James Tupper Opens Up About Anne Heche and Son Atlas ‘Regularly’ (Exclusive)
James Tupper, the ex-partner of Anne Heche, is dedicated to preserving her memory through their son, Atlas.
“We discuss her regularly, once a week,” Tupper, 60, shared exclusively with Us Weekly during the Giving A Smile Foundation Gala in Beverly Hills on Thursday, December 11. “She was truly one of the most remarkable individuals I’ve ever encountered. And Atlas adores his mom.”
Heche and Tupper started their relationship in 2009, welcoming Atlas, now 16, the same year. The couple stayed together until their breakup in 2018. (Heche was also the mother of son Homer, from her marriage to ex-husband Coleman Laffoon.)
Four years later, Heche was involved in a serious car crash that left her with multiple life-threatening injuries, leading to a coma. She passed away six days after the accident at the age of 53.
“When you lose someone so significant, like a mother, it’s crucial to honor her,” Tupper explained. “We keep her in our thoughts. Atlas has a picture of her by his bed, and he loves her just as much as if she were here with us.”
Tupper mentioned how Atlas has grown significantly as he enters his teenage years.
“He’s 16 now. He’s quite tall,” he remarked. “He’s a tennis player.”
Tupper jokingly added that Atlas’ legs are “bigger than mine” thanks to his athletic build.
Since Heche’s passing, Tupper has made it a point to honor the late actress and keep her memory alive within their family.
“Anne and I were together for over a decade, and we share a beautiful son. During that time, she epitomized light in our lives, always bringing joy, love, and energy,” he shared in a tribute after her death. “She will forever be remembered in our hearts and minds.”
Atlas spoke about his mother’s tragic death a year after the incident.
“My mom was the brightest person I’ve ever known,” he said in a statement to the Los Angeles Inquisitor magazine in January 2023. “She always had the answers or the right way to help someone. Words can’t express how grateful I am or how much I miss her.”
Last year, Tupper opened up to Us about the joys of fatherhood and his pride in Atlas.
“I love being a dad; it’s my foremost joy,” Tupper shared in December 2024 during a joint interview with Atlas. “I take immense pride in watching him grow.”
Tupper praised Atlas for his academic achievements, including being a “straight A student” and making the tennis team.
“He’s an accomplished junior tennis player, aiming for university or even a professional career,” the Big Little Lies actor reflected. “He has so many great things ahead of him, and watching him stand up for himself and fight is truly astonishing.”
Atlas mentioned that his achievements are thanks to his father’s support.
“He does everything for me. There’s no sugar coating it. He means the world to me,” Atlas told Us. “I wouldn’t be where I am at all without him—he drives me everywhere, nourishes me. There’s nothing he doesn’t do that I don’t appreciate. I really love him very much.”
