Penn Badgley Shares He and Wife Domino Kirke Nearly Broke Up

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Penn Badgley is an open book about the challenges of marriage.

The Gossip Girl actor recently shared that he and his wife, Domino Kirke – who married in 2017 – almost separated after their second miscarriage, before the birth of their first child in August 2020.

Sean Penn described a difficult period in his marriage as a major turning point in his life and his wife’s. He shared on the Totally Booked with Zibby podcast that they almost separated, but ultimately chose not to succumb to those feelings and let the relationship fall apart.

The 39-year-old, who also had twins with Domino earlier this year, shared that they now have three biological children.

In his recently published book of essays, Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age, Penn detailed how the emotional pain of their miscarriage strained his and Domino’s relationship.

The actor from Easy A shared in his book, as read by Zibby Owens on her podcast, that this was their second loss and he feared they wouldn’t be able to overcome it. He explained that he and his wife came close to separating, like many couples do after such painful experiences, because they felt incredibly alone. He noted that society doesn’t often discuss these kinds of losses or offer proper support to those who are grieving.

After listening to it again, Penn – who is also the stepfather of Domino’s 16-year-old son, Cassius – said that time has significantly helped his family heal.

It was after our second miscarriage that I really started to lose hope, and things got incredibly difficult with my wife. We were drifting apart, and it felt like so many couples do after experiencing something so painful. The hardest part was feeling completely alone. It’s like our culture just doesn’t know how to talk about miscarriages, or how to support people who are going through that kind of grief. I shared this with Zibby Owens, and it was important for me to finally put those feelings into words.

After listening to the story again, Penn—who is also the stepfather of Domino’s 16-year-old son, Cassius—shared that time has significantly helped his family heal.

He jokingly mentioned writing the piece before his twins arrived, and now, while he loves his kids, he feels overwhelmed by them. Because of that, it’s been difficult to connect with any sense of sadness or loss, as his life feels very full right now.

Domino also feels incredibly full of joy, recently describing the birth of her twins as a deeply humbling experience.

“It’s just a lot to handle,” she shared with TopMob News in May. “The thought of having twins feels like letting go and accepting whatever happens. That’s how I view pregnancy and giving birth – just along for the journey.”

In addition to Penn and Domino, read on for more stars who have grown their families this year. 

Singer Tori and her husband welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Zayden Michael Murillo, on November 11th after seven years of marriage. She announced the happy news on November 17th, sharing a sweet message for her son: “We love you so much, sweet boy.”

 

Jon Bon Jovi’s oldest son and his wife, Jesse, announced that they welcomed their first baby, a daughter named Blair Lucy Bongiovi, on Nov. 10. “Our sweet girl has arrived, and we couldn’t be happier,” the couple wrote on an Instagram post announcing their newest addition. “Welcome to the world, baby Blair bear.”

 

The Grammy-winning rapper and their football star partner welcomed their first child on November 13th.

Cardi recently shared on Instagram that while starting fresh is challenging, she feels it’s been incredibly rewarding. After welcoming her newest child (and as a mom to Kulture, Wave, and Blossom with Offset), she’s also releasing new music and an album. She expressed that this new baby gives her even more motivation to become the best version of herself and to prioritize self-love, so she can continue providing for her children.

Chris Evans, known for his role as Captain America, and Alba Baptista, who starred in Borderline, recently had a baby in late October, according to several reports. While they generally keep their private life to themselves, Chris has spoken about his relationship with Alba before the baby’s arrival.

 “We’re laying low,” he told TopMob News in June.  “We’re enjoying our time, just relaxing.”

Kelsey Grammer and his wife, Kayte, welcomed their fourth child together – and Kelsey’s eighth overall – a son named Christopher, in October. Speaking on the October 27th episode of the Pod Meets World podcast with hosts Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, and Rider Strong, Kelsey joked that it felt like the birth had just happened, saying, “Christopher’s just joined the family.”

 

Actress Sue Storm, known for her role in The Fantastic Four, and her partner recently welcomed their first child on October 20th. Sharing photos of the newborn on Instagram, the athlete explained that parenthood is both grounding and energizing. They also expressed gratitude for the health of their family and the joy of having their baby in their lives.

The TikTok creator announced the birth of her fourth child on October 11th. Continuing their tradition of unique baby names—they also have children named Rumble Honey, Slim Easy, and Whimsy Lou—the couple welcomed a daughter named Fawnie Golden Smith.

Clint Eastwood’s daughter recently had her second child on October 10th. She shared the news on Instagram with a photo of her older son, Titan Wraith, lovingly interacting with the new baby.

Lauren and Cameron Hamilton, who starred on the first season of Love Is Blind, recently welcomed their son, Ezra William Hamilton, on October 1st. Lauren announced the news on Instagram, sharing that Ezra arrived a bit ahead of schedule but at exactly the right moment, according to her faith.

 

Former NFL player Cam Newton announced on The Tamron Hall Show in October that he and his girlfriend welcomed a son in March 2024. They already have a daughter together, bringing Newton’s total number of children to nine.

I’m so thrilled to share some wonderful news! One of the stars from Duck Dynasty just became a mom! She and her boyfriend welcomed their first baby girl on October 6th, and he was absolutely beaming in an Instagram post, saying how lucky he feels to care for his little one with the woman he loves. It’s such a sweet moment, and I’m sending all my best to the new family!

