Penn Badgley and his wife, Domino Kirke, faced significant challenges in their relationship following two heartbreaking miscarriages, as revealed in his new collection of essays, “Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age.” The actor, known for his role in the hit series “You,” candidly discussed these losses, noting that they brought him and Kirke to the brink of separation—a common plight for couples dealing with such profound grief.
In his book, Badgley reflects on the isolation that can accompany the experience of miscarriage, emphasizing society’s struggle to address these sensitive topics. He expressed, “This was our second loss together. A time when it did not feel as though the cycle would break,” highlighting the emotional toll such experiences can take on relationships.
In a recent interview on the “Totally Booked” podcast, the 39-year-old actor reiterated the importance of open discussions surrounding miscarriage. He remarked, “That sort of loss is really common, and we should … start by talking about it more.” Badgley also shared his personal connection to the pain of these experiences, recalling the haunting images from ultrasounds that accompany such losses.
Despite these challenges, Badgley and Kirke, who are also parents to their son, James, born in August 2020, have emerged stronger together. Kirke added to their family with the arrival of twin sons in September 2025, which she joyfully described as “beyond magical.” Badgley humorously noted that, while he is overwhelmed with joy from their growing family, the echoes of past losses remain part of their journey.
Having started their relationship in 2014 and marrying in 2017, the couple has been navigating the complexities of love, grief, and parenthood together. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience needed to overcome such painful experiences, and their commitment to maintaining their relationship, despite adversity, is a testament to their bond.
As Badgley said, he is grateful that they didn’t succumb to the “gravity” of separation, and their family’s continuing growth adds a note of hope to their story of love and perseverance.