Famed actor PENN Badgley has become widely recognized for his engaging performance as Dan Humphrey on the popular CW teen drama “Gossip Girl.” His more recent role as Joe Goldberg in the Netflix series “You” has solidified his status as a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. Consequently, there’s been a growing curiosity about his private life among both long-time admirers and new fans.
Unveiling the Identity of Penn Badgley’s Partner, Domino Kirke
Domino Suzy Kirke-Badgley entered the world in London, England, on December 17, 1983, bearing a name inspired by the late bounty hunter Domino Harvey.
Renowned as the daughter of Paulene Stone and Laurence Harvey, Domino’s household was no stranger to the spotlight. Her father, Simon Frederick St. George Kirke, held prominence as the drummer for notable bands such as Free and Bad Company.
Her mother, Lorraine, introduced the fashionable air of Geminola, a vintage clothing boutique nestled in SoHo within the vibrancy of lower Manhattan.
Explore Further about Penn Badgley
Acting talents run in the family, as Domino’s sisters, Lola and Jemima Kirke, have carved their paths on screen.
Lola gained recognition for her performances in works such as Mozart in the Jungle, Gone Girl, Winning Time, and Three Women.
Jemima’s most notable role as Jessa Johansson in the HBO hit series Girls has further elevated her status, which is accentuated by appearances in music videos including Zayn’s Dusk Till Dawn.
Post her academic journey at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, Domino embarked on a musical endeavor with her eponymous band, DOMINO.
It was in the bustling city of New York in 2014 that Domino’s path crossed with Penn Badgley.
In an interview that has since been removed, Domino shared with HeyMama insights into her life before Penn, “I was quite adjusted to living as a single mom, maybe too comfy in it,” as per reports from People.
“Penn and my dating life was in the early stages, definitely not as committed as it is today. Marriage seemed like a distant prospect for us,” she continued to share.
In a discussion with Glamour UK in 2022, Domino expressed the difficulty of grasping Badgley’s celebrity status stemming from his time on Gossip Girl.
“Gossip Girl was never part of my viewing habits, so it was not until later that I grasped the whole hype surrounding him when we first met,” she stated.
Religion became a common thread for the couple, as both were delving deeper into their Baha’i faith during this period.
“It wasn’t until I strengthened my understanding of divine love that I could truly appreciate the depth of human love,” Badgley once remarked.
Their partnership was formalized on February 27, 2017, through a subdued and intimate courthouse wedding in the heart of Brooklyn, New York.
Their union was celebrated amongst close kin at Maison-May, blending the elegance of a French-American culinary experience.
Subsequently, they arranged a grander outdoor celebration in upstate New York, re-affirming their commitment on June 24, 2017.
“The initial ceremony was more about legality and was attended by approximately 40 individuals who could join us at short notice,” Domino recounted to HeyMama.
“The subsequent ceremony required more planning and brought together 200 souls from across the globe. It felt essential to have both events,” she further explained.
Domino Kirke’s Professional Pursuits
Domino Kirke achieved her initial claim to fame through her endeavors as a singer-songwriter.
At the youthful age of 17, she was signed to Andres Levin’s Fun Machine label and quickly established her own band, DOMINO.
Domino collaborated with the likes of Mark Ronson on an EP and toured widely with her band, sharing stages with acts such as Lily Allen and Gang of Four.
In 2009, Domino Kirke shifted her career trajectory to a different but nurturing role – that of a doula.
A doula’s responsibility revolves around offering support and guidance to individuals throughout various experiences related to pregnancy and childbirth, including but not limited to miscarriages and stillbirths.
With Lindsey Bliss, she co-founded Carriage House Birth in 2012,
Presently, she fulfills her role as a full-spectrum doula, offering support from preconception through to various outcomes including birth, abortion, miscarriage, adoption, and the postpartum period.
“Acting as a doula is akin to my healing balm, offering as much nourishment to me as I provide care to the families I accompany,” Kirke penned on the CHB site.
“Being present amid birth is like pausing time.”
“Such space requires from us an extraordinary level of presence, creating a scenario where everyone is equal,” she elaborated.
Carriage House Birth and Bluming Studio birthed the Grand Street Healing Project, a space dedicated as a haven for practitioners and hosts to offer their services and host events.
Domino also takes on the role of mentor at The Doula’s Doula, which is devoted to “carving a space for doulas: to aid them in discerning if birthwork aligns with their calling and clarify their motivations behind pursuing it,” as represented on their Instagram.
Mentors at The Doula’s Doula are adept at setting appropriate boundaries and reflecting on the energy exchange integral to the profession and what it demands for sustainability.
In 2021, Domino Kirke, alongside Joanna Griffiths, shared their co-authored work, Life After Birth: Portraits of Love and the Beauty of Parenthood, spotlighting postpartum mothers’ experiences.
Penn and Domino: A Family Portrait
February 2020 marked the joyful announcement by Domino Kirke and Penn Badgley of their first expected child together, a landmark after several trials and two miscarriages.
“I had to come to terms with the notion that perhaps my body was finished with this chapter,” Domino confessed, alluding to her previous conception challenges.
The arrival of their son James on August 11, 2020, marked a new chapter for the couple. James is Domino’s second child, following her first son Cassius, born in 2009, whom she shares with her former partner, musician Morgan O’Kane.
“Embarking on motherhood at 25, I was in the dark about the profound mysteries of birth,” she reflected.
“Now, a decade of rich experiences later, I cherish the birth community I’ve become part of,” she continued to express her growth.
When discussing fatherhood on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in March 2023, Badgley shared his insights, highlighting the unique circumstances of raising a child born during a pandemic.
“Parenting is an adventure filled with joy, an immense journey, and definitely a challenge,” Badgley shared with Fallon.
“I send my regards to every parent out there. Keep pushing forward! It always gets better,” he encouraged.
FAQs about Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke
When did Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke get married?
Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke had a courthouse wedding on February 27, 2017, in Brooklyn, New York. They celebrated with a larger ceremony on June 24, 2017.
Does the couple have any children?
Yes, Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke have one child together, a son named James. Domino also has another son, Cassius, from a previous relationship.
What is Domino Kirke’s profession?
Domino Kirke is a doula, a singer-songwriter, and a co-founder of Carriage House Birth. She also co-authored a book about postpartum experiences.
How did Domino Kirke become a doula?
After establishing herself as a musician, Domino Kirke explored a career as a doula in 2009 and later co-founded Carriage House Birth in 2012.
Who are Domino Kirke’s sisters?
Domino Kirke’s sisters are Lola and Jemima Kirke, both of whom are actresses known for their work in films and television series.