Penn Badgley and wife Domino Kirke nearly split after suffering two devastating miscarriages

Actor Penn Badgley, known for his roles in ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘You’, and his wife, singer Domino Kirke, have openly shared the profound challenges they faced in their marriage after enduring two devastating miscarriages. These difficult experiences brought the couple to the brink of separation, as detailed by Badgley in his new book of essays, “Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age.” Their candid revelations shed light on the emotional toll of pregnancy loss and the importance of addressing such deeply personal struggles within relationships and broader society.

The Profound Impact of Loss on a Relationship

In his collection of essays, Penn Badgley recounts the intense period following their second miscarriage, describing it as a time when “it did not feel as though the cycle would break.” He revealed that he and Kirke “neared separation as many do after losses like that.” Badgley attributed much of this strain to feeling “isolated” in their grief, noting that society often lacks the conversational frameworks and support systems necessary for couples navigating such profound losses.

The actor also shared a particularly poignant and enduring memory: “Seeing our still baby in that tripped out black-and-white sono imagery is a dreadful memory I can’t shake every time we go for a sonogram now.”

A Call for Greater Openness About Miscarriage

Echoing the sentiments expressed in his book, Badgley further discussed the need for more open dialogue surrounding miscarriages during an appearance on the “Totally Booked” podcast. He emphasized the commonality of such losses, stating, “That sort of loss is really common, and we should — I don’t know if talking about it alone is what we need. We at least need to start by talking about it more … They do happen all the time, and they can be really, really painful. Well, I would say they universally are painful. Maybe not everybody’s fully allowed to feel that way.”

His remarks underscore a broader societal need to destigmatize miscarriage and provide better emotional support for individuals and couples experiencing it. The silence surrounding these events can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and grief, impacting mental health and relationship stability.

Building a Family Amidst Adversity

While the exact timing of the miscarriages remains private, Badgley and Kirke have since expanded their family. They welcomed their son, James, in August 2020. More recently, in September, Domino Kirke gave birth to identical twin sons.

Kirke publicly announced her twin pregnancy in February, expressing her astonishment on Instagram by writing, “Spontaneous twins are beyond magical.” Additionally, Domino Kirke is a mother to a son named Cassius from a previous relationship, making their household a lively one with multiple children.

Reflecting on his growing family, Badgley humorously noted on the podcast, “It’s funny because I wrote this before the twins were born, and now I feel like I am — and I mean this with love — but I feel like I’m drowning in children. So, it’s harder to get in touch with that feeling of loss because my cup truly runneth over.”

The Strength of Their Bond

Despite the immense challenges and the period where their relationship “neared separation,” Penn Badgley expressed profound gratitude that he and Kirke ultimately did not succumb to the “gravity” of parting ways. Their journey highlights the resilience required to navigate shared grief and the strengthening that can occur when couples confront adversity together.

Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke began dating in 2014. They formalized their union in an intimate ceremony at a New York courthouse in February 2017, followed by a second wedding celebration in June of the same year.

Conclusion

The shared experience of Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke underscores the often-unseen struggles many couples face in their journey to parenthood. Their decision to speak openly about their miscarriages and the strain it placed on their marriage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vulnerability, mutual support, and fostering a culture where such losses can be discussed without shame or isolation. Their story ultimately reflects a testament to enduring love and resilience in the face of profound personal challenges.