Fifteen-year-old Walker Diggs, the son of acclaimed Broadway star Idina Menzel and actor Taye Diggs, recently captured public attention with a rare red-carpet appearance. Viewers were delighted to see the teenager accompany his father at the Critics Choice’s Celebration of Black Cinema and Television in Los Angeles on December 9.
A fan comment on the father-son duo, dated December 11, 2024 | Source: TikTok/todayshow
Walker stepped out in style, wearing a sleek black suit and a white button-up shirt. Taye, on the other hand, complemented his son’s classic look with a light gray patterned suit, maroon shirt, and a beige hat. The father-son duo was all smiles, posing for photographers and enjoying the star-studded evening.
Fans of Idina and Taye couldn’t contain their excitement after catching a glimpse of Walker in photos shared online. Many took to social media to express their admiration for the handsome teenager and his striking resemblance to his father.
A fan comment on the father-son duo, dated December 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/todayshow
On Instagram, one user exclaimed, “THATS IDINA’S BABY BOY. I love him. He does look more like his father though. I have a hard time finding Idina in him.” Another user pointed out the similarity between Walker and Taye, saying, “Has his daddy’s smile.”
Actor Taye Diggs and his son Walker Diggs on January 19, 2018, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The observations continued, with one Instagram fan humorously noting, “Did Indina’s genes even try? Lol I do see her a bit but he has his daddy’s face. Time flies.. I remember seeing Taye pick him from daycare [sic].” Another admirer simply remarked, “He looks just like his dad.”
Actor Taye Diggs and his son Walker Diggs on January 19, 2018, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Similar sentiments poured in from TikTok, where fans shared their thoughts. “he’s adorable aw [sic]!” one user wrote, while another added, “He has Taye’s smile.” Yet another netizen declared, “[They] look so much alike.”
Actor Taye Diggs and his son Walker Diggs on January 19, 2018, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Over on Facebook, the compliments kept coming. “Handsome son,” one commenter wrote, followed by another adding, “So cute!!!”
Walker’s appearance with his father at the Critics Choice’s Celebration of Black Cinema and Television wasn’t just a proud family moment — it also tied into the event’s greater purpose of celebrating excellence in black entertainment. While Taye and Walker stole the spotlight on the red carpet, the evening was marked by historic achievements and heartfelt tributes that emphasized the importance of representation in media.
The Critics Choice Association, established in 2019, is the largest critics’ organization in the U.S. and Canada, with over 600 members from various media outlets. It honors accomplishments across film, television, and streaming, making its events a key platform for celebrating diversity and creativity in entertainment.
This year’s celebration, hosted by actor and comedian Jay Pharoah, brought together industry icons and rising stars alike. Pharoah, known for his hilarious impressions on “Saturday Night Live” and his comedy special “Jared,” kept the audience entertained while shining a spotlight on black excellence.
The night honored 14 individuals, including Tyler Perry, Regina King, and Steve McQueen, who have made significant contributions to the industry.
Amid this celebratory atmosphere, Walker and Taye’s presence was a subtle yet powerful reminder of the personal stories that intersect with these larger cultural milestones.
Taye, 53, has frequently shared glimpses of his special bond with Walker, often through humorous and heartfelt reflections. In a November 2024 interview, the “All American” star opened up about how much he cherishes the time spent with his son.
Guest, Walker Nathaniel Diggs, and Taye Diggs on February 25, 2023, in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images
“I try not to show him how excited I am just when he says three words to me, but it can be difficult,” he admitted, adding, “It’s very humbling because I feel like a 12-year-old girl that’s out with a senior boy. Anything I say could ruin the date.”
Despite the humorous comparison, Taye described his interactions with Walker as “really, really fun and eye-opening,” highlighting the joy he finds in parenting a teenager.
This playful and devoted side of Taye also shone through in a June 2024 Instagram post, where the actor shared a candid photo of himself fixing Walker’s hair. Captioned simply, “Fathers……..you already know. 🙏🏾,” the post resonated with fans, who praised the doting dad for his hands-on parenting approach.
The father-son duo’s appearance came shortly after Walker was seen supporting his mom at the premiere of her film “Wicked” on November 9. While Idina Menzel is no stranger to the spotlight, it was Walker who stole the show.
A fan comments on Idina Menzel’s son’s appearance, from a post dated November 11, 2024 | Source: facebook.com/peoplemag/
Making a rare public appearance, the mother-son duo posed side by side for photographers, sharing a warm moment on the green carpet. Fans quickly noticed how much Walker looked like his father, Taye Diggs, and the buzz spread across social media.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) exclaimed, “Sometimes you forget her and Taye were a thing until he pop out😭 [sic],” while another remarked, “Wow his pretty Handsome, Idina and Taye must be so proud. [sic]”
Another fan simply expressed their surprise at how grown-up Walker looks, “Oh he’s so grown up now 😭😭,” while one wrote, “What a cutie.”
On Instagram, the buzz continued, with remarks like, “That boy has tayes whole smile [sic],” and “Perfect mix of both parents. Handsome young man!” One comment read, “Daddy’s twin❤️,” capturing the general sentiment.
Meanwhile, Facebook users joined in, posting reactions such as, “Wow the son looks so much like Taye,” and “He’s got his dad’s smile, that’s for sure!” Another fan remarked, “Spitting image of his dad.”
Walker’s father, Taye, is a talented singer and actor, best known for his roles in “Rent” and “Chicago.” He often speaks proudly about his son, praising the teenager’s many talents.
“He’s a fierce athlete and he’s beaten up on me a lot,” Taye joked in a past interview. “So I gotta stay in shape just to keep up with him.” The actor has also shared that Walker excels not only in sports but in the performing arts as well.
“He can act. He can sing. He can dance,” Taye added. “He’s teaching me how to be a better adult.” The proud father didn’t hesitate to speculate about his son’s future, hinting at the potential for his son to follow in his and Idina’s footsteps.
“Athletes are entertainers, so probably both,” the “Private Practice” alum mused. Taye first met Idina in 1995 while co-starring in the Broadway production of “Rent.” The couple’s onstage chemistry quickly evolved into a real-life romance, leading to their marriage in 2003.
Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel pictured on March 9, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
They welcomed Walker in September 2009, becoming parents amid their busy careers in theater and film. Although they split in 2013, they have emphasized their commitment to co-parenting.
Their shared focus on raising Walker has remained a central priority, allowing the family to maintain a strong bond. Their son’s appearance at the premiere sparked curiosity among fans.
Some speculated whether he might follow in their footsteps in the entertainment industry. “Wowzers! I wonder if he inherited his parents’ vocals? Especially his mom’s,” one fan commented.
Surrounded by Broadway’s brightest stars at the premiere of “Wicked,” the event offered a glimpse into the artistic roots that have shaped Walker’s upbringing.
As Walker continues to grow and occasionally step into the spotlight, the love and pride his parents feel for him remain evident, whether reflected in his father’s heartfelt remarks or seen in moments shared with his mother.
