In the glamorous world of entertainment, few stories resonate with quiet strength quite like that of Eliza Shaffy.
Best known as the former wife of Randy Jackson from the legendary Jackson family, Eliza’s life reflects a powerful narrative of resilience, dignity, and unwavering devotion to family.
While connected to one of music’s most iconic dynasties, she chose privacy over publicity, a decision that speaks volumes about her character.
Who Is Eliza Shaffy?
Eliza Shaffy (also known as Eliz Shaffe) is an Iranian-American woman who gained public recognition through her marriage to Randy Jackson, the youngest brother of Michael Jackson and a member of The Jacksons musical group.
Unlike many who marry into celebrity families, Eliza deliberately maintained a private lifestyle, keeping her personal history largely away from public scrutiny.
Eliza Shaffy Bio Profile
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Eliza Shaffy (Eliz Shaffe) |
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1951 |
| Birthplace | Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
| Ethnicity | Iranian-American |
| Education | Psychology degree from UC Berkeley |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of Randy Jackson (The Jacksons) |
| Children | Stevanna Jackson (Billie Bodega) |
| Marriage Duration | August 1989 – 1992 |
| Current Status | Living privately in the United States |
| Net Worth | Unknown (maintains private life) |
Randy Jackson: The Man Behind the Music
Although not the focus of this article, understanding Eliza’s former husband provides important context. Randy Jackson, the youngest performing brother of the Jackson family, was born on October 29, 1961, and joined The Jacksons in 1975 when Jermaine Jackson decided to leave the group.
He became the youngest member of the band and co-wrote some of their biggest hits, including “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” when he was only 16 years old.
Randy Jackson’s Profile
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Steven Randall Jackson |
| Born | October 29, 1961 |
| Profession | Singer, Musician, Dancer, Songwriter |
| Famous For | Member of The Jacksons |
| Instruments | Conga, Piano, Bass, Guitar, Percussion |
| Net Worth | Approximately $100,000 (2019 estimate) |
| Siblings | Michael, Janet, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie, Marlon, Rebbie, La Toya |
The Marriage: A Promising Start
Eliza Shaffy and Randy Jackson married in August 1989, immediately connecting her to one of the most renowned entertainment families in America. It was a marriage full of hope and new beginnings, but this would soon be shaken by difficult circumstances.
The marriage resulted in their daughter, Stevanna Jackson, who was born on June 17, 1990, in Los Angeles. Stevanna would become the beacon of light and focus of Eliza’s life in the stormy days to come.
The Dark Reality: Domestic Violence and Court Proceedings
Behind the glitz of the Jackson name lay a disturbing reality. Infidelity and domestic violence soon plagued the marriage. Randy had been dating Alejandra Paziaza since 1986 and continued the affair despite marrying Eliza. In 1989, the same year he married Eliza, Alejandra gave birth to Randy’s daughter, Genevieve.
Randy was arrested and charged with battery in January 1991, seven months after the birth of Stevanna. He was accused of assaulting Eliza and their infant daughter. He pleaded no contest and was given a two-year probation term with mandatory domestic violence counseling. However, Randy did not comply with the program requirements.
When the violence persisted, Eliza showed tremendous courage by calling the police again in November 1991. This time, Randy was ordered to spend 30 days in a mental health facility (Pine Grove Hospital in Canoga Park) and complete a year of rehabilitation. Disappointed that no jail time was given, Eliza Shaffy filed for divorce. Their marriage was dissolved by 1992.
Life After Divorce: Choosing Dignity Over Drama
Following the divorce, Eliza Shaffy made a calculated decision that would define the rest of her life—she chose to leave the spotlight entirely. While most celebrity ex-spouses exploit their connections through tell-all books or television appearances, Eliza preferred anonymity and seclusion.
This was not weakness but strength. She was completely focused on protecting and raising her daughter without the intrusive attention that came with being a Jackson. Her dignified approach to handling such traumatic events reflects enormous emotional intelligence, likely influenced by the psychology degree she earned at UC Berkeley.
Stevanna Jackson: A Mother’s Greatest Success
Eliza Shaffy’s daughter, Stevanna Jackson, is a multi-talented artist who performs under the stage name Billie Bodega. Born into fame yet raised with strong values, Stevanna credits her balanced life and career choices to her mother.
Stevanna’s Accomplishments
Stevanna began her entertainment career at age five, landing roles on major networks including Disney, Nickelodeon, NBC, and The WB/CW. She also modeled for prestigious brands like Nike, Yamaha, Guess, and Nordstrom. However, education remained equally important.
Stevanna attended Harvard at age 18, where she graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies with a minor in African-American Studies and certification in Portuguese language. After returning to Los Angeles, she began writing screenplays and creating original music under the name Billie Bodega.
