Billy Crudup and Claire Danes Reunite at NYU Gala

New York, NY — Billy Crudup and Claire Danes shared a warm embrace at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts Gala on April 7, marking a surprising reunion for the former couple. The actor, 56, approached Danes, 46, whom he dated from 2003 to 2007, sparking interest among attendees.

The reunion comes amidst the complicated history between the two. Crudup’s earlier relationship with actress Mary Louise Parker was overshadowed by controversy when he left Parker during her pregnancy to be with Danes. Parker and Crudup welcomed their son, William Atticus Parker, in 2004, and although their romantic relationship ended, they have worked to co-parent their son amicably.

William Atticus Parker, now 21, was born on January 7, 2004. He carries his father’s first name and has the middle name Atticus, drawn from the character Atticus Finch in Harper Lee‘s classic novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. In a 2007 interview with Daily Mail’s You magazine, Parker explained, ‘I just want him to be happy and kind, that’s why I gave him that middle name.’

Crudup and Parker have since moved on, with Crudup marrying another actress in 2023. The recent encounter at the gala has reignited discussions about their past relationships, highlighting both the bonds and challenges of navigating personal life in the public eye.