Neil Patrick Harrisâs kids, now in their teenage years, have caught the attention of fans who canât believe how much theyâve grown. Some even remarked on the striking resemblance one of them bears to him. Take a look back at their photos over the years to see just how much theyâve changed.
Neil Patrick Harris, best remembered by many for his iconic role in the beloved show âDoogie Howser, M.D.,â has come a long way since his days as a young TV doctor. Now at 51, the actor revels in his role as a father, watching his twins grow and change in remarkable ways as they move through their teenage years.
The dedicated parent shares his twins with his longtime partner, David Burtka, an accomplished actor, writer, and chef. The coupleâs journey began in 2004, leading to their wedding a decade later in 2014, after over ten years together.
Close family and friends witnessed their Italian destination wedding. The pair donned custom Tom Ford tuxedos for their special day, adding to the eventâs stylish ambiance. Pam Fryman, the director behind âHow I Met Your Mother,â officiated the ceremony, while Elton John gave a memorable performance at the reception.
Reflecting on the occasion set in a breathtaking castle in Perugia, wedding guest Kelly Ripa described it on âLive with Kelly and Michaelâ as a âvery quiet, very private, very family affair.â
Notably, the duoâs journey to becoming a family began even before they exchanged vows. In August 2010, Neil shared that he and David were about to become parents. âWeâre super excited/nervous/thrilled. Hoping the press can respect our privacy,â he said at the time.
Neil expressed his enthusiasm for fatherhood while attending the Emmy Awards that same month, saying, âIâm trying to read as much as I can, and prep as much as I can. But thereâs only so much you can do because each baby is super individual and totally their own person.â
Just two months later, on October 12, 2010, they welcomed twins Gideon Scott and Harper Grace into the world. Neil took to X to share the news, writing, â[âŠ.] All of us are happy, healthy, tired, and a little pukey.â The twins arrived with the help of a surrogate, according to reports.
As a devoted father, Neil has always taken his role seriously, even seeking ways to improve himself for the sake of his family. In a 2017 interview on âPopcorn With Peter Travers,â the celebrity revealed that he attends therapy twice a week, both for personal growth and to enhance his parenting skills.
âItâs not like I have this big gaping hole I need to work on,â Neil shared. âItâs just as a parent, I want to be better than my parents were at raising me, and they did a great job.â For the doting parent, self-improvement is about addressing his own âisms,â especially in an industry that often skews perceptions.
The âHow I Met Your Motherâ alum observed many people in showbiz often emphasize how good and positive things are, even when that isnât the case. He further emphasized the value of personal development, whether through therapy, podcasts, or meaningful conversations.
As Neilâs career continues to thrive, his greatest role is that of a father, bringing new joys and challenges each day. The proud parent treasures the joy of coming home to his family, finding that his best days end with a warm embrace from his children.
Recalling a favorite ritual, Neil once shared, âThere is nothing greater than arriving home before dinner and they run down the stairs and jump into your arms and give you a magnificent hug that doesnât end.â For him, that hug melts away any stress from the day.
Neil and his husband David, whom he praises as âa spectacular parent,â have found a balance between work and family life. âWe manage our time really well,â the TV host once divulged, explaining how they make travel plans inclusive by bringing the kids whenever possible and keeping family close.
As Neil navigates the ups and downs of parenthood, heâs developed his own approach to raising Gideon and Harper, one that balances structure with openness. The father of two admitted that he often takes on the âbad copâ role in parenting, describing himself more as a âcamp counselorâ than a natural nurturer.
When itâs time to discipline, he lowers his voice to a serious tone, with the dreaded âtime-outâ as a looming option, However, fatherhood has taught him to be a better listener.
As his children become more expressive, Neil likes engaging with their questions and guiding their curiosity. Heâs even looking forward to the day they become more independent, anticipating new ways to connect with them as they grow.
Now 14, Neilâs twins, Gideon and Harper, have captured the admiration of fans whoâve watched them grow up over the years as seen in the images below.
In recent photos, Harper is already taller than her brother, while Gideon has been noted for his resemblance to Neil. The twins frequently make appearances on their famous dadâs Instagram, where fans canât help but marvel at how much theyâve grown. Social media users have shared their surprise.
âItâs crazy to think theyâre 14 now!â one follower exclaimed in disbelief. âGideon sure looks like you,â another chimed in, noticing the resemblance. âGideon is your twin!â added someone else, echoing the sentiment. Others mentioned the passage of time, with one saying, âHow are they so GROWN??!â and another noting, âTime flies so fast!â
Neil Partick Harris and Davidâs family story offers a glimpse into their lives beyond the spotlight, highlighting their commitment to parenting and family values. As their kids, Gideon and Harper, move into their teenage years, fans continue to follow their journey, watching as the twins grow and change alongside their well-known parents.