LOS ANGELES, CA — Actor Penn Badgley, best known for his role in Netflix’s You, and wife Domino Kirke, a musician and doula, have announced they are expecting twins. The couple, who tied the knot in 2017, shared the news with fans on social media, calling the pregnancy a “plot twist” in their family journey. Their son, born in August 2020, will soon become a big brother to two siblings.
“We’re overjoyed—and slightly terrified—to share that our family is growing by two more feet… and hands… and cheeks to kiss,” Badgley, 37, wrote in a lighthearted statement posted Wednesday. “Talk about a plot twist!” Kirke, 39, echoed his sentiment, adding, “We’ve always believed life’s greatest adventures come when you least expect them. Here’s to embracing the chaos with love.”
The announcement has sparked widespread excitement among fans of the couple, who have often spoken about prioritizing family amid their bustling careers. Badgley, currently filming the final season of You, and Kirke, a member of the indie band DOMINO and founder of the postpartum care service Carriage, have balanced parenthood with their professional lives since welcoming their son four years ago.
Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatrician and family health expert, weighed in on the unique dynamics of raising twins. “Twins bring double the joy but also unique challenges, from sleep schedules to logistical planning,” she said. “Parents often benefit from strong support networks and flexible routines.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), twin birth rates in the U.S. have risen significantly over the past decades, now accounting for approximately 3.2% of all births—a 75% increase since the 1980s, largely due to advancements in fertility treatments and later maternal ages.
Badgley and Kirke’s journey into parenthood has been a focal point of their public narrative. The couple, who began dating in 2014, have emphasized the importance of privacy while occasionally sharing glimpses of their life with their son. In a 2021 interview with People, Kirke reflected on motherhood: “It’s taught me to surrender control and find beauty in the messiness.”
As they prepare for their twins’ arrival, the pair are expected to take a brief hiatus from professional commitments. A source close to the family shared, “They’re focused on creating a calm environment for their growing family. Domino’s work as a doula has given her unique insights, and Penn is hands-on in every way.”
Fans and colleagues flooded social media with congratulatory messages, with You co-star Jenna Ortega commenting, “So much love for your beautiful family!” Meanwhile, industry experts note that Badgley and Kirke’s openness about parenthood resonates with many navigating similar life changes.
The twins’ due date has not been disclosed, but the couple confirmed they are entering their third trimester. As they await their new additions, Badgley and Kirke’s story continues to highlight the unpredictable, yet rewarding, journey of modern family life.