Who is James Badgley?
Delving into the family tree of notable individuals unveils a captivating narrative of heritage, talent, and influence. In the case of James Badgley, the first child of renowned parents Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke, the story unfolds as a dynamic tapestry of artistic prowess and multifaceted careers. The Badgley-Kirke family tree exemplifies a harmonious blend of artistic passion, versatility, and compassion. As the inheritor of this rich legacy, James is perhaps poised to make his mark on the world, drawing inspiration from the multifaceted careers and lives of his accomplished parents.
Join us on an in-depth exploration of James Badgley’s family tree, uncovering the fascinating lives and careers of his famous parents.
How Old is James Badgley? How Many Siblings Does He Have?
Born in August 2020, after his mother suffered two miscarriages, James is today three years old (as of January 2024). He has one half-brother, as his mother, Domino, has a 13-year-old son named Casius, born from her relationship with the musician Morgan O’Kane.
Penn Badgley: The Versatile Actor
At the helm of James’s family tree stands his father Penn, a versatile and accomplished actor. Born under the zodiac sign of Scorpio on 1 November 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland USA, Penn embarked on his acting journey at a young age. His breakout role came in the mid-2000s with the beloved teen drama series “Gossip Girl”, in which he portrayed the complex character of Dan Humphrey. Penn’s ability to infuse depth into his roles earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Beyond “Gossip Girl”, Penn Badgley’s career has been marked by a deliberate choice of diverse roles. He’s explored characters in movies such as “Easy A”, “Margin Call”, and “Greetings from Tim Buckley”, showcasing his range and commitment to his craft. Penn’s passion for storytelling extends beyond acting; he’s also expressed himself through music, being part of the band MOTHXR.
Penn’s transformative role in the psychological thriller series “You” has elevated him to new heights, showcasing his versatility as an actor. As Joe Goldberg, a complex and morally ambiguous character, Penn delivers a riveting performance that delves deep into the psyche of a modern anti-hero.
'gossip Girl' Alum Penn Badgley Is Married Now … : https://t.co/CFNAZCstIl .,,, pic.twitter.com/AUVFxtwaA3
— Jasmine James (@jasminejames342) March 1, 2017
From the first season in 2018 onwards, Penn masterfully navigates the complexities of a character who, on the surface, appears affable and charming but conceals a darker, obsessive nature beneath. As per critics, Joe’s inner monologues, which Penn delivers with a haunting sincerity, serve as a window into the mind of a protagonist whose actions defy traditional notions of heroism.
This role brought Penn numerous awards, including the ELLE Style Award for International Star, and a nomination for the Hollywood Critics Association Television Award for Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Drama.
When it comes to Penn’s personal life, before his marriage to James’ mother, Penn was in a relationship with the famous actress and his co-star from “Gossip Girl”, Blake Lively, from 2007 through 2010. From 2010 to 2013, he was in a relationship with Zoe Kravitz, also a famous actress and singer.
Domino Kirke: The Artistic Visionary
Singer Domino Suzy Kirke-Badgley, was born under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius on 17 December 1987, in London, England. named after the famous bounty hunter Domino Harvey, whom her mother admired, Domino grew up in Westminster. Early on, she showed a love for music, taking lessons from her dad and singing in choirs and plays from age nine. Her mom, Lorraine owns a boutique in SoHo, and her dad, Simon Kirke, is a drummer for Free and Bad Company. The Kirke family has a history linked to the Gibson-Craig baronets and Nottinghamshire landed gentry.
Domino’s sisters, Lola and Jemima, are actresses. Lola is known for her role in “Mozart in the Jungle”, and Jemima for her part in “Girls”.
The family moved to New York City when she was a teen, and she studied classical voice and piano at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. Finishing high school in 2005, Domino chose not to go to college.
Spotted by producer Andres Levin while performing at Joe’s Pub, a vibrant venue in New York, 17-year-old Domino inked a deal with Levin’s label. Shortly thereafter, she teamed up with musician and filmmaker Jordan Galland to create the band DOMINO. Collaborating with renowned producer Mark Ronson, known for his work with Adele, Lady Gaga, and Amy Winehouse, the band recorded an Extended Play (EP) and embarked on a three-year tour with English singer-songwriter Lily Allen and post-punk band Gang of Four.
Taking an hiatus from music after welcoming her first child in 2009, Domino found a new calling as a doula – an empathetic companion offering non-medical support during childbirth, abortion, miscarriage, or end-of-life experiences. In 2017, she made a musical comeback with her debut album, “Beyond Waves”.
Presently, Domino not only continues her work as a doula, but has also co-founded the doula business collective ‘Carriage House Birth’. In an interview with Glamour Magazine, she shared her insight, stating that the families she encountered through doula services had a strong desire for storytelling and communal spaces. This observation inspired her collaboration with co-author Joanna Griffiths, resulting in the publication of “Life After Birth: Portraits of Love and the Beauty of Parenthood” in September 2021.
James’ Parents’ Love Story
In 2014, Domino and Penn crossed paths, and three years of dating led them to a meaningful union on 27 February 2017, in a New York courthouse. Among the intimate gatherings were their closest family, including Domino’s sisters, Lola and Jemima. Following this private affair, a few months down the line, the couple hosted a grander wedding ceremony in Upstate New York, attended by notable figures like Heidi Klum and Zac Posen.
As mentioned, their journey to parenthood faced challenges, with the couple enduring two heartbreaking miscarriages. However, come February 2020, Domino and her husband joyfully announced the upcoming arrival of their first child together. Their son James came to world a few months later, and as the famous “You” actor said, completely changed their lives.
