Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke first crossed paths in New York City in 2014. They were both deeply connected to the entertainment industry and had many mutual friends. This helped them form a bond quickly. Domino Kirke is the sister of Jemima and Lola Kirke, known for their roles in “Girls” and “Mozart in the Jungle.” However, Domino herself is not an actress. They were spotted together during the summer of 2014 but had been dating for a few months by then.
They met at a meatball shop, where Kirke offered Badgley a place to stay, knowing he was couch surfing. Though he declined her offer, they exchanged numbers. At that time, Kirke was getting used to being a single mom to her son Cassius, from a previous relationship with musician Morgan O’Kane.
Who is Domino Kirke?
Domino Kirke comes from a family with a strong artistic background. Her father, Simon Kirke, co-founded and drummed for the band Bad Company, while her mother, Lorraine Kirke, owns a vintage shop and works as an interior decorator. Despite her family’s inclination toward performance, Domino chose a different path. She studied to become a doula and reiki practitioner and co-founded Carriage House Birth, a service that supports pregnant women. In 2021, she co-authored “Life After Birth: Portraits of Love and the Beauty of Parenthood,” a book about postpartum experiences.
Domino Kirke is also a musician. She studied music at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and later formed a band called DOMINO. In 2017, she released an album titled “Beyond Waves” with Mark Ronson and even toured. One of her songs was featured in Lena Dunham’s film “Tiny Furniture.” Additionally, she directed a music video for her song “Half Blood,” involving her half-brother, husband, and his half-sister, Jen.
When Did They Get Married?
Badgley and Kirke tied the knot in 2017, having two ceremonies to mark the occasion. The first was a small civil ceremony in Brooklyn in February, followed by a dinner at Maison-May. The second, larger celebration took place in June at Domino’s mother’s home in Waccabuc, New York. This second event was more elaborate, with 200 guests from around the world. Kirke described the civil ceremony as more spontaneous, while the second wedding was more planned and necessary.
How Has Their Relationship Evolved?
Both Badgley and Kirke have embraced the Baha’i faith, which played a significant role in their relationship. Badgley credits this spiritual connection with helping him value human love through divine love. He explained that their romantic beginning evolved into a deeper, spiritual bond that sustains their marriage.
Since getting married, the couple has faced challenges, including two miscarriages before the birth of their son James on August 20, 2020. In a now-deleted Instagram post, Kirke shared the emotional journey they went through, expressing gratitude for their community and the knowledge she had gained as a birth attendant.
How Has Parenthood Affected Badgley’s Career?
The birth of their son James has had a significant impact on Badgley, especially regarding his career. He revealed on his podcast “Podcrushed” in 2023 that he requested no more intimate scenes in his roles, valuing fidelity in his marriage. This decision was influenced by his experiences as a new father and his desire to maintain boundaries in Hollywood.
Badgley even considered turning down his role in “You” because of the show’s sex scenes. He elaborated that the aspect of Hollywood involving blurred lines and intimacy has always disturbed him, and he wanted to avoid it entirely. Becoming a father brought a new perspective to his life, making him more cautious about the roles he chose to play.
How Has Their Family Life Influenced Their Public Image?
Domino Kirke’s work as a doula and her involvement in Carriage House Birth highlight her dedication to supporting women during pregnancy. Her musical endeavors and her book about postpartum experiences showcase her multifaceted talents and commitment to her passions.
For Badgley, embracing fatherhood has been a transformative experience. He shared that becoming a dad made playing his character in “You” more challenging because his real-life experiences were joyful, contrasting sharply with the dark nature of his role. Despite the difficulties, he continues to value his family life and prioritize his relationship with Kirke and their children.
What Does the Future Hold for Badgley and Kirke?
As they continue to navigate their careers and personal lives, Badgley and Kirke remain committed to their family and faith. Their journey together has been marked by love, spirituality, and mutual support. With their son James growing up and Kirke’s son Cassius playing a significant role in their lives, the couple is focused on creating a nurturing and loving environment for their family.
Their story is a testament to the strength of their bond and their dedication to each other, making them a beloved couple in the entertainment industry.