I was so thrilled to hear that the Bates family welcomed their third baby – a sweet little girl! Carlin shared the news on Instagram, and her words really hit home – she said, ‘The world just got a little softer,’ and I couldn’t agree more. It’s such a joyful time for them!

The pair debuted their first baby during a walk in London in September.

The supermodel and her husband welcomed their third baby, a baby girl, on Sept. 18.

Joshua announced the birth of his baby on social media on September 20th, sharing a cute picture of the newborn wrapped in a striped blanket and wearing a pink hat.

He announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram, sharing her name: Rae Florence, born on September 18, 2025.

Erin Paine, known from Bringing Up Bates, and her husband Chad welcomed their seventh child, a son named Henry, on August 25th. Unfortunately, Erin experienced complications after giving birth and was admitted to the ICU.

I was so worried when Chad shared the news on Instagram! He said Erin’s labor was much harder this time around, and she ended up with a really bad urinary tract and kidney infection. It got so serious that she went into septic shock, which was incredibly scary for everyone. I’m just so glad they’re both okay and sharing their story.

Priscilla Presley, the ex-wife of Elvis Presley, has shared that her granddaughter and her husband recently had another baby in private.

Priscilla shared with People magazine that seeing her family thrive is what brings her the most joy, saying she’s happiest when everyone is doing well.

The actor from Stranger Things, who is also the son of Jon Bon Jovi, announced the arrival of their first child, a year after their wedding.

The couple announced on Instagram on August 21st that they welcomed a baby girl into their family through adoption. They shared their excitement about starting this new chapter of parenthood and asked for privacy as they adjust to life as a family.

They concluded, “And then there were 3.”

On August 6th, the actress known for her role in Outlander shared the news that she and her husband, a producer, welcomed their first child – a baby daughter.

The singer of “Sure Thing” revealed he and his partner had a baby in 2024, sharing the news in a post celebrating the child’s first birthday.

Miguel celebrated his baby’s first birthday on September 9th, sharing a sweet video on Instagram. He playfully blurred the baby’s face and wrote, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGELITO!!!”

“We love you so much,” he went on. “We’re incredibly proud and honored that you chose us as your parents. Your dad wrote a song for you—we hope it always reminds you how much you’re loved.”

In August, actress Katie Holmes revealed she and her husband, Thomas Kail, now have three children under the age of five. She also has a teenage daughter, Matilda, from her previous relationship with Heath Ledger.

Michelle playfully explained that she welcomed her newest baby with the help of a surrogate, saying, “This baby didn’t come through me!” She then lovingly credited Christine with making their “little girl” a reality.

 

The DJ and radio host recently had a baby boy! Micah was born on July 20th.

Calvin shared on Instagram August 4th how much he admires his wife, Micah, calling her incredibly wise and expressing deep gratitude and love for her.

The influencer and the rapper welcomed their first baby together, a girl named Eloísa, on July 26. 

The YouTuber announced that she and her husband welcomed their third and “final” baby on July 12.

She also dramatically revealed the incredibly unique name of their son—Aquaman Moses Paytas-Hacmon—by showing off a sparkly T-shirt featuring the DC superhero.

NCIS actor Brian Dietzen and his fiancée recently had a baby boy, giving Nakano Oceana a little brother.

“Wolf Monte Valderrama,” the pair wrote on Instagram July 20. “7/11/2025.”

In July, star of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives welcomed her third child, a daughter named Penelope, while at a nail appointment.

Jen announced the arrival of her daughter, Penelope, on Instagram on July 2nd, calling her ‘perfect.’ Jen and her husband, Zac Affleck, are also parents to Nora and Lucas.

Retired NFL player Jay Cutler and his wife, Olivia Culpo, announced the birth of their daughter on July 6th. They shared the happy news on Instagram, expressing their gratitude for their new baby girl.

Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, who shares sons Aaron “Deuce” and Asani with Aaron, announced on July 2nd that she and her ex-husband, a former NFL player, welcomed their third son.

 

Oh my gosh, you guys, I’m SO excited! Madison and her husband just had a baby girl! They named her Teddi, which is the sweetest thing ever – it’s after Madison’s dad, Ted LeCroy! I literally cried when I found out in June. She’s absolutely perfect, and I can’t wait to see all the adorable pictures!

Madison, who already has a son named Hudson with her ex-partner John Hughes, recently shared happy news: she’s expecting a baby! She announced her pregnancy with a cheerful photo on Instagram on February 6th.

Madison shared with TopMob News in February that her biggest wish was simply a healthy baby, regardless of gender. She jokingly said she suspects her husband, Brett, will want to experience having both a son and a daughter, but he’s happy with either. Since she already has a son, she expressed her desire to also have a daughter.

 

The former American Idol contestant became a father in June when he and his wife had a baby girl named Brenley Lichelle Harper.

The stars of Below Deck Mediterranean recently welcomed their first child, a baby boy! They shared the happy news on Instagram on June 24th with a sweet message: “Welcome to the world, my love.”

The couple announced they are expecting a baby in April. Gael shared the news with a heartfelt message, calling their son “Our little boy” and saying their hearts have grown even bigger. They expressed excitement about sharing their life and adventures with him, calling it the start of their greatest journey yet.

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2025-11-18 05:53