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All About Anne Heche's 2 Children

All About Anne Heche's 2 Children

Anne Heche is well-known for her various TV and movie roles, but it was always clear that one of her favorite roles was that of mom.

Following a devastating car crash that led to a coma on Aug. 5, Heche died on Aug. 12 at the age of 53.

The actress was the mother to two children, Homer and Atlas, whom she shared with her exes Coley Laffoon and James Tupper. She often posted loving sentiments about them to her social media pages and brought them along to events.

"Obviously, the miracle of life for a mother is just dumbfounding," Heche previously told PEOPLE following the birth of her second child. "It's so hard to explain how wonderful it is to look in the eyes of a child that you're blessed with."

Actress Anne Heche, son Atlas, and son Homer attend Disney On Ice Presents Let's Celebrate! Presented By Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt Celebrity Premiere & Skating Party at Staples Center on December 11, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
Actress Anne Heche, son Atlas, and son Homer attend Disney On Ice Presents Let's Celebrate! Presented By Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt Celebrity Premiere & Skating Party at Staples Center on December 11, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.

Ari Perilstein/Getty

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Learn more about Heche's two children and her sweet bond with them ahead.

Homer Laffoon

Anne Heche, "The Brave" and son Homer
Anne Heche, "The Brave" and son Homer

Patrick Randak/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Heche's first child, son Homer Laffoon, was born on March 2, 2002. The actress shares the 20-year-old with her ex-husband Coley Laffoon, to whom she was married from 2001 to 2009.

Homer was by his mom's side for many public events, with their most recent being in November 2021 at Christian Siriano's book release where they shared a hug. She had also shared some family moments with Homer and Atlas on Instagram, including one of them attending a game together which she captioned with the hashtag "luckiest mom."

In her 2009 interview with PEOPLE, Heche expressed her pride at how well he was adapting to being a big brother to Atlas, saying, "It's hard to share attention ... but he's really found his stride now and he's very protective of him."

After Heche's death in August 2022, a statement was shared with PEOPLE on behalf of Homer, who filed to assume control of his mother's estate.

"My brother Atlas and I want to thank Tyler, Noelle and all the amazing people at Hollywood Forever for their kindness, compassion and generosity of spirit," the statement read. "We are convinced our Mom would love the site we have chosen for her; it's beautiful, serene and she will be among her Hollywood peers."

"Most importantly," the document continued, "Hollywood Forever is a living place, where people attend movies and concerts and other events. She was our Mom, but the kindness and the outpouring of the past few days reminded us that she also belongs to her fans, to the entertainment community, and now, to the ages."

In October 2022, Heche's ex Tupper objected to Homer's request for the court to "expand his authority" over his late mother's estate, claiming that Homer "has acted in a hostile manner" towards his brother Atlas and "has refused to communicate with him or his representatives at all."

According to the court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Tupper claimed, "Further, Atlas has no confidence in [Homer]'s ability to meet his fiduciary obligations to Atlas," adding that Heche's eldest has allegedly not yet inventoried his mother's belongings.

Homer was eventually granted "special powers" to control Heche's estate. According to court documents, he can "take possession of all the personal property of the estate of the decedent and preserve it from damage, waste, and injury." Once the possessions are in a storage facility, Homer must inventory everything within five days. He is also responsible for making decisions regarding Heche's forthcoming book.

On Nov. 30, 2022, Homer was named general administrator of his late mother's estate. Homer's attorney Bryan Phipps issued a statement to PEOPLE after the hearing: "We believe the court reached the correct result this morning, both legally and equitably, and are glad to have this phase of the process behind us. With Mr. Tupper's allegations and objections now resolved, we are hopeful the administration of the Estate can proceed without unnecessary complication."

Atlas Heche Tupper

Anne Heche and her son Homer
Anne Heche and her son Homer

Anne Heche/Instagram

Atlas Heche Tupper, born on March 7, 2009, is Heche's second child and first child with ex James Tupper. After meeting on the set of Men in Trees, the actors got together in 2007. The couple eventually split in 2018 after 10 years together.

Shortly after Atlas was born, Heche raved about his demeanor to PEOPLE, saying, "He's just so easy I can't believe it. He cracks a smile every time he opens his eyes and he's a real bundle of joy."

Anne Heche sons Atlas and Homer
Anne Heche sons Atlas and Homer

Anne Heche/Instagram Anne Heche with her sons Atlas and Homer

She also relished being a parent for the second time, as it gave her the opportunity to appreciate the moments as they happened. "I think that helps as a mom, to be able to really take in the experience in maybe just a little bit slower way," she said, "rather than being just so panicked about whether you're doing this right."

When Atlas turned 13, Heche posted an adorable beachside shot of the two of them, writing, "Atlas is a TEEN-AGER? ... Today I celebrate both of my sons for each of their monumental Birthdays."

Like Homer, Atlas was by his mom's side for a handful of public events, most recently in December 2014. Heche also regularly posted about Atlas on her Instagram, giving glimpses of their "weekend getaways," Halloween adventures, Valentine's Day dinners and their fun car rides where they jammed out to Shawn Mendes. In one particularly sweet photo from January 2021, Heche posted a photo of them matching in leopard print with the caption, "Like mother, like son."

On Jan. 24, 2023 — in honor of the release date of Heche's memoir, Call Me Anne — Atlas spoke about his mother for the first time since her death.

"My mom was the brightest person I've ever known," he said. "She always knew how to solve a problem or help a friend. She always knew the right thing to do. I cannot put into words how grateful I am or how much I miss her."