Neil Patrick Harris and his husband, David Burtka, have been parents to twins Gideon and Harper since 2010. Despite the curiosity surrounding the biological parentage of their children, the couple has chosen not to find out which twin is biologically related to whom. This decision has been a topic of interest and discussion, especially given Neil’s high-profile career and public persona.
Neil, known for his iconic roles in “How I Met Your Mother” and “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” has been open about his lack of interest in discovering the biological father of each twin. In an interview with Barbara Walters, he reiterated his stance, stating, “I have no interest in [finding out]. We are their parents and I love them implicitly.” This sentiment underscores the couple’s commitment to their roles as parents, regardless of biological ties.
The process of conceiving the twins involved using a surrogate and anonymous egg donor. Both Neil and David contributed sperm, resulting in two embryos. Miraculously, both embryos took, leading to the birth of their fraternal twins. Despite the biological uncertainty, Neil and David have embraced their roles as fathers wholeheartedly.
Gideon and Harper, now teenagers, continue to thrive under the care of their doting dads. Neil has shared glimpses of their family life on social media, often posting heartfelt tributes to his children. On their recent birthday, he wrote, “And, just like that, they’re teenagers. Happy birthday, Harper and Gideon. You are the lights of my life. I can’t wait to watch you want nothing to do with me, and I promise I’ll be with you through all of it.”
The family’s decision not to determine the biological parentage of their children has sparked various reactions. Some fans speculate based on the twins’ appearances, while others admire the couple’s approach to parenting. One fan commented, “They both look like his husband, so probably biologically they are both not his, but he is their dad no matter what! Love NPH!” Another added, “The boy is his absolute double. And the girl looks like his husband, especially around her nose and mouth.”
Despite the speculation, Neil and David remain focused on their family. They have shared numerous family milestones online, including their retro-style holiday cards, which featured the entire family, including their pet French Bulldog, Chunk. Fans have praised the couple’s creativity and the love they share for their children.
Neil’s journey as a parent has been intertwined with his career and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. As one of the first high-profile actors to start a family with a same-sex partner, he has used his platform to promote acceptance and equality. His decision to keep the biological parentage of his children private aligns with his broader message of love and family beyond traditional definitions.
In interviews, Neil has humorously addressed the challenges of parenting teenagers. He joked, “We keep being told that at a certain point, they’re going to hate us. That hasn’t happened yet. So you know, so far, so good!” David added, “They’re good kids. We’ve done a good job. You know, you put the work in and you get it back, you know?”
The couple’s approach to parenting reflects their deep love and commitment to their children. By choosing not to focus on biological ties, they emphasize the importance of the emotional and nurturing aspects of parenthood. This perspective has resonated with many, highlighting the evolving definitions of family in today’s society.
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka’s decision not to know the biological parentage of their twins is a testament to their belief in the power of love and family. As their children continue to grow and thrive, the couple remains dedicated to providing a supportive and loving environment. Their story serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing that family is defined by love, not biology.
