All About Billy Crudup and Mary-Louise Parker's Son William Atticus Parker

Mar. 15, 2025

Billy Crudup, William Atticus Parker, Mary Louise Parker.Photo:Roy Rochlin/WireImage ; Michael Stewart/FilmMagic

Roy Rochlin/WireImage ; Michael Stewart/FilmMagic

Billy CrudupandMary-Louise Parkerare the proud parents of sonWilliam Atticus Parker.

TheMorning Showstar and theWeedsactress became first-time parents after welcoming William on Jan. 7, 2004. At the time, Crudup and Parker had recently broken up after eight years together. Crudup left Parker when she was seven months pregnant for hisStage BeautycostarClaire Danes.

In the years that followed, Crudup and Parker continued to co-parent their son, even teaming up to costar in one of William’s student films in 2019.

The exes have also voiced support for each other in regards to their personal lives. When Crudup marriedNaomi Wattsin June 2023, Parker toldThe Guardian: “I wish them well. And absolutely I honestly of coursewish them every happinessbecause that’s my son’s father. So I’m happy for them. I’m happy they found each other."

Here’s everything to know about Billy Crudup and Mary-Louise Parker’s son, William Atticus Parker.

He was born in 2004

Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

William was born in New York City on Jan. 7, 2004, two months after Crudup and Parker split.

In 2009, Parker toldMoremagazine of her breakup with Crudup, “I’ve never commented on the situation, and I won’t because it’s not fair to my son." Of being cordial with her ex, she added, “Your love for your child should eclipse any other feelings you have for another person.”

He was named after a famous character

“I just want him to be happy and kind, that’s why I gave him that middle name,” she toldtheMail on Sunday’sYoumagazinein June 2007.

He received an awards show shout-out when he was just days old

J. Vespa/WireImage

After thanking directorMike Nicholsand writer Tony Kushner, Parker said: “And Janel Moloney just told me she would pay me $1,000 if I thanked my newborn son for my boobs looking so good in this dress. So get out your checkbook! William Atticus Parker, thank you so much from your mother.”

He has acting credits to his name

William Atticus Parker and Billy Crudup in the press room during the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards on January 14, 2024 in Santa Monica, California.Emma McIntyre/Getty

Emma McIntyre/Getty

Crudup spoke about his then-15-year-old son’s burgeoning film career onThe Ellen DeGeneres Showin 2019. “He’s in school right now, so he’s not a professional actor,”he said. “But he loves the arts. His mom and I are both in the business.”

He’s a filmmaker

Matteo Prandoni/BFA/Shutterstock

Although William has acted before, his true passion is filmmaking. He has directed two feature films:Forty Winks(2022) andAtrabilious(2023). The casts were comprised of well-known actors:Forty Winksstarred Justin Marcel McManus, Carmen Ejogo, John Turturro andSusan Sarandon, who is also William’s godmother. The cast ofAtrabiliousincludesWhoopi Goldberg, Jeffrey Wright andAlec Baldwin.

Deadlinereported that both films were shot on a micro-budget. William told the publication of his second feature: “Atrabiliousis the darkly comedic and magical characterization of grief. It’s a story I’ve wanted to tell for a while, and I’m so glad I get to do so with this wonderful cast and crew.”

The 19-year-old also has his own production company, River Styx Productions. According toits website, William’s directorial inspirations includeJordan Peele,Donald Glover, Ari Aster,Spike Leeand more.

His parents starred in one of his films

Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive/Getty

During his interview withEllen DeGeneresin 2019, Crudup said that he and Parker acted in one of William’s film class projects. “I’m sure you’ll see it at some point,” Crudup joked. “It was a seven-minute experimental film calledParchment.”

He went on to describe his teenage son’s directing style.

Crudup said William would also wake him up for reshoots. “I was thrilled that the character I was playing was aggressively angry and discombobulated the entire time,” he added.

He has a younger sister

Bruce Glikas/WireImage

William has one sibling through his mom. In 2007, Parker adopted a daughter named Caroline “Ash” Aberash Parker.

In 2009, theWeedsactor toldOK!magazine that William and Caroline got along right away. “They’re brother and sister. They’ve always been brother and sister,” she said. “They’re really sweet together, and sometimes they hurt each other. They’re like me and my brother, really.”

Ash also contributed to William’s movieAtrabilious. According toDeadline, she wrote and recorded a song for the film.

He’s walked the red carpet with his parents

Michael Loccisano/WireImage

William has joined his parents at awards shows and premieres over the years.

A few years later, William joined Crudup at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards, where the actor won best supporting actor in a drama series for his role inThe Morning Show. During his acceptance speech, Crudup thanked his “amazing son.”

source: people.com