Kimberlea Cloughley Now?

So, where is Kimberlea Cloughley now in 2025? She is believed to still live in Texas, where she enjoys a quiet life away from the media. She may still be doing photography, but she keeps it very private.

At 67 years old, she’s living the life she always wanted — peaceful, simple, and surrounded by the people she loves. She is rarely seen in public, but those who know her say she’s kind, smart, and strong.

Her story is proof that you don’t need fame to live a meaningful life. Kimberlea chose a different path — one full of love, family, and quiet happiness.

Final Thoughts

Kimberlea Cloughley’s story is both simple and inspiring. She was married to a famous actor, raised two talented children, and lived through fame — yet never lost her calm or kindness.

Instead of chasing the spotlight, she focused on what mattered most: family, creativity, and peace. Her life is a great example of quiet strength — the kind that doesn’t shout, but speaks through actions.

While many may know her as Tommy Lee Jones’ ex-wife, she’s much more than that. She’s a mother, an artist, and a woman who made strong choices for herself and her children.

In the end, her journey reminds us that real success isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s just living a good life in your own way — and that’s exactly what Kimberlea Cloughley has done.