Penn Badgley Opens Up on Relationship with Stepson Cassius

Penn Badgley recently shared insights into his relationship with his 16-year-old stepson, Cassius, during an interview on the podcast “Not Skinny But Not Fat.” The actor, who is known for his roles in popular television series, addressed the unique dynamics that come with being a stepparent. His comments were featured in an exclusive clip from Us Weekly, revealing both the challenges and joys of his role.

Badgley, 39, acknowledged the inherent awkwardness that can accompany parental figures in a young person’s life. He remarked, “Any real parent figure is always going to be cringe to some degree, definitely.” Despite this, he confidently stated, “I am not the most uncool stepparent you can have,” subtly suggesting that he might have some “cool” factor after all.

Reflecting on their shared experiences, Badgley recounted a moment when his wife, Domino Kirke, watched the first episode of “Gossip Girl” with Cassius. He noted, “He was young enough that it wasn’t inappropriate but that he was uninterested.” As Cassius approaches adulthood, Badgley expressed concerns about introducing him to the themes explored in his current series, “You.” He commented, “You have to be older… to really grasp it and not be somehow internalizing the thing it’s satirizing.”

Family Dynamics and Upcoming Additions

Badgley also touched on the broader family context during the conversation. He mentioned that Cassius “hasn’t really seen” much of his work but is aware of his presence on social media, quipping, “But he sees my TikToks.” The actor and Kirke, 41, have been together since 2014, when Cassius was just five years old. Kirke, from a previous relationship with Morgan O’Kane, and Badgley married in 2017 and welcomed a son in August 2020.

There has been speculation about the name of their younger son, which Badgley addressed during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” He shared the frustration of attempts to correct misinformation regarding his son’s name on platforms like Wikipedia, stating, “It would just go back,” and revealed that the actual name will “remain undisclosed” for now.

In February 2023, Badgley announced that he and Kirke were expecting twins, expressing his excitement about the impending additions to their family. He described the experience of seeing their sonograms as “touching” and highlighted the contrast in his upbringing as an only child. “They’re in there like it’s a hot tub,” he said, illustrating the connection he imagines his children will have.

Excitement and Anticipation

As the couple prepares for their twins, Badgley shared that their 4-year-old son is eager to embrace his role as a big brother. “He’s stoked because he really wants to be a big brother,” Badgley noted. In contrast, Cassius is supportive yet aware of his impending transition to independence, expressing, “I’m going to leave in two years!”

The twins were born in September 2023, although their names have yet to be disclosed. Badgley’s candid reflections on fatherhood and family dynamics provide a glimpse into his life beyond the screen, illustrating the blend of excitement and challenges that come with being both a stepfather and a biological father.

The full episode of “Not Skinny But Not Fat” featuring Penn Badgley will be available on all podcast platforms on November 11, 2023, and will also be released on YouTube the following day.