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15 Years Old! 5 Fascinating Facts About Neil Patrick Harris And David Burtka's Teenage Twins, Harper And Gideon

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Neil Patrick Harris and his husband, David Burtka, have consistently offered the public a heartwarming, yet carefully curated, glimpse into their family life, particularly with their fraternal twins, Harper Grace and Gideon Scott. As of December 2025, the twins have officially entered their mid-teens, a huge transition that the famous couple has shared is changing the dynamic of their household.

This article dives into the most current and unique aspects of Harper and Gideon's lives as they turn 15, from their distinct personalities to the unconventional, yet deeply loving, parenting philosophy of their fathers. The Burtka-Harris family continues to be a powerful symbol of modern family life in Hollywood, navigating teenage years with the same creativity and public charm they’ve always displayed.

The Burtka-Harris Family: A Quick Biography of Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka

The foundation of the twins' lives is the enduring partnership of their two fathers, two highly accomplished figures in the entertainment and culinary worlds.

  • Neil Patrick Harris (NPH): Born June 15, 1973, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is an acclaimed actor, singer, comedian, and director. His career spans decades, from his breakout role as *Doogie Howser, M.D.* to his iconic portrayal of Barney Stinson in *How I Met Your Mother*. He is a multiple Emmy and Tony Award winner.
  • David Burtka (DB): Born May 29, 1975, in Dearborn, Michigan. Burtka is a professional chef and actor, known for his roles on Broadway and television, often appearing alongside Harris. He is a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and has published a popular family cookbook.
  • Relationship Timeline: Harris and Burtka began dating in 2004, publicly confirming their relationship in 2007. They announced their engagement in 2011 after the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York. They officially married in a lavish ceremony in Italy in 2014, officiated by their friend, Pam Fryman.
  • The Children: Harper Grace and Gideon Scott Burtka-Harris were born via a surrogate mother on October 12, 2010.

Fact 1: Harper and Gideon Are Now 15 and Navigating the Teenage Years

The biggest update for the Burtka-Harris household in 2025 is the twins' milestone birthday. Born in October 2010, Harper and Gideon turned 15, marking their entry into the challenging and exciting world of mid-adolescence.

Harris has openly discussed the "huge transition" that comes with parenting teenage twins. The shift from managing young children to guiding independent young adults requires a different approach, with the parents focusing on maintaining open communication. They are dedicated to being the "coolest parents of the friend group," hoping their children will continue to share their lives with them rather than keeping them out.

The twins have also shown signs of growing up in public. In late 2025, their daughter, Harper Grace, made a notable appearance looking "all grown up" at the premiere of *Wicked: For Good* in New York City, showcasing her developing personal style and confidence.

Fact 2: Their Contrasting Personalities Define the Family Dynamic

Despite being fraternal twins, Harper and Gideon possess distinctly contrasting personalities that their parents often highlight in interviews. This difference helps to balance the family unit, with each child bringing a unique energy to the home.

  • Harper Grace: Often described as having a more dramatic and "wickedly delightful" personality, Harper is known for her outgoing nature and sense of style. She is seen as the more theatrical of the two, which is fitting given her parents' backgrounds in performance.
  • Gideon Scott: Gideon is typically portrayed as the more introspective and thoughtful twin. He is less publicly focused on performance and often appears more reserved, providing a grounding presence in the family.

Their contrasting natures inform the family's activities, from their travel destinations to their famous annual tradition. David Burtka has noted that Gideon is often more interested in the culinary arts, mirroring his own passion as a chef, while Harper gravitates towards her father Neil's theatrical side.

Fact 3: The Annual Halloween Costume Tradition is Still Going Strong

One of the most anticipated annual events for fans of the Burtka-Harris family is their elaborate, themed Halloween costumes. This tradition is a perfect example of the family's creativity and commitment to spending quality time together, even as the children become teenagers.

The tradition continued in 2025 with a spectacular group costume. The family dressed up as characters from the *Indiana Jones* franchise, a highly praised and spot-on choice that won the admiration of fans and celebrities alike. Previous years have seen them dress as characters from *Star Wars*, *Alice in Wonderland*, and even Greek gods for an Olympus-inspired theme.

This annual event is more than just dressing up; it’s a reflection of their cooperative, fun-loving parenting style, showcasing their ability to execute a complex creative vision as a unit.

Fact 4: Their Parenting Philosophy Rejects the "Kids' Menu" Mentality

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka have an unconventional, yet widely respected, approach to raising their children. Their core philosophy is to communicate with Harper and Gideon "as if they were people and not little kids." This belief extends to almost every aspect of their lives, most notably food and culture.

The couple has a strong "group aversion to children's menus" in restaurants, believing that offering a separate, often simplified menu, condescends to a child's intelligence and limits their exposure to new tastes and experiences. As a professional chef, David Burtka has been instrumental in ensuring the twins have a sophisticated and diverse palate from a young age.

This philosophy also permeates their travel and cultural experiences. They expose the twins to high-level culture, including Broadway shows, museums, and international travel, treating them as full participants in the family's cultural life. They also model compassion by regularly engaging in charitable activities, such as delivering meals to those in need.

Fact 5: The Surrogacy Journey Involved Two Embryos and a Deep Initial Bond

The twins' birth via surrogacy in 2010 was a landmark moment for the family. The process involved an anonymous egg donor and a surrogate, with the couple confirming that two embryos were implanted—one from each father. This means Harper and Gideon are fraternal twins, but genetically, each child is biologically related to one of the fathers.

Harris has spoken candidly about the initial bonding period. He revealed that David Burtka naturally took on a more maternal, nurturing role from the start, while he initially struggled to bond with the newborn twins. Over time, however, Harris found his footing, and the family established a strong, balanced dynamic where both fathers share the responsibilities of parenting.

The openness with which they have discussed their surrogacy journey has made them role models for same-sex couples and those pursuing non-traditional routes to parenthood. Their story highlights that love and commitment are the true ingredients of a family, regardless of biology or birth method. The Burtka-Harris family, with teenage Harper Grace and Gideon Scott now at its center, continues to thrive and inspire.

neil patrick harris children
neil patrick harris children

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