Annie Potts, known for her roles in “Young Sheldon,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Designing Women,” is not just a beloved actress but also a devoted mother to her three children: Clay, James, and Harry. Potts’ journey into motherhood began in 1981 when she welcomed her first son, Clay, with her then-husband, B. Scott Senechal. After their split, she married Emmy-nominated director and producer James Hayman, and together they had two more sons, James and Harry, in 1992 and 1995, respectively.
Despite her early success in Hollywood, Potts chose to slow down her career to spend more time with her children. This decision allowed her to foster close relationships among her sons, who, despite their age gaps, have formed tight bonds. “Now that they’re proper grown-ups, they’re really close,” Potts shared on the Really Famous podcast in 2019. “Honestly, their relationships are everything I’d hoped — they love each other, they support each other, they make each other laugh.”
Clay Samuel Senechal, born on April 29, 1981, is Potts’ first child. He attended the 1989 premiere of “Ghostbusters II” with his mom and later graduated from Brown University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in English. Clay followed in his mother’s footsteps into the entertainment industry, working as a writer, creator, and executive producer for major studios like DreamWorks, FX, and Prime Video. He even wrote a Netflix animated film, “Arlo the Alligator Boy,” in which Potts voiced a character. On his 40th birthday, Potts celebrated his accomplishment on Instagram, expressing her pride and love for her son.
In his personal life, Clay welcomed a baby boy with his partner, author Anna Carey, in 2022. Potts joyfully announced the arrival of her second grandson, Silas, on social media, sharing her excitement and love for the new addition to the family.
James Powell Hayman, born on May 28, 1992, is Potts’ second son. Known as “Doc” online, James was inspired by his parents to enter the movie industry. He has worked on the production side of films and shows, including “Lisa Frankenstein,” “No One Will Save You,” “Hit Man,” and “Renfield.” He also worked on three episodes of his mom’s hit show, “Young Sheldon,” before it ended in 2024. Apart from his work behind the camera, James is also a DJ and musician.
James and his partner Katrina Engle welcomed a son in 2021, and Potts was thrilled to become a grandmother. She shared her excitement on Facebook, introducing her first grandchild, Cassius James Hayman, to the world. James currently lives in New Orleans with his family but often makes trips to visit his mom and celebrate special occasions.
Isaac Harris “Harry” Hayman, born on December 27, 1995, is Potts’ youngest son. Harry has dabbled in acting, appearing in shows like “Joan of Arcadia” and “Hot Hot Los Angeles,” but he is now more focused on poetry. Though he leads a private life, Potts occasionally shares glimpses of their travels together on her Instagram. They have enjoyed diving excursions and trips to England, creating cherished memories.
Potts and her husband, James Hayman, have spent decades in Hollywood, both achieving significant success in their respective fields. Hayman, an Emmy-nominated director and producer, has worked on shows like “The Sopranos,” “Desperate Housewives,” and “NCIS: New Orleans.” The couple met on the set of the early 1990s film “Breaking the Rules,” where Hayman served as cinematographer, and Potts starred alongside Jason Bateman and C. Thomas Howell.
Potts and Hayman got married in 1990 and have since welcomed two children together and two grandchildren. They keep their relationship largely private, except for occasional heartfelt shout-outs on social media and interviews. Hayman, who also has a passion for photography, often credits his wife as one of his greatest influences and inspirations.
The couple has worked on several projects together, including the show “Dangerous Minds,” which Hayman produced and Potts starred in. They also collaborated on “Any Day Now” and “Joan of Arcadia,” both of which featured Potts in significant roles.
In 2019, Potts and Hayman bought a home in the Toluca Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, which reminded Potts of their former home in New Orleans. They have since redecorated the home with elements inspired by The Big Easy, creating a space that reflects their love for the city.
Potts and Hayman are also dedicated to giving back to their community. Through his photography, Hayman works to benefit the communities and people he photographs. He has used his images to shed light on underserved groups in New Orleans and has donated his time to local nonprofits. Potts, inspired by the philanthropy she saw in her local Kentucky community while growing up, founded The Heart Channels, a nonprofit that provides support for individuals at major crossroads in their lives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Potts and Hayman co-founded the now-inactive All Are One Fund, which collected donations of stimulus money and redistributed it to families in need. Potts expressed the importance of responding to the needs of others, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the world.
Annie Potts’ dedication to her family and her career is evident in the close relationships she has fostered with her children and the successful projects she has worked on. Her love and support for her sons, Clay, James, and Harry, have helped them pursue their passions and achieve their own successes in the entertainment industry.
Source: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty, Annie Potts Instagram, Frank Trapper/Corbis/Getty, Skip Bolen/CBS/Getty, Architectural Digest, The Washington Post, The Overview magazine, Lens Magazine, Ninu Nina, Glamour, Variety
