James grew up largely out of the limelight with a minimal social media presence and no stated ambition to head to Hollywood himself. Maybe that’s why the teen seems to have such a good head on his shoulders—at least according to his doting mom. “Sometimes I just sit on the stairs because they’re all in the kitchen, eating all the food, and I listen,” the Emmy Award-winning star said of James and his “great friend group” in an interview with People in 2018. “And I’m so charmed by their conversation. I’m so happy with the young man he’s becoming,” she added. Read on for an update on James Wilkie Broderick from his mom in honor of his graduation day and to see him now. In a very rare post, the typically private Parker shared a photo of her only son, which concealed his face, on her Instagram as he closed out his high school career. “It’s a milestone. Not fully understood til it’s on your doorstep. And til they cross the threshold into their next mostly mysterious chapter,” she wrote.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb James attended The Mountain School of Milton Academy in rural Vermont, where students get back to basics by learning farming skills and participating in outdoor activities. Writing to James, Parker said “all of us Parker-Brodericks”—which includes 11-year-old twins Tabitha Hodge and Marion Loretta Broderick—“are proud, weepy and so looking forward to celebrating your coming graduation.” The proud mom closed the caption with: “Enjoy this beautiful day, you have earned it. We love you so dear Son and brother.” Meanwhile, on his Instagram, James shared some more photos of himself, including where he’ll be attending college in the fall. Matthew Broderick may be best known for his iconic role as the truant Ferris Bueller, but his son doesn’t seem to have skipped many high school classes himself. James shared on Instagram that he will join the freshman class of Brown University this coming fall. He hopes to study “ancient civilizations and a bit of creative writing,” according to a post he made on the Instagram page for Brown’s class of 2025. And for more celebrity news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Like a lot of 18 year olds, James’s interests are eclectic and plentiful. A big sports fan, he’s been photographed sitting courtside at NBA basketball games alongside his A-list dad, and he has shared via Instagram that he loves playing soccer and ping pong. He’s professed his love of music—in particular ’80s pop—and plays both the “keyboard/synth” and, more recently, the guitar. So what isn’t James interested in? “All of the children are artistic and love going to the theater, but none has expressed a desire to act,” Parade magazine explained in a 2020 feature on Parker and Broderick. RELATED: See What Julia Roberts’ 3 Kids Look Like as Teenagers. It’s no surprise that Broderick and Parker—who met and later wed in lower Manhattan (the bride in a very New York black dress, no less)—put down roots in New York City. James and his sisters spent their childhood walking around the cobblestone streets of Greenwich Village, but James has seen much of the world outside of it. Beyond the home that his family reportedly owns in Donegal, Ireland, he’s posted several vacation snaps taken around Europe. However, the experience that seems to have been most significant to him was his time spent studying at his high school in rural Vermont. In October of last year, Parker penned a sweet birthday note to her firstborn, celebrating the milestone with a reflection on their years together. “My beloved son, James Wilkie,” she began. “On this day, you are 18 years old. I marvel at the passing of those years but equally the young man you are becoming. My love for you is an ache and an honor. As you leap toward and into your future, I remain your privileged and steadfast confident [sic] and joyful witness to the year ahead. Happy birthday, my first time voter,” she wrote before signing her note with love. RELATED: See Celine Dion’s Son All Grown Up at 20.
