You’d think the son of two Broadway powerhouses would spend his weekends belting high notes or practicing jazz hands. Honestly, that’s the first mistake everyone makes. Walker Nathaniel Diggs, the only son of Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs, is nothing like the theater-kid stereotype you’ve probably got in your head.
He’s a basketball player. A sneakerhead. A teenager who literally tells the woman who voiced Elsa to "zip it" when she tries to sing in the car.
Born on September 2, 2009, Walker is now sixteen. He’s taller than his dad, has a voice that’s dropped a few octaves, and is navigating life as the child of two of the most famous people in musical theater history while wanting almost nothing to do with the stage.
Growing Up as Idina Menzel's Son
It’s funny how we project things onto celebrity kids. Since Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs met while originating roles in Rent, fans sort of expected their offspring to be the second coming of Maureen Johnson.
Not happening.
Taye has been pretty open about the fact that Walker "can't stand" musical theater. He only goes if one of his parents is actually on the stage. Otherwise? He'd rather be on the court. Idina has joked about this too, telling stories about how she tries to sing along to hip-hop in the car—maybe some Jay-Z—only to have Walker give her the "stink eye."
He doesn't care about Frozen. He doesn't care about Wicked.
Well, okay, there was that one time in kindergarten. Apparently, he tried to trade his mom's autograph for some cool crayons from a classmate. Smart kid. But since then, he’s been remarkably unimpressed by the fact that his mom is a Disney icon.
The Dynamics of a "Vanilla and Dark Chocolate" Family
One of the most refreshing things about how Idina and Taye have raised Walker is their honesty. Taye even wrote a children’s book called Mixed Me! which was directly inspired by Walker’s experience growing up in a blended, multiracial family.
He famously described their family dynamic by saying his mom is "vanilla" and his dad is "dark chocolate."
Idina has also talked about the steep learning curve of raising a mixed-race son. She’s mentioned in interviews—specifically on SiriusXM’s Fierce: Women in Music—that she feels a deep responsibility to educate herself and be an ally. She doesn't think it's the job of her Black friends or her son to explain the world to her. It's on her.
She’s been very vocal about:
- Protecting his childhood while preparing him for the world.
- The importance of inclusive education in his schools.
- Fighting for policies that protect his identity.
Co-Parenting Without the Drama
If there was an award for "Least Messy Celebrity Divorce," these two might win it. They split in 2013 after ten years of marriage, but you’d never know it from how they talk about each other.
Taye says Idina "runs the show." He credits her for making sure Walker is at the best schools with the best coaches.
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They seem to have this "child first, ego second" rule that actually sticks. Idina’s husband, Aaron Lohr (who, in a wild twist, also appeared in the Rent film), is part of the "bright lights" surrounding Walker. It’s a big, supportive family unit. No tabloid-worthy shouting matches. Just a lot of basketball games and shared schedules.
Basketball over Broadway
While Idina was hitting the road for concerts, Walker was hitting the hardwood.
He’s obsessed with basketball.
Taye actually mentioned that his role as Coach Billy Baker on All American helped him bond with Walker because art was imitating life. Suddenly, Taye was playing a coach on TV while trying to be a supportive "sports dad" in real life. Walker actually knew more about the sport than Taye did at first.
It’s a different kind of performance.
Instead of a standing ovation at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, Walker is looking for the swish of the net. He’s got the talent—both parents say he has a beautiful singing voice and is "hilarious"—but he’s choosing to use that athleticism on the court.
The Sweet Side of a Teenager
Teenage boys aren't exactly known for being sentimental, but Walker seems to be the exception.
When Idina turned 50, she admitted she was struggling with it. She felt a bit "old" and worried about her relevance. Walker, who was twelve at the time, told her, "Mom, don’t look in the mirror and worry about how you look. You’re beautiful."
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That’s a core memory right there.
He’s also been a bit of a "tattoo artist" for his dad. Taye has several tattoos based on Walker’s drawings, including a piece of art that says "I Love Daddy" with the D’s written backward from when Walker was five.
What’s Next for Walker Nathaniel Diggs?
He’s sixteen now. That means driving, thinking about college, and probably more sneakers.
Idina has mentioned she’s "conflicted" about him being in the spotlight. While she’s shielded him for years, he’s started appearing with her at events more often—like the Wicked premiere or trips to the White House. He’s "her guy," her soulful and intuitive kid who is finally growing into his own person.
Whether he ever decides to pick up a microphone or stays focused on his jump shot, it's clear he’s got a pretty solid foundation.
If you're following the journey of this family, the best thing you can do is respect the privacy they've worked hard to maintain while Walker finishes high school. If you're a parent navigating similar co-parenting waters, take a page from their book: keep the "stink eye" in the car and the support on the sidelines.
Keep an eye out for local high school basketball rosters if you're in the L.A. or New York areas—you might just see a very famous mom cheering in the stands, trying her hardest not to sing.
Actionable Insights for Parents:
- Prioritize the Child’s Interests: Like Idina and Taye, allow your kids to pursue passions (like sports) even if they differ from your own career path.
- Model Healthy Co-Parenting: Focus on being a "stable, rooted tree" for your children, putting their needs ahead of personal grievances.
- Encourage Emotional Openness: Walker’s ability to support his mother’s insecurities stems from a home environment where feelings are discussed openly.