Neil Patrick Harris’s kids, now in their teenage years, have caught the attention of fans who can’t believe how much they’ve 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 they’ve changed.
Neil Patrick Harris, best remembered by many for his iconic role in the beloved show “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” 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 couple’s 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 event’s stylish ambiance. Pam Fryman, the director behind “How I Met Your Mother,” 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 “Live with Kelly and Michael” as a “very quiet, very private, very family affair.”
Notably, the duo’s 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. “We’re super excited/nervous/thrilled. Hoping the press can respect our privacy,” he said at the time.
Neil expressed his enthusiasm for fatherhood while attending the Emmy Awards that same month, saying, “I’m trying to read as much as I can, and prep as much as I can. But there’s only so much you can do because each baby is super individual and totally their own person.”
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, “[….] All of us are happy, healthy, tired, and a little pukey.” 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 “Popcorn With Peter Travers,” the celebrity revealed that he attends therapy twice a week, both for personal growth and to enhance his parenting skills.
“It’s not like I have this big gaping hole I need to work on,” Neil shared. “It’s just as a parent, I want to be better than my parents were at raising me, and they did a great job.” For the doting parent, self-improvement is about addressing his own “isms,” especially in an industry that often skews perceptions.
The “How I Met Your Mother” alum observed many people in showbiz often emphasize how good and positive things are, even when that isn’t the case. He further emphasized the value of personal development, whether through therapy, podcasts, or meaningful conversations.
As Neil’s 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, “There 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 doesn’t end.” For him, that hug melts away any stress from the day.
Neil and his husband David, whom he praises as “a spectacular parent,” have found a balance between work and family life. “We manage our time really well,” 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, he’s 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 “bad cop” role in parenting, describing himself more as a “camp counselor” than a natural nurturer.
When it’s time to discipline, he lowers his voice to a serious tone, with the dreaded “time-out” 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. He’s even looking forward to the day they become more independent, anticipating new ways to connect with them as they grow.
Now 14, Neil’s twins, Gideon and Harper, have captured the admiration of fans who’ve 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 dad’s Instagram, where fans can’t help but marvel at how much they’ve grown. Social media users have shared their surprise.
