Name: Ava Elizabeth Sambora
Introduction: Ava Sambora is an American actress and model who is also known as the daughter of actress Heather Locklear and musician Richie Sambora. She has pursued her own career in entertainment and recently completed advanced studies in therapy.
Date of Birth: October 4, 1997
Height: 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in)
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Family:
- Parents:
- Heather Locklear (mother): Famous American actress, known for roles in Melrose Place and Dynasty.
- Richie Sambora (father): American rock musician, guitarist, and songwriter, best known as the former lead guitarist of the band Bon Jovi.
- Spouse: Ava Sambora announced her engagement to longtime boyfriend Tyler Farrar in February 2024, with their wedding reportedly planned for next summer (summer 2026).
- Children: None currently.
Profession: Actress, model, (currently pursuing) marriage and family therapist.
Nationality: American
Religion: Her mother, Heather Locklear, has shared that Ava knows “it’s in her mom’s hands and God’s hands” regarding personal struggles, suggesting a spiritual or faith-based perspective.
College or University Attended:
- Viewpoint High School (graduated 2015)
- Loyola Marymount University (graduated 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in women’s and gender studies)
- University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education (graduated May 2023 with a Master’s degree in marriage and family therapy)
- Pepperdine University (reportedly starting doctorate work in fall 2025)
Biography and What Famous For:
Ava Sambora was born into a celebrity family, being the only child of actress Heather Locklear and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora. Despite her parents’ high-profile divorce when she was young, she has maintained close relationships with both of them, who have publicly supported her personal and professional endeavors.
She began her career in the fashion world, making her runway debut in March 2010 at L.A. Fashion Week for her father’s clothing line, White Trash Beautiful. She has also modeled for brands such as Baes and Bikinis and 138 Water.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Ava ventured into acting. She made her film debut in Judd Apatow’s This Is 40 (2012), appearing in a small role. She then made a guest appearance on Disney Channel’s Good Luck Charlie (2013). She has also appeared in thriller films like Mommy Be Mine (2018) and A Dark Foe (2020).
While she has pursued a career in entertainment, Ava Sambora has also prioritized her education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University and her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from USC. As of mid-2025, she is reportedly preparing to pursue a doctorate at Pepperdine University.
Ava Sambora is famous for being the daughter of Hollywood and music icons Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora, as well as for her modeling work, her acting roles in films like This Is 40, and her recent academic achievements in the field of therapy. Her close relationship with her parents and her journey in building her own career have also garnered public interest.
Have participated:
- Films:
- This Is 40 (2012)
- Mommy Be Mine (2018)
- A Dark Foe (2020)
- Television:
- Good Luck Charlie (2013) – Guest appearance
- Modeling:
- Walked the runway for White Trash Beautiful (Richie Sambora’s clothing line).
- Campaigns for Baes and Bikinis, 138 Water.
- Education:
- Loyola Marymount University (Bachelor’s in Psychology)
- University of Southern California (Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy)
- Pursuing doctorate at Pepperdine University (expected to begin Fall 2025).