Her notable works include:
- Performing in American Horror Stories (2022), The Wrong Child (2016), and Zoey 101
- Music releases such as “Ocean Blues,” “Like Woah,” “Numb,” and her EP Koo Da Taa
- More than one million cumulative streams across platforms
Stevanna has intentionally kept herself somewhat separate from the Jackson name professionally, establishing her career on her own merit—a testament to Eliza Shaffy’s parenting philosophy.
Read also: Giani Quintanilla: The Private Life of A.B. Quintanilla’s Son
The Complex Jackson Family Drama
Eliza Shaffy’s story intersects with larger Jackson family dynamics. Randy went on to have another son, Randy Jr., in 1991 with Alejandra Oaziaza while still married to Eliza.
After divorcing Eliza in 1992, Randy continued his relationship with Alejandra. But in a surprising turn, Alejandra married Randy’s older brother, Jermaine Jackson, in 1995. They had two sons together (Jaafar and Jermajesty Jackson) before divorcing in 2004.
This situation created significant family tension, with Randy openly expressing anger toward his brother and ex-partner. He also struggled with child support payments for his children with Alejandra, resulting in ongoing court battles.
Where Is Eliza Shaffy Now?
As of 2025, Eliza Shaffy remains a private citizen in the United States. At 73 years old, she has successfully maintained her anonymity for over 30 years since her divorce. While there are unverified social media accounts under her name, none have been confirmed as authentic.
She remains dedicated to her privacy—no interviews, no social media presence, no attempts to capitalize on her connection to the Jackson family. This is an unusual approach in modern celebrity culture that demonstrates her steadfast values and priorities.
Lessons from Eliza Shaffy’s Journey
Eliza Shaffy’s story offers several valuable lessons:
Strength comes in many forms. Courage isn’t necessarily loud or visible. Sometimes the bravest thing to do is leave toxicity and rebuild life on your own terms.
Protecting family is the top priority. Although Eliza had every opportunity to profit from her celebrity connections, she prioritized her daughter’s wellbeing and normal life above all else.
Dignity is timeless. Eliza’s quiet grace stands in stark contrast to an age of constant oversharing and public feuds.
You don’t need fame to matter. While the Jackson family remained in the headlines, Eliza Shaffy quietly built a meaningful life based on contentment, not celebrity.
The Iranian-American Perspective
Eliza Shaffy’s Iranian heritage adds another dimension to her narrative. As an Iranian-American woman navigating one of the most recognizable African-American families in American history during the late 1980s and early 1990s, she represented a unique cultural intersection.
Her education in psychology at UC Berkeley demonstrates intellectual depth and emotional intelligence that served her well during challenging times.
Eliza Shaffy’s Lasting Legacy
Although Eliza Shaffy will never appear on red carpets or trending social media lists, her legacy lives on through her daughter and the example she set.
She proved that one doesn’t require public validation to live a meaningful life. Her story reminds us that sometimes the most powerful narratives are the ones never filmed or publicized.
Eliza Shaffy rejected a culture that frequently confuses noise with strength and publicity with success. She left an unhealthy marriage, protected her child, and created a peaceful life aligned with her values. That quiet strength is worth recognizing and admiring.
Read also: Morgan Anastasia Gaddis: Story Behind Country Music’s Private Legacy
Eliza Shaffy Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eliza Shaffy?
Eliza Shaffy is the former wife of Randy Jackson of The Jacksons musical group and mother of actress/singer Stevanna Jackson (Billie Bodega). She is known for living a private life since divorcing Randy in 1992.
What is Eliza Shaffy’s ethnicity?
Eliza Shaffy is Iranian-American. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but has Iranian heritage, which adds a unique cultural dimension to her connection with the Jackson family.
When did Eliza Shaffy and Randy Jackson get married?
Eliza Shaffy married Randy Jackson in August 1989. The couple was together for about three years before divorcing in 1992 following incidents of domestic violence.
How many children does Eliza Shaffy have?
Eliza Shaffy has one daughter, Stevanna Jackson (born June 17, 1990), who is now a successful actress and musician performing under the name Billie Bodega.
Why did Eliza Shaffy divorce Randy Jackson?
Eliza Shaffy divorced Randy Jackson due to domestic violence and infidelity. In 1991, Randy was convicted of battery for assaulting Eliza and their infant daughter, leading her to end the marriage.
What is Eliza Shaffy doing now?
Eliza Shaffy lives as a private citizen in the United States, maintaining anonymity for over 30 years. She has no verified social media presence and rarely appears in the press.
What is Eliza Shaffy’s net worth?
Eliza Shaffy’s net worth is unknown. She has never publicly discussed finances and has not monetized her connection to the Jackson family, choosing instead to lead a private life.
