John Boyega has revealed he's been married for nearly two years and is already a father, after keeping both milestones largely out of the public eye. The 34-year-old Star Wars actor confirmed on Wednesday, 14 October, that he and his wife had welcomed a baby boy some time ago.
The announcement followed an interview in which Boyega spoke about his small wedding and said they were expecting a son. He also disclosed that one of his wedding rings came from an unplanned shopping trip to Walmart rather than a luxury jeweller.
'Our bundle of joy has been with us for some time now but thank you for all the well wishes,' he wrote on Instagram. He shared family photographs and a short video of himself cradling the infant, without revealing the baby's name or date of birth.
John Boyega Buys His Wedding Ring at Walmart
Boyega first disclosed his marriage during an interview published on 4 October, when a question about his jewellery led to an unexpected revelation. 'I've been married for coming up to two years now,' he said, indicating that the couple married around late 2024. He described a small ceremony and jokingly compared its simplicity to a scene from Braveheart.
He also explained why two different rings had appeared on his finger. The two-toned band he wore during the interview held particular sentimental value, having been picked up spontaneously at a Walmart in Canoga Park, Los Angeles, because he wanted to wear a ring immediately. 'I just wanted the ring on my finger,' he explained, recalling an enjoyable trip to the store.
No price was disclosed for the Walmart ring, and Boyega did not say it was purchased specifically for the wedding ceremony. He said the couple had not held a traditional Nigerian celebration, although he would like one in the future. Their preference, he explained, was to celebrate a marriage once it was established rather than mark only its beginning.
Who Is John Boyega's Wife, Tae Heckard?
hall of fame face: tae heckard pic.twitter.com/UgH6nKFuII
— BRI (@BriMalandro) June 22, 2019
Boyega did not name his wife in the interview, but his subsequent Instagram photographs featured American actress and model Lashontae 'Tae' Heckard. Heckard, 48, is known for The Game, ATL and #blackAF, and also uses the name 'Tae Boyega' on Instagram. The photographs include the pair posing together at what appears to be a baby shower, with Heckard wearing a blue dress and displaying her pregnancy bump.
The couple's family was already blended before their baby's arrival. Heckard has a son from a previous relationship with former basketball player Brandon Jennings, and Boyega confirmed that he was a stepfather. His Instagram carousel also included a photograph of the pair with the older boy, followed by footage of Boyega gently rocking the newborn.
Heckard left an affectionate comment beneath Boyega's announcement, while actor and singer Tyrese Gibson offered his congratulations. Boyega also revealed that his sister was expecting a baby and asked followers to wish her well. He ended his update with another glimpse of family life: 'Back to feeding this big baby!'
John Boyega Opens Up About Fatherhood and Family
The revelations emerged during an interview about Damilola: The Untold Story, the documentary in which Boyega revisits the death of his childhood friend Damilola Taylor. Boyega was eight when Damilola was killed in Peckham in November 2000 and was among the last people to see him alive. The documentary premiered on 5 October.
Boyega said he wanted to be a present, consistent and loving parent. He also spoke about stepping back from work at certain points to focus on family and said he hopes to show his son the documentary when he is older. While the wedding itself remains private, Boyega has left open the possibility of a much larger celebration in Nigeria, with no date announced.
