All About Deacon Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Son (2024)

Deacon Phillippe may be the son of two famous actors, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, but he is carving out a name for himself with his music career.

The Never Have I Ever actor was born on Oct. 23, 2003, in Los Angeles. His parents split when he was 3 years old but he has maintained a close relationship with both, as well as with his siblings Ava and Tennessee.

Deacon is now a student at New York University and has been focusing on making music. In April 2023, his family came out to support him at the release party for his debut album A New Earth.

"All I can say is that it came from pure love, for what I do and for the people that listen," the musician wrote on Instagram when announcing his album. "This is a story of my life, our lives, and of love and life in general; it carries thoughts and emotions that I've accumulated, felt, observed, bottled up, and dealt with through the last 19 years of my life. This project was created in my dorm, made by three college kids with big dreams and bigger hearts."

From his career ambitions to his relationship with his family, here’s everything to know about Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe’s son, Deacon Phillippe.

He is a student at New York University

All About Deacon Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Son (1)

After graduating from high school in 2022, Deacon started at New York University. Reese moved her son into his dorm at the start of his freshman year and, months later, reflected on the moment with PEOPLE.

"It means you did your job right," the Your Place or Mine actress said in February 2023. "And I'm so proud of my kids. They're thriving in the world and I'm so happy for them."

Deacon, for his part, has been enjoying his time at college and even spent part of his freshman year making music in his dorm room alongside his friends.

He lives in the West Village

In his second year at NYU, Deacon has moved off campus into his own apartment in New York City's West Village — and let fans have a sneak peek of his crib in a TikTok video.

When TikToker Caleb Simpson, who is known for interviewing high-profile subjects about their homes, stopped Deacon on the street, the young musician let him into his West Village abode, which boasted two floors and a spiral staircase.

Deacon went on to show Simpson his “vinyl wall,” a plant he named Daryl and a sneak peek of his room, which he also uses as a studio.

“Studio setup. I sing and play a little bit of keyboard but I mostly make music on my computer,” Deacon explained before playing a short sample for the TikToker.

When Simpson asked Deacon how much he pays for rent, the star cheekily replied, “West Village prices, man.”

He appeared in Netflix’s Never Have I Ever

All About Deacon Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Son (3)

In July 2022, Netflix announced that Deacon was joining the third season of Never Have I Ever, where he played Parker, a member of lead Devi Vishwakumar’s (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) rival debate team.

"Reese had told me that he was interested in performing ... and I only had this role that seemed really good for him," show creator Mindy Kaling told Entertainment Tonight the following month. "He's so super talented, obviously really handsome, but here's this kid who's been raised by two very successful actors and he wanted to learn."

Deacon’s actor parents were thrilled for him as he began to follow in their footsteps, with Ryan telling ET in August 2022 that he was “so proud” of his son.

“I am so proud," Ryan said. "He's about to go to college for music. That's his primary focus. The acting thing he likes to do, and he will do according to what his appetite for it is, but his focus is primarily music."

He is a musician

All About Deacon Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Son (4)

Three years before the debut of his album, the singer started playing around with production from the comfort of his own home during the COVID-19 pandemic, he told Interview magazine in December 2020.

“All the music I’ve made this summer has been done digitally, for the most part,” he said. “As things open up, I’m looking forward to collaborating with people I haven’t met yet. I feel like the best records are made in person.”

He also told the outlet that his love for making music was actually inspired by his father, who taught him the ropes of production.

“When I was listening to the radio in the car with my dad, something just clicked,” Deacon said. “I realized there’s more to making music than just being a vocalist, and that a lot of times it’s the production that makes me feel something. I asked my dad about how it works, and he taught me all the stuff he knew, and then I started watching YouTube videos.”

He and Ryan like to work out and enjoy music together

All About Deacon Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Son (5)

Ryan has been open about his close bond with Deacon as the two of them share mutual interests like working out and making music.

In 2021, Ryan told PEOPLE that he and his son enjoy hikes in L.A. and hitting the gym together, though he joked, “We'll do the same workout, and the way he looks after compared to the way I look is really defeating.”

The two also share a passion for not only making music, but also studying and listening to it. On a road trip to Yellowstone in 2018, Ryan and Deacon spent the journey listening to the then-newly released Astroworld by Travis Scott, which they had both been “really anticipating.”

"So our first listen was on this road trip as we're passing the most beautiful, enormous mountains on our way into Yellowstone,” he reminisced on Live with Kelly and Ryan in November 2020. “And that's something that I won't forget.”

Reese has called him her "ray of sunshine"

All About Deacon Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Son (6)

The Little Fires Everywhere actress has been open about her pride and love for her son, calling him her "ray of sunshine" on his 20th birthday in October 2023.

Now that he and Ava are adults, Reese shared with Interview in June 2021 how her relationship with them has only gotten stronger.

"That makes me want to cry, the idea of having a long relationship with adult children," Reese said. "I never expected the kind of relationship that I have with them, but it's so rewarding to be able to have kids that you can process life with a little bit, and they help me understand the complexities of what it means to be a human now."

When Deacon is home from college, he spends quite a bit of time with his mom. In January 2024, he joined Reese at the Golden Globes, and in August 2024, the mother-son duo attended the Los Angeles premiere of Blink Twice before closing out the summer with a dinner at Nobu in Malibu.

He has a unique personal style

All About Deacon Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Son (7)

Deacon may be passionate about music and acting, but he also has an eye for fashion. The “Long Run” singer opened up to PEOPLE in November 2023 at an H&M x Rabanne party about his style and how he dresses himself.

