Chrisann Brennan
Chrisann Brennan is an American memoirist and painter notable for her relationship with Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc.. Born on September 29, 1954, in Dayton, Ohio, she was one of four daughters in her family. Her parents were James Richard Brennan and Virginia Lavern Rickey, and she was named after the flower chrysanthemum.
Early Life and Education
Brennan's early life was spent in Ohio before her family relocated. As a high school student in Cupertino, California, Brennan met Steve Jobs. The two became romantically involved during their high school years at Homestead High School in the 1970s, a time when Jobs was beginning to develop his interest in technology.
Relationship with Steve Jobs
During their time together, Brennan and Jobs experienced a complex relationship. They lived together for a period in a house in Cupertino, and both attended classes at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, although Jobs eventually dropped out to pursue his career in technology. Brennan worked various jobs to support them during their time together.
Their relationship was further complicated when Brennan became pregnant with their daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, born in 1978. Initially, Jobs denied paternity, which led to a well-documented legal dispute. Over time, however, Jobs acknowledged their daughter, and Lisa would later form a relationship with him.
Artistic Career
Chrisann Brennan is also recognized for her work as a painter. Her artistic endeavors have spanned several decades, during which she has developed a style that reflects her personal experiences and views on life. Her work often delves into autobiographical themes, capturing the emotional complexities of her life and relationships.
Memoir: The Bite in the Apple
In 2013, Brennan published "The Bite in the Apple," a memoir detailing her life with Steve Jobs. The book provides an intimate look into their relationship, offering insights into Jobs's personality and the early days of Apple Inc. Brennan's narrative is both personal and revealing, shedding light on her experiences as a young woman involved with a figure who would become an icon of the tech industry.
In Popular Culture
Brennan's life and relationship with Steve Jobs have been depicted in various forms of media. In the 2015 film "Steve Jobs," she was portrayed by Katherine Waterston. The film highlights some of the key moments in their relationship, including the challenges they faced as a couple and as parents.