Penn Badgley Addresses Son’s Name Rumor: “Very Weird Thing to Say

The facts are in, and Penn Badgley is setting the record straight about a longstanding rumor regarding his family. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the actor candidly clarified that his 4-year-old son’s name is not James, a misconception that has persisted online and even among acquaintances. “This is a very weird thing to say, but our littlest, who is 4, … his name is not James,” Badgley asserted with a hint of exasperation, revealing that Wikipedia had inaccurately listed his son’s name for years—despite repeated removal attempts. As Badgley noted, “There are even people who are close to the family … who sent us a card, and it says to all of us and James,” highlighting the confusion that has surrounded his child’s identity.
Badgley, who shares his son with wife Domino Kirke, emphasized the desire to keep his child’s name private for as long as possible. The couple is also expecting twins this summer, which adds another layer to their already bustling household. Kirke announced their pregnancy on Instagram, declaring, “Babies #3 and #4 coming this Summer! Talk about a PLOT TWIST! Spontaneous twins are beyond magical.” This revelation has certainly electrified fans of the couple, who are already familiar with Badgley’s stepson from Kirke’s previous relationship.
In his discussion with Fallon, Badgley reflected on the surreal experience of preparing for twins, expressing a mix of excitement and disbelief. “It’s thrilling. Obviously, it’s a nice dose of reality,” he explained, sharing how sonograms of the twins reveal them seemingly interacting in the womb. “They’re in there like it’s a hot tub,” he quipped, showcasing his delight in the impending family expansion.
As for how their existing children are handling the news, Badgley noted that their 4-year-old is eager to embrace the role of big brother, while his 16-year-old stepson is supportive but also mindful of his approaching departure for college. This juxtaposition of youthful anticipation and looming independence adds a complex dynamic to their family narrative.
As fans eagerly await the arrival of the twins and the continued evolution of Badgley’s family life, one thing is certain: the actor’s candidness about the rumors surrounding his son has only intensified the public’s interest. With so much happening in his personal life, what other surprises does Penn Badgley have in store? Stay tuned for the latest updates as this heartwarming story unfolds.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed