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Reese Witherspoon and ex-husband Ryan Phillippe put aside the past Friday. The former Cruel Intentions costars reunited at their son Deacon’s NYU graduation in New York City. It marked a rare public moment for the exes since divorcing in 2006.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Graduation Date: May 15, 2026 at Radio City Music Hall
- Deacon’s Age and School: 22-year-old studying at NYU Tisch School of the Arts
- Family Attendees: Sister Ava Phillippe, 26, and younger brother Tennessee, 13, showed support
- Parental Status: Witherspoon and Phillippe have remained cordial coparents since their split
A Proud Moment Despite the Past
Witherspoon, 50, and Phillippe, 51, were photographed together celebrating their son outside the ceremony. The actress wore a dark blue dress with white blazer and heels. Phillippe opted for classic white button-down shirt and black pants. Both parents beamed with pride as they posed with Deacon, who wore a bright purple graduation gown with gold stole.
Their presence at the milestone marked one of their most notable reunions in recent years. Sources close to the family note that Witherspoon and Phillippe have remained very close and supportive of their children’s entertainment careers.
Reese Witherspoon reunites with ex Ryan Phillippe at son Deacon’s NYU graduation in New York
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A Star-Studded Graduation Day in Manhattan
Deacon’s NYU graduation drew notable celebrity families to Radio City Music Hall. Kate Hudson and her family attended the same ceremony for her son Ryder, 22, whom she shares with ex Chris Robinson. Hudson’s fiancé Danny Fujikawa, her parents Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, and her other ex Matt Bellamy all gathered for the milestone. It was a true family affair celebrating young adults entering the entertainment industry.
Ava Phillippe documented the proud moment via Instagram Story, captioning a video of graduates walking across the stage: “Congrats NYU Tisch Class of 2026. More specifically my little brother @deaconphillippe.”
Following in Famous Parents’ Footsteps
Deacon has already launched his own entertainment career while completing his degree. He released his debut single “Long Run” in 2020 as a music producer, with his father helping him explore the craft. Deacon explained that listening to radio with Phillippe sparked his passion for production rather than just performing. He watched YouTube tutorials and developed his skills from his college dorm.
| Accomplishment | Details |
| Debut Album | “A New Earth” released April 2023 |
| Acting Role | Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever” Season 3 |
| Education | NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Class of 2026 |
| Birth Date | October 2003 |
“All I can say is that it came from pure love, for what I do and for the people that listen. This is a story of my life, our lives, and of love and life in general.”
— Deacon Phillippe, on his album “A New Earth”
A Parental Love Story on Screen
Witherspoon has long celebrated her children’s achievements publicly. She famously posted a video of herself dancing to Deacon’s single “Long Run” on Instagram with the caption: “When your kid has his first single… you gotta dance!” Both Witherspoon and Phillippe have shown consistent support for their son’s music and acting pursuits. The Morning Show star attended Deacon’s album release party in Los Angeles in April 2023, celebrating him alongside the entire family.
Witherspoon shared her own tribute to Deacon via Instagram Story on graduation day, posting a selfie with her son and writing: “I swear I’m not crying.” The emotional post resonated with fans seeing the proud mother moment.
What Does This Reunion Mean for Blended Entertainment Families?
The presence of Witherspoon and Phillippe together demonstrates modern coparenting done right. The former couple met in 1997 at Witherspoon’s birthday party before starring together in Cruel Intentions (1999). They married in June 1999, welcomed Ava that September, and had Deacon in October 2003. Despite their October 2006 divorce after seven years of marriage, they’ve managed to support each other’s parenting journey for nearly two decades. Industry insiders suggest their ability to put differences aside for milestone moments like graduations sets an example. Will Deacon’s generation of entertainment kids choose similarly amicable paths when their own relationships evolve?
Sources
- People.com – Exclusive photos of Reese and Ryan at Deacon’s NYU graduation ceremony
- Us Weekly – Detailed coverage of the reunited exes celebrating their son’s achievement
- InStyle – Family moments and interview details from the New York graduation celebration