"Usually I like to wear stuff that's comfortable, that I can do my job in, which is to make music and perform," he said.

He added that his proclivity for dressing well started when he was young, and even at an early age, he would pick out clothes that would make him feel his best.

"As a kid, I always loved dressing up and I loved getting ready for going to church," he said. "I liked the feeling of getting dressed up. I feel like you've got to look your best to feel your best."

Now that he bounces between L.A., N.Y.C. and Nashville, Deacon said his vibe changes based on where he is.

"Just like everything, your life is an amalgamation of all the places you've lived," he said. "Same with my style. I like to incorporate a little bit of that country western vibe with a street vibe."

He has some famous friends

All About Deacon Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Son (8)

Though he is just a regular student at NYU, as a child of two major celebrities, Deacon has amassed some famous friends — including Will Ferrell’s eldest son Magnus Ferrell. The two enjoyed a night out at celebrity hotspot Craig’s in L.A. in October 2023.

The outing came a day after the duo celebrated the release of Magnus' new single, "Drinks on Me," during a show at The Vermont Hollywood where Deacon was the opening act.

All About Deacon Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Son (2024)

FAQs

Where is Deacon Phillippe going to college? ›

He is a student at New York University

After graduating from high school in 2022, Deacon started at New York University.

How many kids does Reese Witherspoon have? ›

However, being a mom to her three kids is the role she enjoys the most. Witherspoon shares daughter Ava Phillippe, 24, and son Deacon Phillippe, 20, with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe, as well as son Tennessee James Toth, 11, with her ex Jim Toth.

Is Deacon Reese Witherspoon's son? ›

Witherspoon shares son Deacon and daughter Ava, 24, with her first ex-husband Ryan Phillippe. The actress also has a second son, Tennesse Toth, 11, shared with ex Jim Toth, whom she divorced in 2023. Reese Witherspoon with Son Deacon Phillippe.

Does Reese Witherspoon still talk to Ryan Phillippe? ›

Following their divorce, Witherspoon and Phillippe have continued to co-parent their children, most recently celebrating Deacon's high school graduation together in June 2022.

Where is Ava Phillippe going to college? ›

What does Ava do? Ava attended college at UC Berkeley, before investigating different career paths. She has already had some success as a model.

Where does Deacon Phillipe live? ›

Deacon Phillippe is living large in New York City's West Village.

What does Ava Phillippe do for a living? ›

Ava Phillippe graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2022 and has pursued a career in modeling. She has worked for brands such as Pat McGrath, Rodarte, Beyonce's Ivy Park and Witherspoon's own line, Draper James.

What is Ryan Phillippe doing now? ›

In February 2020, Phillippe was announced in the role of Cody Hoyt in the ABC crime drama series Big Sky, which was created by David E. Kelley. In 2021, Phillipe starred in the movie One Shot, a British action thriller film directed by James Nunn.

What type of doctor is Reese Witherspoon's dad? ›

Her father was born in Georgia and served as a lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve. He was in private practice as an otolaryngologist until 2012. Her mother, Mary Elizabeth "Betty" (née Reese) Witherspoon, is from Harriman, Tennessee.

What is Reese Witherspoon's full name? ›

“Cause my name is Laura, and her name's Laura, and it's confusing to me,” she said. The Morning Show actress clarified that her full name is Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon, which she ended up shortening to just her mother's maiden name prior to her acting career.

Does Reese Witherspoon's daughter look like her? ›

The eldest of Reese's three kids, Ava, is often described as a 'mini-Reese' as she bears a striking resemblance to her mother.

Who is Ryan Phillippe's partner now? ›

When did Reese Witherspoon split from Ryan? ›

Meanwhile, the Sweet Home Alabama star and Phillippe, 48, announced their separation though their reps in October 2006 after seven years of marriage. “We are saddened to announce that Reese and Ryan have decided to formally separate,” a rep for the duo said at the time.

Who did Reese Witherspoon date before Ryan Phillippe? ›

Jeremy Sisto

Before her romance with Phillippe, Witherspoon was one-half of another iconic '90s couple while dating Clueless star Sisto.

Where does Deacon go to college? ›

Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's son, Deacon, is an NYU student who's living a more luxurious life than most.

What school did Deacon Phillippe go to? ›

Now that Phillippe has gotten his first year at NYU out of the way, though, he's no longer living in the dorms. Just this week, the second-year student showed off his New York City apartment on TikTok, complete with spiral staircase and a wall of vinyl. Phillippe even shared his bedroom and his studio setup.

Where do Reese Witherspoon's kids go to school? ›

Witherspoon's oldest children, Ava and Deacon, both attended or are attending college. Ava graduated from UC Berkeley, while Deacon goes to New York University.

Where did Reese Witherspoon attend college? ›

She attended middle school at Harding Academy and graduated from the all-girls' Harpeth Hall School in Nashville, during which time she was a cheerleader. She later attended Stanford University as an English literature major, but left prior to completing her studies to pursue an acting career.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Arline Emard IV

Last Updated:

Views: 5524

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arline Emard IV

Birthday: 1996-07-10

Address: 8912 Hintz Shore, West Louie, AZ 69363-0747

Phone: +13454700762376

Job: Administration Technician

Hobby: Paintball, Horseback riding, Cycling, Running, Macrame, Playing musical instruments, Soapmaking

Introduction: My name is Arline Emard IV, I am a cheerful, gorgeous, colorful, joyous, excited, super, inquisitive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.