Penn Badgley Gets Real About the Struggles of Fatherhood
Gossip Girl heartthrob Penn Badgley isn’t just running from the law as Joe Goldberg in Netflix’s You; he’s also navigating the wild world of parenthood. During a recent live taping of the New York Times’ podcast Modern Love, Badgley shared some unfiltered thoughts on the tough side of being a dad, proving that even TV’s most charming characters have their off days. The actor, who shares a four-year-old son, James, with wife Domino Kirke, spoke candidly about the moments that drive him to the edge of his patience. “Sometimes it can be tough and you can just be over it,” he confessed, echoing the sentiments of many parents worldwide who have been there, done that, and maybe even lost the t-shirt in the process.
Penn also reminisced about a recent episode where he felt himself getting snappy with little James. Instead of blowing up, he had a mini-epiphany. The mindfulness guru in him kicked in, prompting him to pause and practice a breathing exercise to regain composure. “I’m being impatient with you and you probably don’t like the way that I’m speaking to you, do you?” he asked James, turning a moment of frustration into a teachable one. That level of self-awareness? Bravo, Penn; many could take a page from your parenting playbook.
He also highlighted the difference in his parenting style for his two boys—his younger son and his 15-year-old stepson, Cassius, whose biological dad is musician Morgan O’Kane. Navigating the dynamics of a blended family, Badgley emphasized the importance of modeling vulnerability for his younger son, rather than just spilling his innermost thoughts. This approach reflects a growing trend among modern dads, who are prioritizing emotional openness instead of the traditional “man up” mentality.
While he still finds time to chat about his familial adventures, Badgley continues to be busy himself, thriving in Hollywood with a mix of serious and quirky roles, while keeping fans updated on his experiences as a dad. It seems that the lessons learned in parenting not only shape the little ones but also bring out the best in the grown-ups. Parenting may not come with a guidebook, but Badgley’s honesty shows that a little vulnerability goes a long way—and hey, there’s no shame in admitting that kids can sometimes drive you to distraction!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, New York Times Podcast Modern Love
