Ann Hatch’s ex James Tupper shoots Great Joy and Pride at Son Atlas

Ann Hecheex-boyfriend of James Tapper enjoys every day with their son Atlas, especially as he enters his teenage years.

“I love being a father. That’s my No. 1 thing,” Tupper, 58, exclusively said Us Weekly while attending The Hollywood Christmas Parade in support of Marine Toys for Tots on Sunday, December 1st. “I take great joy and pride in the way he is growing.”

Tupper said 14-year-old Atlas has achieved many milestones so far in his young life, including becoming an “excellent” and learning to be a “great tennis player”.

“He is an advanced junior tennis player and hopes to make it to university or even pro,” Big Little Lies said the actor. “So he’s got a lot of great things going for him, and just watching him do all of that — stand up for himself and fight — is amazing.”

Related: Anne Heche Family Guide: Meet Her Sons, Their Fathers, and More

Ann Hatch has made a name for herself in various film and television projects over the years, but her role as a mother has quickly become her favorite role. The Ohio native first expanded her family in 2002 when she gave birth to son Homer. Heche and Coleman Laffoon called (…)

Atlas, for his part, also gushed about what a great father Tupper is.

“He really does everything. No sugar coating. He is everything to me,” said the teenager us. “I wouldn’t be where I am at all (without him) — (he) drives me everywhere, feeds me. There’s nothing he doesn’t do that I don’t like. I really love him.”

Tupper became a father in 2009 when he and Heche welcomed Atlas into the world. The couple was going out since 2009 until 2018 Heche, who died in August 2022. at age 53, was also mother to son Homer, 22, whom she shared with her ex-husband Coleman Lafon.

Heche died unexpectedly two years ago after she accidentally drove his car at a residence in Los Angeles, resulting in a fire. While the actress was initially in a stable condition, she later slipped into a coma. Shortly after, Heche’s family announced they were taking the actress off the ventilator, at which point she was legally pronounced dead. Officially on Heche cause of death found to be due to smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.

At the time of his death, Heche had no will – Tupper engaged in a legal battle with Heche’s eldest son over her property and finances. us confirmed in November 2022 that Homer was appointed a general administrator from his mother’s estate.

As Tupper and Atlas continue to process their grief, they are dedicated to honoring Heche.

“We have experienced a great loss and the gift of Ann’s life with us is incredible and her memories are very dear to us,” Tupper said. us on Sunday. “We celebrate it every year, every Christmas, every birthday.”

Tupper and Atlas decided to get into the spirit of the season by engaging in several holiday-themed activities, including attending the Hollywood Christmas Parade,

“I just thought it was really fun,” Tapper said of the event. “We recently got a tree and put it all up to get into that holiday spirit. I don’t know why (we did it) so early this year, but we were shopping for people and teaching my son that giving is more important than receiving.”

The Hollywood Christmas Parade airs Saturday, December 14 on The CW Network at 8:00 PM ET.

With reporting by Mike Vulpo