Neil Patrick Harris and his husband, David Burtka, marked a significant milestone recently as their twins, Gideon and Harper, celebrated their 16th birthday. The couple shared heartfelt tributes on social media, reflecting on this special occasion with nostalgia and pride.
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On Monday, 12 October, 2023, Harris, 53, took to Instagram to commemorate the twins’ birthday. The actor posted side-by-side photos showing Gideon and Harper then and now, highlighting their growth over the years. “Harper and Gideon turned 16 today … It’s amazing to see how they’ve grown, and I couldn’t be prouder of the people they’ve become,” he wrote in the post. In a lighter tone, he quipped, “Mostly, though, I’m so grateful that they can drive me around everywhere now. Xoxo.”
Interestingly, this birthday comes full circle for Harris, as it is the same age he was when he first gained fame as Doogie Howser, the young medical prodigy on the hit series “Doogie Howser, M.D.” The show aired from 1989 to 1993 and quickly gained a cult following, showcasing Harris’s early talent alongside co-stars such as James B. Sikking and Belinda Montgomery.
In addition to Harris’s heartfelt message, Burtka also celebrated the twins’ birthday with a montage video on his Instagram account. The compilation captured a variety of moments from the children’s lives and concluded with warm wishes. “Happy 16th birthday to Harper & Gideon! Wishing them all the best!” he wrote, also acknowledging his husband with appreciation.
As part of the video, Harris’s voiceover expressed pride in watching their children grow up. “I wasn’t emotional when they were littler kids because there was so much time that they could grow. But now that they’re in high school, I just watch them with so much pride,” he said, illustrating the bittersweet nature of parenthood as children transition into adolescence.
The couple welcomed their twins via surrogate back in October 2010. When Harper and Gideon were just three years old, they had the joyous opportunity to attend their fathers’ wedding in Italy, cementing a bond that the family continues to cherish.
The twins’ milestone birthday comes shortly after another significant event in the couple’s life: their 12th wedding anniversary, which they celebrated in September. Harris marked this occasion by sharing a tribute to Burtka, expressing gratitude for their commitment to one another. “12 years ago today,” he wrote on Instagram. “David, thanks for saying ‘I do.’ I’m forever grateful that you did.”
As Gideon and Harper embark on their journey into adulthood, the couple remains deeply bonded, celebrating both family milestones and their enduring love. The proud dads continue to demonstrate the joy that family brings, providing a heartwarming glimpse into their lives filled with love and laughter.
Neil Patrick Harris is well-known for his talents in both acting and magic, yet it is clear that his role as a father is among his most cherished achievements. With the support of Burtka, the family have created a nurturing environment as their children reach new milestones.
As the twins navigate high school and the adventures that lie ahead, it is evident that the Harris-Burtka family will continue to support one another, sharing memories and celebrating the unpredictability of life together.