Christina Ricci's son, Freddie, was three years old when he watched "Casper," wherein the actress memorably starred. However, his reaction was not entirely expected.
Freddie Heerdegen is best associated with his famous parents, his actress mom, Christina Ricci, and filmmaker dad, James Heerdegen.
But despite being an 8-year-old child of two known faces, he has interesting facts about himself. Let's take a look into the young man's life.
Christina Ricci and James Heerdegen arrive at the wedding reception for Char Defrancesco and Marc Jacobs at The Grill and The Pool on April 6, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
MAIN FACTS ABOUT FREDDIE HEERDEGEN
Ricci was not quick to announce her pregnancy to the world. She became a mom two months after her public appearance sparked pregnancy rumors. The "Casper" actress was spotted at LAX Airport, Los Angeles, with a visible baby bump.
Shortly after the news spread, her spokesperson confirmed she was expecting. In August of that same year, Freddie joined Ricci and her husband, Heerdegen as their first child. The new parents were delighted to have a plus one, and a close source revealed they were ready for the journey ahead.
Fans would recall that Freddie's mom gushed on her then-husband following their wedding, admitting that she would love to build a family with him. She said:
"He's my favorite person on Earth. I can't wait to have our little world replete with small beings!"
James Heerdegen, Sir Elton John, and Christina Ricci attend the 27th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 24, 2019, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Following the birth of their only child, many waited to find out his name, but the actress was lip locked on sharing details about her son.
Freddie's name was revealed six years later during a red carpet interview with an E! host, Brad Goreski. It happened when Goreski mistakenly referred to her child as a dog!
The interviewer inquired about her baby, and Ricci admitted that she had two, and they were bonding just fine. "There's the two of them. Freddie and Karen are best friends," she explained, disclosing her son's name for the first time.
Christina Ricci and James Heerdegen are seen at LAX on January 29, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Then Goreski reported, facing the camera, "Freddie and Karen are Christina's dogs." Without hesitation, Ricci clarified, "No, no. Freddie is my baby. Karen is my dog."
PRESENCE ON MEDIA
Freddie has not been a constant feature on his famous mom's Instagram page. Although Ricci, who has a second child, often posts snaps of her younger mini-me, she rarely shares images of her older child.
But this year, she uploaded an image of her son during the "Favorite File" challenge, where Instagram users shared the first photo from their favorite album to their story.
Christina Ricci and James Heerdegen attend the 27th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party celebrating EJAF and the 91st Academy Awards on February 24, 2019, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The mother-of-two shocked fans when she joined the trend with a never-before-seen picture of her son, Freddie. Ricci's trendy post was a throwback photo of Freddie during his first Christmas.
It featured him in red and white striped overalls, matching socks, and a Christmas hat. The toddler, Freddie, rested his back on a throw pillow and posed next to an artificial fireplace and a Christmas tree. The caption on the upload read:
"First photo from the favorites file. Baby Freddie Xmas 2014."
A few weeks later, while showing off her adorable daughter, Ricci shared a monochrome image featuring her brother and sister. Freddie could be seen topless as he concentrated on staring at his half-sister.
PARENTS OF FREDDIE HEERDEGEN
Although, since his birth, Freddie's mother refrained from putting him in the spotlight, he was spotted during an outing by the paparazzi.
In 2017, Freddie, alongside his parents, visited Rome for a family getaway. They were photographed having a wonderful time as they walked in the streets of Italy's capital.
James Heerdegen and Christina Ricci attend Audi Arrivals at W Magazine's Best Performances Party at Chateau Marmont on January 4, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Ricci and Heerdegen met in 2011 while working on ABC's series "Pan Am." Two years later, the couple married, and they welcomed a son the following year.
In June 2020, Ricci surprised the world when she filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. A bitter battle ensued between the duo, who accused each other of abuse and recklessness.
Although Freddie's likes or dislikes are yet to make the news, he has one adorable title, big brother!
Christina Ricci and James Heerdegen attend the 27th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party sponsored by IMDb and Neuro Drinks celebrating EJAF and the 91st Academy Awards on February 24, 2019, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The "Casper" actress claimed that Heerdegen became violent in 2019 when they traveled to New Zealand. Ricci accused her ex-husband of abusing her physically and emotionally and that she feared for her life because of the things he would tell her.
During one of his violent acts, Ricci claimed she attempted to call 911, but Heerdegen chased her around the house to stop her.
Christina Ricci and James Heerdegen are seen on May 31, 2013, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Following her divorce request, she asked for a restraining order against her estranged husband, adding that the court should deter Heerdegen from humiliating her with video and picture evidence he gathered during their relationship.
Her requests were granted, but her ex-husband was determined to share his story and get a restraining order against her to protect their son.
He levied accusations against her, explaining that she abused alcohol and prescription drugs. Heerdegen's claims were dismissed, and a few months later, the couple reached a custody arrangement.
James Heerdegen and Christina Ricci attend the Rooftop @ Revere Launch Party at The Revere Hotel on May 18, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts. | Source: Getty Images
The terms of the agreement included Freddie being in the permanent custody of his mom, who relocated to Vancouver, Canada, for a film project last year.
Freddie's dad got visitation rights, and his flight fee would be covered by the actress, who also decides where he stays during his time in Canada.
James Heerdegen and Christina Ricci attend the 27th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 24, 2019, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The Los Angeles County Superior Court also ordered that Heerdegen be free to FaceTime their son three times weekly for fifteen minutes. Ultimately, the arrangement helps Freddie maintain a close relationship with both parents.
FREDDIE FOUND OUT HIS MOM WAS AN ACTRESS WHEN HE WAS 3
Despite her fame and fortune, Ricci, a former child star actress, did not buy into sharing her celebrity status with her son at an early age.
She intended for him to have a typical childhood, but that did not last long. Soon, Freddie knew that his mother was a Hollywood icon. Ricci revealed that he was only 3½-year-old and a preschooler when he asked if she was famous. The long-time actress added:
"He's come home from preschool and been out in the world and said to me, 'Mama, are you a movie actress?' And I didn't say that to him. People mention it to him."
Since her son was curious, she decided to show him, and Ricci confessed that he had watched some of her early features.
At first, Freddie was not interested in seeing his mom's younger version, but later, he became excited about the movies. So she showed him "Casper," the movie where Ricci's character befriends a ghost.
However, the actress noticed that it made Freddie overly curious and unable to distinguish reality from the onscreen pictures. She said:
"He started asking me about my childhood with my best friend, the ghost. And we were like, 'Oh! Too soon.' For a while, he was asking me a lot about ghosts and living alone with my dad and being a ghost, and we were just like, 'Oh no!.'"
Despite Freddie's reaction as a little boy, his mother is open to him pursuing a career in acting if he ever becomes interested in it.
FREDDIE IS AN OLDER BROTHER
Although Freddie's likes or dislikes are yet to make the news, he has one adorable title, big brother! The 8-year-old has a half-sister named Cleopatra Ricci Hampton, aka baby Cleo. The youngest member of the clan was born in December 2021.
Her parents are Ricci and Mark Hampton, the actress's second husband. Despite being a few years older, the "Casper" actress proudly announced her romance with Hampton last July.
A few weeks later, she said they would expect their first child. Despite having two kids, the actress has been hands-on in parenting.
In 2017, Ricci pledged allegiance to motherhood when she revealed that "having a child forces you to grow up at the speed of light." So far, she seems to be putting her kids first in whatever decision she makes.
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