For more than two decades, David Boreanaz has been a familiar face on television screens around the world. From the brooding vampire Angel in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel to the steady and principled FBI agent Seeley Booth in Bones, and later the battle-hardened leader Jason Hayes in SEAL Team, Boreanaz has built a career defined by strength, loyalty, and emotional depth. Yet, according to the actor himself, none of these roles compares to the most important one he plays in real life: being a father.
David Boreanaz has been married to actress and former model Jaime Bergman since 2001, a rarity in an industry known for short-lived relationships. Together, they have two children—son Jaden Rayne Boreanaz, born in 2002, and daughter Bella Vita Bardot Boreanaz, born in 2009. While Boreanaz has spent much of his life in the public eye, he has made a deliberate choice to keep his children largely out of it, allowing them to grow up away from the pressures of fame.
In interviews over the years, Boreanaz has spoken candidly about how fatherhood changed his priorities. Early in his career, long shooting days and extended production schedules often meant time away from home. As his children grew older, he became increasingly aware of how quickly those years pass. He has openly acknowledged that success in Hollywood means little if it comes at the expense of missing important moments in his children’s lives.
“Time is the one thing you never get back,” Boreanaz has implied in various conversations, reflecting a mindset shaped by experience rather than celebrity ambition. After wrapping up long-running series, he has expressed a desire to slow down, rest, and focus more on family life—an attitude that stands in contrast to the constant push for relevance that defines much of the entertainment industry.
His relationship with his son Jaden, now an adult, has often been described through small but meaningful moments. Whether attending sporting events together or simply spending time away from the cameras, Boreanaz has highlighted how these shared experiences have strengthened their bond. Rather than positioning himself as a distant celebrity father, he has emphasized being present, engaged, and supportive.
With his daughter Bella, Boreanaz has shown a particularly protective instinct. He has spoken about the responsibility of raising a young girl in a world shaped by social media and unrealistic expectations. By keeping her life private, he aims to give her the freedom to define herself outside of her father’s fame. This approach reflects his broader belief that children should be allowed to grow into who they are, not who the public expects them to be.
Fatherhood, according to Boreanaz, has also influenced the way he views masculinity. Known for portraying tough, authoritative characters, he has acknowledged that real strength lies in patience, vulnerability, and emotional availability. Being a father has taught him to listen more, react less, and understand that leadership at home looks very different from leadership on screen.
Despite his success, Boreanaz does not romanticize fame. Instead, he often frames his career as something that supports his family rather than defines it. Acting is his profession, but fatherhood is his purpose. This grounded perspective has earned him quiet respect among fans who see not just a television star, but a man committed to being a good parent.
In a culture that often glorifies celebrity excess, David Boreanaz stands out for his restraint. He does not overshare, chase headlines, or turn his children into public figures. Instead, he lets his work speak for itself while reserving his deepest loyalty for his family.
As his career continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: for David Boreanaz, awards, ratings, and iconic roles may come and go—but being a father is the role that will always matter most.
