Most people know the Oz family name from daytime television, but Dr. Mehmet Oz’s youngest daughter has been quietly building her own path in Hollywood. Arabella Sezen Oz isn’t just another celebrity offspring riding on family fame—she’s carving out a distinct identity as an actress, filmmaker, and creative professional.
Who is Arabella Sezen Oz?
Arabella Sezen Oz is the youngest daughter of cardiothoracic surgeon and television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz and author Lisa Oz. Born in 1997 (some sources report 1998), she’s stepped away from the medical spotlight that defines her family to pursue acting and filmmaking. After studying film at Columbia University, she’s appeared in several independent films and has been building a career that blends creative storytelling with wellness advocacy.
Unlike her famous father’s public persona, Arabella maintains a more private approach to her professional life. She’s worked on both sides of the camera, taking on acting roles while also developing her skills as a filmmaker and storyteller.
Early Life and Family Background
Growing up as the youngest of four siblings, Arabella shared her childhood with sisters Daphne, Zoe, and brother Oliver. The Oz household was anything but ordinary—with a father who balanced heart surgery with television appearances and a mother who wrote books about family wellness.
“My daughter Arabella recently got engaged to her love, Nick,” Dr. Oz shared on social media, giving fans a rare glimpse into the family’s personal celebrations. This post highlighted how the family maintains close bonds despite their busy public lives.
The Oz children were encouraged to find their own passions rather than follow predetermined paths. While Daphne became a television host and cookbook author, and Zoe pursued fashion, Arabella gravitated toward film and storytelling from an early age.
Education & Path into Film
Arabella’s journey into filmmaking began during her studies at Columbia University, where she immersed herself in film studies. Her time at Columbia wasn’t just about academic learning—she actively participated in student film projects and began developing her voice as a storyteller.
During college, she worked on several short films, both in front of and behind the camera. This hands-on experience gave her a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process, from script development to post-production. Her professors noted her dedication to character-driven narratives and her ability to find emotional truth in complex stories.
After graduation, she didn’t wait for opportunities to come to her. Instead, she actively sought out independent projects that aligned with her creative vision, even if they meant smaller budgets and longer hours.
Acting Career & Notable Credits
Arabella’s filmography includes several notable independent films that showcase her range as an actress. Her role in “When the Starlight Ends” demonstrated her ability to handle dramatic material, while her work in “Our House” showed her versatility in ensemble pieces.
She also appeared in “Jigsaw,” part of the popular horror franchise, which gave her experience working on a larger production with established actors. These varied roles have helped her develop skills across different genres, from intimate character studies to mainstream entertainment.
Rather than pursuing blockbuster fame, Arabella has consistently chosen projects that challenge her as an artist. Her approach reflects a commitment to storytelling over celebrity, focusing on roles that allow her to explore complex human emotions and relationships.
Selected Roles
Her performance in “When the Starlight Ends” opposite Sam Heughan received positive reviews for its emotional depth. The indie film “Our House” showcased her ensemble work abilities. Her appearance in “Jigsaw” provided valuable experience in franchise filmmaking.
Creative Approach & What She Makes
Arabella gravitates toward character-driven stories that explore human relationships and personal growth. Her film training at Columbia influenced her preference for projects that prioritize narrative depth over commercial appeal.
She’s particularly drawn to independent cinema because it allows for more creative freedom and authentic storytelling. Her approach to selecting roles involves looking for characters who face real challenges and undergo meaningful development throughout the story.
Beyond acting, she’s also interested in the production side of filmmaking. Her education and early career experiences have given her insights into script development, casting decisions, and the collaborative process of bringing stories to life.
The Other Side — Wellness, Counseling, and Public Persona
Recent profiles have mentioned Arabella’s interest in mental health and counseling, suggesting she may be expanding her professional focus beyond entertainment. This interest aligns with her family’s broader commitment to wellness and helping others, though she’s approaching it from her own unique perspective.
Her social media presence reflects this multifaceted approach to her career. While she shares updates about her acting projects, she also posts content related to personal growth and mental wellness, indicating these interests genuinely matter to her beyond any professional obligations.
This combination of creative and wellness pursuits distinguishes her from other young actors who focus solely on entertainment careers. She seems genuinely interested in using her platform to address meaningful issues while continuing to develop her artistic skills.
Personal Life — Relationships & How Private She Is
Arabella recently got engaged to Nick Canellakis, as announced through her father’s social media posts. The engagement was celebrated privately within the family before being shared publicly, reflecting her preference for keeping personal milestones intimate.
Her Instagram account shows glimpses of her life, but she’s careful about what she shares. Unlike many celebrity offspring who document every aspect of their lives online, Arabella posts selectively, focusing on her work, travel, and special moments with family and friends.
This measured approach to social media suggests she’s learned from watching her family navigate public attention. She participates in the digital conversation without letting it overwhelm her personal life or professional decisions.
How She Distinguishes Herself from the Oz Family Name
While the Oz name opens doors, Arabella has worked to establish her own identity in the entertainment industry. Her choice to study film at Columbia, her selection of independent projects, and her interest in mental health counseling all demonstrate her commitment to building a career based on her own interests and talents.
She’s avoided the path of simply becoming another television personality, instead choosing the more challenging route of serious acting and filmmaking. Her projects reflect personal artistic choices rather than decisions made to capitalize on family fame.
Her approach to privacy also sets her apart. While her family members are comfortable with high levels of public exposure, Arabella maintains boundaries that allow her to develop her career without constant media scrutiny.
Why People Care — Influence, Craft, and Next Steps
Arabella represents a new generation of celebrity children who are determined to create their own paths rather than simply inherit fame. Her combination of artistic talent, educational background, and genuine interest in helping others makes her someone worth watching in both entertainment and wellness circles.
Her film choices suggest she’ll continue focusing on meaningful projects rather than chasing mainstream success. This approach may take longer to build recognition, but it’s likely to result in a more sustainable and fulfilling career.
For those interested in following her work, her Instagram provides updates on current projects, while her film appearances offer the best way to see her artistic growth. As she continues to develop as both an actress and a wellness advocate, Arabella Sezen Oz is proving that the most interesting stories often come from those who choose their own adventure.
