Neil Patrick Harris Shares His Family’s Unique Journey
Neil Patrick Harris, familiar to many as the star of hit TV shows such as How I Met Your Mother and the riveting film Gone Girl, is opening up about his family in a way that’s refreshingly honest and heartfelt. A celebrated actor, Harris has received numerous accolades, including a Tony Award and five Emmy Awards, not just for his performances, but also for his role in evolving perceptions around family and LGBTQ+ rights.
Together with his long-time partner, David Burtka, Harris has pioneered a path in family life that echoed beyond entertainment circles. Their journey to parenthood began over two decades ago when they became a couple in 2004.
The Joy of Family
Recognition beyond his acting came when Harris publicly disclosed his sexuality in 2006, helping shape new discourse around LGBTQ+ rights. On the chat favorite The Ellen DeGeneres Show, he shared insights into how coming out didn’t change his everyday normal, noting, “I’m not a very scandalous person, and I didn’t want a story written. I made my statement and moved on.”
The real magic happened in 2010 when the pair welcomed twins, Gideon and Harper. A memorable tweet from Harris captured the essence of any new parent’s state of blissful chaos: “All of us are happy, healthy, tired, and a little pukey.”
Parenting Insights
Now, with teenage twins, Harris and Burtka reflect on parenting with humor and gratitude. When asked about their approach with Gideon and Harper, the couple shares candidly about their teens being ‘good kids’ and the loving foundation that nurtures them. “People tell us they’re going to hate us at some point,” Harris jokes, yet as of now, “so far, so good!” Burtka adds, “You put the work in, and you get it back.”
An integral layer to their unique story lies in how their twins were born. The loving couple shared their parenthood through surrogacy, each contributing a sperm to fertilize two eggs. This means either or both twins could biologically belong to Harris or Burtka.
A Decision Rooted in Love
Despite the curiosity surrounding biological ties, Harris has never felt the need to find out who the twins’ biological father is. He expresses deeply, “I have no interest in knowing. We are their parents, and I love them implicitly.” The joy and devotion he lives by showcase a broader idea of family.
Community Voices
Fans and followers, naturally inquisitive, share their thoughts. Some have voiced their opinions via social media, speculating who the twins resemble more. One post on Facebook reads: “The boy is Neil’s double. The girl looks more like David.” Regardless, the consensus remains that parenting isn’t just about biology—love is the stronger bond here.
This straightforward, beautiful belief shines through as Harris concludes, “We inserted one of my sperm and one of David’s into two eggs hoping both would take. Miraculously, they did.” Their family story is a shining example of the power of love and commitment beyond conventional definitions.
Both Harris and Burtka embrace this identity fully as a family, demonstrating that love doesn’t look one way—it simply is. In their openness and their bond, there is an encouraging reminder that families come in many forms, each as valid and filled with love as any other.
