Fatherhood is a central theme in comedian Jim Gaffigan’s stand-up, and for good reason. With five children, he has a wealth of material drawn straight from his home life. Jim and his wife, Jeannie Gaffigan, are parents to Marre, Jack, Katie, Michael, and Patrick. Gaffigan has often joked about the chaos and humor of raising a large family. In 2016, he quipped about starting his “own nationality” with his kids, highlighting the unique and bustling dynamic of the Jim Gaffigan Family. But beyond the jokes, Jim expresses genuine appreciation for his children, noting how each one has positively shaped him. He describes their family life as “fun chaos” and values the experience of sibling interactions, even amidst the organizational demands. As Jim Gaffigan continues to explore family life in his comedy, including his 2024 Hulu special The Skinny, his audience remains fascinated by the real-life inspiration behind his jokes: his family. Let’s take a closer look at each member of the Jim Gaffigan family.
Marre Gaffigan, Age 20
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Marre Gaffigan, Jim Gaffigan’s eldest child, celebrates their high school graduation in 2022. Image via Jeannie Gaffigan’s Instagram.
Born on May 2, 2004, Marre Gaffigan is the eldest of the Jim Gaffigan family. Marre, who uses they/them pronouns, is known for their advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community. They have openly shared their experiences and support on social media, particularly on Instagram, often posting about attending Pride events. In one post from 2019, Marre expressed gratitude for their accepting family, emphasizing the safety and acceptance they’ve found in those who respect their identity. Jim Gaffigan proudly refers to Marre as a “social justice warrior,” appreciating their ability to educate him on important issues with understanding and without judgment. Marre has even appeared in The Jim Gaffigan Show, playing a younger version of Jim’s sister. Following their high school graduation in New York City in June 2022, Jim shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing immense pride in the person Marre has become. Marre is currently attending Georgetown University and has shown an interest in acting, much like their father. They have participated in university theater productions, including a role in Pippin in April 2024, suggesting a potential path in the performing arts for this member of the Jim Gaffigan family.
Jack Gaffigan, Age 19
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Comedian Jim Gaffigan and his son Jack Gaffigan are seen in a candid photo. Image courtesy of Jim Gaffigan’s Instagram.
Jack Gaffigan, the second child in the Jim Gaffigan family, was born on November 27, 2005. Like his older sibling Marre, Jack was born at home. At the age of 10, Jack also appeared in The Jim Gaffigan Show, portraying a younger version of his famous father. Following in Jim’s comedic footsteps, Jack has even opened for his father’s stand-up shows as a teenager. The father-son duo has a playful “slap” routine that they sometimes incorporate into their performances, showcasing their comedic chemistry. Jim has openly expressed his admiration for Jack’s comedic talent, stating in 2022 that he is “constantly surprised” by how funny Jack is and considers him “one of the funniest people” he knows. Jim notes Jack’s natural comedic ability and quick wit. By 2022, Jack had already performed in front of large audiences, including a show for 7,000 people. While Jim supports Jack’s interest in comedy, he also acknowledges that Jack is still young and his career aspirations may evolve, emphasizing that there is no pressure for Jack to pursue stand-up comedy long-term. For now, Jack is carving his own path in comedy within the Jim Gaffigan family.
Katie Gaffigan, Age 15
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Katie Gaffigan accompanies her father, Jim Gaffigan, at the “Linoleum” Premiere during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals. Photo by Mike Jordan/Getty.
Katie Louise Gaffigan, the third child and second daughter of Jim and Jeannie, was born on May 10, 2009, in New York City. Her arrival was met with joy, with a representative stating the family was “healthy, and happily enjoying the new addition.” Jeannie has affectionately called Katie a “supernatural gift” and an “answer to prayers,” while Jim describes her as “a true rebel.” Celebrating Katie’s 12th birthday, Jeannie praised her as “beautiful, bright, brilliantly funny, unsinkable Katherine Louise,” highlighting her vibrant personality within the Jim Gaffigan family. Despite her young age, Katie has shown a keen interest in musical theater. A video posted by Jeannie in 2019 captured Katie performing a musical number, channeling her inspiration Sutton Foster. That same year, Katie joined her father and older sister Marre at the premiere of the movie Cats in New York City, indicating her growing presence in the public eye alongside her famous family. Katie’s passion for performing arts suggests another creative talent emerging from the Jim Gaffigan family.
Michael Gaffigan, Age 13
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Michael Gaffigan assists his father, Jim Gaffigan, with harvesting vegetables from their garden in August 2020. Image from Jim Gaffigan’s Instagram.
Michael Gaffigan, the fourth child in the Jim Gaffigan family and third son, was born on June 19, 2011. Jim famously joked about the experience of having a fourth child in his Mr. Universe special, comparing it to “drowning, and then someone hands you a baby,” capturing the humorous exhaustion of a large family. Like his older siblings, Michael was born at home. In a CBS Sunday Morning interview in 2021, Jim humorously mentioned that Michael’s admiration for him is so strong it makes him question Michael’s judgment, highlighting the close and funny relationship within the Jim Gaffigan family. Jim told PEOPLE in 2022 that Michael is the most athletic member of their family. Michael has also accompanied his father to public events, including the Mary Poppins Returns screening in 2018. Michael shares a hobby with his father and younger brother Patrick: gardening. They enjoy harvesting vegetables together, with Jim sharing photos of their crops, including radishes and carrots, in July 2023, showcasing the family’s shared activities.
Patrick Gaffigan, Age 12
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Patrick Gaffigan celebrates his 11th birthday in September 2023, as pictured on Jeannie Gaffigan’s Instagram.
Patrick Gaffigan, born on September 27, 2012, is the youngest of the Jim Gaffigan family. Jeannie commemorated his 8th birthday in an Instagram post in 2020, describing Patrick as her “stubborn breech baby who turned at the last minute for a beautiful birth.” She expressed the joy Patrick brings to their family and thanked him for making “the number 5 so special.” Jeannie also described Patrick as “tough as nails, funny and smart and constantly adorable,” emphasizing his endearing qualities within the Jim Gaffigan family dynamic. Jim mentioned in a 2022 interview that Patrick surprises him with his extensive knowledge of “scientific things.” In a CBS Sunday Morning clip, Jim referred to Patrick as his “mini-me,” noting their similar perspectives. Like Michael, Patrick also enjoys gardening with his father, further highlighting the shared interests and close bonds within the Jim Gaffigan family.
