Penn Badgley, the actor who stole hearts as Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl and terrified audiences as Joe Goldberg in You, has a real-life love story that’s far sweeter than any of his on-screen roles. His wife, Domino Kirke, isn’t just a partner but a force of nature in her own right, and together they’ve built a beautiful, blended family that’s about to get even bigger.
Let’s dive into the details of their relationship, their children, and the exciting new chapter they’re entering.
Inside Penn Badgley’s Blended Family: Wife Domino Kirke, Sons James & Cassius, and Twin Boys Coming Soon
Penn and Domino’s love story began in 2014 in the most unexpected place: a meatball shop in New York City. At the time, Penn was couch-surfing, and Domino, ever the bold spirit, offered him a room in her apartment. She later admitted she had ulterior motives, joking that she thought a winter fling with her new roommate might be fun. Little did she know, this casual meeting would turn into a lifelong partnership. Domino hadn’t even seen Gossip Girl, so she had no idea about Penn’s fame, which made their connection feel even more genuine. Their relationship grew quietly but steadily, bonding over shared interests in music, spirituality, and their mutual disdain for the spotlight’s glare.
By 2017, Penn and Domino decided to make things official, but they didn’t just have one wedding—they had two. The first was a low-key courthouse ceremony in Brooklyn on February 27, where Domino wore a short white lace dress and Penn opted for a sharp navy suit. They celebrated with 40 close friends and family at Maison-May, a cozy French-American restaurant.
Four months later, on June 24, they threw a star-studded bash at Domino’s mother’s home in Waccabuc, New York. This time, Domino swapped her lace dress for a beige gown with delicate lace overlay, showing off her tattooed arms. The guest list included A-listers like Heidi Klum, Mariska Hargitay, and Debra Messing, proving that while they valued privacy, they also knew how to party.
Family has always been at the center of their lives. When they married, Penn became a stepdad to Domino’s son, Cassius, now 16, whom she shares with musician Morgan O’Kane. Penn has embraced the role with grace, even though Cassius’s father is very much present in his life. The two bonded over movie nights, like when they watched Edge of Tomorrow together, a moment Penn cherishes. In August 2020, Penn and Domino welcomed their first child together, James, after enduring two heartbreaking miscarriages. Domino, a doula and Reiki practitioner, has been open about their fertility struggles, sharing how her work in birth support helped her navigate the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy after loss.
Now, their family is expanding in a way they never expected. In February 2025, Domino announced on Instagram that they’re expecting twins, calling it a “plot twist.” The news came as a shock—they’d been content with their two boys and were close to calling their family complete. But life had other plans. The twins, due in summer 2025, are identical boys, meaning Penn will soon be outnumbered by four sons.
During an appearance on Call Her Daddy, Penn admitted he was touched seeing the twins together in sonograms, joking that they looked like they were “hanging out in a hot tub.” As an only child, he finds the idea of siblings magical, even if he’s fully aware of the chaos ahead.
Penn Badgley——who shares son James and is expecting twins with wife Domino Kirke—reflects on dating Ex Blake Lively on-and-off amid Gossip Girl’s early seasons. pic.twitter.com/q4nVFiCKx3
— E! Online Asia (@eonlineasia) April 24, 2025
Domino’s family is as fascinating as their love story. She’s the daughter of Simon Kirke, the legendary drummer of Bad Company, and Lorraine Kirke, an interior designer who ran the iconic vintage store Geminola, which supplied costumes for S*x and the City. Domino’s sisters are equally accomplished: Jemima Kirke became a household name playing Jessa in Girls, while Lola Kirke starred in Mistress America and Mozart in the Jungle.
Despite the artistic genes, Domino initially shied away from the spotlight, focusing on her work as a doula and releasing music under the radar. Her 2017 album, Beyond Waves, showcased her haunting vocals, and she even directed a music video for her song “Half Blood,” featuring Penn and his half-sister Jen in heartfelt interviews about sibling bonds.
Penn’s journey to fatherhood and marriage hasn’t been without its challenges. He’s spoken candidly about his past relationships, including his high-profile romance with Blake Lively, his Gossip Girl co-star. They dated from 2007 to 2010, but the blur between their on-screen and off-screen lives ultimately strained the relationship. Later, he dated Zoë Kravitz for nearly three years, calling it “earth-shattering love,” but their busy schedules drove them apart. With Domino, he’s found a partnership built on mutual respect and shared values, like their Bahá’í faith, which Penn credits for helping him understand the deeper meaning of love.
As Penn Badgley gears up for the kids’ arrival, he’s also saying goodbye to You, which wrapped its final season in April 2025. His wife Domino, glowing in a red dress, joined him at the New York premiere, her baby bump on full display. It’s a fitting full-circle moment for the couple, who’ve navigated fame, family, and fertility with honesty and humor.
